Giants Continue to Come Up Small
Crushed by Eagles in Philly
Posted on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 2:05 PMAt first when Big Blue lost to the Saints three weeks ago, all I heard was, "It was just one bad day at the office." Then, after they were beaten by Arizona at the Meadowlands, came, "Don't worry; the Giants are just in a slump."
On Sunday, the 5-2 Eagles embarrassed New York, 40-17. What happened to Big Blue's stout defense? For the third week in a row, they played soft, surrendering 391 yards (180 rushing) to a Philly offense that was playing without their top weapon, RB Brian Westbrook.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, who was visibly down after his team's third straight defeat, tried searching for answers but could only vow that his squad would continue to fight its way out of this mess.
As I have pointed out in the past, the problem is not just in one area. The offense lacks a high-scoring attack, the special teams unit has committed turnovers and bad penalties, and the once-proud defense hasn't had much of a pass rush to go along with their horrible coverage and tackling.
I wish I could say that it is just injuries; however, that would be inaccurate, as the young wideouts' play has forced opposing defensive coordinators to gang up on the once-powerful Giants ground attack.
Eli Manning has had defenders in his face the last three weeks while throwing six interceptions. Now, Eli has never been the most accurate QB in the NFL, but he lacks an experienced big target like Plaxico Burress to bail him out when he gets in trouble.
I will forever maintain that the NFL's best current WR/QB combination was the glue to making Big Blue special. The loss of Burress has resulted in defenses putting extra bodies in the box, taking away Brandon Jacobs' effectiveness while the Giants' defense is left to play more snaps on the field.
The last three winning teams were able to exploit these areas while taking advantage of first-year Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, who has had to overcome the loss of safety Kenny Phillips.
New York can blame the players' effort and the coaching, as they have dropped to third place in the NFC East at 5-3, but let's give credit to the opposition that has executed on the gridiron while Big Blue makes excuses off the field.
Sooner or later Giants GM Jerry Reese must look into the mirror and admit that his team just isn't super anymore.
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