While many writers this week are re-capping the Steelers game [Fantastic] or looking forward to the best game of a Giants fan's season [Welcoming "Big D" back to the Big Apple], I decided to stray from the norm and discuss what we have learned about the defending champs though the first half of the season.
1. Eli Manning Has More Confidence Than Many Realized
Many people thought the four games that the Giants played in the postseason last year could potentially boost Manning's confidence. Boy, were they wrong.
It rocketed Eli's confidence and pocket presence. Without the three interceptions in the game at Cleveland, Eli only has had one interception in the six other games. If he can continue this, we could see some second half magic.
2. Any One Member of the Offensive Line Could Make the Pro-Bowl
The New York Giants have not had a lineman make the Pro-Bowl since 2001. It's a stat that really surprised me, but thankfully, I think it changes this year.
It was quite a show in Pittsburgh watching Big Ben hit the ground 10+ times, with five of them on sacks. Half the time, I can't even recall if Manning was even touched during his games. I won't even get started on their run blocking... Alright Fine I will...
3. Earth, Wind, and Fire Will Continue Dominance in the Second Half
The Giants coined this term when talking about our three elite running backs, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw.
When you have over three running backs averaging a total of five yards a carry, and one of them with close to twenty receptions [18, Derrick Ward], then you should be in pretty good shape the rest of the way.
4. If it is Third Down, There is a 90% Chance Steve Smith Will Get the Ball
Steve Smith currently has 29 receptions and 299 yards. One stat that can not be found on many stat sheets is the one that Smith is perfect in—third downs.
Smith has been Eli Manning's favorite target on third down by far. If he can continue the dominance, we could be looking at 60 catches, 600+ yards, and maybe even his first NFL touchdown.
5. Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka are Scary Good
People knew that Tuck was going to continue dominance last year, but that was hindered by Umenyiora going down. Since then however, Tuck has been an animal, on pace to get more than ten sacks...again.
Mathias Kiwanuka was also a question mark being inserted into his old role of defensive end. But boy did he break out against the Steelers, getting three sacks and a forced fumble.
Rest of the Year
It should be a great second half for the Giants and they have some tough opponents coming up. Their eight remaining games are against teams that all have a winning record, but rest assured when this team DOES make the playoffs, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Written By, Edited By, and Developed by Travis Rand New York Giants Bleacher Reporter
12 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Edgar Antonio Nunez 8 months ago
Hey Travis--
1. Not only is Eli's confidence growing, but my confidence in Eli is growing as well--can you think of too many other quarterbacks now playing who you'd rather see the ball in his hands in the fourth quarter than Eli?
2. I think you're right and I heard this in a recent Giants game on TV. In fairness, I think they've only in the last two seasons really gelled.
3. 'Nuff said.
4. Smithy is one of the league's best kept secrets. He has a knack for being clutch. How often does Burress or Toomer make the big touchdown catch but everyone forgets all the third-down conversions in between made by Smith?
5. Again 'nuff said. Wait 'til next year with Osi back in the trenches. Yikes.
6. Good article.
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David Brodian 8 months ago
How about the defensive line must get pressure on the qb every down because our corners are only mediocre?
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Travis Rand 8 months ago
I think Aaron Ross is better than he has been playing and may be lacking confidence. At least Kenny Phillips is looking solid at the safety position =]
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David Brodian 8 months ago
Agreed, but Ross has worried me the last 2 weeks. I thought the Browns game was a fluke as he played so well last year. It seems like he keeps getting cramps in his legs, which I don't understand at this point in the year. Kenny Phillips is a beast!
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Travis Rand 8 months ago
Yeah I love Phillips! He layed the smackdown on Moore last week. SO funny. Didnt even lead with the helmet, just another crap call. Still though, he is a future probowler
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David Brodian 8 months ago
Yup gotta love his aggressiveness. He has unparalleled closing speed.
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David Geller 8 months ago
I'm a little worried about the youth of our secondary. Butler is our oldest guy back there, and when things go awry, I'm worried there's no veteran prescence that can be our glue to hold things together.
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Travis Rand 8 months ago
While I agree with that a LITTLE bit, I think that in 2-3 years, we could have an elite backfield.
Jerry Reese is better than everyone in finding gold. And for the 2-3 years that we have to wait, we need our defensive line to stay as elite as ever.
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David Geller 8 months ago
When Osi comes back he will be a beast next year. I have a feeling that stuff that got cleaned out of his knee in August had been lingering there since his second or third year in the league.
He's going to be fresh, and he will be a monster. If we can retain Spags that D will be deadly.
And we're 6-1 now. Life is good...
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Travis Rand 8 months ago
Yeah it's a GIVEN that we keep Spags.
It wasn't very public last year, but when we resigned Coughlin and Spags, we signed them both for 3 years. Which is basically telling Tom that in three years it will be time to pass the torch. Im about to read your cowboy article now =]
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Alex McVeigh 8 months ago
Great points.
Question:
Who do you think is Earth, Wind and Fire?
I think it goes:
Jacobs - Earth (probably no argument there)
Bradshaw - Wind
Ward - Fire
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David Geller 8 months ago
The players said on ESPN this past weekend that Jacobs was Earth, Bradshaw fire, and Ward wind.
I tried to leave that on the feedback but for some reason it wasn't working...
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