Sep 24, 2006

Awful Start Dooms Gints

That may have been the worst first half I've ever seen from the Giants. 4 turnovers, and a 32 point deficit at the half. They outscored Seattle 27-7 in the 2nd half but it wasn't enough. Shockey said that they were 'outcoached.' He's the 2nd Giant to say that, the first being Tiki after the playoff loss last year.

Maybe he's right. How does a D with this much talent play so poorly against the pass? They didn't get a single sack today, and they have only 2 through 3 games! Last year they had (3+4+0) 7 through 3 games. That was supposed to be their strength, instead it's their biggest weakness.

Coughlin took Plaxico out of the game after he was flagged for offensive pass interference, dropped a 20-yard pass resulting in a pick, and lost a fumble. I understand removing him for a half or a quarter, but not the whole game. If the Giants are going to be successful, Plax is going to be a big part of it, and benching him (especially going into the bye) will only decrease his motivation.

For the 2nd straight game, Eli has thrived in the no-huddle offense. Perhaps this should be their primary offensive mode. It works for Peyton, why not Eli?

The run D was impressive. Seattle averaged just 2.6 yards per carry. The whole D combines to stuff the run, most notably the impressive play from the DTs. Fred Robbins has been arguably the best Giant defender so far. But it's all moot if there's no pass D.

Which brings me back to the Giants' pass rush - or lack thereof - which is frustrating to watch. Strahan (12) and Osi (15) combined for 27 sacks last year. This year: 1.
And with the additions of Arrington and Kiwanuka, the pass rush was only supposed to improve. The Giants have allowed 92 points! That's worst in the NFC and 2nd worst in the NFL to the lowly Texans (98). Maybe R.W. McQuarters should be starting - he has 2 picks already. Him and Robbins are the only playmakers on D. Why is Arrington dropping into coverage on every play? Where's the pressure? I know the secondary isn't great, but when you've got 2 pro-bowl DEs, the D shouldn't be this bad. If the D doesn't improve, the Giants need to look for a new defensive coordinator.

A bad way to go into the bye week, but at least they didn't just fold.

42-30 Seattle

2*: DT Fred Robbins, 5 tackles, 1 int
2*: CB R.W. McQuarters, 1 tackle, 1 int, 1 TD
1: WR David Tyree, 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD

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