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DECEMBER 2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR |
DECEMBER 31, 2007 When the Pats intercepted, they got the ball exactly at midfield with the score 28 - 31. Since it's a team game, this is where the D has a job to do. First off, they had 50 yards to stop them. Second, if they could hold the Pats to a FG, it'd still be a one score game at 28 - 34. They didn't get the job done! On a third down & five or six yards, Torbor had the runner stopped well short of the first down marker but let go of him so the first down was made.
At that point they'd have been forced to kick the FG, keeping it a one score game. So, Al, it wasn't just Eli who gave them that TD. The D didn't do their job. Eli did his job ALL game long, hanging 28 points on the board to keep up with the Pats' scoring. If Eli didn't play the game he did, we woud've watched a blowout. How would you have liked that?
Would you feel as good as you do now? Has Eli been inconsistent? Sure! Scream at him when he plays like he did against the Vikes, 'Skins & Bills. He deserves it. But, please take your "Hate Eli" glasses off and give him credit when he does a job like Saturday night. I know that I'm making this long, but, you know, this reminds me of 20 some odd years ago when fans like you wouldn't let up on Phil Simms. They didn't appreciate what he was until AFTER he was gone. Just a thought. – Jim V.
Thanks Jim.
This might be off-topic, but Iw as curious why sometimes you answer letters with a simple thank you? Do you have to be a subscriber to get a reply? – Fred G.
Being a subscriber has nothing to do with the price of fish in this case. If you look at the letters I respond to in that fashion, the writer is voicing an opinion and I really don’t have anything else to add to it. So I try to be polite by thanking them for their contribution. I reckon you guys might get sick of reading my opinion all the time, so these other observations we get are a breath of fresh air as far as I’m concerned.
I saw highlights of Eli taking a snap from shotgun in the Bills game - the weather was just ridiculous. Eli actually handled this ball, but he was really battling the elements - unable to shield his eyes from the wind and snow/sleet as he had to keep his hands out in front to get the snap. I think any human being would have had difficulty in those circumstances. – John F.
Yes but John, when the weather is frightful, you have to be prepared. You can’t use it as an excuse. Do you recall Phil Simms having problems in bad weather? I don’t.
I'd like to make a couple of points about the game on Saturday night. First, the officiating was not "even handed" as The Ref indicates. I will admit to being somewhat biased as a Giant Fan, if The Ref will admit to being somewhat(?) biased as a former(?) ref. One only has to look at the mystery call against Toomer on the sideline (when the replay CLEARLY shows he's just standing there doing nothing but looking) and the non-call when Jacobs was clearly poked in the eye, to see that this crew was definitely giving the Patriots the benefit of the doubt, and then some.
The illegal contact call on Webster was a sham. Brady was overrun by the rush and threw up a duck that was nowhere near the receiver. If this was a crew that "let's them play", then that was a pretty marginal call.
In the fourth quarter, the OT had his arms locked around Strahan's neck, and there was no call. If I'm not mistaken, holding is the primary job of the back judge, but he certainly wasn't doing his job on that play. Maybe The Ref should quote us the rule that says "There will be no holding calls for Strahan - ever".
The DPI in the end zone may also have been a bad call. I did not record the game, but I think the receiver was already out of bounds when the contact was made. In that case, there should not be interference. If it was in the field of play, then it was DPI according to 1A in yesterday's letters. I believe it was clear that 16-0 was good for the NFL, and this crew was definitely on board with that. The officiating was not the reason for the loss, but certainly the Patriots didn't need any advantage.
Second, I'd like to talk a bit about the difference in the supporting cast between Brady and Eli. Two plays come to mind - the dropped screen by Jacobs and the first down pickup by Falk in one of the second half drives. The pass to Jacobs was set up perfectly - a screen left when the P's were all-out blitzing to the right, and would have gone for at least 30-40 yds if not a touchdown. The ball was well thrown, but Jacobs just dropped it. The drive then stalled.
On Falk's play, it was 3rd and long, and Brady was rushed hard. He threw the ball behind Falk, but Falk pulled it in, tucked it away, and ran for the first down. He helped out his QB immensely, kept the drive going, and the Patriots eventually scored a touchdown. It takes more than just the QB to make plays, and I don't see the same level of play from the Giant's skill players, which definitely affects Eli's play.
Both defenses were torched. More than anything else, I think the play of Welker and Falk was the difference in the game. In any case, it was a good showing by the Giants, and a very enjoyable game to watch. A couple of breaks in the other direction, and the G-men might have won it. – Tony M.
I think I’ll let the ref address your concerns about the officiating as I don’t profess to be as well schooled in the rules as the officials are. As for the supporting cast, I think it’s a matter of one bounce here and there and that’s what the difference in the game was.
BTW, speaking of the Ref, he contacted me with the following feedback to Gary H.’s letter from yesterday, in which Gary inquired about the DPI against Gerris Wilkinson. Said the Ref:
a. he made contact on Moss while the ball was in the air. b. He never looked back for the ball; c. He prevented Moss from coming back for the ball.
Result: DPI.
Easy, text book call. “
Does anyone else feel as uneasy as me about Jay Alford’s field goal and extra point snaps. Hate to see it cost us in the playoffs. -- Roger V.
Nope, because Feagles is such a skilled holder. I’m more concerned about Tynes losing his concentration if the snap is less than perfect and pulling one wide.
DECEMBER 30, 2007 Those are the million-dollar questions, Chris.
What a game folks. Even though we didn't win a game that we didnt have to, this team showed me alot Saturday night. What a battle, Eli played very well. He could ve been a little more accurate but all in all he had a phenomenal game. Jacobs ran ok, I think the running game would've been different if Bradshaw was healthy as we realize that Jacobs can't do it by himself. Wilkinson\Torbor stepped up BIG and should definitely be considered the starting LB's. Wilkinson is just to fast to be on the sidelines watching. To have a big game against the best team in the league speaks volumes. Butler again showed why he shouldn't be a starting safety, that's something we really need to address in the draft (Kenny Phillips - Miami, look him up folks). Boss showed great potential out there as well making the tight rope catch on the sideline and the TD catch. Should I dare to say we've found Shockeys replacement. Seriously ask yourself that question. The guy runs great routes and makes some good catches. The way we played last night shows me that we can really go far in the playoffs. -- Dom M.
