NFC Power Rankings: Week 11

1. Saints (9-0)

It’s a bit worrisome that they had to battle it out for 60 minutes to beat the lowly Rams, but they got the win. They’ve done enough to prove they are elite, and in two weeks, they’ll get another chance to prove it against the Patriots. (Last Week: 1)

2. Vikings (8-1)

Brett Favre to Sidney Rice is turning into one of the best combinations in the league. Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian give Favre a handful of playmakers to choose from. They also have this kid out of Oklahoma they use to rush the ball. (2)

3. Cardinals (6-3)

Down 14 at home to the Seahawks, the Cardinals unleashed the beast and won by 11. That beast’s name is Beanie Wells, and he gives the Cardinals a balanced offense. It’s scary to think of how good their offense would have been last year with a legitimate force at running back. (4)

4. Cowboys (6-3)

After all the nice things I said about the Cowboys, they went out and almost threw up a goose egg. Despite catching for over 100 yards, Roy Williams had another suspect day with a huge drop and an even bigger fumble. It’s looking like the trade for Williams, which sent a first and third round pick and more to the Lions, was an epic mistake. (3)

5. Eagles (5-4)

Their loss to the surging Chargers is not a surprise, but their loss of Brian Westbrook is huge. This team has totally abandoned the run and is less dynamic in the passing game without Westbrook. Donovan McNabb tried to put the team on his back, but a good team like the Chargers was able to handle the Eagles. (4)

6. Packers (5-4)

An impressive victory over the Cowboys puts them right back into the playoff race. The offensive line is still a big problem. (10)

7. Giants (5-4)

The Giants took the week off and had their best day in a month. Coach Tom Coughlin should give the team more days off (although you can argue they’ve taken the last four Sundays off). (7)

8. Falcons (5-4)

The loss to the Panthers is a big one, but the loss of running back Michael Turner is an even bigger blow. They have now lost three of their last four and are about to play their biggest game of the year against the Giants. The winner of that game takes a huge step towards the playoffs. (6)

9. Panthers (4-5)

They seem to have finally hit their stride and are now playing like a playoff team. Unfortunately, they have put themselves in a position where they must beat teams like the Patriots, Vikings, and Saints if they are going to make it back to the playoffs. (11)

10. 49ers (4-5)

Big win over the Bears to keep their season alive, but this team is still a quarterback away from being a real threat. Alex Smith doesn’t look like the answer. (9)

11. Bears (4-5)

So far, the Jay Cutler trade has been a bust. The Bears have lost four of their last five and face the Eagles in what is probably a must-win. (8)

12. Seahawks (3-6)

It’s admirable the way they’ve battled this season, but it’s looking like it’s time to pack it in and rebuild. (12)

13. Redskins (3-6)

In the most shocking result of the day, the Redskins scored 13 unanswered in the fourth quarter and upset the Broncos. Jim Zorn might want to walk away right now, because this is the best it’s going to get. (13)

14. Bucs (1-8)

Although they lost, it was another encouraging game for the Bucs. Down 13 at the half, Josh Freeman led the Bucs to a one-point lead with just over a minute left, but the defense couldn’t hold it. (14)

15. Rams (1-8)

The offense was…dominant? Despite the loss, fans can take solace in the fact that Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, and Donnie Avery can successfully impersonate the Greatest Show on Turf every now and then. (15)

16. Lions (1-8)

They hung around with the Vikings for a bit, but 10 unanswered in the fourth quarter made it a blowout. (16)

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Six Reasons To Be Optimistic About The New York Giants

After four straight losses—each more painful than the last—Giants fans have a right to be pessimistic. After two blowouts and two games that they let slip through their hands, the Giants let their lead in the NFC East slip away as well. They now sit at 5-4 and are on the outside of the playoff picture.

But despite all of this, there were still some positives to take away from their 21-20 loss to the Chargers. While everyone else is (rightfully?) panicking that the season might be over, I choose to look on the bright side.

So stop worrying and enjoy the week off. If you are inclined to root for someone, root for the Panthers to beat the Falcons and the Chargers to beat the Eagles.

The season is long, and it’s not over yet.

 

Eli Manning’s Accuracy

For one game at least, Eli Manning played like it was the beginning of the season. Manning was great, doing everything he could to move the offense down the field. He completed 25 of 33 passes (76%) for 215 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a QB ration of 112.6. This was the first time in four games that his completion percentage was above 52%.

