Bleacher Report - Articles by Jared Karlebach

New York Giants are Coughling It Up, One Step at a Time

Jared Karlebach — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:56:07 -0500

Fi-re Cough-lin!

Remember that chant way back in 2006 just a year before winning the Super Bowl? Most dedicated Giants fans do.

I will be the first to admit that I aided in that chant, only to regret it the past two years, only to love it once again. Flip-flopper, sure, but have I become a realist about the situation...absolutley!

I was mad back in 2006, I felt like Tom wasn't the guy, too hard and demanding on the players, failing to give the team a players coach with discipline that so many fans hoped for after seeing Jim Fassel's vacation like approach. Coughlin gave us a military like dictatorship that only disgruntled players. We found no middle ground.

And then came 2007, the stand against the Redskins with our record at 0-2, and all of a sudden in the blink of an eye the storm cleared and Coughlin became this changed man, loved by players, winning over the fans, and leading the team towards greatness.

Oh it was beautiful with the Super Bowl coming back to New York followed by a 2008 campaign that had us with best record in the NFC. Yes sir, things looked good.

Then came 2009, and after a brief run of the easiest teams in the league, minus Dallas, we actually played some real competitors and found ourselves right back in 2006, a talented team that seemed lost in leadership.

So what gave way? The front office was blind as to the reason for Coughlin's success. Steve Spagnuolo made Coughlin that great coach, brought him that super bowl, and saved his job. Then Spags left, and so did the Giants success, bringing the team from great back to average.

Those two years of 07 and 08 were based on a tremendous defense and a vanilla offense. The running game was superb, but as I have written before, the offense always underachieved, which was sad considering Coughlin is suppose to be an offensive minded guy.

With Spags gone, the reality of Coughlin is back. We are again predictable on offense, and inept on defense with Bill "Tim Lewis" Sheridan running the show. While I would love to rant on Sheridan and Kevin "Killdrive" Gilbride, let us look at really who is in the headlights. Coughlin...

He is the one who brings in the coordinators, who promoted Gilbride after having the incapable Huffnagel, who had Time Lewis and now Sheridan. His one saving grace for coordinators was Spags. The front office should have seen this and made its move to retain him, even if that meant letting Coughlin go. The Giants have not won a playoff game without Spags.

Spags had a confidence, charisma, and swagger about him, one that without saying a word, could rally and muster a defense towards greatness. Players loved him and wanted to play for him. I cannot say the same for Sheridan whom Osi Umenyiora walked out on way back in training camp.

At the time it looked like nothing major, but today it seems there may have been more to it. I continue to say that the Giants and Spagnuolo won that Superbowl despite Coughlin and Gilbride.

With the Chargers this past week, it is clear that Coughlin needs to go, he is nothing without a tremendous defensive coordinator. At the end of the game, after deciding to play for the field goal rather than the win, after failing to believe in his players and his 100 million dollar quarterback to get the win, this is what Tom had to say,

"We didn’t want to turn the ball over, obviously."

I'm not sure I understand Coach Coughlin. You have a franchise, number one overall pick in Eli Manning, arguably one of the best offensive lines in football, and one of the best recievers in the league this year in Steve Smith, and you are scared that the ball might get turned over? Would Bill Belichick be scard, Mike Tomlin, Sean Payton, or Jim Caldwell? I think not.

In my honest opinion, the players do have to execute, but when the opposing defense seems to know what is coming, the opposing offensive knows what kind of blitzes are being called, and the fans in the stands can predict the next play, it seems that the onus is squarely on the coaches.

It does not matter how talented the players are if the scheme is flawed. The talent has simply masked the inefficiencies of the coaching staff until this point.

The Giants are deep at almost every position, but safety, and have talent coming out of their ears, and that is the reason why they are successful to a point. Mix that talent with a creative and intelligent coaching staff that plays to the strengths of its players, and is able to make mid-game adjustments and you have a Super Bowl caliber team once again.

The giants have missed out on great coaches in the past from Landry to Lombardi who were on the Giants staff. More recently, John Fox and Steve Spagnuolo. It is time we get it right and go after Bill Cowher.

