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NOVEMBER 2007 LTTE |
I'm really impressed with the job Coughlin is doing in terms of staying positive and keeping everything together. Granted it's easier do with a legitimate shot at making the playoffs, but he seems he hasn't sold anybody out -if someone has a less than stellar game (eg Tynes missing some extra points) he takes the approach of we examine what he is doing and help him. This is appears to be a much different approach to previous years. I applaud his effort to at least outwardly show a different side. – John F.
Amen John. People don’t believe he’s changed. He has. Even in the face of a bitter loss, he hasn’t been snipping at the media like he used to. Just goes to show you that you can mature at any age.
Just saw a reference to Steven Smith being "done," so I'm wondering what I'm missing. Done for the season, perhaps, but why would anyone be giving up on him? Yes, the Giants track record for drafting effective WRs in high rounds is wretched (with the Toomer and Hilliard exceptions). So I would agree that picking up a good free agent WR in the off-season makes sense. But certainly not more important than finding a shut-down CB and a ball-hawk safety. Our secondary still stinks. OK, Eli was awful against the Vikes, and seemed to be throwing to phantom WRs. Moreover, team effort overall was miserable. I saw what was coming and turned off the TV early in the second quarter. But too many letters are bordering on panic. It's only a game, guys. Dave L.
I don’t think Smith is “done” for this year as he continues to work his way back into shape (though how much he’s missed remains to be seen). Not sure I agree that they need a shutdown corner. I like what I’ve seen from Ross and Madison seems to have found the fountain of youth, so I don’t think the secondary is as bad as they looked on Sunday.
Thank you for the great job you do with the newsletter. I must take issue with your closing statement to Jon S. How can you even mention Tom Brady in the same sentence with Eli. If Tom qb'd that game the Giants would have won. Brady is in the top 2 qb's while Eli is in the bottom 7. The Giants have won several games this season despite Eli, not because of him. Go Giants. -- Al S.
I stand by my original opinion Al. I don’t think any quarterback can function when he’s constantly under heavy pressure, not even Brady.
November 29, 2007 This is in response to a few of your observations/responses to the 11/28 LTTE; 1. While it is painfully true that the Giants are in desperate need of healthy, impact wide-receivers, please do not suggest that it should be a high draft priority for next year. The fact is that the Giants, for some mysterious reason, are incapable of identifying wide receiver talent that can have the kind of impact a high pick is expected to delivering the NFL.
We can sign Free agents who are proven ( like Plaxico ) but we fail miserably with draft picks. Only Amani Toomer defies this pattern, and he was nearly cut in his earliest seasons with the Giants. Our history is: #2 Steve Smith #2 Sinorice Moss #6 Jamaar Taylor #6 Willie Ponder #6 David Tyree #2 Tim Carter #3 Ron Dixon #2 Joe Jurevicius ( who became a semi-star after we cut him ) #3 Brian Alford #1 Ike Hilliard ( decent ) #1 Thomas Lewis It may be some form of dark magic, but the Giants just can't get it right, drafting high for this position. Never. Not under any coach or GM. So, it hurts us when a high pick is wasted here. Please don't get on that bandwagon. Pay experienced free agents or sign free agent walk-ons. No high picks ever again for wide receivers. It is a total waste that diminishes our ability to bring on players for positions we do well in drafting.
2. We have also been down the road of a running back tandem, as well. Everyone seems to think this is a fine idea ( Jacobs, and Bradshaw, etc ) but the coaches. We thought of it when Tiki was here, too. The idea of increasing the options to be defended just doesn't seem to wash with Coughlin. I don't know why. But it will not happen with this group of coaches, in my opinion, this season or next.
3. I agree with your comments about Coach C to Donald. However, I don't think it is accurate to say that the Giants "played their hearts out " against the Vikings. Even the TV guys pointed out several plays where Burress and Jeremy were " dogging it." On plays where they clearly knew, they were not involved other than as a decoy or downfield blocker. If you watched the Eagles play the Patriots on Monday night, you saw a team playing its heart out for 60 minutes. The Giants rarely seem to display that level of intensity. – Ted M.
Ted, regarding point #3, Shockey and Burress are both hurt and probably shouldn’t even be out there playing. Now I don’t know about anyone else, but when I don’t feel 100%, I find it hard to perform 100%, but that doesn’t mean I’m not out there giving it my all.
I'm REALLY resisting responding to readers complaints about Eli. I just don't think he is as bad as people are portraying him. I'll tell ya this...if the Giant's get rid of him I can see someone like New England snapping him up. And winning with him. I loved Eli's line this week that maybe he "ought to study the films of the post game interview" to learn how he should respond to a loss. I thought that was his best line of the year, frankly.
Anyway Pat...not why I am writing. I agree with you 100% regarding the priority that should be attached to WR. It really bothers me that two years in a row the Giants have made the wrong decisions with regard to keeping a high draft choice on the active roster, and getting nothing, nothing! from him the entire year. Could it be that financial considerations played their part in the decisions re Moss and Smith? Well, I guess I am being naive Pat....you don't have to respond to that. By the way....I thought you did a great job this time, letting people vent. Though it must have been hard for you. Thank you. – Jon S.
Jon, I finally had a chance to watch the tape yesterday (yes, it was just as hard as seeing it live.) I’ll refrain from sharing my observations on Eli at this time as I want to put it in the next issue, but suffice to say that I counted maybe four passes where he had pristine passing conditions and didn’t connect with his receivers. What does that mean? He was under pressure for the majority of the day. Now I’m not exonerating Eli by any stretch of the imagination because I also saw a few things that alarmed me which I’ll address in the next issue. But given how the offensive line played against Minny, I doubt even Tom Brady would have had much success.
I was wondering what you thought the Giant's WR options are, if any? It seems as if it might be time to acknowlege that Smith is done. Mix is gone. Is there anyone out there, or on the Giant's Practice Squad that comes to mind. I realize at this point in the season the pickins will be slim, at best. But last Sun seemed a full disaster to me. Plaxico is drawing single coverage. That should tell us something. Anything in the cupboard? Or is it 'what you see you got'? – Jon S.
I think what you see is what you get. And I think receiver HAS to be a priority next year.
Here in Dallas, the local media is speculating that they might lose Jason Garrett to a Head Coaching job. They indicated the Giants were a possible destination. Do you have any thoughts on this? Also, if the current regime stays in place, do you think that we'll ever use Jacobs & Bradshaw in the same backfield like the Saints used Bush & MacAllister? – Steve C.
I always liked Garrett, but let’s not be too hasty to promote him to a head coach. I’d like to see him get a little more seasoning and also work with different player groups before I appoint him the next savior of any team. As far as Jacobs and Bradshaw being in the same backfield, this year, no. Down the line, who knows?
I feel the problem with the Giants is Tom Coughlin's intensity and lack of coaching ingenuity. Coughlin beats the players down mentally and physically so by mid season they have peaked and are a tired non-motivated group. His game planning and handling of Eli are terrible. Even his own son-in-law is regressing on the field the last three games. The players are tired of his same old words and stubbornness. The bottom line is the team is uptight and not having any fun.The players have lost focus.There is no emotional leadership and direction, starting at the top and working its way down.Football is a team sport, and everyone has to be on the same page. I really feel the players tune Coughlin out because he doesn't bring anything to the table. – Donald R.
Don, you couldn’t be more wrong and I would strongly advise you to stop making blind statements out of frustration .