Thanks Dom.
I read your Musings. Honestly, I just don't understand your love affair with Manning. Yes he did have a good game and that was encouraging. He's also had some horrid games. Were the criticisms not justified? The best I can say about Manning is that he is inconsistent. I'd like to see him perform as well in the next game, which is more meaningful. If he can, the Giants become a much more formidable team. – Paul C.
Paul, it’s really quite simple. I choose to try to find the positives in a person whenever possible. That being said, no one is perfect. No, not even Tom Brady. I accept it and move on. I just wish some of Eli’s detractors would do the same. I think they’d have a lot lower blood pressure readings after a game.
Pats 38 Giants 35: Well who would have thought? 38 points for the Pats, sure; but 5 TDs for NY with no running game to speak of – a tip of the hat to the much beleaguered Eli! Plaxico wasn't too shabby either. We could have used Bradshaw to spark the running game but I guess he needed to heal for Tampa.
Brady and his receivers are certainly a hand full. Brady had to go to the short/middle throws for most of the 3 quarters as he was pressured by the Giant D. He was masterful at completing 10/15 yard passes to receivers who just don’t drop the ball. Sadly, the Giant pressure disappeared late in the game and Brady and Moss made them pay.
What this game pointed out and no news here, is that the Giants need to improve their secondary in the draft and or free agency; if #s 37 and 23 are still on the Giants opening day next year we’ll know they failed. And one other thing; we should call Allstate and get us some ‘Good Hands People’! Wouldn’t it be great if Steve Smith develops into a Wes Welker type receiver – he hasn’t looked all that sure-handed so far. On to Tampa; I sure hope O’Hara, Madison, and Mitchell will be ready. --Barry S.
Thanks Barry!
I saw your comment that the call on Wilkinson was definitely DPI; the "official review" concurred. I think you're usually spot on, but I can't swallow this one. Please tell me what category the DPI fell into - the rules are quoted below for convenience:
1. Actions that constitute defensive pass interference include but are not limited to: (a) Contact by a defender who is not playing the ball and such contact restricts the receiver’s opportunity to make the catch. (b) Playing through the back of a receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball. (c) Grabbing a receiver’s arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass. (d) Extending an arm across the body of a receiver thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless of whether the defender is playing the ball. (e) Cutting off the path of a receiver by making contact with him without playing the ball. (f) Hooking a receiver in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that it causes the receiver’s body to turn prior to the ball arriving.
2. Actions that do not constitute pass interference include but are not limited to: (a) Incidental contact by a defender’s hands, arms, or body when both players are competing for the ball, or neither player is looking for the ball. If there is any question whether contact is incidental, the ruling shall be no interference. (b) Inadvertent tangling of feet when both players are playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball. (c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the pass is clearly uncatchable by the involved players. (d) Laying a hand on a receiver that does not restrict the receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball. (e) Contact by a defender who has gained position on a receiver in an attempt to catch the ball. If it's 1. (a) "not playing the ball, ..." it also requires action that restricts the receiver's ability to catch the ball, but he didn't do that.
I really have a problem with this call, and I think it's yet another example of getting "jobbed" at Giants Stadium by whatever crew is calling the game. Okay, on to Tampa, but please tell me what Wilkinson did that violated the rules above.– Gary H.
I think your question is for the ref Gary as far as the specific rule goes. My take on it was that Wilkinson didn’t turn around on time to make a play for the ball, which would fall under category 1a. But again, I’d ask the ref as he knows the rules far better than I do. By the way, one letter per person per day…
Eli had a good game up to the usual pick that unfortunately led to the deciding points being scored by the Pats. Ernie Accorsi's regime will, right or wrong, be defined by the crazy trade for Eli. Looking at the Reese period and the good decisions he made, I am still very unhappy with the dumb choice of keeping Droughns and giving Grant away. -- Al S.
No use crying over spilled milk, I always say. Besides you do realize that Grant and Bradshaw are clones as far as their style goes, right?
Tampa is resting their guys this week and mostly last week. I'm not sure if sharpness (us) or freshness (them) will prevail. But, I think Coughlin should take it very easy on our guys physically in practice. This should be an intuitive week because I bet our legs are a lot heavier than Tampa's. – Jeff H.
We’ll see how it goes Jeff. Too soon to say for sure.
When we watch or read your reports, concerning Eli Manning one thing sticks out for me. For example, in the game against Buffalo, after he fumbled the ball twice, I would think he would have realized he was doing something wrong, and change something about his grip. But no. He fumbled three more times! My question: Do you think he is intelligent enough to correct his mistake with handling the ball in a different way, IN other words, does Eli have the "smarts" to be anything other than a "run of the mill" quarterback? – Joe F.
Joe is it’s a matter of getting a better hand warmer so he can grip the ball (which both Coughlin and Manning said was the problem), then yes, I think he’s intelligent enough to realize that and correct it. Personally I’d like to see him experiment with a glove, but I know that as of this writing, the subject hasn’t been brought up by the coaches. So we’ll see.
The following letters were received prior to the Giants – Patriots game.
I don't understand why some people want Jacobs to sit, if the focus is on winning. Don't you agree that we have no chance of winning if he's not in the lineup? I know he's been injury prone and a week of rest would probably help, but if we do that we are basically giving the Patriots the game. That would then only put our veterans at the risk of injury in a meaningless game. All in all, I say start everyone who is able, and go for the win. At the half, Coughlin makes a judgment call based on how close it is. – Vick S.
