by Ben on December 30 at 12:14PM
The positives for the Giants could be found all over. Eli Manning played his best game since week 1 at Dallas throwing for 252 yards, 4 TDs and only 1 INT. Manning looked composed and his decision-making was crisp as he looked very comfortable running the offense. Eli's play was bolstered by a healthier supporting cast featuring a few new faces.
The emergence of Kevin Boss (officially dubbed "The Big Bossman" last night although he does not hail from Cobb County, Georgia) really helped to balance the offense and give Eli added options in the passing game. While I respect Jeremy Shockey for playing through injury this year, his inability to run crisp routes coupled with his propensity to give up on plays was hurting this offense. Last night, Boss was able to run hard, true patterns which ultimately lead to a TD reception where he beat Rodney Harrison over the middle and he showed great hustle throughout. The latter was exemplified on a play in the second quarter when Eli eluded two tacklers near the Giants end zone, rolled left and hit Boss for a first down after Boss had followed Eli across the field. I just feel like a banged-up Shockey might not have been able to make either of those plays.
Sticking with the injury theme, Plaxico Burress looked as healthy as we've seen him in the second half of the season. He was running with good speed on his deep routes, was able to run patterns effectively and displayed good jumping ability on a long reception in the first quarter. When Plax plays well, the attention he draws opens up more space for everyone else to operate, putting Eli in a greater comfort zone. Another dinged up Giant who showed no ill effects of past injuries and played very well was Brandon Jacobs. He displayed soft hands in hauling in the first TD of the game and had some signature hard-nosed runs, running over Tedy Bruschi on a few occasions.
Three young guys who shined yesterday and can be difference makers come playoff time include:
- Dominick Hixon - starting in place of Ahmad Bradshaw as the primary kickoff returner, had several solid returns including one taken 74 yards to the house against a stout Patriots special teams.
- Gerris Wilkinson - replaced an injured Kawika Mitchell in the first quarter and was flying all over the field. Wilkinson played well against the run and was decent in coverage given the circumstances (having to stay with Randy Moss on a few plays).
- Steve Smith - made some plays in the passing game, giving Eli a formidable third option to Plax and Toomer. Smith showed good hands on a few second half receptions and could be a valuable weapon both due to his solid route running and potential as a deep threat out of the slot.
Unfortunately there were also a few injuries headed by center Shaun O'Hara and Kawika Mitchell who left with knee injuries and Sam Madison who left the game with an abdominal injury in the fourth quarter. O'Hara and Madison are indispensable members of the Giants O-line and secondary respectively, we will know more about their status later in the week. If either can't go, it would be a big blow to those respective units.
I feel that I have written enough about the general negativity/cynicism of Giants fans surrounding this team. Here's to hoping that people are beginning to realize this young team's promise heading into the playoffs and beyond. Next stop: Tampa.
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From: Ben
Roger,
I believe that participating in a hard fought game Saturday night will help this team heading into Tampa. Like the Pats, Tampa is a very physical team, so this was a good tune up for both the offense and defense. Also the game featured near playoff intensity, a good preview of things to come (especially for the young guys).
Most importantly, you need to remember that the Ravens suck far more than the Giants. Just ask Brian Billick.
Have a happy new year.
Posted on:
January 1, 2008 7:08 PM
I have a feeling the Giants gave it their all against the Pats but will come up short against the Bucs. Other teams (see Ravens) played their hearts out against the Pats too but then the next week went back to suckage.