Let’s start with Coughlin. This isn’t his first year where he was so darn rigid that you were hard pressed to find anyone who initially took to the man. To say he brings nothing to the table is flat out wrong, Don. And are you allowed into the team portion of the practices to where you actually see him beating them down physically and mentally or are you going by what what a certain former player said?
Next, the players being “tired of his same old words.” Have you spoken to any of them to where you can make that statement? If they were tired of the same old words and tuned him out as you allege, would they play they bother playing with the injuries some of them are harboring and would they bother to play their hearts out every week?
Next, the “lack of leadership.” Say that to Shaun O’Hara, Antonio Pierce, Sam Madison, Jeremy Shockey and a few other guys in that locker room and see what kind of reaction you get.
I know you’re still frustrated, and yes, this team has some issues it can’t seem to overcome. As I said, don’t let your frustration trick you into making inaccurate statements that just aren’t true.
The NFL could’ve possibly lost one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. Still crying over the Viking’s loss people? There’s a little girl out there that lost her daddy this week and will grow up only seeing his face in pictures and wonder what it would’ve been like to know her father and to have watch him played. As a Hurricane fan I’ve seen ALOT of Sean Taylor and the talent he possessed. He was a very good football player and a very good teammate (From all the things I’ve been hearing from his teammates). Personally I really don’t have the appetite to watch football this weekend because of this loss. It probably hits harder with me due to my loyalty to the Canes’ and a father of 3. We sit here game after game complaining about our team’s loss which in then put us in bad moods for the remainder of the day. What’s it worth really? It’s just a game, that’s it a game. Let us all be thankful each morning we wake that were blessed to be here 1 more day. The sun will come up tomorrow but you have to be alive to see it. So when the Giants and Bears game is coming to an end regardless of who the winner is just remind yourself what’s really important, your family and your health. Go Giants……I guess. R.I.P - Sean Taylor - 1983 – 2007 Dom M.
Amen.
If you look at the record Eli folds under pressure. The coaches know it, his teammates know it and the opposition knows it. Anytime the focus of the game plan is for Eli to attack the opponents secondary he lays and egg. His teammates dog it and people think that they are not on the same page. They are just saving their bodies for another day because they have seen it before and are not going to risk their careers in a game that they feel they have no chance of winning. I guess they are subconsciously trying to show people that Eli is a fake and that his teammates know all about him.
What Eli can’t do: 1. Throw a short or screen pass well. Doesn’t seem to have much of a touch. 2. Throw a long accurate pass to stretch the defense. 3. Scramble to give his receivers more time to get open. 4. Throw the ball hard and accurate without a huge wind-up and follow through. Doesn’t through the short slant well. 5. Escape pressure, he normally goes down on the first touch. He has not seemed to have gotten physically stronger as he has aged. 6. Throw on the run.
This is what I have observed over Eli’s career and not just what occurred on Sunday. Why would anybody want a QB with so many deficiencies leading their team? He can win for you if he’s not asked to be the focal point of the game plan. I guess you could still be an optimist and convince yourself that he threw 4 TD passes in Sunday’s game. - Rob L.
I dunno Rob. I thought Eli was doing all of the above during the winning streak. Was it the difference in competition that maybe made the difference?
I have so many opinions on the last game and the team I don't know where to start. First, losing in and of itself can be a malady all it's own. If we start seeing players go down with injuries in the midst of another collapse this year, consider this point of view. When things are going great, everyone wants to be a part of it, since we all love a winner (six game winning streak). No injuries and guys playing hurt because the desire is there to be a part of something good. Once losing starts to set in, your body language changes, you start coming up with excuses instead of playing harder and looking for ways to correct it.
Now "injuries" start to creep in. I'm not saying guys are able to play and they're faking it. What I'm saying is there is less motivation to prepare and a feeling of here we go again can lead to a lack of hustle, effort and focus which can lead to those injuries. Going back to my letter yesterday, I feel if that happens again, whoever is going to be the coach, wholesale changes need to be made.
I disagree with the notion Eli is not mentally tough. Are you kidding me?? With his family's expectations and all of us, he doesn't shower and run off or throw darts at teammates in the locker room. He takes his lumps and answers the questions. He's accountable. I don't recall an air horn or a tirade against female reporters from some other "gentlemen" on the team. If anything needs to be questioned, it's the maturity of this entire team, with the constant shooting in the collective foot. Like Jim V said, are we going to fire the entire team?? Of course not.
We have the talent to play better and those grown men should not be comfortable with getting embarrassed in front of their peers and thousands of people. I would be pissed off and looking to clean somebody's clock first snap of that Bears game. I don't care if it's special teams, Offense or Defense. The Bears should be hurting after next sunday. Of course, if the Giants want to take responsibility and show up after the complete mail job against the Vikings. I want players on this team to be accountable, as men and as professional athletes. Don't depend on the coaches to motivate you. Motivate yourself and show some "dignity of labor". As fans, we've watched our team long enough to know that Eli is not the sole problem, so we can do without all the "trade the bum" talk. I want a better overall team on the field. I can live with some of his hiccups, but I can't live with no pride and lack of effort. – Kyle L.
Kyle, injuries are out of a coach’s control. Personally, I don’t think injuries did the Giants in. I also don’t think the maturity of the team is a problem (save for maybe two guys). The entire team just happened to pick up a concerted effort that resulted in a stink bomb. I think it’s really that simple.
Forgetting all the emotion, my biggest question is what happened to the QB who was so potent in the 2 minute/hurry up offense. The last 2 years even when he was stinking up the field in the regular offense he seemed to come alive in the 2 minute offense. That was always the silver lining. It seems to be that is the biggest regression this year. Before we had a mediocre QB who could rally us when we needed it, now it seems we have a mediocre QB who cannot. Any thoughts on what has happened there? – Jeff S.
Maybe the offensive coordinator isn’t calling for the hurry-up as much?
It's strange. The year we drafted Eli it was pretty clear that we would either attempt to get Eli, stick around for Big Ben, or make a move for Sean Taylor. Taylor appeared on a commercial in that draft intending to show that anyone can be drafted by anyone, and he put on a blue hat and said "Giants." Maybe I'm the only one who remembers that. It's just crazy what happened to him. I'm sure he's got friends on our team as he's from Miami, I can't imagine how they're dealing with their 24 year old friend being shot and slowly dying. Like you said, something like that makes you take a step back from a game and realize that these are people and essentially young kids. Its crazy. – Dan D.
Dan, Taylor’s tragic death has had me down in the dumps all day. You never want to see anyone die that way, but my gosh, he was just 24 years old and he had a one-year old baby! If that doesn’t move you, I don’t know what will!
Bash Eli all you want; he deserves it. In 55 years of watching Giants' football I can't think of another instance where a Giant QB has had a worse game. I honestly, really can't, but do I think Eli is the worst QB the Giants have ever had? No, NO, Absolutely NO. I'm not going to defend Eli on this one but I really think you have to take into account how terribly lousy the OL played. In fact, they have played lousy for the last four weeks. Fortunately, the defense bailed them out in two of those weeks. IMO I think the Giants' OL has been highly over-rated. For the most part, they played well early in the season but it was against inferior DLs and inferior teams. Add to this the fact that the Giants' offensive coaching staff exhibits no creativity, no innovation and nothing even resembling a modern NFL offensive scheme and you have a recipe for disaster which is exactly what happened this past weekend. I am not an Eli supporter but I'm not blaming him alone for the humiliating defeat. Much of the blame goes to the offensive coaching staff and the inept OL. – Bill S.
