The New York Giants (2-2) have been down this route before falling to the Minnesota Vikings (4-0) 24-10 last night at U.S. Bank Field. The Big Blue did not expect to play with so many injuries to their secondary.
As reported by ESPN recently, team spokespersons and medical officials have listed as questionable starters, causing the Giants to rely on second-string players not prepared for the Vikings league-easing offense. The New York Daily News offered similar words.
Larry Donnell suffered a blow to the head and is questionable against the Green Bay Packers next week. Safety Mykkle Thompson remains on the IR from the second week.
The defense against the Vikings allowed a 50% 3rd down conversion rate in 16 attempts. Compared to the Giants’ offense which converted on 3rd down just 2 out of 12 times, this was presumably another disappointment for head coach Ben McAdoo.
The flare-up, “emotional abyss,” and volatility of Odell Beckham Jr. in the backfield during the Giants’ offensive strides did not help matters.
While rookie Paul Perkins showed some strength, NJ.com found that the Giants’ passing game was woefully ineffective. Manning’s quarterback rating was a season low 63.3.
Here, Manning appears to throw the ball without much intention into the hands of the Vikings secondary.
Eli Manning overthrows @OBJ_3...
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2016
Easy pickings!@XavierRhodes29_ comes down with the INT! #NYGvsMIN https://t.co/SB8m24O9HF
At least Manning was candid; he should share more disappointment if not more frustration.
"“Offensively, we have to be better and score more points,” Manning said. “Plain and simple. We’re doing some good things, but not good enough, efficient enough. We have to put it all together.”"
The Vikings defense, on the other hand, limited Sterling Sheppard and Victor Cruz thanks to superior coaching, as predicted.
The injuries could not have come at a worse time.
The Giants earned their first two victories in the 2016 campaign while allowing too many points.
Monday Night’s loss revealed a troubling fact: the Giants cannot beat teams with strong defenses as long as Giants starting secondary players are on the bench. The offense will perpetually lack life and OBJ will squander his talent through a descent down an emotional “abyss.”