Does this mean a shift back to a 3-4? I cannot say, but I would take it, if it meant seeing a capable coaching staff on the field. Regardless, Clark and Blackburn are backups who are starting, Kehl, Sintim, Goff, and Wilkinson deserve a look at this point, but it seems like they are not fully getting a fair shot.

I am sick of seeing players utilized incorrectly, case in point, how long did it take to get Hixon back returning kick's and punts? He was never a good enough receiver to protect him like that, but Coughlin did.

Time to move on from Coughlin and give the players a chance to live up to their talent.

You Play to Win the Game!

Brandon Jacobs: Play Him or Sit Him Sunday?

Jared Karlebach — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:57:52 -0500

At this point in the season it is a reality that the New York Giants will need to re-sign Brandon Jacobs. He is the fire, the passion, and the tone setter for a hard-nosed physical, run-it-down-your-throat football team.

There's no better example of how he can set a tone for a game than the first Giants' offensive play from scrimmage last year in the playoffs against Green Bay when he nearly took Charles Woodson out of the game.

He is important enough to give him the big money even if you know you will get only 12 to 15 games out of him per year. However, with the position the Giants are in, I don't deem it necessary to make him play this Sunday against Carolina and risk further injury. He is more valuable for the Giants in the playoffs healthy than he is of value hurt, but with a No. 1 seed. History tells us that you don't have to be the top seed to win.

As for the 0-2 slump, I would not chalk that up to his injury. While he makes winning easier, this team is good enough, talent-wise, to win anyway. The real question is, do the Giants have the right coach in place to devise a winning game plan?

That question falls on the shoulders of Kevin Gilbride. The last two weeks, Giants fans have seen some very poor play calls, most of which revolve around the absence of short quick passes and screens.

Against Philadelphia and Dallas, Gilbride was out-coached. Two very important games considering the Giants would prefer not to see either of them in playoffs and could have dashed the hopes of both in two consecutive weeks.

Both opponents made mid-game adjustments to put the necessary points on the board. The Giants, however, failed to make any adjustments. It has gotten to the point that players on other teams feel the play calling has become predictable and the only challenge is stopping what they seem to know is coming.

Brandon Jacobs is the life blood of this Giants squad; he is the voice. Not to take anything away from the silent leadership Manning has displayed, but Jacobs is the energy.

Either way, the Giants have proven they can win on the road and at home and so home field advantage means little to this team as compared to teams who can only win at home. Rest Jacobs and make sure he is ready to set the tone in the playoffs.

I hate to pick against the G-men, but if Gilbride continues his play calling, he will not only cost the Giants this win on Sunday, but also a win in the playoffs.

Prediction: Panthers over Giants 21-17

The Big Blue Nine: Names You Don't Often Hear

Jared Karlebach — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:06:33 -0500

Like all great teams, the Giants have their stars who hog the headlines, fill the commentators' useless time, and become the faces of the franchise.

For the New York Giants, there are the usual suspects of Eli Manning, Justin Tuck, Antonio Pierce, Tom Coughlin, and for the last time possibly Plaxico Burress (sometimes good, sometimes bad, always a roller coaster of a ride with him).

All great teams, though, require some amount of depth and individuals who perform largely under the radar.

These individuals are in many ways, just as valuable as the big names and require some praise, so here is a list of some of the invaluable players that keep this train rolling...

1. Sam Madison CB

Once a fairly big-time name in the game and an elite corner, Madison's time as a starter is for the most part over (unless he wants a gig in Detroit). However, even with little playing times these days, he is still giving 100% on game day helping the younger players, coaching them, and making sure the secondary is on their game each and every down. I can't help but think that Madison's presence is a big reason for this young Giant's secondary to be as good as they are both at the safety and corner positions. I hope there is a coaching spot for him when he hangs up his cleats.