If it makes you feel better, bash away. I still have to believe that the Giants have shot themselves in the foot one too many times – Dallas and Minny. But I doubt anyone cares whatI think at this point.
Now that we have had time to ponder eli,i don't see how a new coach would take him.He definitely is the ulimate coach killer. What are your thoughts in this regards. Keep Up Your reat Reports. -- Carl S.
Carl, I don’t know what to think. I still haven’t’ gotten to the tape, not because I don’t want to, but because I have a couple of other things I have to get done by Wednesday morning. I’m a firm believer that when you sit down and watch it again, often times you’re not as bad as you looked nor are you as good. But we’ll see.
November 27, 2007 You mention how the complaining from certain fans only comes out during a loss and the Eli bashers come calling after he loses. Well what do you expect? a positive comment after watching that game. There is no more loyal Giant fan than myself, but lets face it no fan should be subjected that putrid performance by all of the team. People have to look at the big picture here. It is way more than ELI!!
When was the last time the Giants drafted a game changing playmaker??? The best receiver other than Plax that I see in a blue uniform just got picked up by the skins (Mix). Great move. The only playmaker on the field yesterday was a seventh round pick who sits the bench on kickoffs until week 10 (Bradshaw) We waived our best safety (Demps). Lets not forget the coaching which can't spell adjustments. Eli was brutal the other day and he better improve, but with the poor coaching and lack of playmakers that management brings in he can improve and it won't matter. – Chris H.
Chris, all I’m saying is if you’re going to crucify or praise a guy, don’t base it on one body of work. Take the entire year or career into consideration and ask yourself if he’s really as bad or he looked in the one game. AS for your other points, these are all your opinions, which you’re entitled to. Demps was the best safety? Hardly. Mix had potential, but what on earth makes you think he’s up there with a healthy Plaxico? See where I’m going here? You’re focusing on what is no longer here rather than looking at what’s here and trying to find a ray of light. And I think if you look objectively, you’ll see that the talent on this team isn’t as bad as it looked the other day.
I'm still hurting from this game. Usually, I always take the position that the sun will come up the next day. I hurt so much that I don't think it really did this morning. I've already said my piece in the Tailgate. (Why don't you guys show up?) But, this talk about "trading Eli" is a lot of baloney. I just don't see it happening. What will we get for him? Who will take his place? Certainly nobody now on the team.
If we decide to go for a draft choice, are we ready for another several years of "rebuilding?" If you're really serious about it, you'd better come up with the answers to such questions. Although it was just a horrid game for Eli, what do you think of the rest of the team? Are you happy with them? The #3 RB is just not going to hack it for a full game. He's a terrific short yardage runner, but yesterday demonstrated that he can't carry the full load. Why was he even playing? Because the #1 RB, terrific as he is, can't stay on the field; he's too injury prone. The #2 was injury prone before he was kept on the team instead of the guy who is now the #1 RB for one of the top teams in the league. (I'm not crying over spilt mild; I'm making a point.)
How about our OL? We've been getting pretty proud of them. But, they're still making the same mistakes they've made for the past several years. Then, the receivers have regressed to the point that they are practically NO threat to any other team. Our D? Two MAJOR failures came up yesterday. There's NO WAY they should have allowed a 60 yard TD on the second play of the game. This was Travis Jackson for gosh sakes! I can't even remember the name of the guy who caught the pass.
And, on their fisrt set of plays in the second half, they couldn't get themselves off the field for OVER NINE MINUTES! Sorry, guys, but are you planning on "trading" all of them too? Where does the buck stop on all this? With the coach & GM. So looking at this logically, before we trade Eli and others I've mentioned, we'd have to fire the coach & GM. OK, so are you all ready to start 2008 with a new GM, a new coach, a new team made up of God-Knows-What for players? I suggest we'd be something like the Tampa Bay Bucs when they were a new expansion team. – Jim V.
Jim, don’t you know everyone is in still in mourning? You’re not allowed to come up with a letter that makes a world of sense.
I think the only positive thing that is going to come out of this game is that the next 2 games are on the road (@ Chicago & Philly) because it could get ugly @ Giants stadium with another bad start. I would like to get your opinion on 2 things though. #1 Do you think there is anything to the question that Manning is a warm weather QB? He seems to be much more accurate in domes and early in the year. #2 Do you think that he might be auditioning for his job these remaining games or do you think that Reese is committed to him? – Scott V.
Two road games is a positive? Not from where I sit, but that’s because I have to drag my carcass out on the road to two cold-weather towns. (The things I do for love!) Do I think Eli is a warm-weather QB? The evidence sure would support that. And is Reese committed to him? I think given what they have tied up in him salary cap wise, they have no choice.
On the Fan this morning Boomer E. and his partner had a very interesting comparison of the first 50 NFL games of Peyton, Eli, Phil Simms and Boomer. They compared won loss , touchdowns, interceptions, and another category that escapes me. Amazingly, Eli did very well. Go figure. – Al N.
Al, comparing Eli to anyone is like comparing me to a fellow journalist. Different people, different circumstances, different styles. The comparisons are WORTHLESS in my opinion.
The chicken or the egg? Pat, I think the chicken had to come first or rather the ancient ancestor of our present day chicken. The ancient prototype must have born a mutated egg which grew into what we now know as our present day chicken. What’s this got to do with football you ask? Well Archie & Olivia Manning had 3 sons; the youngest one called Eli mutated into the poor excuse for a quarterback we see on Sundays in a Giant uniform. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. -- Barry S.
Why do I have the sudden urge to start calling you “Colin”?
Does this Giants team have any clue what it takes to win in the NFL? You have to come out and play hard every week or you will be embarassed as they were against the Vikings. I have supported Eli up until now and I think we have not seen his best but he certainly was awful. As bad as he was his teammates around him were just as bad. Slow and sloppy routes by the receivers, lack of fire on the line, standing around instead of going after possible loose balls. The energy level is very low.
When I watch some of the other games on TV I think all of the other teams are playing at a higher level of energy. I have to wonder if this malaise has affected their mental preparation as well and causing so many mental errors. One of the players was quoted I think for the Cowboys game about how many players were doing extra studying for the game. Does that mean the other games are not important? I could be wrong but from where I sit it seems that too many individuals are not preparing for the game as well as they think they are. They may think they are playing hard and some are but not enough of them. -- Dave G.
I don’t know Dave. But I do know I’m tired of Coughlin telling anyone after a loss how hard they worked, how well they prepared, etc. quite honestly, I’m not there to see it as that portion of the practice is closed, but I suspect if we were allowed to see that part, I wonder if we’d share his sentiments.
How many more years does eli's contract run, and how much of the remainder is guaranteed? – Richard C.
Richard, I haven’t updated my cap spreadsheet since the summer, so I’m sure there are caveats with buy-backs and bonuses that are going to kick in which I need to still research. I show his contract ends in 2010, but if I’m not mistaken, there’s an option year in there. Again, I’ll be updating the salary cap spreadsheet after the season.
I hate to pile on too much but it's obvious what the game plan is to beat the giants. Pressure Eli early (especially up the middle) and he'll mentally fold. I hope this isn't the start of another second half collapse but the giants record against teams with winning records or even good pass rushes isn't very good. I'm reserving judgment on whether we need a new quarterback until the end of the season. If he goes in the toilet again, he should go. It would be a shame if it came to that because the giants invested A LOT in him and he has all the physical tools. It just seems his brother got all the mental toughness in the family. I hope he can turn it around or else the sky might just really fall on his head. On another topic, why do the giants have such a hard time with mobile quarterbacks? You could make a case that tarvaris jackson is the worst starting qb in the league but the giants made him look top ten. In any case, he certainly was the best qb in the game on sunday. – Jeff W.