* * *
As we watch the Giant-Pats please consider the relative importance these teams place on the position of wide receiver: Giants: one injured veteran, one old vet recovering from injury an unproven unproductive 2nd year player, an unproven unproductive rookie, two special team players. Compared to six proven productive receivers. Might be a clue as to why Eli has so many problems. -- Frank L.
* * *
Comparing Eli's stats to the opponents QB's stats the past two weeks is a joke when trying to rationalize his terrible play. Do I need to remind everyone of who the other QBs were? Todd Collins who started his first game in 10 years and Trent Edwards who is a rookie QB taken in the 2nd round and has had only 2-3 good games his entire career. Eli should have much better stats then these guys. I'm just trying to say that comparing his stats to these guys is insulting to Eli and pretty damning to his play.
A lot of Eli's turnovers haven't come off deep balls in these games, as that would be somewhat excusable. They come on 10 yd outs and curls, which the weather should not affect too much providing he throws a tight spiral (which he does not do). He also fumbles snaps (inexcusable in any weather) and drops the ball while winding up to throw (just down right embarrassing). The weather is a reason for the low completion percentage, but if you look at his turnovers, they are not due to the weather.
That being said, let's all hope for no injuries this week. If I were Tom I'd play all my starters except for Jacobs, Pierce, and Wilson. I would also evaluate the game at halftime and if we are losing by possessions or more, yank all the starters from the game. Hope everyone has a happy new year. – Brian B.
December 28, 2007
As my husband often says to me, “Corn—eeee!!!” <grin>
Bob Ekstron's article about all the Giant fans in northern New England was awesome! I'm one of those of whom he writes...grew up watching the Giants on our local CBS station in Burlington, Vermont and spent a few precious years of my youth going to the Giants' training camp in nearby Colchester. So although I'm a lifelong New Englander, the Giants will ALWAYS be my team. Thanks to Bob and Inside Football for bringing "my" story to these pages! – John K.
Glad you liked it John.
I really enjoyed Bob Ekstrom's article about us fans up north. There were a few discrepancies in the story as far as I'm concerned. The Giants fan base didn't go the "shores of Maine." It went all the way up to Aroostook County in far northern Maine, some 600 miles from NYC. I'm surprised that there were only 14% Giant fans in that report.
For the most part, when you get away from the immediate Boston & Providence areas, The Pats fans are merely "fair weather fans." I've been up here for 40 years and, before this current streak they're on now, sports fans couldn't care less about the Patriots. Oh, there was a brief flurry around the time of SB XX in Jan '86. But by the time the season of '90 came around, they were selling ads in NY papers telling Giant fans that seats were available for the game in Foxboro.
I actually bought my tix only two weeks before the game. When I got to the stadium, all I could see throughout the stadium was a sea of Giant Blue. The atmosphere was like a Giant home game. Until this recent five or so year run under Belichick, their stadium was rarely sold out. If they start to slip back at any time, you'll see the same thing happen. -- Jim V.
Jim, my friend, your knowledge of this team’s history is amazing.
Can you please list the Giants un-restricted & restricted free agents. I have seen various names on both lists. – Mitch B.
Please check back with me toward the end of next month because there might be some guys re-signed between now and then.
I for one applaud the decision to play to win on Saturday. A Giant victory in that game will be much longer remembered and more history-making than even a Super Bowl win. I also think Brandon Jacobs' comment on Giants season ticket holders selling their tickets for game to Patriots fans was right on the money: ``Maybe that's why we have a better record on the road than at home." – Albert B.
I don’t know Albert. To be honest, if they’re noticing the crowd and not fully focusing on the field, then something is wrong.
In answer to your question of whether the OC under Parcells ever got a Gatorade bath... The answer is, of course, no. Ron Erhardt was up in the box during games. – Tony M.
That’s what I thought.
Does anyway recall what system Eli ran at Ole Miss? I vaguely recall seeing a few of the games and don't recall him being a gunslinger. Maybe he would do better in a system that passes so it can run rather than runs so it can pass. – John F.
Anyone have an answer?
Is Kiwanuka eligible to play in the playoffs. It was supposed to take from 4 to 6 weeks for him to recover from the broken fibula he incurred. – Milton R.
Once a player is placed on injured reserve, he is ineligible to return to the team until the next year.
Giants MUST send in the cavalry against New England. Go all out. Win this one for the Gipper (OK, I know that sounds dramatic, but you get the point). If we don't go all out, Coughlin will be remembered as the only non-fighting Irish guy who secretly "whimped out" by justifying concern for the health of his players, and by worrying more about his job than the passion of the game, the pride of the Giants, and the strengths that separates the men from the cowards. Giants fans will have to put up with being called the "P" word for decades. Let's illustrate two scenarios: #1: Giants rest players and let 2nd team get embarrassed, hand Patriots the game. Then, go into playoffs with inferiority in their head, and win or lose, there will always be the "but" factor. If they lose the first game in the playoffs, then they would REALLY look bad. #2: Giants go all out against Patriots. Win or lose, they fought like warriors, and will carry that spirit into the playoffs. Then, win or lose at any point in the playoffs, they gain residual respect regardless. If players get hurt during the Patriots game, the Giants still gain more admiration and respect for that battle cry. Besides, the Giants aren't going far in the playoffs anyhow with Howdy-dudy at quarterback. I think I hear Adriene Stallone from her hospital bed whispering to Tom Coughlin "WIN, WIN." – gary D.
I think you’re going to get your wish Gary.
I would like to weigh in on the letters regarding Eli Manning. I guess someone needs to be an Eli apologist! First off, the last two games were under crazy conditions. The other QB's were terrible in those games also: Edwards was 9-26 for 161 (3 int's), and Collins in the Washington game was 8-25 for 166. I really think we need to not get too caught up in those games. If you look at the three "weather" games before that, he was bad against the Vikings, good against the Eagles, and played well when it mattered against the Bears. Hardly a reason to dump him.