2. Kevin Boothe OL

Aside from winning my BLG award (Biggest looking Giant), Boothe has played a very important role as the first offensive lineman off the bench at both the tackle and guard positions. When Guy Whimper was injured in the beginning of the year, Boothe stepped in as the next guy in line and boy has he done his work. They often say that if you are hearing an offensive lineman's name it is probably not a good thing, but you never hear this kid's name, EVER! He is versatile and solid, and when he plays the offense does not slow down, a gem off the bench.

3. Barry Cofield DT

Three words that describe the productive Cofield; Smart, durable, and effective. He doesn't miss a down, is quick and strong, and yet for some unknown reason, he is the forgotten piece of a most fearsome Giants Defensive line. He is a run stopper who has the ability to make a push and rush the passer. He is not flashy, but he is a blue collar worker if you ask me, who gives you everything you ask for.

4. Chase Blackburn LB

I'm convinced that if you asked this kid to play corner he would succeed before too long. Again, like Cofield he is not flashy, but it seems like he is always in on the play. A long time special teams stand out who always is making the tackle, Blackburn has had the chance to start at LB for a few games and has not disappointed, the defense keeps on rolling. A great role player and very unselfish. Did I mention smart?

5. Jeff Feagles P

I'm going to make this one short. If you want a team pinned inside the 20, you call on Mr. Feagles to get it done. He doesn't have the strongest leg in the world, but it might be the most accurate. Can always be counted on!

6. Reuben Droughns RB

I was never high on Droughns and thought that keeping him around this year was pointless, but as it turns out he provides leadership in a young backfield, adequate depth at an already deep position, and contributes on special teams. The most amazing part about him is that he never complains. A great team player with veteran experience and leadership.

7. Madison Hedgecock FB

Another one of Jerry Reese's steals. Ever since joining the Giants, he has done nothing but open up holes for one of the best rushing attacks in the league, never getting a carry, and rarely catching a pass, Hedgecock is asked to plow open holes for his teammates, something he seems to relish doing. Not to mention he adds some comic relief as well.

8. Jay Alford DT

The first defensive tackle off the bench who made himself known as a rookie in the Superbowl with one of the most memorable hits on a QB in a big game. He does more than just fill in a DT though, where he has developed into a dependable player, he also handles the field goal snapping duties. He makes this list because he has solidified the field goal snapping job without worrying Giants fans, something Giants fans lacked for a few years earlier this decade.

9. Peter Giunta: Secondary Coach

He came over from Kansas City a few years back and has turned the secondary into a formidable unit. Corey Webster has developed under him, Aaron Ross is starting in only his second year, and he has developed a pair of safeties in Michael Johnson and James Butler (Drafted in the seventh round and undrafted respectively) into a ball hawking, hard hitting team. Once considered a weakness of our defense, Giunta has helped elevate this unit into a strength. Of course having a great pass rush doesn't hurt either.

Giants over Eagles: 31-13

New York Giants Still Have Room for Improvement

Jared Karlebach — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:22:33 -0500

The Giants' offensive play calling against the Arizona Cardinals to say the least was disappointing.

It was not at all the type of game that the Giants should have been looking to have against a high voltage offensive team like the Cards. Teams like the Cardinals who have an explosive offense and lack luster defense want games that become shootouts, and the last thing the Giants should have allowed was a shootout.

However, this was not the case, and I put no blame on the defense as stopping the Cardinals offense is not an easy task as they average around 380 yards per game and about 28 points per contest, you can only hope to contain them.

The game plan should have been to run the ball, control the clock, and not allow the Cards offense on the field. Kevin Gilbride, offensive coordinator for the Giants, failed at doing so, choosing a shoot out over a show down.

Here are some interesting statistics I found about the game that explain where the Giants went wrong, allowing this game to be a close eight point victory:

1. Giants' time of possession was 30:27 compared to the Cards' 29:23.

Yes the Giants controlled the clock for a mere one minute and 14 seconds more than their opponents. Equal time on the field for both offenses inevitably led to the game becoming a shootout and a high scoring affair.

Either the Giants didn't execute, or the play calling was to blame. In this instance it was the play calling no doubt because the Giants put up big points, but not because of the run, which meant not holding onto the ball and limiting the chances the Cards offense would have.