Jeff, the Giants, for whatever reason, always make the backup quarterback look like an All-Pro. The presence of Jackson is another reason why I didn’t feel comfortable picking the Giants last week.
you’re right, one player doesn't make the whole team, but one player can make a huge difference one way or the other. last year romo made the cowboys a playoff team after taking over in the middle of the season. this year they are an elite team and possibly headed for the super bowl. and he is the major difference. for good or bad the team usually goes as the qb does. romo has taken the cowbys on his shoulders and carried them in important games, eli hasn't and probably can't. the sky isn't falling-i would just rather not watch mediocre football for the next 5-10 years. eli is a glorified version of kerry collins without the heart- before you get too critical of kerry remember he did get us to a superbowl and would have gone deep into the playoffs again had shockey not dropped the gimme against sf. eli won't come close to his accomplishments. -- Ron S.
Ron, many years ago, when the rage was all about Kurt Warner, I insisted to anyone who’d listen that Warner was a one-hit wonder who one day would become a journeyman backing up young quarterbacks. Lo and behold I was right. I feel the same way about Romo. He’s got a fantastic supporting cast around him. I don’t see him as a difference maker, a la John Elway or Brett Favre or even Peyton Manning. Sadly, we might have to put up with the Romo-holics this year, but eventually I can see him falling from his throne.
November 26, 2007
I said it after the Dallas game, and I will say it again....Eli Manning simply is NOT a very good QB. He is a very mediocore QB at best. How many coaches and techniques do the Giants have to waste their time on trying to improve this kid? If Tavaris Jackson can complete a 66 yd. bomb for a TD and our stud QB can't even complete a 7 yd crossing pattern, something is wrong here.
Yes they had the drops and the penalties are coming back again, but 3 interceptions returned for TD"s against the WORST pass defense in the NFL? That's all on the QB. Eli's time as the QB of the NY Giants MUST come to an end after this season. Eli was responsible for GIVING UP 28 points today. When was the last time he was responsible for scoring 28 points?
Thanks for letting me vent, but I just do not see a franchise QB in this Manning kid anymore. Let him finish the season. If they make the wild card it will be a bonus, as I envisioned this season as 6-10. There are no more excuses for Eli. Question...is this Viking game the one to get Coughlin fired, or will it be the first round playoff loss again? – Frank R.
As I said before Frank, I can’t defend Eli this week. Granted it wasn’t all on him, but there comes a time when you just have to step up, grab the bull by the horns and make something happen.
Giants 17 Vikings 41: As Jimmy Durante used to say “how humiliatin!” (for those of you who have no idea who Jimmy Durante was, ask anybody over 50). For 3 quarters I screamed and swore so much, the dogs ran under the bed, the neighbors must have thought someone was being killed, and my dear wife, with tears in her eyes, asked me how many more games left to play!
I guess every dog must have his day and that includes the ‘worst pass defense in the league’…they just weren’t the worst today. Speaking of the worst, is it too late to call back Tim Hasselbeck? What’s Chris Simms doing? Okay, that’s mean and I don’t want to be accused of piling on – I’m sure there will be plenty of harsh words and condemnations coming Eli’s way ….and he deserves it. One comment the announcers kept repeating puzzles me; they said that Eli and his receivers weren’t in sync. After playing 11 games why the hell weren’t they in sync?!
I hope the Giants can leave this one behind and chalk it up to ‘one of those days.’ Pat, I pity you having to write this one up; I almost don’t want to read it and be reminded of it again. -- Barry S.
Thankfully Barry, this one was an easy game to write up – the guys and I finished in record time. Losses are generally easier to do, though certainly not very fun.
I'm not usually critical about Gilbride, but he was way too stubborn today. We had no business running the ball on so many first downs. It worked in the first drive, but the last two years indicate strongly that our 3rd running back cannot run on that team. I expected the team to open up the passing game methodically from the get go. Instead we went to traditional football, so our 2nd and 3rd downs were predictable. Obviously that was just part of the problem on Sunday, but it would be nice if our staff was logical enough to use Green Bay's blue print to attack the Vikings. – Jeff H.
I agree Jeff. The Giants running game was one of the reasons this week I didn’t have a good feeling about this game.
All I can hope for is that Reese saw the same thing that I saw. And that is the main problem is we have Eli. I think the Giants will not let this play by the qb pos. go on for years and will draft a qb in the 3rd or 4th round. – Al S.
Al, Eli is part of the problem, no question. Let’s face it – the offensive lien stunk AGAIN, the play calling REALLY stunk, and can someone tekl me why the heck Manning and his receivers seemed to be in different time zones?
Pat, my last email asked the same question...at what point does that brain trust at the meadow lands admit defeat and rebuild w/ a NEW QB. This roller coastal ride is getting to me. This guy (I now refuse to say his name) has a better record away than at home. I don't know what this means other than he MUST be a head case and can't take the heat. A top flight NFL QB MUST be able to take the stress. Can you belief the Viking coach stated he say a lack of confidence in the Guy (I refuse to say his name) during the first half of yesterdays game? Ok, Ok...now that I vented, at what point does the GM say we have to go in another direction for a quarterback? Pat, with all due respect when are you going to admit NY may not be the place for this guy (I refuse to say his name)!!! – Mark Z.
No time soon Mark. Eli (I’ll say his name). Look, on firt glance he laid a bomb, but I want to closely watch the tape today and especially Eli’s passing because I want to compare it with some season long notes I’ve been taking to see if it’s all on him, the coaches or if his receivers just aren’t on the same page with him (which would fall under coaching). As for when I’ll admit that NY isn’t the place for him, maybe the day that the Giants win convincingly and someone writes in arguing that Eli is no good might sway me because I only notice the boo birds come out when the team tanks it, and I chalk it up to post game emotion.
the 2nd half has started and eli is doing his usual regression. two horrible games and one only moderately good one (putting up 16 points doesn't amount to a great game no matter what the stats). the giants will be 8-8 at best and possibly 7-9. if the giants don't trade eli and start over we are in for nothing but more of the same for the next few years. eli has no mobility and completely panics when under pressure- these are not the qualities of a fair qb much less one that is supposed to be great. this year is quickly headed to disaster but the future could be salvaged by trading eli (if anybody wants him) and signing a quality free agent (derek anderson- he would be worth the choices as a restricted free agent) or trying again in the draft. the sooner we put eli brown in back of us the sooner we actually have a chance to compete. -- Ron S.
Here we go again with the sky is falling. It’s too easy to blame one player, Ron. How about we cast the net a little wider and look at ALL the problems on the team rather than suggesting the rectification of one.?
ok...cooly and calmly...now what?? we have a kings ransom and 4 years invested in an ok qb. i just cant delude myself that he will get better..he is what he is..unfortunatly for us... i now believe we cant win postseason games with him... the real problum is he dosen't play bad enough for us to get a draft pick high enough to replace him..the giants suits have to come to the realazation that ok is not ok..do we really want another decade of almost good football..i sure dont.. there has to be a better qb out there somewhere. its a really large planet... – Steve C.
Cooly and calmly. What’s done is done Steve. The question that needs to be debated is how does the problem get fixed? Yes, we all can see there is a problem. Anyone out there have a solution or are we all going to continue bemoaning the fact that the team laid a clunker this week?