It was arguably his best performance of the season (his game against the Raiders does not count because it was against the Raiders). Hopefully for Giants fans, this impressive performance signals the end of a mid-season slump. The Giants are going to need him to play this way for the rest of the year.

 

The Rugged Play of Kevin Boss

In between taking bone crushing hits directly to his helmet that are ignored by NFL referees, Kevin Boss has started making plays. Somehow he manages to hold on to the ball despite being laid out to dry every time he’s targeted. After starting off slowly for the second year in a row, Boss has come alive, scoring touchdowns in back to back games.

Boss’ emergence could not only give Eli his missing safety blanket, but it could also give him a go-to weapon in the end zone.

 

The Development of Terrell Thomas

Terrell Thomas is starting to look like the Giants’ best cornerback. Note that I say he “looks” like the best cornerback, not “is” the best cornerback. Thomas is usually covering the team’s #2 wide receiver (in this case, it was Malcom Floyd) while #1 corner Corey Webster covers the team’s top threat (Vincent Jackson).

While Jackson is one of the game’s top threats, I was a little disappointed with how Webster performed.  He didn’t give up anything deep, but he was just flat out beat on the game winning touchdown and he seemingly slowed down when he had a chance to make a play on the ball.  Earler, Webster swatted at the arms of the receiver after the catch was made when he could have made a play on the ball before it was caught.

I still think Webster is the team’s #1 cover corner, but he’s going through a bit of a rough stretch. This is supposed to be a positive article, however, so back to Thomas.

Thomas looks great, and he continues to make big plays. No play was/ should have been bigger than his interception and return of a Phillip Rivers pass late in the fourth quarter. Had the Giants punched the ball in and won the game, his interception would have been one of the key plays in turning around the Giants’ season.

With the hopeful return of Aaron Ross, the Giants can think about using Thomas as a safety, or they could move Ross to nickelback. But one thing that we will not see happen is the Ross moving Thomas back to the bench.

 

Run Defense Dominated

The Chargers are not the best running offense, but with guys like LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, you figure they’d at least get something going on the ground. But the Giants’ run defense did not budge.

Tomlinson managed just 22 yards on 12 carries, a 1.8 average. Sproles was only given one carry, and he only managed one yard.

The game was close all the way through, so it’s not as if the Chargers were forced to abandon the run in order to make a huge comeback. They abandoned the run because they were getting nothing against the Giants’ run defense.

As a whole, the defense played well (the last drive notwithstanding). They recorded two sacks and picked off two passes.

Defense Getting Healthy

Perhaps the best news of all is the fact that the Giants finally seem to be getting healthy.

Free agent acquisitions Michael Boley and Chris Canty made their returns this week, and both saw some significant field time. Boley had the bigger impact, recording seven tackles and defending a pass. He left the game at one point due to injury, but it was not serious.

Canty did not record a tackle, but the more important news is that he made it through the entire game.

With the week off, Boley, Canty and Aaron Ross get another week to rest their bodies and get back into playing shape. The Giants need them healthy and effective for the rest of the season.

 

The Rejuvenation of Brandon Jacobs

Although he hasn’t topped 100 yards in a year, Brandon Jacobs is back to running the way he was last year when he seemingly couldn’t be stopped. During the Giants’ four game losing streak, Jacobs has put forth rushing efforts of 33, 76, 86 and 67 yards, for a total of 262 yards in four games.

These numbers by themselves are not overly impressive, but the fact that he garnered these yards in only 51 carries is very encouraging. Most people consider an average of 4.5 yards per carry to be pretty good, and Jacobs has been averaging 5.1 yards per carry during the Giants’ losing streak.

For various reasons, such as playing from behind and negligent play calling, Jacobs has not gotten the ball as much as he should recently. But rest assured, Jacobs’ workload will increase and the Giants will again establish their dominance through their ground game. Their season depends on it.

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NFC Power Rankings: Week 10!

