The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Giants vs. Browns

Source: Hot Stove New York.

The Good: Domenik “That’s Not a Typo” Hixon scored three touchdowns in the first quarter of last night’s 37-34 victory over the Browns. He caught two TD passes from Eli Manning, and returned a free kick after a safety for an 82-yard touchdown. That’s a good three-game stretch never mind one quarter. The 23-year-old already showed his kick-returning prowess at the end of last season, and now maybe the Giants have another receiving threat. Both touchdown catches were impressive, as he had to drag his feet to stay in the end zone. The Giants played this game without Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith and still racked up 37 points. Depth at the receiving corps has never been a Giants strength, but maybe this year Manning will have many options to choose from. And with Kevin Boss replacing Jeremy Shockey, the QB will need a strong group of receivers.

Eli Manning had a good first quarter. He was four of seven for 52 yards and threw two TDs. He scrambled for a first down, and had a 53-yard gain on a pass interference call. It looks like the jittery, nervous Eli Manning is gone for good. A Super Bowl MVP will do that to you. He’s never going to be a stat machine, but he wins games.

A smattering of running backs rushed for a combined 201 yards. Danny Ware led all backs with 97 yards. Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 28 yards and a touchdown, Derrick Ward had 25 yards and Brandon Jacobs rushed for 24.

The starting defense was dominating. Osi Umenyiora knocked Derek Anderson out of the game. James Butler recovered a fumble and ran 95 yards for a touchdown. And most of Cleveland’s points came against the reserves. They look like they’re picking up right where they left off from last season.

The special teams blocked a punt in the end zone when Rueben Droughns pressured his blocker right into the Browns punter. And Hixon returned a kick for a TD

The Bad: The second and third stringers gave up 31 points, and almost lost the game. Ouch.

Backup QB Anthony Wright had to leave the game with a back injury, and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Josh Huston, filling in for Lawrence Tynes, missed his only field goal attempt.

The Ugly: The Monday Night Football crew was ugly. Maybe I’m prejudiced against all ESPN announcers because they all pretty much stink. The three men in the booth constantly talk over each other to make themselves heard. Ron Jaworski isn’t bad in the right situation but Tony Kornheiser has to go. Stick to PTI.