Giants fans had hoped that the offensive spark displayed last week versus Atlanta would ignite this team to a return to dominance in the second half of the season.  Instead, every mistake and miscue that was made over the four game loosing streak was displayed for the entire nation to see on Thanksgiving.

The Giants have collapsed and the fan base was given a dose of reality tonight.  The four game loosing streak was no fluke, you can stop blaming injuries. This team is just not that good.  So what went wrong from 2008 to 2009?

This is what we do know.

1. The Defensive Coordinator

Bill Sheridan has ruined this defense.  Sheridan has taken Steve Spagnuolo's league leading sack machine to the WORST RANKED red zone defense in the league.  All in one year.

Did anyone see Chris Canty in pass coverage against the Broncos?  Has anyone seen Osi Umenyiora or Justin Tuck in pass coverage this season?  Yes, our passing rushing specialists are now required to cover tight ends instead of rushing the quarterbacks. 

The under-sized Broncos defense executed misdirection stunts all night with success; however one of the "best defensive lines" in football was nowhere to be found. 

The Giants defensive front should be taking control of any football game.  Bill Sheridan must be dismissed.

 

2. Offensive Coordinator

Kevin Gilbride has taken away any swagger this offense once had and all but dissolved the "identity" of this Giants football team.   Where is the smash mouth football that this team is known for? 

The in-your-face running attack of the New York Giants is nonexistent. 

Brandon Jacobs is not getting enough carries and Gilbride MUST stop calling the draw play. Wake up, Gilbride.

It has become predictable and everyone knows what you're calling—including the defense your facing. The play calling has been embarrassing!

 

3. Brandon Jacobs

A 260-pound tail back should not be taken down so easily.  Jacobs is all but shying away from contact and is being taken down with ease.  Arm tackles should never bring this guy down.

Where is the Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson, Eddie George-style of smash mouth football this guy used to display.  His speed is all but gone and his ferociousness has not been seen once this year.  He is missing the holes and blocks on a regular basis.  He is shell of his former self.

 

4. Offensive Line

Are they just a year older and a year slower?  Because this group is playing down right terrible.  The under-sized front four of the Denver Broncos out-muscled, and embarrassed the Giants offensive line.  They were pushed off the ball on numerous plays and out-smarted on more than half the snaps.

 

5. Aaron Ross

What happened to our promising first-round draft pick out of Texas?

Everyone was talking about a break-out year. Yet Ross has all but disappeared from the team and seems to be either in the dog house or on the way out of town. 

His injured hamstring held him off the field for what seemed like five weeks too long and now when the Giants need an impact player with great coverage and tackling skills...he is nowhere to be found.

With Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington and Carolina looming, it could be a 7-9 season unless something amazing happens.