Throwing more than running usually does not lead to a ball control game, which leads me to my next point...

2. Kevin Gilbride went away from the run.

The Giants ran the ball 25 times compared to 33 passes. This is a fairly balanced game plan, except when you should be trying to control the clock.

The Giants only ran the ball on back to back plays FIVE times out of the 25 runs compared to eleven back to back pass plays throughout the game. The Giants are the best running team in football and in a 60 minute game they managed only to call five back to back running plays.

Very few, if any running backs in football can get going and get a rhythm running that sporadically throughout a game. The number of back to back plays should really be four times though as one of those instances came at the end of the first half when trying to run out the clock and kill the cards timeouts.

3. Ahmad Bradshaw was not used.

Now when Brandon Jacobs is available it is understandable that Bradshaw is limited, but Jacobs was not available and all of a sudden the Giants went from a three back system to a one back system.

Is this odd to anyone else? Let's do the math. You have earth, wind, and fire. An earthquake happens and earth needs to take a break, that leaves you with wind and fire. That is still a two back system!

Bradshaw received four carries throughout the game, his work load practically decreased with Jacobs out and Gilbride failed to give him the chance to create a spark in the running game as usual.

4. Too much passing on first down.

Almost half of the Giants pass plays came on first down (15/33) compared to only eight runs on first down (8/25). However it should really have been 16 passes and seven runs because of the very first play of the game in which there was a penalty setting the Giants back quickly at which point the pass play on first was changed to a run.

This does not bode well when trying to control the clock and leads me to believe Gilbride was content with a shootout, a shootout that the Cards wanted and could have won the game with.

5. Gilbride is somewhat predictable.

Now this may be nit-picking but to say that NFL defenses would not recognize this is simple just not true. I for one believe the Cards knew what was coming in the following situation.

The Giants passed the ball on first down and followed it with a run on second down 10 times in the game. In these pass then run plays on first and second down, the pass was successful setting up seven out of those 10 plays with a second and less than five run situation.

Well, Gilbride ran all seven of those second and short chances.

I have no problem with this except when defenses know that it is coming. Fifty-seven percent of the time the Giants did not convert on these short yardage runs. In short, a successful first down pass setting up second and short, meant a run. The Cards knew it and stopped it more than it succeeded.

You run to set up the pass, that is how the Giants work, but not how they called the game on Sunday, not to mention it seems that the Cards knew when the run was coming after being "set-up" by the pass.

You run to set up the pass so the play action is successful, play action's ability to fake a defense is limited when passing to set up the run.

Conclusion

I want to make this very clear, my disappointment in Gilbride is not because I want a new coordinator to put up more points, gain more yards, etc.

This is about wanting a smarter offensive coordinator who calls a smart game plan even if it means less points, but a more comfortable victory. A coordinator who utilizes all talent on the team, not just that talent when players are hurt or suspended. A coordinator who when running the ball, doesn't randomly go into shotgun on on first down and pass on three straight downs.

It is as though Gilbride out thinks himself sometimes.

To me Kevin Gilbride is like watching Lawrence Tynes kick field goals, always unsure if he is going to kick it properly. Yes, the Giants are 10-1, a high scoring team, and in great shape. It is hard to change something that has been working, but I tend to question whether the play calling is working because of the offensive talent or because of the play calling itself.

I tend to side with the players talents which in turn are masking Gilbride's short comings as an offensive coordinator.

People will say that I should be content, the Giants won the game, and are on cruise control. My response is that there is always another level and you should always be looking to get better, just like Jerry Reese is always looking to improve the personnel.

To me the weakest link is Gilbride and we can get better in that deparment. If you are not looking to improve, other teams eventually catch up to you.

I for one would like to get even better.

Giants over Redskins: 27-17

Five Things We Learned About The Giants against the 'Niners

Jared Karlebach — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:23:20 -0400

1. The Giants' offensive talent masks Gilbride's incompetence.

The individual talent of the players on the Giants' offense is near the top of the league, if not at the top, so it comes as no surprise that most of the play calls go smoothly because of how good the players really are. However, the play calling is very, very poor.