Hi Pat.I guess It is what it is,seems we've been watching this for 3-4 yrs.Whats really bad is Giants have nothing else to do but play Eli.To sit him is really not an option. Thanks. -- Archie F.
Archie, I want to break down the tape to see exactly went wrong, but you’re right. You have to take the good with the bad. Can you imagine if we bailed out on marriage every time we had a battle royale with our spouses? The divorce rate would go through the roof? for some crazy reason i knew this was gonna happen due to the fact of what happen last time 2 years ago...but ok so besides crying about a terrible game there were some good points i guess. I wanna see bradshaw get more carries or something this kid just looks like he has so much energy. on kickoff he is doing great he looks like he could brake one almost everytime. when he got on offence it seemed more idk different agree? do you think he will get more of a bigger role in the offence wile eli gets his act together? and everyone its not the end of the world eli was horrible but i remember his big brother threw not 3 not 4 but 6 ints against SD.. – Nick M.
I knew this was gonna happen to as evident by my pick’em pick this past week, but I NEVER thought it would be this bad. I think we need to stop comparing Eli to Peyton. Peyton has played most of his career in a dome, Eli has not. I think if Eli played in a dome, it would be more of a fair comparison.
Pat, this one hurts pretty good. I was a tremendous Eli fan. I'm having some pretty strong doubts right about now. I'm going to take a cue from you, when you say wait until the game is over. I'll wait until the season is over, but I'm no longer optimistic. We need some serious help at receiver. Almost every game I watch, I see no separation from the receivers, dropped passes and generally poor route running. When I played, it was drilled into us, when you cut, make a dang cut!! I see a lot of rounded off, half-speed routes. No separation means almost every throw has to be perfect and when it's not, I don't see the effort I would expect. It's like attack the ball, don't wait for it to come to you if your guy is covering you tight. Go get that dang thing and compete! You were spot on about O'hara. Either he could recognize the blitz and make the proper line call, or they just wanted to pick on him like a rookie corner. Almost all pressure came up the gut. Bradshaw had a big whiff on a blitz pickup when he was trying to run a screen. It really seems the focus is not there. I had a feeling about the game from the moment Tynes's kickoff went out of bounds. It's like here we go and there we went. If we collapse again, don't blame Coughlin for it all. We would need wholesale changes. Please tell Jerry Reese, TEAM SPEED!!! -- Kyle L.
I feel the pain this morning Kyle. I really do and I wish I had words to calm everyone, but I don’t. All I can say is let me watch the tape – and this is gonna be a long one for me given all I have to break down. Maybe, just maybe it won’t look as bad as it was.
I'd thought of pointing out that the Giants have had trouble with the Vikings since the late 90's(when they eliminated us from the playoffs in a game at Giant stadium) but didn't because they're have been personnel and coaching changes on both teams along the way. However, they do seem to have our number -how is this possible? – John F.
You seem to forget when Mike Tice was the coach and the Giants had to play them in their house, the Giants had their number…
Regarding the comments on Tynes in the newsletter (and this is from someone who still wonders why the Giants didn't keep Huston), I had my glasses on the bench during the game. Tynes was hooked up to an electro-stim machine all game long and was getting his back worked on from time to time. He was rarely, if ever, practicing. It looked like he pulled a muscle either on the first kick-off or during warm-ups. -- Bob S.
Thanks Bob. I didn’t catch that, as I was in too much shock witnessing what was transpiring on the field.
I am usually a pretty positive fan. I tend to look at we Have rather than what we are lacking. But, this game was pretty awful to watch. The offense has way too much talent to be this bad. I don’t know if Eli was nervous cause big brother was watching or what but that was probably his worst game. He shouldn’t be having these games anymore. I started watching Our team around the time of our second SB years, so I wasn’t really into it for the Phil Simms saga. But he couldn’t have possibly been this inconsistent. 4 bad games, one so-so game, one good game, repeat. Every year the same thing.
Now I know we can’t get rid of him and who would trade for him anyway but, Something has to be done. Draft a QB and maybe light a fire under him or bring someone in for the same reason. But this kid needs something. It just aint happening. If we keep playing like this its another 8-8 and we will have another off-season of uncertainties. Except for two. New coach. – Carlos R.
No arguments from me Carlos. I wouldn’t put yesterday’s game in the same category as the Fumble (that was the all-time low), but I did have memories of Dave Brown flopping around like a fish out of water when I saw Eli run backward for his life instead of throwing the ball away.
Pat, you nailed it again - do you also pick stocks? When I saw you pick the Vikings 28-24, my heart sank. I had the same feeling. I've been rooting for the Giants for over 50 years and this was exactly the kind of game they typically lose at home, albeit not so atrociously as Sunday's historically awful performance. Is it only me, or did anyone notice that Shockey and Manning acted like they were on different teams Sunday? He never looked back at the interception meant for him; can't believe this late in the season, they're still having "miscommunications" like that. Bears and Eagles away don't look possible now; Redskins (maybe); Bills (another less maybe); Patriots (impossible). Hope 9-7 will do it, 'cause that's about our maximum now. Sign me -- Living in Pain in Va
“LIP,” I used to pick stocks and I used to do very well in that area until the market took a noise dive. So I got out of that business because I was losing money and I don’t like to lose money that I bust my hump trying to make.
Seriously, I get a pretty good feel for the mood in the locker room just by observing and talking to people. There are other things that go into my predictions, and I guess I’m just lucky. By the way, here’s a stat for you guys. The Giants are UNDEFEATED since the second game of the season last year when my husband attends a game. It doesn’t matter if it’s home or away. I think the last time they lost with him in attendance was the Manning Bowl. And before any one asks, no I can’t get him to go to every game and no, he’s not going to Chicago.
November 25, 2007 I have noticed that often players on losing teams are reluctant to give the winning team credit. Kitna after the Lions loss to the Giants said the Giants didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves. When the Giants lost to Dallas, Giant players felt we lost it rather than they beat us. Even when the Cowboys lost to the Patriots, it was the same thing – Owens was saying that they’re not better than us…. So what is it? Sour grapes? Or is there an element of truth in this? When a running back breaks a tackle for big yardage, is his positive performance a credit to his ability or do we say the tackler failed to wrap him up? When Strahan beats the right tackle is it Michael’s strength and speed or did the tackle have a bad day and fail to perform? Or did he fail to perform because Strahan beat the hell out of him? I suppose if you lose 51-10 all you can do is shut up and say they beat the hell out of us today. But if you lose by a relatively small margin, then you look to save face and say they didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves. Bottom line: I think that a team/player has a bad day precisely because the winning team/player outplayed them. That’s my story, I could be wrong. -- Barry S.
It’s one of those old questions like which came first, the chicken or the egg? We may never know the answer.
Well Pat It is going to be a rough Monday for you. I am sure you will have your fill of negative mail, so I will keep mine short. I was wondering if anyone else out there was having flashbacks to the Dave Brown years? – Chris H.
Eli finally had it, his worst game of the season. He's really gonna have to come up big within the next couple of weeks to keep this team alive. Poor kid looked horrible the whole game, over/under throwing recievers. The offensive line also played poorly, he never had enough time to make any check downs. Of course everyone out there is gonna blame Eli for this loss (although he did have alot to do with it). Thats twice in 3 games that this offensive line couldnt protect Eli or give him enough time to make a decent decision in the pocket. Last I checked Brad Childers wasnt a defensive genius nor was his DC. The offensive line really needs to get there act together QUICK!!!! As much as I love Eli Manning, the NFL is a buisness a multi million dollar buisness. During the off season comments were made from upper management "We are concerned about Eli, he is not where we would like him to be". If Eli makes it to the wild card game and does not produce then I'm afraid you might see some real competition come in during the off season. If anyone out there is foolish enough not to think that can happen well look what the Eagles did on draft day, look what the Packers did on draft day 2 years ago. I'm afraid that if there is a potential starter out there during the off season or someone in the draft is available that this team might go after them just to put some heat on Eli. Well see what happens. -- Dom M.
