Defense? What Defense? Giants Shred Ravens
Big Blue runs all over Baltimore for big win
Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 4:07 PMAll week long, the only thing discussed was the Baltimore Ravens and their dominating defense. And although most experts picked the New York Giants to win on Sunday, it did not prevent them from praising Ray Lewis & Co.
Well, that praise did not fall onto deaf ears. Big Blue heard it – they heard it loud and clear.
So, what happened when the unstoppable force met the immovable object? Let's just say it went exactly as the Giants and their fans planned.
No, the Ravens didn't allow a 100-yard rusher, which extended their streak to 29 consecutive games, but they did give up more than 205 yards on the ground, the most since 1997. And while I hate to toot my own horn, I'd like to let it be known it that I had this game pegged.
POSITIVES:
1) Earth, Wind and Fire
Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 210 yards on 31 carries. Not a bad day when you're going up against the league's number one rush defense, huh? They ran right into the heart of the Ravens defense and right over the loud-mouthed Ray Lewis.
2) Cornerback Aaron Ross
Early in the game, I was fully prepared to list Ross as one of the Sunday negatives. But after being burned by Derrick Mason, Ross found a little internal motivation. He quickly made up for his earlier blunders, recording two interceptions, including one that was returned to the house for a touchdown.
3) Giants Offensive Line
People will talk endlessly about the job the Giants' running backs did, but it wouldn't have been possible if not for a tremendous game courtesy of the offensive line. As they've done time and time again, they opened huge holes for the running backs and did a great job blocking downfield.
4) Other Notables
Punter Jeff Feagles(three punts, 46.0 yard average), linebacker Antonio Pierce (seven tackles) and Fred Robbins (good job against the run, one tackle and one blocked field goal).
NEGATIVES:
1) Giants Defensive Line
Outside of a Mathias Kiwanuka sack late in the fourth quarter, the Giants d-line really struggled. Joe Flacco was given tons of time in the pocket and outside containment was almost nonexistent.
2) Kicker Lawrence Tynes
Sure, Tynes made his one field goal attempt, but his kickoffs were horrendous. They were routinely short and one even managed to find its way out-of-bounds.
3) Kickoff Coverage Unit
Even when Tynes was able to get the ball inside the five, the Ravens would bring it back out around the 30-yard line. They averaged 25.5 yards per return and were regularly handed solid starting field position.
4) Other Notables
Penalties (eight for 65 yards) and injuries (Aaron Ross, Brandon Jacobs, Chase Blackburn, Kareem McKenzie and Michael Johnson – severity on all is unknown).
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