Second, it seems that Eli's mediocre QB rating is mainly due to completion % and interceptions (he is right up there in yards and TD's.) I wonder how much of that is due to an overrated group of receivers. Plax was great before his ankle finally caught up to him, but for the second half of the season the WR's were mediocre at best and Shockey doesnt look like the same receiver he was 3-4 yrs ago. There have been a lot of drops, and it seems about half of Eli's int's were due to the receiver running the wrong route. How does Tom Brady perform throwing to this group of receivers in the 2nd half of the season? It also hasn't helped that the Giants D seems to always spot the opposing team a quick 7 to 14 points before starting to play for real.
We have to go all the way back to the Detroit game for a game where the D didn’t put the offense into an opening 7-0 or 14-0 hole. I can only come up with 8 QB's in the league that would be an obvious one for one trade Eli for the other guy: Brady, Rothliesberger, Palmer, Manning, Young, Romo, Brees, and Hasselbeck. Others like Rivers, Cutler or McNabb could be argued, but are not obvious trades. For better or worse, Eli has taken this team to the playoffs 3yrs in a row. Two of those years (2005 and 2007) the Giants were a consensus predicted 3rd or 4th place in the division and losing record prior to the season by all the so called "experts." He was terrible against Carolina 2yrs ago, but so was the rest of the team.
Last year he played really well against Philly, but an injured and decimated defense gave the game away. My point is that 2/3rds of the league would love to have Eli and be in the position the Giants have been in the last 3yrs. Eli can get better, but I think the fans need to accept that while we didn’t get Payton Manning or Brett Favre, we do have a real good shot of at least having gotten "Phil Simms." The Tampa Bay game is a big game for Eli. We have the normal amount of injuries (compared to the last 2yrs where the defense was just reeling going into the playoffs.) We are playing a team that is not clearly better than us. Eli now has 2yrs of playoff experience. Lets see what happens before writing him off. – Pete L.
You’re preaching to the choir here Pete. That being said, Eli plays in the northeast where the weather is unpredictable and in some cases, downright brutal. He HAS to do a better job in the elements. Look, I hate wind, rain, snow and cold too, but I still do what I have to do in them and so does everyone else. I don’t use the fact that it’s a dark and dreary day as a reason to stay in bed and not write. See what I mean?
Pat, your right I never seen a Offensive Coordinator get a gatorade bath. I just thought it was kinda odd that the offensive players left him out of the sideline celebration. One thing that still sticks out about Gilbride is (YOU GUYS READY FOR A GOOD LAUGH) the game between the Oilers and the Jets (Jan. 2nd 1994) when Buddy Ryan got so fed up with Gilbrides play calling during the game that slugged Gilbride in the face after Cody Carlson got sacked by 1 of the Jets...LOL. Sorry its to funny, also Ryan repeatedly derided Gilbride's "run-and-shoot" offense, calling it "chuck-and-duck." Man thats funny, well not that funny considering he's our offensive coordinator. Thought we all couldve used a good laugh at Gilbrides expense. Dom M.
Sorry Dombut, that now infamous confrontation between Buddy Ryan and Kevin Gilbride is not that funny – sad is more like it. Think I read that Eli was credited another fumble or incompletion from the Washington game. This is a two part question. Which was it and where does this information appear? -- Brian F.
The next batch of Letters will be on Sunday. December 27, 2007 I don't understand blaming the coaches for Manning's poor playing. They brought in Palmer to reduce his mistakes and improve his pass techniques.Gilbride calls plays to minimize Manning's errors and try to win the game. Did we forget in the Washington game our running was going nowhere except for an occasional long gain to the right side. The defense started to put 8 men on the line. We fell behind and had to try some passes. There may be something to Manning's poor playing in cold weather, but he's done poorly in warmer conditions also. The truth be told, Manning stinks, he lacks leadership, intelligence, strength, mobility and can't throw on the run. I can go on. We can win some games with him, but few because of him. We are stuck with him just like the coaches are. Blame Acorsi. Arnold L.
Arnold, I disagree. There is plenty of blame to go around here and Manning is only part of the problem. The other thing you have to ask yourself is if this offensive system suits his talents. I’m not so sure it really does 100%.
One funny thing I noticed about the Bills game which pretty much had me laughing hysterically. First Coughlin get soaked followed by Spaggs getting a bucket but to no surprise Gillbride was high and dry..LOL. Wow that really says a lot when you get left out like that. Hopefully everyone made that observation up in the owners box. -- Dom M.
Dom, I don’t think I have ever seen the offensive coordinator get a Gatorade bath, even during the Parcells years. Anyone out there remember to the contrary?
You are not missing anything. Your points are well taken - The Giants committed 72 penalties over 15 games or 5 per game. We compare them to the Eagles and Redskins because they are divisional rivals and play under the same conditions. The Redskins committed 85 or almost 6 per game and the Eagles had the flag dropped on them 77 times or 5+ per game.
I repeat, the talent level is competitive and I like the way Reese ran "his" first draft. That augurs well for the Giant's future. I just do not believe that this Coach will get the most out of that talent.
Frank, very hard to argue with you as you clearly put a lot of thought into your letters. I agree that this team needs to take the next step forward and get out of neutral, which they’ve been stuck in now since Coughlin got here.
Pat....is RW McQuarters trying to set the NFL record for most punts not caught in a season??? My goodness, the Giants are losing a ton of field position by RW allowing those punts to hit the ground. Those of us who witnessed the 1986 Championship game know how bad that wind was and Phil McConkey fielded every punt...and Washington's PR did not..and it was a huge factor in that game. Your thoughts??? – Phil G.
I agree.
I'm writing on Christmas night. So, it's time for me to give Christmas stockings to the Giants. Jerry Reese...a filled stocking with extra goodies...did a good job in his first draft & came up with keepers...Santa WILL be watching '08 for draft & FAs.