Thanks Dom.
A few observations. Reuben Droughns has no business starting, let alone be on this team. He was clearly beaten out by Ryan Grant this preseason and should have been cut. Ryan Grant should been on this team. Anybody could see that except the Giants. It is so obvious to everybody but the Giants that Ahmad Bradshaw has so much more ability then Reuben and way more ability than Tiki at this time in his career. Don't tell me about blitz pickup. He's no worse than the Giants line. We can't win without a running game and Droughns gives none.
Now to Eli. He played like a little girl in a skirt. He was so intimidated by the blitzes I thought he was going to take a #2 on the field. This guy is always going to be mediocre with an occasional good game sprinkled in. We gave up the house for this guy? Accorsi is still killing us. The swoon is upon us and with the rest of the schedule I see maybe 8-8 without much optimism beyond that. This will be Coughlin's swan song and it will be because of our very mediocre quaterback. Please don't ask where I am when Eli has a good game. He hardly ever has one! – Pete M.
Pete, Droughns is an exellent short yardage back, but sadly, he didn’t show my that he could be a full time back with Jacobs out. No used crying over the loss of Ryan Grant. What’s done is done (didn’t ehar anyone crying when Jacobs and Ward were healthy). And with all due respect, can we not compare players to girls? Remember whom you’re writing to. Let’s call it what it was and say that Eli flat out stunk today rather than compare him to a girl, okay?
November 23, 2007 I saw that the Giants signed Hedgecock to a long term deal. Good move. I also saw Peter King mention that the Skins are already $19 million over the 2008 cap. It would be good to see your analysis of the Giants position for 08 cap issues. My observation is that the Giants under Accorsi/Reese have been good guardians of the cap. In 07 we dealt with the big bonuses of Petitgout/Demps. Arrington, Emmons et al were dispatched early in the year.
The big Toomer, Strahan, McKenzie contracts are being played out. The free agent market usually has some interesting players available. While I would not like to see the Giants pursue a Skins type 'overpaying' strategy, it would be good to see what level of dollar potential we have.
I also think Reese has been a very good GM. He didn't panic to get help to fortify left off tackle. He had a solid draft. No crazy free agent signings. He seems to grasp the team needs while understanding that our Giants need about a half dozen players and we won’t get to truly compete with the Patriots et al until we have a few years of sound player acquisitions. Pat, as always, I value your analysis. -- Best, Bill A.
Bill, I usually put the salary cap spreadsheet together in January/February. Reason being is that signings can start now that will affect next year, and given how that sheet fluctuates, it’s just easier if I devote one weekend afternoon toward calculating and researching. (Also at that time you get the updated base figures for the new cap year AND also they set the new cap limit in stone.) So please plan to stay with us through this coming off-season and unless I get hit by a bus, I promise to have that data for you as well as a detailed analysis.
November 22, 2007 I know you are not supposed to look ahead, but I'm going to do it anyway. Looks like barring collapse by either Giants or Cowboys, the Giants are going to be a wildcard. Its almost time to be thinking about setting up to actually win some playoff games, not just get there. The key seems to be Plaxico's health. A healthy Plax turns the Giants offense into one of the top units in the league. How much time off would Plax need to overcome his ankle problems, and assuming if they sat him down now and he could be healthy by the end of the season, do you think they should take that risk and do it? – Peter L.
I’m telling you Peter, you’re going to jinx this team if you look beyond the upcoming game. I strongly advise you to follow Coughlin’s advice and take it one game at a time. Did we not learn a lesson when everyone gloated about the good health of the team only to see two big injuries hit on each side of the ball? Don’t tempt fate and take it one game at a time – there’s plenty of other things to talk about with this team right now.
I have to tell you that I look forward to LTTE every week. There is one thing that concerns me , that has not been mentioned. The Giants and Eli move the ball from the 20-20 yard line with much success. I really feel like once they get in the red zone that the coaching staff needs to earn their paycheck and must come up with some different plays and create mismatches to score TD's!! If you look at the tape I bet you will find a first down run inside the 20 95% of the time. Then suddenly it is 3rd and long and Eli is set up for critism. Where is the two TE set, Bradshaw, a reverse, screen??? – Chris H.
Chris, you are aware we do LTTE pretty much every day right? Just mentioning it as sometimes we get loads of letters which can take hours to go through. That being said, yes, UI would agree with you that it seems like the Giants run on first down a lot inside of the 20. However, that being said, that’s not a statistic I keep – I unfortunately only have so many hours in the day though I can certainly look to expand statistics next year based on reader feedback.
November 21, 2007 John, I couldn't agree with you more about Spags having a loss of memory or something. Dr. L., the original editor, used to call it the IDD, "Inviting Defeat Defense." I like that name better. The only time I can see using that tactic is if you're ahead by at least THREE TDs and there's four minutes or less to go. And, even then, I don't like it because it can cause you to give up cheap scores. DON'T GIVE THE OTHER TEAM ANYTHING! – Jim V.
IDD – that’s it. I knew there was some fancy term for it.
To chime in on the "prevent a win defense," it was also referred to by "Professor L" as the "IDD" (invitation to disaster defense). It's one thing to "go for the knees" as one Eagle defensive back was infamous for (I think specifically his antics motivated the rule that got called on Tuck), but does that mean if one is already down low from a block one can't grab the quarterback's foot?? I had thought the intent was to prevent a rusher from willfully going low to aim for the knees.
There was some sanity on the down by contact after review call on the Detroit receiver (McDonald) even if his knee didn't actually touch ground -- otherwise one would be inviting/requiring defenders to clobber players who were essentially down. Similarly they should have called Kitna in the grasp -- I'm sure if another Giants defender came in and hit him right before his "incomplete pass" that would have drawn a roughing call.
Hope we get to see Bradshaw in the backfield (and that he holds onto the football, and can do some blitz pickup). As you've pointed out many times, Droughns has been solid and secure, but doesn't threaten defenses, whereas Bradshaw does. Hope Moss is finally "getting it" -- was good to see Manning continue to look his way. (I guess the naysayers on Manning will be quiet for this week - well, anyway, they should be.) As always, I really enjoy your writeups & responses to letters. - Alan B.
Alan, when it comes to the interpretation of the rules, you miht want to submit your questions to our Ref in Ask the Official – he’s pretty good with responding in a timely fashion and in explaining the interpretation.
Yes the refs have some tough calls to make and their is something called a home field advantage, but last week the Giants had home field and had 2 VERY questionable holds against them. This week they roughing the passer was just ridiculous, might have been the worst call all year along with the defensive holding flag that was picked up late in the game...lol you got to be kidding me, one of these times its going to cost them the game, all I want is to let the teams play on god giving talent not some sort of rig by the refs...I will leave it at that though, thanks – Kyle H.
Kyle, I don’t always agree with the officiating, but you know what? The Giants get away with a number of infractions as well and there are also times when the opponents are flagged with questionable calls. No offense, but anyone who use the officiating as an excuse for losing is barking up the wrong tree (and what’s the big deal anyway? The Giants did win on Sunday, did they not?)