 

1. Saints (8-0)

Won by double digits despite a big early deficit.  It is good to see them overcoming adversity, but it is also concerning trend.  They’re still the odds on favorite. Still the odds on favorite. (Last Week: 1)

2. Vikings (7-1)

A week off to rest up for their huge battle with the Lions.  This team should have no problem winning 12 games. (2)

3. Cowboys (6-2)

In what can only be considered a national phenomenon, the Cowboys somehow became underrated this season.  Seemingly everyone in America picked the Eagles to beat them on Sunday night (note: I had the Cowboys ranked one spot above the Eagles last week, so go me).  In losing TO and elevating Miles Austin to starter, the Cowboys have transformed into a team that looks like they can contend for a title.(3)

4. Eagles (5-3)

No shame in losing to the third best team in the NFC.  LeSean McCoy is a good young player, but they need Brian Westbrook to get healthy.  Their offense can be good without him, but better teams will be able to stop their pass-heavy offense. (4)

5. Cardinals (5-3)

Absolutely thrashed the Bears on the road.  Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald was unstoppable.  The Cardinals are starting to run away with the division, and the fact that they are now winning on the road is bad news for NFC teams. (6)

6. Falcons (5-3)

Their game against the Redskins was closer than it should have been, but a win is a win.  They have a huge game against the Giants in two weeks, but they should not overlook the Panthers this week. (5)

7. Giants (5-4)

Lost what Tom Coughlin called a “one game season.” They will have a week off to think about what they’ve done before their real “one game season” against the Falcons. (8)

8. Bears (4-4)

The fact that they could get blown out by the Cardinals and still move up two spots lets you know what kind of week it was for the Packers and 49ers.  This team has too many problems. (10)

9. 49ers (3-5)

Now two games behind the Cardinals, it looks as if the 49ers are a year away from playoff contention.  The loss to the Titans may be a tough pill to swallow for Niners fans, but they are only a QB away from being a real contender: an offensive core of Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree can be one of the best in the league.  They move up a spot after a loss only because the Packers lost to the only remaining winless team. (9)

10. Packers (4-4)

What is there to say?  Sure, the Bucs look better with Josh Freeman, but…come on.  The supposedly solid Packers defense gave up 38 points to a rookie QB and Aaron Rodgers was sacked six times. (7)

11. Panthers (3-5)

They put up a good fight against the Saints.  As long as Jake Delhomme isn’t turning the ball over, this could be a very good team.  Too bad their awful start will keep them from playoff contention. (11)

12. Seahawks (3-5)

They overcame a 17 point deficit to the Lions to win by 12.  It’s good to see that they have some fight in them, but the fact that they were down 17 to the Lions says enough. (12)

13. Redskins (2-6)

Their week 14 match with the Raiders could be a good one. (13)

14. Bucs (1-7)

With Josh Freemen captaining the ship, this offense looked worlds better.  They’ll still have a hard time winning two more games, but this could be a major bright spot for Bucs fans. (16)

15. Rams (1-7)

Their first win came before a bye week, giving them a two-week undefeated streak. (15)

16. Lions (1-7)

In blowing a 17 point lead, the Lions finally showed some desire.  They really want that number one pick again. (14)

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Kevin Gilbride, Giants Lose Fourth in a Row

As the Giants got to the line, up three points with just over three minutes left at the Chargers’ four-yard line, something just didn’t feel right.

Terrell Thomas had just made a huge interception, setting up the Giants with a chance to put the game away. It should have been a joyous moment.

Yet I knew Tom Coughlin, Kevin Gilbride, and the Giants coaching staff too well to know they wouldn’t be putting anyone away.

After a debilitating holding penalty on Coughlin’s son-in-law Chris Snee and three conservative plays, I said to my friends, “If the Giants lose this game, Kevin Gilbride has to be fired.”

The Giants decided to run the clock down and kick the field goal instead of, I don’t know, actually trying to win the game. This strategy does two things:

1) Makes sure that a field goal does not tie the game.
2) Leaves the door open for the other team to still win the game with a touchdown.

My friend described this strategy as “playing not to lose” instead of playing to win. I have a different name for it: “playing to lose.” And that’s exactly what they did.

Of course, the Chargers blew down the door that was left open to find the Giants coaching staff with their pants down around their ankles.

– Remember, Jerry Reese, if you don’t want to fire Kevin Gilbride yourself (or “Kevin Killdrive,” as the kids are calling him), Buddy Ryan’s son is just a locker room away. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, click here .

