A win is a win is a win. Gertrude Stein said something like that, but what she failed to add is that a win, like a rose, usually smells pretty good, even if the process of making it did not.
So it is with the Giants much-needed 34-31 overtime win over the Falcons. It was as smelly and tense a game as you’d ever want to see, making it familiar territory for Giants fans. Nevertheless, the result left the Giants very much in the thick of the playoff hunt and essentially in control of their own destiny.
With that in mind, and with just six games remaining, Giants fans are going to have to get used to the state of their team, namely:
The defense is shot. In six games against quality opponents this year, the Giants defense has surrendered 195 points, or 32.5 per game. Their red-zone defense is among the league’s worst. Once the opposition crosses midfield, they looking to be running downhill. Justin Tuck is hurt. Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Chris Canty, Fred Robbins and the rest of what was supposed to be a deep, dominant front four have been anything but. The linebackers are slow and not particularly aggressive. The secondary, particularly the safeties, is vulnerable and even more exposed given the lack of a consistent pass rush. The losses of Kenny Phillips and Jay Alford hurt. The returns of Aaron Ross and Michael Boley may not be difference makers. Bill Sheridan has had his defense unprepared for what the opponent brought in at least two games, and looking passive, confused and helpless innumerable other times. Being an optimist, your Giants Talk blogger would not be surprised if this situation was rectified somehow, but don’t hold your breath.
The running game is shot. That might be overstating it a bit, but it is waning. The line has done a good job protecting Eli Manning, but the power running game is not there. Brandon Jacobs presents a large target and has been unable to get untracked. Ahmad Bradshaw is hurt. The coaching staff seems unwilling to get Danny Ware more engaged in the offense, whatever the reason. Don’t look for any dominating, 175-yard performances in the near future.
Sloppiness has crept back in. In their 2007 run to glory and all during 2008, the Giants played a crisp brand of football. Not anymore. All phases of special teams except kickoff returns are substandard, the kickers are erratic, and penalties have been on the rise. These are the most controllable aspects of the game. They need to be controlled.
It’s almost all on Eli and the receivers. Eli Manning began the season on an All-Pro pace, and the receiving corps that was a question mark during training camp suddenly became a strength. Manning injured his foot during the win against Kansas City, smoked the Raiders while playing less than a half, suffered through three sub-par performances during the recent losing streak, and returned to his early season form against the Chargers and Falcons. His game against the Falcons (25-39, 384, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 111.5 rating) was his best in Giants Stadium, and Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Dominick Hixon, Hakeem Nicks, Kevin Boss, and even Madison Hedgecock all made significant contributions. Manning didn’t make any excuses about his injury during the losing streak, and now looks to be back on track.
Coughlin is animated. We’ve all seen Tom Coughlin’s sideline demeanor, which typically ranges from aggravated to perplexed. On Sunday, he seemed to add another new wrinkle: motivating. The coach was signaling the crowd to bring up the volume, slapping backs, shouting encouragement – in all, a more engaged, passionate presence than we’ve come to expect. It looks like he’s trying to instill that same sort of attitude in his players. The defense could certainly use it.
What does this all mean?
It means that until further notice, you should be hoping for mild weather or at the very least light winds whenever the Giants take the field.
It means that if Brandon Jacobs can somehow get untracked, or some new wrinkle can be introduced into the running game, it can pay huge dividends.
It means that a return to mediocrity for the defense and the special teams can be looked as a step up.
It means that any return of flaky Eli could doom the Giants playoff hopes.
It means that the coach knows that his team must do more than merely go about their business if they are to have a chance.
It means that this is a different looking Giants team than the power football stalwarts of the championship seasons.
For now, it’ll have to do.