Good Win last week, not the prettiest but it really doesnt matter in the NFL. A win is a win. Last year we would have taken a win like that any day of the week in the second half of the season. I dont like to look to far ahead but let me play devils advocate. This week a win would have huge playoff implications. Looking at the other wild card contenders, the Iggles play the Greatriots, so they will be 5-6. The Lions play The Pack on Thanksgiving so they have a good shot to drop to 6-5. The Redskins play at Tampa which could drop them to 5-6. If the Giants can get to 8-3 they will possibly have a 3 or 4 game lead with 5 to go. The way it stands barring a huge collaps by GB or Dallas we would be looking at road playoff game at Tampa, Seatle, or Ariz. None of those teams really should scare the Giants. – Scott V.
Scott, better to stick with your first premonition and not look too far ahead. I mean if the Jets can beat Pittsburgh, that means anything can happen.
In response to Brett T...I spend much of my time willing to humiliate myself in order to help the Giants. In the case of Giants/Lions it worked. I will keep it up as long as we keep winning. The difficulty is, I have to identify more and more issues to focus on to tilt the karma to the Giants' favor. And this is a strain when the team is doing well. In my defense, I got two of the details right. 1. I don't consider Moss's turnover in the red zone ( after the pass resulted in a key first down )an element of "having a pretty good game." If the Lions had capitalized on that turnover, and won the game as a result, would you be saying the same thing about Moss's game? In addition, it was drilled into him all week by the coaches that the Lions are the best teamin the NFL in stripping the ball and creating turnovers. Tiny receivers like Sinorice have to cover up anytime contact is imminent. And he failed to do so.
2. Plaxico was pretty much a non-factor, as predicted. I was happily incorrect about the catching ability of our running backs in this game and, ok, Boss caught one. More surprisingly, so did the TE from Georgia Tech.
Anyway, I promise to say something awful about the team in order to bring a win against the Vikings. Such as; I don't think our defense can hold up with Reggie Torbor a starter. Is Gerris a good draft pick or not? Can we find out by starting him? Why did we ever keep Derrick ( hospital ) Ward and release Ryan Grant? Ward , in 4 years, has spent more time not playing than in uniform. No one noticed? Go Giants. – Ted M.
Ted, Antonio Pierce would love your opinion. The more people who pick against the giants, the better. Meanwhile, I haven’t made up my mind yet for this week. I sweated out last week but kept my streak going. I’m hoping to do right again this week.
I think the lack of the deep ball in this game was more a function of the Lions' defense than the Giants' offense. Case in point: We're backed up on our 9, Manning drops back to pass and the linebackers drop back 15 yds. Jacobs was so open underneath on the drag route, he could have eaten a sandwich before running for the sideline. He got almost 25 yds before anyone was near him. The Lions' DBs were keeping everything in front of them, but giving up the underneath routes pretty easily. Plaxico still had 4 catches, I believe, so it's not like he's a statue out there. We had almost 300 yds passing and held the ball for 35 minutes. Without those two fumbles it would have been easily 22-3 in the 4th Quarter, which is a beating in my book. BTW Dom, don't want to break your bubble, but Torbor was a DE in college. – Tony M.
No Tony. The Giants have two legitimate deep threats, and one of them has a bad ankle. It has nothing to do with what the Lions did. Look, the sort passing game worked, so why fuss over the lack of the deep ball?
The Giants should have won that game easily, but were lucky to win at all. (If that Lions' receiver didn't let the ball go right through his fingers ...) Let's hope a bad win doesn't lead to a bad loss (losses). Eli played pretty well ... indoors. Do you think the Giants would put a dome on the new stadium if we asked them nicely? Osi has only two sacks other than the Eagle game, right? Is that a reflection on his play? Or is putting pressure on, but not quite getting there? I still think the Giants end at 10-6, which far outpaces pre-season predictions. – Mike M.
Aw, c’mon Mike. Let’s not start with this “they were lucky to win” line. Don’t blame the win on one play. The fact of the matter is the Giants did more to win the game, so how about we give credit where credit is due for a change?
I’m doing one more batch of LTTE – tonight at around 7PM ET. There will be no LTTE or site updates on Thanksgiving; we’ll be back on Friday with our usual slate of features (including a new LTTE).
For those of you who are interested, we’ll have an official discussion thread on the two Turkey Day games in our Tailgate club.
November 20, 2007 I just want to say thank you to Ted M. You are more than welcome to write about the Giants flaws and how they will lose any week. Your bad prediction brought us good fortune. Moss had a pretty good game (despite the Fumble), our back up TE's got a few catches and Jacobs had a great game receiving the ball. So thanks again Ted. Go Giants!!! -- Brett T.
Aw, let’s be nice. Remember, everyone’s entitled to their opinions.
Ok folks all is not lost. Droughns should be able to handle the load for Jacobs, lets not forget he is a veteran RB. Also it'll be nice to see what Bradshaw can do out of the backfield to. Onto the defense, whoever replaces Kiwi will be a natural LB not another DE. Hey thank goodness Brandon Short or Carlos Emmons isn't around to suit up. Enough said. -- Dom M.
Thanks Dom.
I tried as hard as I could, but I simply could not stop myself from writing to complain once again about the use of the "Prevent Defense." 82 yards and a touchdown on 4 plays in 1:08! I believe all the IF staff, and every Giant fan (living and dead) is in agreement that this defense is the bane of our existence.
Of all people, I least expected to see Spags toss it onto the field. He must have found it in an old playbook somewhere. It seems so basic to me that you keep doing things that are working until they stop working. How any sane person can decide to abandon a defense that is working and shift to one that has never worked in all of recorded history is a true mystery to me. At least I give Spags credit for abandoning it at the end of the game, and I pray that he sees the errors of his ways and never ever plays it again. – John K.
You’ll get no argument from me on that. But at least Spags abandoned it before it was too late.
Once again the refs tried to give the game to the opposing team, but this time it didn't work. Some of these calls are getting ridiculous. As far as the game went like I said Eli would shut his critics up, if it wasn't for butterfinger Burress, Eli would have completed all but 3 passes . He distributed the ball well, and finally got it into the hands of Sinorice Moss, this kids got talent as long as he can hold onto the football. I liked seeing Coughlin not bench him after that costly fumble. Giants D played well, but they still go to prevent defense at the wrong time.
Losing Kiwanuka will hurt but Torbor and Wilkinson will get the job done Im not too worried, what worries me is Jacobs getting injured about every other game along with Burress dropping easy catches. They will be fine Jacobs will be back in a few weeks, and like I predicted from day 1 I think they will end up around 11-5. By the way where's all those Eli Manning critics now? You see what happens when the offensive line protects him? Great play by a great QB. Tony Siragusa said it best, people in NY dont give this kid the credit he deserves, he plays hurt, hes a leader, always even keiled. I wish I played with a QB half his talent when I was in the league. Well put Tony, glad someone is putting their football knowledge to use. – Kyle H.
Kyle, can we stop blaming the refs for anything that goes wrong with this team? As for Eli, I agree. When they win, all is right with the world. But if they lose, forget it!
Do you think the Giants will consider using Jay Alford as the new 4th man in our "3rd and long" front 4? He seems like a guy who can cause pressure in a situation like that, while keeping Robbins and Coefield fresh. – Jeff H.
No, it will be Fred Robbins.
Do you foresee Ahmad Bradshaw having a larger role in the offense? He sure seems like a player to me. I kow that the coaches were most likely worried about his fumbling problem and it seems like that has gotten better. – Lance Z.