– One of the worst parts about this game is that we’ll have to listen to football analysts talking about how Philip Rivers outplayed Eli Manning when that is simply untrue. Just look at the stat breakdowns:

Philip Rivers: 24-of-36 (67 percent), 209 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 86.5 QB rating

Eli Manning: 25-of-33 (76 percent), 215 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 112.6 QB rating

Eli played better, but the coaches took away his chance to win the game. Rivers made the plays he needed to make when the game was on the line. But if Eli was given the keys to the car on that final drive, I have a feeling we’d all be talking about how Eli again came through in the big spot.

Unfortunately, Coughlin and Gilbride showed no confidence in their quarterback. God forbid they actually let him throw a pass in a big spot. But then again, when has Eli ever shown he can make a big play with the game on the line? (Please note the sarcasm.)

– Brandon Jacobs averaged 6.1 yards per carry but was only given 11 carries in a close game. Going away from the hot hand? Sounds like more Gilbride Magic to me!

– Nine penalties for 104 yards. Need I say more?

– Lost in all this hubbub is the fact that you apparently cannot review whether or not a quarterback stepped out of bounds before he threw the ball! I find it hard to believe the NFL really thought about this rule before they made it. It seems like there’s a pretty easy solution to this: Instead of not reviewing it, they should review it.

– It only takes Darren Sproles one play to change a game. In this game, it was his key 21-yard reception on the final drive that set up the game-winning touchdown. Michael Boley had a pretty good game, and it’s good to have him back, but on this play, he was responsible for the blown coverage.

– Didn’t Corey Webster used to be good?

– Speaking of Webster, maybe the little guy should take it down a notch. After Tuck made a big play late in the game, Webster jumped onto Tuck’s back, knocking him into the ground. Later in the game, Tuck could not get off the field with a lower body injury (possibly his knee).

Maybe the two are unrelated, but it’s probably not a good idea to jump onto the back of an unsuspecting teammate, especially one whose arm was in a sling just a few weeks ago.

– As a whole, the entire Giants defense seemed to be a little chirpy during the fourth quarter. Every time they made a big play, they celebrated like they had just won the game. It’s nice to see the emotion, but at one point I thought the Chargers could have snapped the ball during one of the Giants defenders’ 30-second celebrations in the backfield to incur an offsides penalty.

– Kevin Dockery showed absolutely no awareness, running into the punt returner before the ball got there and giving the Chargers 15 free yards of field position.

– Speaking of field position…the question must be asked, no matter how much I want the answer to be no: Is Jeff Feagles done? Feagles was again terrible, punting the ball short and out of bounds. Over the past three games, Feagles is averaging 35.4 yards per punt. For the season, he is averaging 38.9 yards per punt, his worst since 1989 (he’s 43).

Hopefully it is just a prolonged slump (I can say that about the team in general), but this is the worst we’ve seen Feagles look in…ever.

– Kevin Boss might want to retire before he suffers a life-threatening injury. If his body continues to be put through the same kind of treacherous damage it has been so far this season, he is going to have a tough life after football. I like to make jokes and write sarcastic comments, but this is serious.

This is now at least the second time Boss has been hit helmet to helmet while defenseless, and yet again there was no flag. Normally us fans get up in arms about blown calls because it is detrimental to our team’s chances of winning the game, but this is something entirely different.

If the NFL allows this to keep going on, we will continue to see debilitating injuries that are not only tragic but also avoidable. Please NFL, for the good of the players and the game, please crack down on these vicious hits. The last thing anyone wants to see is a young man being carted off the field on a stretcher.

– Like the loss to the Cardinals, this game was close until the end. It was not as embarrassing or hard to watch as the blowout losses to the Saints or Eagles, games in which the Giants looked like they did not belong on the same field.

Yet these two losses to the Cardinals and Chargers concern me more than the two blowout losses. These are the types of close games we’re used to seeing the Giants win.

Even when things were going well for the Giants, they had unexplainable blowout losses (such as the loss to the Vikings in 2007 and the loss to the Browns in 2008).

But when the game was on the line, the Giants would always come through. Eli would make the big throw or the defense would make the big stop, regardless of how they played throughout the entire game.

When a play needed to be made, the Giants made it. But not this year.

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NFC First-Half Pro Bowlers

With the first eight weeks in the books, we are now roughly half way through the 2009 NFL season.

