Maybe the Giants should steal that "Believe in Blueland" crap from the Thrashers... Giants may be slightly better known for wearing blue. I think.
Little higher scoring and a little more lopsided than I thought, but a win is a win. Even when Eli throws two more ugly picks and loses a fumble.
THE GOOD
Clutch D: Falcons had three turnovers, two of which gave them starting field position in Giants territory. Results? No points, no first downs and 11 total yards on the three ensuing Falcons possessions.
Standouts for the game included Antonio Pierce, who attacked the line of scrimmage with ferocity -- he loves to play in Atlanta, I suppose, because he had a similarly good game last year there; Justin Tuck (yawn, again), who now records sacks with his helmet off; Michael Strahan, a beast against the run for most of the night; and Aaron Ross, who got turned around when trying to slow down Jerious Norwood but had another pick, a sack and showed more flashes before cramping up (more Gatorade, my man!).
Eli, version 1.0: The one who threw 12 straight completions for 177 yards and two scores. The one who put the ball where only his guys could get it. The one who executed two superb play fakes on the TD throws. The one who gets the play clock down but doesn't lose sight of the time.
Reuben Droughns: There were some internet rumors that maybe the Giants would trade him by the deadline today. With a couple inexperienced, banged-up guys ahead of him, Droughns is too valuable, and he proved it last night. He doesn't have the blazing speed, but he's durable, and he bounced off a few tacklers both on offense and kick returns.
Capt. Toomer: All-time leading Giants receiver with 587 catches, a record that should stand for a long while. One of the best in the league still at balancing along the sideline. He and Plax also blocked exceptionally well on the outside.
THE BAD
Eli, version 2.0: The one who underthrows targets. The one who holds the ball too long when John Abraham is ready to pounce. The one who scrambles but doesn't keep his eye down the field. The one who takes delay of game penalties or calls timeouts when he's not aware of the clock.
Sinorice Moss: A head-scratcher as to why he cannot use that speed of his to break away from defenders. The first-series catch should have been a first down. He had tons of room, but ran towards Michael Boley. Wonder if he'll ever be what they thought he would.
Sam Madison: Seemed to guess wrong a lot on playing "off" coverage against Roddy White. It's the scheme, to be sure, but you'd figure there'd be an adjustment at some point. Benefited from a few Falcons drops too.
The Falcons: Hoo, boy. Bad enough their fans boo the bejeesus out of them when they're down by less than a TD. How about the in-game entertainment director pumping out "Glory Days" after Derrick Ward's TD in the fourth quarter? They trying to keep the Giants fans coming back or something?
THE UGLY
Kickoffs: Chase Blackburn (good game for him on coverage) called it "demoralizing" that the unit had to basically find ways to keep the ball from Norwood's hands with a full head of steam and a solid wedge in front. That meant modified pooch kicks that didn't get inside the 10, plus a couple grounders from Lawrence Tynes. Norwood wasn't a threat, but man, it wasn't pretty.
That's all for now... Conference call with TC in a bit. Update if necessary.
Comments (8)
Any word on injuries? I noticed Jacobs and Ross were out for much of the 4th quarter (unfortunate for my fantasy football team). But maybe they were just being cautious since the game was beyond reach?
I believe Arthur mentioned that Ross cramped up
Moe Eli 1.0 and less 2.0. i tell myself before every game that Eli will undoubtably throw 2 tds and a pick, but 2 is pushing it.
I honestly think the Giants kickoff coverage would benefit from those squibs to the upbacks. Speed guys give them MAJOR trouble on returns.
And what is it with these players cramping up? Shouldn't the team's trainer/staff be making sure those more prone to cramping (i.e. Ross, Umenyiora) are doing the necessary hydrating during the week to be ready for a full 60 minues?
Any word from TC why Eli seems to be throwing picks in the 2 minute drill? Last year it seemed that's when he would shine.
I was voting for the pro bowl this afternoon when I realized the best DE in the NFC (Justin Tuck) was not on the ballot, just because he is not in the starting lineup. Whats up with that?
PS
Arthur, any idea when Tuck's contract is up?
Tuck contract runs until 2009. He is still on his rookie contract.
Arthur, you missed the ugly of our punt return. How many times is McQuarters going to fair catch a punt with no one around for 10 yards???