It all depends on whether he’s able to pick up the blitz.
November 19, 2007 Instead, we will today play Detroit who will copy Dallas with respect to how they play Plaxico ( likely making him a non factor ), leaving us with Toomer ( whom Eli never seems to think about ) and Jeremy who will gain 110 yard on 14 completions for one score,. That is not enough. Sinorice Moss only can run along the line of scrimmage (does he even know which direction in which the ball is meant to be advanced), seems to no longer have any meaningful speed or quickness, and is not a threat. The other tight end can block but not catch, and we know our running backs can't catch. At least Brandon might cause some coverage once in a while. My prediction; Giants are 6-4 on Monday and looking forward to the Vikings. – Ted M.
We came out with a win and thats pretty much what matters but it cost a price. Losing Kiwi for the rest of the season is gonna be big. When he went out I saw they put Torbor in (hopefully he'll play well). Hopefully Jacobs injury doesnt put him out long. We need as many playmakers as possible. This could get ugly!! -- Dom M.
November 16, 2007 I have a couple of points for everyone who is thinking that the sky is falling after the Dallas game. First, Dallas is not a team that the Giants personnel matched up well against. Our best pass rush typically comes when we have 3 or 4 DE's in. That is difficult to get the results we have had against other teams when facing a line with the amount of bulk that Dallas has on their O-line. The end result is that we don't get a whole lot of pressure and that ends up exposing our secondary and you know how the rest played out.
Unfortunately, even if Dallas isn't as good as they are this year I think they will be a major headache for the Giants over the next few years. However, this week we are facing a team that I feel presents a much better matchup for us. I think Kitna is a really good QB, but he is not terribly mobile and he has no O-Line. He has took an incredible beating this year that will be sure to shorten his career. I am amazed that he is still standing.
Their running game is not great and like the Giants, Mike Martz is always quick to abandon the run. Their receivers can dominate a game, but where Detroit has really struggled is against teams with a good D that can knock Kitna down before he has a chance to throw(the Cards, Eagles & Skins). Offensively, as always I just hope the Giants run the ball a lot. Detroit can generate a lot of turnovers and Eli always scares me when he throws the ball. – Dave B.
Dave, at the risk of breaking my vow to move on from the Dallas game, the Giants matched up pretty well with that team for a little over two quarters before they started shooting themselves in the foot. This has been the story of this team – if you look back over their losses, very rarely are they legitimately outplayed or outcoached.
Kyle, I'm honored to talk to a football expert like you. As for myself, one of those folks "who doesn't know a lot about the game of football," I know enough to realize that when a QB has the 3rd best running attack for the past three seasons, has an OL that is in the Top 10 for fewest sacks allowed, and has a big-time TE and WR, that would qualify as having a "wonderful supporting cast." – Stu H.
BTW, their high offensive ranking during the winning streak was due to the running game. I think Eli only threw for over 200 yards once during the streak. it certainly wasn’t because of our QB play.
Wrong Stu. Game vs. Washington = 232 yards; Game 6 vs. Atlanta 303 yards.
Just one fact for the non-factual Eli critics: Eli's record after 48 games: 26-22 Peyton's record after 48 games: 26-22. 'Nuff said. – Jimi D.
That’s all well and good Jimi, but we really need to stop comparing Eli to his brother and to the other great quarterbacks in the league. We’re talking apples to oranges here and it’s just not fair.
you wondered where eli's critics were during the win streak- waiting for the inevitable, not jumping on the bandwagon, just waiting for the usual collapse, hoping it wouldn't happen but resigned to it. Eli is not a bad qb, he is just not a great one nor will he ever be one(and i hope i have to eat my words on this one). he has very little mobility, freezes in tough situations (maybe the center took to long to call the sets but Eli could have called timeout-
i would wager brady doesn't have 3 delay of games all year) and comes up small in big games. if they stay with Eli we will be subject to many 6-2 1st halves only to lose important mid-season games, fade in the 2nd half and if they make the playoffs be subject to early and embarrassing exits. i truly hope that i am wrong but i believe the giants would be better served trading Eli to a small market team where he might flourish, but in ny he will never win a super bowl, never get to one and in all probability will never get deep into the playoffs. Eli is a-rod light-- pretty good numbers during the regular season but absent in the playoffs, a baseball team might be able to get away with it, a football team can't. -- Ron S.
Never say never, oh naysayer. Have a little faith…if the Giants somehow win on Sunday, something tells me all will be forgiven.
Pat, I'll bet you pour yourself a big glass of wine and take a long deep breath before you read these letters. It must be like watching the G-men with Derek P.....now there’s a fun way to spend a Sunday...geeesh!! Bottom line, Dallas made more plays. It was a close game. Eli's hand was hit on his first pick and his second was a prayer at the end of the game. There were questionable penalties that amounted to a potential 11 NY points, the difference in the final score.
The disappointing part of this loss is where it took place, in the trenches. I was surprised at how the pokes lines beat the Giants on both sides of the ball. Eli was under pressure all day. If the Giants had put that kind of pressure on Romo all these letters would be about how the d-line is the best in football. I am giving the O-line a mulligan as they have played too well this year and deserve the benefit of the doubt.
I am confident about Sunday's game against the Lions. They are tough at home and put up a lot of points in the dome, but they were dominated by teams like the Eagles and Redskins. I believe the Giants match up well and need to play physical NFC East football. They do, however, need to find someone to throw deep to if Plax can't go full speed. Moss, Smith, anyone. They need to keep a defense honest and this hurt them against the Cowboys. How many 25+ yard throws did they try last Sunday? I didn't see any.
As far as Eli goes, everyone needs to Relax. Let Eli be Eli. He doesn't need to be Joe Montana to win Super Bowls. The Giants are and always have been a run/defense oriented club. If they get the already talented cast around him improved in certain areas (receivers, secondary) they will have a lot of success with Manning taking snaps. Go look at Simms, Aikman and Peyton in there first 4 years. You can make the argument that two were worse. We are about to make the playoffs for the third straight year. They were a totally injury plagued team against the Panthers and they lost on a last minute field goal last year against the Eagles, the hottest team in the NFC at the time.
And I think we can agree that this team is healthier and in a better place mentally...They ARE better. The only teams to make the playoffs the last 2 years in the NFC are the Bears, Seahawks and Giants. The Bears have loads of issues and the Hawks seem on the downside while the Giants are improved. I BELIEVE they will win in the Wild Card this year and we will see where it goes. Perhaps we will have a final shot at the Cowboys. Prediction: a win in Detroit and a big win against the Vikes at home to move to 8-3!! Stay Positive and enjoy it folks. This supposed to be fun!!! Stay Positive Folks. – Jim F.
Great letter Jim. I can tell someone did his homework before writing in. J
I have to say that I'm shocked about the Manning backlash. I can't sit here and say he's playing like a hall of famer (far from it), but to say that he is a below average NFL quarterback only shows that people have not watched any NFL games this year. QB play in the NFL is horrendous overall. And the play of top rated QB first-round picks is inconsistent if not downright dreadful. Carr, Harrington, Palmer, Rivers, Roethlisberger, McNabb, Boller (the list goes on) have all been inconsistent or just plain bad at times. Even Peyton Manning threw anywhere from 15-28 interceptions in each of his first 5 seasons!
There is the argument, one that will never go away, regarding how much we gave up for Manning and it not being worth it. Sure, Rivers played well last year and Merriman is a very good player (even though he would either not have been drafted by the G |