NOTE: Some of the D players would've fared much worse except for Spags.
It's been a long letter (SORRY), but I want to add this... From one of the great football movies, "Heaven Can Wait:" Joe Pendleton..."I think we're goin' to the Super Bowl and I think we're gonna win." Sports reporter..."C'mon, Joe, off the record." Joe..."Off the record? I think we're goin' to the Super Bowl and I think we're gonna win." – Jim V.
December 26, 2007 Looks like Pennington will be available in the off season - any chance they'd bring him in and to compete for the starting job? -- John F.
No. For what it’s worth, let me remind everyone of a few things. If a guy is beat up to the point where his own team doesn’t want him any more, and we know Reese’s cattle cry is “younger, cheaper and faster,” does it REALLY make sense to even contemplate whether he might be interested in the guy?
I suppose Coach C will be extended, unless they thoroughly embarrass themselves in the playoffs. However, I would make him get a new offensive coordinator. One of the owners' major mandates was to improve Eli, and that sure hasn't happened. In fact, he has regressed this season, hard to believe as that is. His performance yesterday was downright awful. I think the events starting the 4th quarter were indicative of his day ... to have to call a TO on the first play of the quarter, and then fumble the snap. That was truly unbelievable. Anyway, we are stuck with Eli, so something new has to be done to improve him anyway possible. So the owners should TELL Coach C to get a new O coordinator. – Michael M.
Let’s not put the cart before the horse here, Mike. See what happens before we start speculating.
Now that the Giants have clinched a 5th seed spot despite of Eli and lack of imaginative/ intelligent offensive play calling, (I give allot of credit to the offensive line and Bradshaw and Jacobs but they should have gone to the running game weeks ago!), Coughlin still not met his goal to management to develop Eli into a competent QB.
Pat do you think this mean that Coughlin goes or does upper management force him to change the offensive coordinator? The only reason the Giants are going to the playoffs is Coughlin was forced to upgrade the defensive philosophy by hiring Spagnuolo. As the line goes in the business world “continuous improvement” and getting to the playoffs is not an improvement unless they go deep into the playoffs and the offense has to help allot. In thinking about the Washington game I feel pass blocking for 55+ times didn’t help the offensive lines smash mouth style and carried over to the defensive lapses, ergo overall attitude. This is an area where Coughlin does not have a feel for the game. Therefore if Coughlin does not take the play calling away from Gilbride for the playoffs and go to smash mouth football he should be replaced. They have to run to setup the unexpected passes so Eli can succeed. Can there be anymore to say without being an apostle of the obvious; i.e. if the last two weeks haven’t been a wake up call to Coughlin of what to do he has lost all his football savvy. – Charles C.
Charles, I fear that no matter who is brought in as offensive coordinator, they’ll be asked to run Coughlin’s offense.
First, kudos to the "Gut It Out Award" winner for this year....Plaxico Burress. It was his downfield blocking that provided the final springboard for Bradshaw's TD run and another example of his overall value to this team.
Regarding the QB, we cannot draft another QB high as the cap cost of carrying two high cost QB's would leave little else to sign our own upcoming FA's (Tuck, among others) or to acquire other FA's. Cutting Eli is an option but leaves us with the unenviable options of starting a rookie or starting one of our two backups. Signing a top level FA results in nearly the same cap hit.
Let's go second round, a high-enough pick to put some pressure on Eli without breaking the bank. I can't help thinking that there might be a Joe Montana, Curt Warner or Tom Brady out there somewhere. Get the scouts to concentrate on finding him. A guy with pocket presence and very good short to medium range accuracy shouldn't be that hard to find. Even a good second-tier QB can drive this team deep into the playoffs, if we plug a couple of other holes, i.e. WR, OLT, CB. – Burt D.
Burt, Eli’s not too bad in warm weather. Personally, I think they have to figure out why he struggles in cold weather and get it fixed.
a good job by Coughlin overall this year keeping the team on track and together. a shame that his job hangs on the hope that eli will finally come up big when it counts. eli has proved once again that he cannot play in the elements and he cannot play when the game is of any importance. he will have a chance to prove everyone wrong about the 2nd part in tampa but the fact remains he has yet to show up in the 2nd half of the season and in any meaningful game. the giants need to draft or sign a qb (if any good free agents are available) this off-season and either put pressure on eli to make that next step or get ready for a transition to a new and capable leader. this team has a lot of good players who are fairly young (much of the defense, their o-line and backs)and it would be a shame to waste this window with a less than competent qb. Ron S.
Ron, see my response to Burt above about the quarterback.
As always it is a pleasure to read your team's coverage of the games and the off-season activities. Merry Christmas and it is nice to have a Giant win under the tree, especially one that has three Giant ornaments. That's the good news!
At the beginning of the year I said the Giants were a mediocre team that would go 8 - 8. Right now, they are a mediocre team that is 10 - 5. But you have to give KUDOS to Coach Coughlin. The man is tough; he took all the heat and proved he can get the Giants further than they were last year. I say 2 more wins than last year is a lot further.
Frank, normally I agree with your points, but I found two that are not accurate. First, you say, “Eli will never have a good second half as long as Gilbride is able to call 52 pass plays on a day they should have been running.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t they run over 40 times against Buffalo and pass something like only 15 times? Didn’t Eli STILL have a bad day? Is Gilbride to blame for Eli’s inability to hold onto the ball?
Also, you state, “When a team has as many dumb penalties, false starts, offsides, late hits and interceptions, you are going nowhere.” Apparently aren’t aware that penalties are DOWN … WAY DOWN, I might add, this year (they’ve had officials at their practices which I think has had something to do with it).
I’m not saying the team is without its warts – certainly Jeremy Shockey can be used better than he has, and yes, some of the play calling leaves something to be desired. I just don’t think it’s as bad as you’ve made it sound unless I missed something.
