Giant Defense Crushes Cutler

The Giant defense had a huge outing yesterday, registering an all time first half with 9 sacks on Chicago's Jay Cutler. Many will say, "Defense is back for Big Blue" but I would be cautious before you start chanting Super Bowl. It's a relief that NY has many positives to build on and we all await the day for both sides of the ball to be on the same page, in the same game. A win is a win but the 17-3 final score does not reflect the missed opportunities that the
Giants gave up on offense.

NY's defense provided a nostalgic segue to half time's "Ring of Honor" ceremony. It was really great to see the Giants return to their roots and all 30 inductees must have felt sense of pride seeing the Bears go 3 and out on multiple drives. Jay Cutler spent most of the half on the ground or running for his life until corner back Aaron Ross finally put him out of his misery. Cutler left the game with a concussion after smacking his head on the turf during a corner blitz.

Career backup QB Todd Collins took over at the half and didn't do much better. He was knocked around and replaced by the third string QB after a brutal hit. I must mention that the Giants will not see this type of offense for the rest of the season or until the next time they play the Bears. Chicago doesn't run the ball much and hardly ever uses max protect packages; leaving the QB vulnerable. Also, the Bears QB's utilize a 7 step drop back that gives them less time to set up and they hold onto the ball 2 or 3 seconds longer then they should. Cutler had many WRs open in the middle of the field but chose to play street ball often looking for deep passes and the big play. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is known for these "wacky" offenses and unfortunately the Giants won't encounter a team like this again.

Onto NY's offense. In a word, "Torturous". When your defense is playing this well, you must put away the game sooner then later. WR's are still dropping well thrown balls and Eli's looked frustrated. I've noticed that Manning tends to get sloppy after his receivers drop easy catches. I can't tell you what the score might have been without all the mistakes that were made on offense. The Bears defense played well at best but it was the Giants who were still shooting themselves in the foot by not converting turnovers into touchdowns.

Bradshaw played well but I'm getting increasingly concerned about his tendency to put the ball on the ground in a big spot. He broke off a nice run and was 5 yards from a TD. For some reason, he slowed down and didn't see a Bear's defender coming up from behind to strip him. Lost opportunity. I can't say for sure but it appeared Bradshaw was looking at himself on the screen while running. Unacceptable.

Brandon Jacobs: I like you less and less every week. What happened to this guy? Don't let his 62 yards and 1 TD fool you. His one yard six point scamper was set up after a big catch by by WR Hakeem Nicks. And his 62 yards rushing? Padded stats that came late in the game. His first carry was a fumbled exchange between he and Manning. By rule, missed exchanges of this type are reflected as a fumble for the QB. But anyone who was watching seen that it was Brandon's fault for sure. The Giants went back to Jacobs and he almost put another one on the ground. For a player who says he wants to contribute, he surely goes out of his way to do the opposite and give Tom Coughlin stroke face. 

When will NY at least consider bringing in another punter? Matt Dodge is quickly becoming a walking coined phrase. Football scouts in the future will see a punter with his ability or disability and say, "Wow booming leg, inconsistent, he's a Matt Dodge." Mark my words, Dodge will cost the Giants a big game. He's only comfortable kicking when the Giants have a decent lead and is otherwise a mistake laden bundle of nerves that has too much negative impact. Dodge botched a hold on a field goal attempt. Laces out Matt! At one point he dropped the snap and took off running. He could've keep going and picked up a first but decided to punt on the run. What? Punting is supposed to be nearly automatic but this guy makes it out to be as difficult to pull off as a 64 yarder into the wind. 

All in all NY made it out with a win but we can't go backwards gentlemen. This is the time to take what you did and maximize potential. With 3 of 4 NFC East teams tied for first, Now is the perfect moment to play Giant football. Run the ball and defense. Fair weather fans will be bored to death but this equation translates into regular season wins and post season glory. Take a bow and move on to Houston.

Here we go Gi-ants! Here we go!