Return to Giants Football This Sunday Against the Redskins
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to all Giants fans and their families! Since our bye last week, we have a lot more to be thankful for – seems like both the Cowboys and Eagles are really starting to implode big time. With that said, the Giants still have 6 tough games to secure a play-off berth by winning the NFC East.
No one can ignore the fact, that the Giants have been improving as a whole – the Defense is playing better and the offense seems to be playing efficiently as well by limiting the turnovers. To really secure their standing the team must return to playing “Giants Football”. So what does that mean?
1) Defense is able to close out games
Even though this season, the Giants offense had atleast 3 opportunities to close out games, I believe Giants football is still focused on solid defensive play. That means shutting down teams with little time left on the clock. Listen, I would be ecstatic if the Giants offense could put a nail in the coffin each week but I don’t think that can be expected without a solid running attack, yet. With the return of JPP, the defense is starting to believe that they can compete at the line. The impact has been very noticeable. Also, we’re getting Prince Akamura back so that should help secure the secondary. Also, the play of LB Brinkley has been very impressive and we hope to see him continue to improve. So yes, they should be able to start closing out games!
2) Limit the offensive turnovers
The last few games, Eli and crew have been able to accomplish this very effectively. As a result, we’ve been in every game till the end. (and yes, we should have won at-least 2 more games.
3) Controlling the game clock / time of possession
The best way to control the game clock to hold on to the ball. An effective running game is critical for ball control and chewing up as much of the clock as possible. Our current approach, running by committee is has been problematic. I just don’t see how any back can get into the zone when he’s being pulled out every few snaps or possessions. They really need to pick 1 or 2 featured backs and maybe have a 3rd down back. Really looks like Jennings and Dwarka should be sharing the load in first and second downs and Vreen should get the ball on 3rd downs. So where does that leave Williams?? No where for now.. he will be a back up and will be called upon as necessary.
Now’s let take a look at this week’s match up against the Redskins, ranking wise:
Offense
Giants – 14th Place
Redskins – 27th Place
Defense
Giants – 31st Place
Redskins – 22nd Place
Giants really need to get their run game back on track again this week, Redskins have been struggling against the run. This is great game for the Giants to play “classic Giants football” I think they can and I think they will. Go Big Blue!
Vito