I know - he dropped a snap that went on "hut one" instead of "hut two" and he cold-handed a throw for a fumble. He also threw two picks. But he put a 40 yard laser into a wide receiver's hands at the end of the first half, which was dropped. Do you think the second half play calling would have been better at 24-14 than at 17-14 and led to maybe one or two fewer interceptions ? I think so.
Manning is under terrific pressure all time, and now, not only from the 5-10% of the Giants fan base that is the lunatic fringe (LF). We have won with Manning and will continue to do so. I have to laugh when I read that we would do as well with Collins or Warner. Remember, we replaced Warner because he held the ball too long, gave up sacks, etc., after Collins walked. (Collins was so good that Accorsi needed another QB, or so he thought, and Collins went to the SB.)
As to what we gave up - give me a break! We didn't give up Shawn Merriman and Nate Kaeding to get Manning. We traded first round picks in 2004, and both SD and the Giants got QBs. Both are good and will be better - Rivers has had problems also. His biggest plus is that he doesn't play in NY, and so doesn't have to put up with the media-driven paranoia of the LF.
Back to draft picks. Say we didn't swap for Manning - what would our front office do with the 2005 first and fifth round picks? Past history would say they wouldn't have picked Merriman - they would have found a cheap "project" pick from Indiana or "lost in the woods A&M" from North Texas.
Draft a kicker? Is John Markham still available? JR may be able to draft better than Accorsi - who knows, in a couple of drafts, we may have receivers who don't collectively lead the league in drops and do make critical catches when needed most, like Smith didn't, and centers who remember when to snap the ball in the rain. I know ... replace Manning ... next year? 2008? Manning looks better than Favre did two years ago until the Packers built a team around him. BTW: Packers and Favre didn't look exactly great on Sunday.
If Manning had a game like that, the LF would would demand the equivalent of a public flogging, want to fire the coach, cut the QB, etc. Against our divison rivals Manning is 5-2 against the Eagles, 4-3 aqainst the Redskins, and 3-4 against the Cowboys - that's pretty GOOD, it's certainly not BAD! It's still a team game. We DO have a QB - but we ALSO desperately need to improve the overall team in all 3 phases of the game. Keep TC 4 more years and in year 3 we'll have our first Super Bowl since the 1990 season. Lastly, one more vent: I found the Moose Johnson's comment re: Buffalo fans quite telling when the "monsoon" hit in the second quarter at Buffalo - no fans heading for shelter.
My God, at Giants Stadium there would have been a made scramble to get out of there; just like when the Giants fall 10 points behing in the 4th quarter during any game. The fans pay the money and they can leave when they want - just don't say they're great fans - they're not. Giants stadium was only 3/4 full for the Redskins game when it started and emptied quickly in the 3rd quarter. MacKenzie was on to something. Giants fans have become the equivalent of fair-weather friends. They leave when it gets tough - no heart. I've had it up to here with all the whining - can we move on? The Giants will face a tough Tampa defense that leads the league in scoring defense through Week 16. Can we root for the team instead of against Manning - for just this once? Living in Va but born in the Bronx. – Gary H.
I can't help but to put in my 2 cents on the Patriots game: 1) Play the game! I think the message of confidence that will be sent outweighs all other consideration. 2) suit up in away-game white uniforms. We win in them and anyway the environment will be hostile with an unnatural number of Partiot fans infiltrating. 3) Since the game doesn't count - let Eli do the play calling. Let's see what happens when he just wings it. He's always been better in 2-min drills. Maybe he need to be in total control. What the heck - let's give it a try. – Mike E.
I disagree Mike. What happens if someone gets injured? Would you play Plaxico Burress , who’s clearly working on one leg all year long? Would you play Jacobs, who’s hurt again? Personally I’d like to see them try some of their reserves to see what they have and to heck with the historical significance of the game.
Here's a happy holiday thought for all of us who have been suffering through the torments of another torturous year watching Eli. Giants at Tampa Bay: Warm weather game, a chance for Eli to play like it is early in the season. A victory? It's not impossible. Giants at Dallas: A return to the spot of Eli's best performance of the year. A victory? It's not impossible. (We have a better chance at Dallas than at NY). With a little luck it could be Giants at Seattle. A dome game. Couldn't be better for Eli. Of course odds are at Green Bay but it is fun to dream. Imagine, no cold weather games before the Super Bowl! Let's all pray for the right alignment of the stars and not the same old same old. – Jeff S.
Jeff, I suggest we see how they do against Tampa Bay before we start worrying about round two of the playoffs.
The media is quoting the Giants being one of four teams to gain the playoffs three consecutive years. The other teams are Patriots, Colts and Seahawks. All those teams advanced to the Super Bowl with the Giants failing to get out of the first round. That is the problem with a Tom Coughlin coached team, reaching a certain level but not advancing. Unless the Giants advance this year, the three years achievement should not be a plus for Coughlin but a negative for lack of improvement. Please provide your thoughts about the Giants continuing as a "not good enough" team if Coughlin remains the coach. -- Joe M.
DECEMBER 24, 2007 Merry Christmas to you and your family. What a great win, all three dopes on Fox predicted Buffalo. But, in spite of Manning we won with great blocking, great running and awesome defense. During the games I talk to my son who lives here in Florida and my brother who lives in NJ. My brother made what I think is a very good point, Eli will continue to stink until someone who is not currently on the roster I.e. a back-up quarterback puts some pressure on him. Know why he always has a great first half of season? Cause he can't play in the elements, rain, snow whatever. I have defended him in the past, but, after today and the end of the season, lets see how long that lasts we need some changes. Look how everyone stepped up today, but, not Eli. -- Phil G.
Phil, I think Eli’s cold weather problems are obvious by now. And I agree that someone needs to put some pressure on him. Let’s face it. The Giants won in spite of him, not because of him.
1, Let's get it out of the way. Eli had BIG problems holding onto the ball. His 1st INT was a dreadful throw.
