Sunday, September 28, 2014

With Four in the Books, the Giants Feel Positive



With a quarter of the season in the books, the New York Giants seem to have finally gotten their act together.   After fans suffered through five weeks on ineptitude through the pre-season and embarrassing play against the Lions and Cardinals to open the season, things are starting to work.

The newly installed offense of coordinator Ben McAdoo, meant to shake up QB Eli Manning from his mid-career doldrums, shook up the fans as nothing worked through training camp and the first five quarters of the season.  Then, in the second quarter against the Cardinals, came the drive that woke up the sleeping Giants. 

Establishing the run with Rashad Jennings, finding WR Victor Cruz (who had been MIA in the first game) and completing a bobbled touchdown pass to WR Rueben Randle ignited the offense.  Despite Cruz’ drops which led to two quick special team blunders and a lost opportunity, Giant fans caught of glimpse of what was to come against the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins.

With Head Coach Tom Coughlin stressing positivity, the Giants built on the good things that worked in the Cardinals game.  A balanced attack, with the much-maligned but suddenly solid offensive line leading the way for 193 and 154 rushing yards, Manning throwing for 234 and 300 on 73% passing efficiency (and the revelation that is TE Larry Donnell), led the way to two blowout wins.  The defense turned into turnover machines, forcing opposing quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kurt Cousins to three and four interceptions respectively. 

Now at 2-2 and peaking, the Giants now step up in class as the Atlanta Falcons come to MetLife before the Giants hit the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and (after a bye) the Indianapolis Colts.  Another 2-2 record would be acceptable considering the competition, with the most important games coming in Philly and Little D. 

But if the offense keeps clicking, the defense keeps piling up turnovers, and the special teams just play solid, not spectacular, we could be looking at something special.

Post Note:
I appreciate all the positive response to these posts from you readers.  I wanted to let you know that I’ll be writing all my Yankee posts for Yanksgoyard.com, a Fansided website associated with SI.com.  You can catch my first article on there later today (Tanaka Finish Raises Yanks’ Anxiety Level).  You can always follow me on Twitter @allevy18 as the new Yankee articles go up.  I’ll still be tracking the Giants, Rangers and Knick (notice the order) on View form the Upper Deck.  Thanks!

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