I decided to set out and determine what the NFC Pro Bowl team would look like if the season ended today. My selections based on the players having the most impressive seasons so far at the positions of quarterback, wide receiver, running back and tight end.

There were some tough decisions, and some great players were left off the list.

I’m sure some mainstream fans will scoff at some of these selections, but I feel that the players having the best seasons are the ones that made the team, regardless of their national exposure or their popularity.

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NFC Power Rankings: Week Nine

1. Saints (7-0)

When their offense isn’t scoring touchdowns, their defense is.  But their offense is always scoring touchdowns. (Last Week: 1)

2. Vikings (7-1)

With the two Green Bay games over, I have a feeling Brett Favre will stick around for the rest of the season and maybe even three post-season games.  If they face the Packers in the playoffs, expect to see ESPN create a new channel for week-long coverage. (2)

3. Cowboys (5-2)

Their game against the Eagles this week will be for first place, but the division might not be decided until their Week 17 battle.  Right now, this is the most complete team in the NFC East, and their remaining schedule is easier than that of the Eagles or Giants. (3)

4. Eagles (5-2)

This is a good team, but their only impressive win was their 40-17 drubbing of the spiraling Giants.  Eight of their last nine games are against possible playoff teams. (6)

5. Falcons (4-3)

Their three losses came to the Saints, Cowboys and Patriots.  They should get to nine wins easily, but they’ll have to beat a couple of good teams to make the playoffs. (5)

6. Cardinals (4-3)

This is a confusing team.  They looked great in beating the Giants on the road, and then got destroyed by the mediocre Panthers at home.  They still have the upper hand in the NFC West, but they are going to need some more production out of the banged up Anquan Boldin. (4)

7. Packers (4-3)

Like the Giants, they have feasted on basement dwelling teams, but at least they made their game against the Vikings competitive. (8)

8. Giants (5-3)

Against real competition, the Giants are 2-3 (and I’m graciously considering the Redskins “real competition”).  They need to get their act together fast, both on the field and in the trainer’s room. (7)

9. 49ers (3-4)

Their mediocre record is partially a product of their tough schedule, as they’ve now lost three close games to the Vikings, Colts, and Texans.  Some of it is luck, but they keep shooting themselves in the foot.  This team has the talent to win the NFC West.   Unfortunately, the Cardinals have a one game advantage and still get to play the Rams twice. (10)

10. Bears (4-3)

A win over Cleveland is as good as a bye week.  This team still looks like they will be on the wrong side of the bubble. (9)

11. Panthers (3-4)

They lost to the Bills and then beat the defending NFC Champion Cardinals.  What is going on?  This team is more talented than some of the teams they are ranked behind, but they can’t seem to get any momentum going.  They need to go 6-3 if they want a shot at making the playoffs, and with their upcoming schedule, that just doesn’t seem possible.  That loss to the Bills still looks like a season killer. (12)

12. Seahawks (2-5)

They got killed by the Cowboys, and rightfully so.  This team isn’t good enough to be competing for a roster spot, but with the Rams, Lions and Bucs still remaining on their schedule, it’ll be hard for them to tank for a draft pick without it looking suspicious.  It’s the worst of both worlds. (11)

13. Redskins (2-5)

A bye week is a good week for the Redskins. (14)

14. Lions (1-6)

They lost to the Rams, but without their best player.  With a healthy Calvin Johnson, this is still a better team. (13)

15. Rams (1-7)

Credit coach Steve Spagnuolo for seizing victory in perhaps the team’s only winnable game.  Steven Jackson did all the heavy lifting. (16)

16. Bucs (0-7)

The only winless team in the NFC.  Don’t expect that to change. (15)

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Philadelphia Eagles Send New York Giants Into Free Fall

This was easily one of the most embarrassing games of the decade.  What was hyped up as part one in a great New York vs. Philadelphia doubleheader quickly turned into a stinker.

Hey Giants defense, you realize Leonard Weaver is a fullback, right?  Yes, the same Leonard Weaver that sprinted past the entire secondary in about one second on his way to a 41-yard touchdown.  From the very first drive, it was apparent that these two teams were playing at different speeds.

Even without Brian Westbrook, their best player, the Eagles managed to rack up 180 rush yards on 24 carries (7.5 yards per carry).  But no play was more telling than Weaver’s 41- yard gallop, on only his fifth carry of the year.  The Giants’ defensive backs (especially the lead-footed C.C. Brown) were out of position all day.

