New York Giants: What went right on Sunday versus Broncos

Thank you to the naysayers for reading the very accurate “3 paths to victory” article this week. We didn’t see any apologies in the comment box.

Interestingly enough, the New York Giants secured a 23-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on “Sunday Night Football.” And the path to victory, outlined by yours truly, came to fruition nicely. Also, come Monday, everyone became a frustrated prognosticator, criticizing the 11.5 point spread.

Pat yourself on the back, you’re right.

The truth of the matter is the Giants aren’t that bad, and the Broncos aren’t as good as the point spread intimated. The only true revelation on Sunday night was that Denver looks to be a pretender.

Must Read: New York Giants: 3 paths to victory against Denver Broncos

That’s not to demean the New York Giants victory. Rather, it’s an acknowledgement that this was not an upset in the category of Super Bowl XLII. Things have been so bad that we miss the forest for the trees.

In every way, shape and form, this was a solid road victory. And if the New York Giants happened to be 3-2 heading into this contest, it would be a solid road victory.

So let’s enjoy for a moment, and see what went right.

The Opponent

Ironically, it was a case of role reversal on Sunday. The Broncos abandoned the run pretty early, when they got behind. Yes, C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles could not get going, but neither could quarterback Trevor Siemian. The Broncs had 15 rushing attempts total.

On the other hand, Siemian threw 50 passes. These statistics simply show that other NFL coaching staffs can be as short-sighted as the New York Giants staff. So thanks for that, Vance Joseph.

New York Giants

As predicted, Janoris Jenkins had a crucial pick-six to change the complexion on the game right before halftime. We warned everyone that Siemian was not John Elway, and how true that was!

Siemian was intercepted twice and his quarterback rating was 71.8 for the game. Denver wideout Demaryius Thomas was a beast hauling in 10 passes on the evening. But he could not do it alone. Once fellow receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Isaiah McKenzie went out with ankle injuries, the Broncos offense completely stagnated.

Defensively, Jason Pierre-Paul gave everything he had with three quarterback sacks and eight tackles. Beleaguered cornerback Eli Apple put in an honest effort, maybe his first as a pro.

Cornerback Ross Cockrell was certainly serviceable as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie’s replacement. The New York Giants needs all these factors again in facing Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks this week.

Rookie Ed Eagan stabilized the punt return game with important fair catches that preserved field position. He also had a 20-yard return. And former Giant Brandon McManus missed two field goals (one partially blocked).

Keep in mind, it would be foolish to dismiss the help the Giants received on the evening. Usually New York is on the gift-giving end. Hopefully the Philadelphia Eagles realize this.

Rushing Attack

So when we see that Orleans Darkwa with 117 yards on 21 carries, the first thing we think is why? Why did it take so long to install Darkwa as the starter? It’s another case of the coaching staff being too smart for its own good.

The beat writers also owe the fans an apology for the mocking of the #FreeDarkwa movement. This kid has earned his shot. When the beat writers simply parrot the coaching staff, they look foolish. Have some free thought, please.

Another area where the coaching staff appears too smart for its own good has to do with Justin Pugh. From where I sit, right tackle is his best position. Moving him to left guard to support Ereck Flowers was a mistake at a few different levels.

Plus, is it easier to find a guard or a tackle?

Before we get all crazy about D.J. Fluker, let’s see how he does against the Seattle Seahawks pass rush. Fluker is a road grader, but as we saw, he cannot get to the second level. Fluker’s presence plugs the leak, but it does not improve the Giants offense. In any event, this combination is the best one the Giants have right now. When Weston Richburg returns, let’s see if Fluker or Brett Jones is the better option.

And let’s not discount the play-calling. McAdoo gave it up to Mike Sullivan and it worked. Right now, we see that McAdoo isn’t as great as we thought last season, and he likely isn’t as bad as he worst day this season. At the end of the day, we still need to find out who he is. That’s what these next 10 games are about. Good coaches go with what works, instead of false bravado. So McAdoo has to lose the John Wayne facade.

For one week, the New York Giants pushed the right buttons, let’s see if this becomes a tend.