Most of today will be spent dissecting and talking about the action from Sunday’s games, and we would bet the main focus would be on Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau, his four TD passes and another win over his former team. But what about the NFC East?
Because there’s a story there that’s worth discussing.
The New York Giants started off 5-0, sat atop our power rankings and looked like the most complete team it the NFL, while Philly and the Cowboys were tagged as wild card hopefuls — just trying to hang on through this 2009 season.
But as we reach the midway point of the season, it’s becoming obvious that it’s the Eagles and Cowboys who are getting better and the Giants who have question marks on their jerseys all of a sudden.
Let’s look at why this slide is occurring at the most inopportune time.
1. The loss of safety Kenny Phillips
When Phillips was lost for the season in September, the reaction wasn’t one of panic — because the Giants were viewed as a team that could replace key members of their defense each and every Sunday. But as we’ve seen the last three weeks — all Giants losses — this New York secondary is devoid of playmakers. Think of teams like the Ravens or the Steelers when it comes to playmaking safeties such as Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. I won’t go so far to say Phillips was that guy for the Giants, but his presence is missed. Quarterbacks, like Donovan McNabb yesterday, are completing big passes because no one in the Giants secondary is challenging receivers.
2. The truth about Steve Smith
I was as guilty as anyone when I wrote that Steve Smith of the Giants had progressed enough since last season to be considered a true No.1 receiver in this league -- and although his production was big against poor secondaries like the Chiefs earlier in the season, it looks like it has hit a plateau. The one thing we can’t ignore is that Smith doesn’t have the ability to separate from defensive backs down the field, and when he’s your No.1 target, the number of big plays will drop dramatically. Maybe we threw too many bouquets his way too early in the season.
3. Eli’s inconsistent play
Throughout this three-game losing streak, Eli Manning has thrown six INTs compared with three TD passes and just looks “off” from my perspective. He isn’t seeing clearly down the field and is forcing more throws than I’ve seen before. But it started with the Saints — a pressure team — continued with an Arizona team that showed multiple looks and continued yesterday with an Eagles team that isn’t afraid to lead with its blitz packages. It’s almost as if defensive secondaries are bringing pressure with the idea that they can play man coverage against the Giants receivers and then challenge Eli to beat them down the field. Something is amiss in Manning’s game right now.
4. Turnover ratio
A sign of any good team is being on the plus side of turnover margin, and right now, the Giants are sitting at plus-1. Sure, this starts with a secondary that only has six interceptions through eight games, but it has to continue with the entire defense because we can’t throw just the secondary under the bus. Former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s units attacked the football, and I don’t see that happening in New York this year. For a comparison, check out the Eagles, who are plus-12 in turnover margin right now.
5. Comeback ability
I have always felt that the Giants were a team that won games when they started fast, controlled the clock and wore down the opposition in the later stages of the second half. But the problem with that formula was on display in Philly, or three weeks ago in New Orleans. As we have already talked about with the lack of the big play against good competition coming from the wide receiver spot, this Giants team isn’t built to drop back and throw the football up and down the field to get back into a game. They’re at their best when RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are involved in the game plan and when Manning can play off of their success with the passing game.
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Matt,
As a Giant fan I agree with you critique. The problems with offense with no true #1 wideout are not that surprising.
What is stunning is just how bad this defense is. I know they lost the safety and haven't had Ross so the secondary doesn't have many playmakers, but there is some great talent in that front seven that isn't bringing any pressure and isn't stopping the run.
Are we missing Spags that much? On the third and one that broke for a long TD the Giant D just looked confused and out of position right up to the snap they were wandering around and not set for a short yardage run. This is a veteran and talented front seven and yet they look lost.
Is that on the coordinator?
I'm not ready to write them off just yet. The year they won the Super Bowl they started out 6-3 with two division losses to the Cowboys. If they beat a mediocre Charger team at home this week they will be 6-3 and have already beat Dallas on the road. The East will come down to the wire between NY, Dallas and Philly once again...sorry 'bout your Skins there Snake Eyes don't think they will factor into the decision this year. Oh by the way, be sure and tell Tipper his iggles have got a serious beatdown coming this week. Miles Austin for MVP?
were in the world is Ramses Barden it is no question Eli needs a tall receiver, and all so we need to take advantage of what the opposing defend give us. I don't see nothing wrong four yards here and four yards there. Football is a yardage game Eli and the offensive coaches need to stop looking for that home run this is not BASEBALL
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Nov 03, 2009
10:14 AM
As I stated ad infinitum in the off season, Eli Manning is not the type of quarterback that can beat decent coverage because his accuracy is inconsistent. Rather than making those around him better, he requires the running game to be going well in order to make plays off of play action, an receivers who can watch well outside of their frame. You can win WITH him, but you don't win BECAUSE of him.
It shouldn't be very surprising that the Giants have a hard time winning when they need to put a game on his shoulders... yet people are surprised because he looked so good against some bad teams.