Murphy's Law states that "whatever can go wrong, will go wrong." Unfortunately, the New York football Giants are the epitome of Murphy's Law. Take for example Sam Madison. He had a great over the shoulder interception on an overthrown Steve McNair pass and later added an impressive open field tackle that saved a first down. It was shaping up to be a great night for the veteran cornerback until he went down with a pulled hamstring -- an injury that takes 4-6 weeks to heal properly.
What's the big deal? It was only one injury, right? Wrong!
Then there was wide receiver Michael Jennings, who was getting the start due to injuries (they are everywhere!) to Plaxico Burress and Sinorice Moss. Like Madison, he was looking great early in the game before being shot down with an injury of his own. Unfortunately, his injury was of the year-ending variety -- a ruptured Achilles.
Sticking with that theme was rookie wide receiver Steve Smith. His injury is the prime example of the Giants' luck -- he suffered a concussion on a touchdown. That's right, on a touchdown.
Did it end there? Of course not! Later on, while bracing himself for a fall, Will Demps dislocated his elbow. And while the severity has not yet been announced, it is possible that surgery is required and his season is also over.
Injuries weren't the only negative for the Giants tonight, unfortunately. David Diehl got absolutely destroyed by Terrell Suggs early in the game and his move to tackle should be reversed immediately. I realize it's only the second preseason game, but it's obvious that this experiment is not working.
And how about all those missed tackles? The (first team) run defense will look awful in the box score, but it wouldn't have been nearly as bad if the Giants could tackle. Take Girbil Wilson for example, who just dove at the feet of Ravens running back Mike Anderson rather than actually trying to tackle him. Instances like that are what have me (and other fans/beat writers) questioning this team and their discipline. Simply put: that's how you lose games.
Despite all the negative, there were a few good things that stood out tonight. One was Eli Manning who, by all accounts, had an extremely impressive game. He went 10 of 13 (two drops) for 114 yards and a beautiful touchdown pass in between two Ravens defenders. His passes were crisp and accurate; his reads were on the money and he was able to escape pressure and make good throws on the run.
Ryan Grant (7 carries for 31 yards) also continued to make a name for himself tonight. This guy is silent in training camp, but turns it on during the game. This was the second week in a row he stood out against quality defensive depth.
Other observations:
- Brandon Jacobs (6 carries for 23 yards) carried half of the Ravens offense on one of his first quarter runs, popping two of their helmets off in the process.
- Jeff Feagles and the punt coverage team did really well this evening. Good kicks, good coverage and nice tackling.
- Manuel Wright, who I am really pulling for, had a very impressive one-armed backfield tackle in the fourth quarter.
- Derrick Ward (4 carries for 18 yards) would be the "real deal" if he could ever stay healthy. He's got good speed for his size and he runs hard -- he can also return kicks.
- Zak DeOssie appears to be a perfect special teamer, especially on punts. He is often one of the first players down the field after he snaps the ball.
- The Giants just have amazing depth at running back. Like Grant and Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw (7 carries for 67 yards) looked very explosive tonight and showed the ability to break tackles.
- Josh Huston's 50 yard field goal gave me a little more confidence in the kicking game.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-20-2007 @ 12:24AM
Bill said...
Good overall assessment but I disagree about Diehl. Suggs gives every left tackle in the league hell. He has had like 40 sacks in the last four years. They played the best defense in the league and they played pretty well against them.
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8-20-2007 @ 3:56AM
susie Q said...
3 words for Coach Tom....Shockey....use him!!!!!!!
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8-20-2007 @ 9:30AM
SHAWNAH said...
GIANTS SUCK ANYWAY! BUT TOO BAD FOR ALL THOSE PLAYERS.. ALL IN ONE GAME.. THAT SUCKS!
GO COWBOYS!
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8-20-2007 @ 9:52AM
Steven said...
Tom is going to fool everyone if the troops can stay healthy. Eli, has to play well for all 16 games if the team is to have a chance this season.
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8-20-2007 @ 10:25AM
rob said...
Eli looks pretty good without the two idiots on the field undermining him-Burress and Shockey. Diehl needs a few more games at LT and should be decent, Suggs has the ability to make just about any tackle look bad.
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8-20-2007 @ 1:06PM
fanfor55years said...
Interesting game. You didn't comment on what I thought was the most important thing to take out of it besides Eli's really excellent game (which hopefully will shut up the naysayers for a week): the Giants' offensive line flat out beat one of the best defenses in the NFL; and the Giants' defensive line did a pretty good job stopping the run and putting pressure on the QB. Yes, Suggs beat Diehl a few times, but that's going to happen with an elite defensive end. The overall picture was really promising. I think this offensive line is going to be great in a year or two, especially if they can find an elite left tackle (through the draft) and allow Diehl to move back to guard or right tackle. And Robbins' presence totally changed the complexion of the defensive line. They created real pressure up the middle and did a decent job against the run (and will obviously improve with the addition of Strahan...although I still think they should trade him for draft choices). The injuries are unfortunate (by the way, Reed's hit on Smith was an obviously dirty play and he ought to be fined heavily and/or suspended...it's particularly egregious because this was a pre-season game and doesn't matter). On the other hand, Jennings wasn't going to be a key player, Demps injury will allow the guys who have to take his job away anyway to get more pre-season time against the starting offense, Smith should recover quickly (and man is he going to be a great addition...I still say he was the steal of the draft), and Madison will be back after a few games in the regular season. What I saw that was really encouraging was excellent play from the offensive and defensive lines, far better special teams play, Manning doing very well against a tough defense and without two of his prime receivers, and continuing evidence of great depth at running back. Barring injury, the pundits are going to be wrong about both the Giants team and their draft, both of which are better than the accepted wisdom has it. Mel Kiper may have thought the Giants' draft was a poor one but I think that a draft that got Smith, Ross, DeOssie and Bradshaw will prove to be one of the best in the league. And that's not even counting the 2-3 others who I think have the talent to play in the league. Mel should stick to pushing hair products and leave the football analysis to others.
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8-21-2007 @ 7:05PM
Bob said...
Good show Eli!! Idont think that Tiki meant to be negative about your leadership ability .He was trying to encourage your confidence to a higher level.
I am not fearful of the injuries theand depth is there!
Tom stay cool dont let your emotions rule.
Go Guys you will shock of few with your play this season.!!
Bro Stahan get in there and help bring the young ones
You come from a long line of fine athletes and you have done your heritage well.
ps: I know your uncle Gene.
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8-22-2007 @ 12:13AM
Tanning Lotion said...
Being from Indy I am a Peyton Manning fan, but we do always wish his little brother the best (except for when they are going head to head of course). I definately think that New York and Eli will get their Superbowl Ring in the near future.
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8-22-2007 @ 3:27PM
Keep hope alive said...
This makes me sick bro -- We does have a GUD team -- the COACHING sucks bro!
Cowgirls suck!
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8-22-2007 @ 8:39PM
Howard Platzman said...
ELI'S "BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE"????!!!!!
Are you blind. Eli Manning is a total loss. Four years and he's still learning to find receivers, hit them in stride, move outside the pocket, not throw in a panic off his back foot... You can call all these rookie mistakes, but this toad is a long way from being a rookie. He is, in a word, a bum.
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