The Giants’ defense had no answer for Donovan McNabb, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns.  Aside from two sacks, the Giants rarely put any pressure on him (this is becoming a theme), and had no QB hits. 

McNabb had one of the easiest games of his career as DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin ran uncovered through the Giants’ secondary all day.  He threw long touchdown passes to both of the aforementioned receivers in less than a one minute span.

Justin Tuck had a chance to pick off a tipped pass in the Eagles end zone in the first quarter, which would have put the Giants right back in the game.  Instead, Tuck allowed McNabb to tip the ball away from his hands, catch the ball and run for a one yard completion to himself.

What is going on with Eli Manning?  He had his third poor performance in a row, completing only 20 of 39 for 222 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.  He constantly made poor decisions, missed open receivers and threw floating passes over the middle of the field.  It was as bad as he’s looked in two years. 

On the bright side, he ran for 34 yards on three carries.

Not that it mattered, but there was a phantom holding call on Rich Seubert at the end of the first half.  There was also a bogus horse collar call on Jason Babin.

The Giants won the time of possession battle 35:33–24:27. Yay!

The only game ball goes to tight end Kevin Boss, for giving up his body game after game.  Boss caught three passes for 70 yards and his first touchdown of the season.  He was again destroyed by the opposing defense, and will not make it through the entire season if he is continually hung out to dry every time he makes a catch.  I’ll bet he spends the entire bye week sitting in a bathtub filled with ice.

Of all the boneheaded coaching decisions, nothing in this game made me angrier than seeing Corey Webster in on punt returns.

Are you serious, Tom Coughlin?  In the fourth quarter of a 40-17 game, you’re putting your No. 1 cornerback in on punt returns?  Did we learn nothing from Jason Sehorn’s injury?

I understand that Domenik Hixon and Sinorice Moss were both unavailable due to injuries, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to put one of your most valuable defensive players in as a punt returner in a game that had been decided by halftime.

With all of the holes in the Giants’ secondary, an injury to the team’s most reliable defensive back would have been a crushing blow.  The fact that Coughlin put Webster in harm’s way in the meaningless moments of a 23-point game is an inexcusable gaffe.

Now if it had been C.C. Brown back there, that would be an entirely different story…

I hate to say it, but if the Giants don’t get Chris Canty, Aaron Ross, and Michael Boley back (or at least some combination), I only see two more wins on the schedule.

How can I seriously expect them to beat teams like the Broncos, Falcons, and Vikings with a midtown tunnel-sized hole in the middle of their defense? 

Starting their season off with a cupcake-laden schedule might have been the worst thing for the players, coaches and fans, as it gave everyone a false sense of comfort. 

This team better fix its problems quickly because aside from the Redskins and Panthers, the combined record of their remaining opponents is 31-11.

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Beating The Philadelphia Eagles: Five Keys to a New York Giants Victory

1. Pressure McNabb

Yep, for probably the 40th time in a row, the No. 1 key is blitzing the quarterback.  Donovan McNabb has been one of the worst passers this season when being blitzed, with a minuscule 39.6 rating.

The Giants are hurting in the secondary and it is more important than ever to have an effective front-four.  They have been a disappointment given the amount of talent they have, but they will eventually find their stride. 

This defense is built on pressuring the quarterback, and until they do so effectively, they will not be the dominant unit we were all expecting.

 

2. Pretend McCoy is Westbrook

Although All-Pro and Giants-killer Brian Westbrook is not expected to play, it doesn’t mean that the Giants’ defense is off the hook. 

Rookie LeSean McCoy is a more-than-capable running back.  He was compared to Westbrook during the NFL draft. 

If the Giants take the Eagles’ running game for granted solely because Westbrook will not be there, they may get severely burned.

 

3. Figure Out the Secondary

After a terrible performance against the Saints, the Giants did a better job defending the Cardinals’ passing attack.  But the New York secondary is still not where it needs to be if their defense is going to be great.

This week, Terrell Thomas, Corey Webster and Co. will have to deal with one of the best deep threats in the league, DeSean Jackson, who accounted for most of the Eagles’ offense last week.  The Eagles also rely heavily on tight end Brent “Magnum” Celek, who leads the team with 33 receptions.