2. I agree with the Moose; Amani was The MAN in getting the O going.
3. After the Bills' first two possessions (when they were playing on sheer emotion), the Giants' D was LIGHTS OUT. When the O failed at first & goal on the half yard line (more on that below), I started grumbling and my wife was actually pitying. As the Bills were lining up for first deep in their own territory, I said to her, "The Gaints haven't scored a defensive TD this year. NOW is the time they need it bad." And she answered, "Maybe they'll get an interception." VOILA! #55 INT for TD! and who gets the second pick for a TD? the little used & abused Webster. Who'da thunk it?
4. O Game Plan: Excellent overall. The coaches FINALLY found out how to play in the northeast! However, two really BAD calls. First, after the run game dominating at the LOS in the second period, they start the second half with a pass! Naturally, it's an INT! Second, first & goal on the bills 1/2 yard line. I'm screaming for a QB Sneak! It would've been as easy as pie. But, Gilbridwe comes up with four calls that have absolutely NO CHANCE of making it. What were thay thinking?
5. Running game: Not much to say. 292 yards. Something must've happened to BJ, who had a GREAT game. Finally, they brouight in Ahmad. WOW! He was even running it for yards up the gut. Maybe we really have "Thunder & Lightning" now. Did you notice that he was carrying the ball the same way they taught Tiki to do it?
6. Receiving game: What there was to it, it was all Amani. Steve Smith, the wonder boy who everybody's been waiting for looked like Tim Carter on a perfect TD pass from Eli. The Moose said it right, "You've got to make those catches."
7. We don't have to sweat out next week's game against the Pats. I can't watch it up here anyway because the NFL & Time Warner are still battling. Again, I'm quoting the Moose, "The Giants don't have the responsibility to stop the Patriots. if 15 other teams couldn't do it, why should it lie on their shoulders?" I'm ambivalent about it. -- Jim V.
Personally I hope the Giants and Patriots stick it to the NFL and rest all their starters, treating this game like a preseason contest. Seriously, what good is the darn NFL Network if it’s not available to everyone? This game has ZERO meaning for either team as NE has the top spot on the AFC and the Giants have the #5 seed. Perfect season? bitg whoop. Put an asterisk next to it.
I understand it was terrible weather this week, but Eli Manning needs to go. He looked like Rex Grossman out there today, fumbling snaps, dropping the ball while trying to throw it, making terrible decisions, and throwing interceptions. He was absolutely dreadful. They won this game despite him, and if we played a good team today, we would have been destroyed. He at times killed all the momentum the defense built up. He made a handful of nice throws but missed a lot as well. One throw particular comes to mind as a very bad one. He tried to hit Burress in the endzone in the first quarter and overthrew him. With Plax's size, that is the one thing you can't do. Just give the guy a chance to make a play on the ball. Eli should have learned this by now. Also, before the first half he has to get rid of the ball and not fumble there. We should have just tried a fg there instead, but he needs to know better in that situation. The QB position is what is holding this team back, make no mistake about it. We can get this kind of production out of Kerry Collins, and Kurt Warner would be a huge improvement over what we have. Yes, the playcalling lacks creativity and leaves a lot to be desired, but the QB position is and will be a huge problem for this team as long as Eli is the QB. I'm glad we are in the playoffs, but unless Eli gets to the point where he is a decent QB this team won't go far in the playoffs. – Brian B.
And replace him with who Brian?
Giants 38 Bills 21: After the 14 – 0 beginning I thought my TiVo had time shifted ahead 6 days and we were playing the Patriots! The Giants couldn’t do anything right and the Bills disguised as Patriots couldn’t do anything wrong! Little did I realize the game was being controled by the contrarian spirit of Horace Greeley’s evil twin brother Ira who said “Drive East young man and score for your team ” (or something like that). From a maddening beginning to a delicious ending – how sweet it is. And speaking of how sweet it is – how about Bradshaw; or was he the Second Coming of Tiki Barber?
Maybe the offensive brain trust of the Giants (an oxymoron if ever there was one) have been reading Inside Football and paying attention to Pat and Letters to the Editor and decided to give Bradshaw the damn ball! Kudos to Toomer who completely redeemed himself after the horrendous drop against the Skins (which I almost, but never will, forget) I know I have been finding fault with Eli, but that was a great TD throw to Steve Smith that unfortunately hit him in the hands just before he dropped it. 5 touchdowns – all runs but our red zone proficiency has to improve by leaps and bounds if anything is to happen in the playoffs.
Speaking of playoffs: sure it would be sweet to knock off the (Beatable) Patriots and go into the playoffs with that kind of high but that’s a long shot and not worth the price if any starter goes down with an injury. I say we rest Plaxico and any Giant that might be helped with the time off. The good news is that when we play either Seattle or Tampa Bay, it will be a road game for the Giants – how can we lose!!! -- Barry S.
As I said above Barry, I hope next weeks’ game is much ado about nothing. Seriously, if I didn’t have to write an issue about it afterwards, I might just kick back and not follow it as intently as I normally do.
Imagine if we had a quarterback, I mean a better than sub-par QB? It is not so much his poor performance, I am getting use to that, it is more of what we paid to get him. Oh well, Happy Holidays to all! – Kevin M.
Kevin, something tells me that the quarterback situation is going to be addressed in the off-season. Hang in there. ;)
In my opinion this was the worst case scenario for the Giants. My biggest fear was they would play poorly yet win, Saints would lose, our QB would stink, but we would back in again. Giant management and fans must see that this is not a playoff caliber team. PLEASE SANTA BRING US SOME PLAYMAKERS AND NEW COACHES THAT KNOW HOW TO USE THEM! – Chris H.
Who knows Chris? Maybe they’ll surprise everyone and actually get past round one this time.?
