I figured we should start talking some sports again and I wanted to begin with breaking down NFL week 1, particularly from our favorite teams' perspectives. Lets discuss the Giants and Cowboys (for Aaron) and how they looked week 1. Please do chime in...
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In all for the Giants it was a successful week 1. I had my doubts about facing the Redskins due to the built up hype, however as in years past, the hype is over-hype. Here are the positives and negatives for week 1.
Positives - Giants looked confident on their first two drives. Burress looks healthy and that is key. Although Burress didn't get into the End Zone he did rack up yards. They moved the ball well in the first two series and I liked the combination of Jacobs to Ward as I felt it kept the offense going. Good to see Ward back in the mix and healthy as well. From a defensive perspective Tuck and Kiwanuka looked good and I feel there is not that much of a drop off, if any, from Osi and Strahan, in fact I will go out on a limb and say that Tuck may be better than Umenyiora. From a secondary perspective I feel confident for the first time really since the early 90’s with this core of D backs. They are young big time play makers. Ross looks even better just in his first game than last year where he shined early and often, Webster looks like he finally is in sync and comfortable, and the Rookie Kenny Philips is going to be extremely good. Not to mention Michael Johnson is a formidable safety.
Negatives - After the first 2 drives (in which they really should have had 2 TDs) I saw the good ol’ conservative play calling from Gilbride in key situations. In stead of continuing the momentum the play calling was shotty with running the ball in big spots when the Giants had Washington on their heels. In my mind keep things going by having Manning, your SB MVP, make the plays! Its Kevin Gilbride’s MO to be conservative in key situations to protect his QB however his QB no longer needs protection as he just won you a SB...let Manning do what he has to make the plays that will put opponents to rest! I would have also liked to have seen Bradshaw in the game, Coughlin did apologize in the post game for not getting him in and rightfully so. I like Ward and I think he is a boost of energy at times however we all have seen what Bradshaw can do. In my mind when they are in offensive sets calling for the ball to be run outside the tackles this is where Bradshaw should be instituted into the game plan. Mix Jacobs and Ward up the middle, get Bradshaw around the corners and I think this will be there most potent offensive running attack.
Other than that I will give the Giants a grade of B+ for week 1 as they won a game they needed to in front of their home crowd celebrating for the first time the SB championship. They should have been able to score more and the offense looked stagnant after those first 2 drives. Spags has the defense in tip top shape and their really is no drop off even with big time injuries. Hopefully they can improve their offensive attack against a lackluster St. Louis team this week.
- OTTO
I'm not so convinced that the Giants deserve a B+ for their overall performance in week 1. They totally went into a shell before the half, allowing the Redskins to hang around. One big play and the momentum would've shift drastically. I also don't think the defense did as much as you say rather than the Redskins just looking miserable on offense...thanks to the awesome play calling from Zorn and crew.
The Giants didn't record a sack after the first play and had no turnovers the entire game. The offense was held scoreless for almost 3 quarters, and after the opening TD two drives inside the red zone resulted in 6 points. Granted, they controlled the game while Washington looked confused and overwhelmed at times, but a heavy dose of Brandon Jacobs, who was literally running over defenders (ask Landry how his shoulder felt), and the Giants would have scored even more to put the game away.
Some positives for Washington include nearly 3 quarters of shut out defense, no turnovers, and a healthy squad to start. Washington needs to be more creative in the play calling so defenses can't tee up on predictable plays. They have talent, they just need to get consistency in the coaching staff and play book. A little more intensity and urgency from the start would've helped too (ie play the entire game like that 2-minute drill to end the first half...not the second half).
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