Receiver Jeremy Maclin is also putting together a strong rookie campaign and whichever running back plays will be used as a receiver out of the backfield.

Thomas and Webster should be up for the challenge, but CC Brown is going to have to step up or the secondary will continue to be a liability.

 

4. More Nicks

Hakeem Nicks is so good that even when Eli Manning decides to throw to another receiver, Nicks ends up scoring a touchdown.

Yes, he’s a rookie and its tough for a rookie wide receiver to make the transitions and understand the intricacies of the NFL and yadda yadda yadda. 

Nicks is this team’s best receiver.  Period.  Get your playmakers the ball.

 

5. Hold on to the Ball

Drops, fumbles and interceptions did the Giants in last weekend.

Eli Manning threw three interceptions to a team that came in with four on the year.  This week, the Eagles come in having intercepted 12 passes.  Needless to say, Eli must be careful with the ball.

The Eagles have also recovered 16 fumbles, so Ahmad Bradshaw and the rest of the Giants’ must to a better job securing the football.

Steve Smith and Kevin Boss did good jobs making tough catches in traffic, but Mario Manningham again had a huge drop.  It also seemed like Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith could have done a better job battling for the ball on Eli’s first and third interceptions, respectively.

And while we’re on the subject of Manningham…

Why not use him more like the Vikings use Percy Harvin.  Manningham is great after the catch thanks to his ridiculous shiftiness.  Get him involved in more situations where his suspect hands are less likely to fail him.  More slants and quick hitters, more screens and maybe even an end-around.  If they are feeling extra sneaky, they can even line him up in the backfield.  The point is, with the ball in his hand, he is one of the most dangerous weapons on the team, and you have to find ways to get your playmakers the ball.

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NFC Power Rankings: Week Eight

1. Saints (6-0)

They didn’t play great, but they turned a 21 point deficit into a 12 point win. With the Vikings’ loss, they are unquestionably the NFC’s elite right now. (Last Week: 1)

2. Vikings (6-1)

Not shocking that they lost to the defending champs in Pittsburgh.  They were right there with them for most of the game, so Vikings fans shouldn’t be at all worried.  This is still the best team in the NFC North. (2)

3. Cowboys (4-2)

They finally looked as good as they act this week in dominating a good Falcons team.  With Miles Austin a starter, Tony Romo has found a new #1 who is actually better than Terrell Owens was last year. Austin could be the breakout player of the year. (9)

4. Cardinals (4-2)

They beat a good Giants team on the road in prime time.  Kurt Warner was held in check but the defense actually bailed out the offense this week.  When they are firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball, it is easy to see how they made the Super Bowl last year. (7)

5. Falcons (4-2)

I still think this is a good team, but if Falcons fans want to start worrying, I wont blame them.  They were outplayed and out-coached by a good Cowboys team, but I was disappointed that they didn’t really compete for a full 60 minutes. (3)

6. Eagles (4-2)

They looked pretty good disposing of the Redskins, although it ended up only being a ten point win.  Westbrook’s health is again an issue, although it’s always a bad idea to bet against him.  They haven’t beaten a tough team yet, and nine of their last ten games are against quality opponents. (6)

7. Giants (5-2)

In games against real competition, the Giants are now 1-2.  Giants players should look themselves in the mirror and decide who they are because Giants fans have no idea what to expect anymore. I think they are better than the seventh best NFC team, but right now their resume is unimpressive. This week’s game against the Eagles will tell a lot.  (4)

8. Packers (4-2)

Like the Giants, they have dominated terrible teams and have been less than stellar against real competition.  Seven of their ten remaining games are against quality opponents. (8)

9. Bears (3-3)

After two losses to good teams, the Bears are back at .500.  I really don’t know what to expect out of this team, but they need to get better quarterback play than they did this week.  With the defense lacking its main man, it could all depend on the play of Jay Cutler. (5)

10. 49ers (3-3)

The switch to Alex Smith gave the offense some mojo, but they fell just short of a huge comeback to the Texans.  It looks like Smith will stick as starting QB, and he’ll get a tough test with the Colts.  If he can keep play this well every week, the pieces are in place for the 49ers to make the playoffs.  Former first round pick Vernon Davis is having a breakout year.  (10)

11. Seahawks (2-4)

The Seahawks face the Cowboys after being off this week.  They could be tough on any given Sunday, but they won’t be making a run at the playoffs. (12)