The following letters were received before the game. Sorry about not getting them online sooner, but here they are…
I think we probably agree on more than it appears. I just think you state your case a little more diplomatically than I do, and I'm a little more impulsive than you. Besides, all things are possible during the Holiday season. – Stu H.
Truly it is a holiday miracle Stu that we both communicated on a level where we agreed with each other – I wasn’t as diplomatic and you weren’t as impulsive. J
Now, I know it's one thing to avoid bulletin board material, but Eli's stock answers to the media a really starting to wear thin. You know the "We have a great opportunity and it is just a matter of going out there and getting the job done." C'mon man, tell us something we don't know. Show some HUMANITY. I'm beginning to think he may be a football savante:) I hope he does something similar to what Coughlin did in the off season - reevaulate his public persona. I've never heard anything to this effect, but I suspect he had some professional help in addressing these issues - like a brand consultant of you will. – John F.
John, actually Eli has been starting to branch out a little bit, doing commercials and promotions. The problem though is he needs to establish himself more so on the field before he starts appearing in Unstoppable commercials and the like. Whomever is advising him in his branding efforts has, in my opinion, it all backwards. But as I’ve said before, he is what he is, and I can’t see im really changing at this point.
LT says it better than anyone has to date. Steve Serby's article is worth a read. http://www.nypost.com/seven/12212007/sports/giants/a_tough_bill_to_swallow_583077.htm It’s a locker room fox hole mentality that all former and present athletes have to have to be successful. You can only hide behind a father’s name for so long. –Rob L.
Rob, actually LT hasn’t said anything that hasn’t been said before. Heck, I’ve been yearning for Phil Simms reincarnated since day one. But as I said above, I think what we see is what we’re going to get. Note: There will be no LTTE tomorrow on Christmas Day. LTTE will be back on Wednesday along with our regularly scheduled features. DECEMBER 21, 2007
I would be surprised if Strahan comes back next year. My guess is it depends on what happens with Justin Tuck, who is a free agent after this season.
Do you think the Giants are going to sign Strahan next year or do what I think they should and sign Tuck to a huge deal to anchor the left side. Also, I think receiver, safety and linebacker are the next priority's in next years draft. Giving Eli some big sure handed receivers to throw to will help this offense. Coughlin also needs to go. I think this team needs a breath of fresh air at head coach. – Al C.
See response to Dave B. above regarding Strahan, who is under contract one more year. Too early to talk draft. Let’s see free agency first.
Wow. Gotta wonder where some of your heads are at. The Pro Bowl "has been a good measure of top talent." Huh? Pat, I couldn't agree any more; It's a joke. I thought everyone acknowledged that. And John "doesn't think the crime was in throwing the ball as often they did." Didn't you see the ball getting blown to sideline when the ref placed it? Didn't you see the punts? We threw it twice as much as the other guys. And they won. Ever tried to throw a football in 25-30 MPH winds? I'm starting to wonder about you guys. – Stu H.
Wow Stu. Do you realize the Pro Bowl is the first thing you and I have agreed on this year?
DECEMBER 20, 2007 Are the Giants going to be able to hold on to Justin Tuck? He's been the best player on the defense this year, in my opinion, and I'd hate to see him go. I imagine he'd be very sought-after on the open market. Thanks --Matt R.
Only time will tell.
Giants have problems. I think it has a lot to do with practice and weather. The ball is a lot different at 20 degrees than at 60. They should be practicing outside. Get Players used to the cold and wind. Maybe practice wouldn't be so good. But on game day they would be used to the way the ball reacts. Maybe not so many drops. Balls sliding thru hands that are not used to cold balls. Patriots practice outside, Parcels practice the giants outside. To quote Parcells and Admiral Chester Nimitz, "If you're going to fight in the North Atlantic, you've got to train in the North Atlantic." – Greg W.
Thanks Greg.
I think the Pro Bowl list is always interesting. While it regularly reflects the undertones of popularity vs performance...it generally has been a good measure of top talent on different teams. The Giants had one participant..Osi. While everyone regularly piles on Coughlin and the coaching, I think this 'lack of top talent' that Pro Bowl selection conferred on our Giants is a subtle endorsement that Coughlin(and to a big measure Spagnola) has done a good job with the athletes on hand. Good coaching wins close games and the Giants have won more than their fair share this year. Lastly, I agree with the attacks on the Giants pass happy game plan against the Skins. Hindsight makes this a high risk...low reward strategy on a windy day.
I believe Coughlin has to rely on Bradshaw, Boss(rookies) on offense in the same manner that Spagnola has used Ross, Johnson and Dahl on defense. Football is a war of attrition. After Plax, Bradshaw is the only offensive player who can make really big plays. Boss may have that potential and I hope we find out. The Buffalo game is really a playoff game for this team. It is also a playoff game for the coaches.
In sum, I believe that Coughlin has taken this team farther than its underlying talent deserves. He is not perfect. He got a great talent in Spagnola to run the defense. Now he has to do the same for the offense. He didn't throw Gilbride under the bus for his game plan but he knows that it was wrong. – Bill A.
Bill, I personally think the Pro Bowl is a joke and nowhere near of an indicator of the league’s top talent.
I think the key difference in the game was that the Redskins connected on a couple of long passes whereas we did not. I don't think the crime was in throwing the ball as often they did, but rather in not connecting on any of them. That can be attributed to balls both being dropped or thrown into lanes that weren't there. In theory they really did stand a punchers chance with them. That is anyone of them could have been a knock out blow as it were. – John F.
John, simply put this team keeps shooting itself in the foot week after week – and not just on offense either.
DECEMBER 19, 2007 Before I get into the LTTEs, I want to share an interesting statistic – a mini “Obscure Stats” column, if you will. (And a sample of the type of analysis we do at Inside Football).
This week, I wanted to see how the flow of the game went as far as the run/pass ratio. Here’s what I came up with…
I’m not defending the game plan. I’m a firm believer of sticking with what works and there were times in the first half I wondered why they went away from running the ball considering theyt |