12. Panthers (2-4)

After losing to the Buffalo Bills, their season is officially over.  The Panthers can now start taking in order to land a rookie QB to replace Jake Delhomme. (11)

13. Lions (1-5)

After a week off, the Lions take on the hapless Rams.  A win here and the Lions could be a part of the Rams’ very own 0-16 season. (13)

14. Redskins (2-5)

On the bright side, they didn’t lose to a winless team this week.  During the bye week, Jim Zorn will be working on his resume. No one will fault him if he accidentally deletes this season. (15)

15. Bucs (0-7)

This is what the good people of England are forced to watch? (14)

16. Rams (0-7)

Somehow Steven Jackson managed to break 100 yards on the ground again, despite being their only offensive weapon. (16)

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New York Giants: Keys to Beating the Arizona Cardinals

1. Rush The Quarterback

It may sound like a broken record, but the No. 1 priority every week is rushing the QB. 

We all saw what happened last week when the Giants couldn’t get a sniff of Drew Brees.  He picked them apart and moved the ball like he was playing a bunch of amateurs.

Kurt Warner might not be what he once was, but he’s still as accurate as anyone, and is talented enough to pick any team apart if given the time.

The Giants defense should be mad, and I don’t expect another repeat of last week’s performance.  But if they can’t generate a pass rush again, it’ll be another long game for the defense.

 

2. Step Up In Secondary

While covering the Saints’ receivers was challenging, covering the Cardinals’ receivers is a whole different ball game.  The Cardinals receiving corps is arguably the best in the game, boasting two of the league’s top receivers. 

Larry Fitzgerald is maybe the best in the league, and Anquan Boldin is one of the toughest players in the game.  Throw in Steve Breaston, who would be a starter on most teams, and you have a dynamic trio, all of whom recorded 1,000 receiving yards last season.

The Giants are going to need to fix whatever problems they had in the secondary, because the Cardinals’ offense runs through their passing game. 

Their 280 passing yards per game is sixth in the NFL, while their 57.6 rushing yards per game is league-worst.

The Giants will also have to deal with running back Tim Hightower as a receiver.  Through five games, he already has 29 receptions for 228 yards.

 

3. Play Disciplined

Last week, the Giants’ sloppy play victimized them to the tune of nine penalties for 110 yards, including two personal fouls on kick returns. 

This is not characteristic of a Tom Coughlin-coached team, and I’m sure he has dealt with the embarrassment in practice this week.

Needless to say, the Giants cannot win games if they rack up 110 penalty yards each week.

 

4.  Keep Pounding The Ball

Last week, the Giants were forced to get away from the run because they were down by so much.  But the few times they did run the ball, they actually looked pretty good. 

Ahmad Bradshaw had a nifty 10-yard touchdown run, and ended up gaining 48 yards on ten carries.

Brandon Jacobs, who has been maligned by the media and fans alike this season, had 33 yards on seven carries; good for a healthy 4.7 yards per carry.  It may not look like much, but it’s a step in the right direction for Jacobs.

The only problem is that they are facing a Cardinals team that is No. 1 in the NFL against the run, allowing under 60 yards per game (and a ridiculous 2.8 yards per carry). 

Still, the Giants shouldn’t let the opponent’s gaudy defensive stats scare them away from their game plan.

If the Giants do not fall behind early again, they will need to keep running the ball so they can establish their offense and eat away at the clock like they did so well last season.

 

5. Get Eli’s Mojo Going

Eli Manning had easily his worst game of the season, completing only 14 of his 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.  The interception was not all his fault, as Ahmad Bradshaw missed a blitz pickup. 

But by the same token, Eli cannot be given all of the praise for his touchdown pass, which was thrown behind Mario Manningham and was almost intercepted by Darren Sharper.  Eli also lost one fumble.

All day, something was just off about Manning’s performance.  Perhaps the play most indicative of this was when he missed a wide open Steve Smith by about one inch on what would have been a long touchdown pass.

This week, Eli will face the second worst pass defense in the NFL, so the goings shouldn’t be quite so tough.

Arizona is allowing 265 yards per game through the air, which is only better than the Titans’ whopping 311 per game.  Against a suspect pass defense, Eli will have every opportunity to get his groove back.

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