For example, the Giants went to shotgun for an entire drive after effectively running the ball. They also threw a fade to Burress on 3rd-and-goal instead of giving Eli Manning some options. These mistakes are inexcusable, and Gilbride needs to be replaced.

2. When in need of a spark, Bradshaw needs to touch the ball, not Burress.

This kind of goes back to my last point about Gilbride. Burress doesn’t seem to provide that emotional and energetic spark, mainly because if the play doesn’t go well, his attitude sucks the life out of the team more than anything. Bradshaw, on the other hand, is a spark plug.

He is energetic and seems to get the team around him going, not to mention the fans. To barely allow him to touch the ball this season is a crime, regardless of how many running backs are on the team. Bradshaw should, at the very least, be involved in some passing plays and screens similar to the way the Saints use Reggie Bush.

Even after the two carries by Bradshaw which seemed to ignite the team a little, Gilbride did not go back to him for three straight plays, which led to a field goal attempt. Again, inexcusable!

3. The Giants are a more efficient passing team without Burress.

This is not to be confused with an "explosive" offense. Without Burress, the ball is not forced to him and the distribution is excellent. When Burress is in, guys like Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, Kevin Boss, and Ahmad Bradshaw don’t see the ball at all. That leaves Burress, Jacobs, Ward, Toomer, and Smith to get the ball, throughout the game. Inevitably, the ball gets forced to Burress.

4. Mathias Kiwanuka needs more coaching.

I thought he would have a big game, but I was dead wrong. Joe Staley shut him down for the most part one-on-one. Kiwanuka seems to have one move and one move only. Run around the offensive lineman.

He has not shown a bull rush, swim move, or anything that would allow him to get pressure inside, rather than outside. He needs to improve this if he wants to help this Giants team.

5. Fred Robbins is as valuable as Justin Tuck on the defensive line.

He stops the run and rushes the passer, and has been the most consistent lineman this season. He is playing at a Pro Bowl level and no one has proven to be capable of stopping him. His counterpart, Barry Cofield, has been a trusty sidekick, as well.

Bonus point: Madison Hedgecock is a tremendous actor!

Mathias Kiwanuka of the NY Giants Could Have a Big Game

Jared Karlebach — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 05:27:59 -0400

Mathias Kiwanuka is in a prime position to have a break out game. Everyone knows that this New York Giants team should come out flying, especially the defense, who should feel embarrassed after their last performance. That should mean increased pressure on the quarterback.

With that said, Justin Tuck should attract most of the attention. Fred Robbins will be his usual dominant self in the middle, and Barry Cofield will occupy some space as well.

That leaves Kiwanuka singled up on Joe Staley. Kiwanuka has faced elite tackles all season from Joe Thomas, Orlando Pace, and Walter Jones. This week it will not be an elite tackle, and that means all that Kiwanuka learned earlier this season should pay off and lead to a break out game. Look for two sacks and a couple of hurries.

A quick side note, with rookie Bryan Kehl starting at linebacker, the giants could be looking at the future. This kid has looked good and everyone is high on him. Good luck to Kehl!

New York Giants Defense set to Fence in Browns on Monday Night

Jared Karlebach — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 06:33:08 -0400

With the New York Giants Monday night game fast approaching, it is time to take a look at how the defense may perform. First, the Giants in recent years have not excelled on Monday night, however this team is different, they excelled in the Superbowl, after the bye week, and now they will do so on Monday night. I'm convinced of it, and if you don't believe me, believe in the Giants Defense.

They will be going up against a Cleveland Browns offense who ranks 32nd in the league right now with a paltry 210 yards per game and 31st in the league in points per game at only 11.5.

Match that up now against a very stout and well coached Giants defense who ranks third in the league in yards per game allowed and second in points per game allowed at 236 ypg and 12.3 points per game respectively. Paper never tells the whole tale though.

Cleveland has a very talented offensive line, highlighted by Joe Thomas. It is because of Thomas that I don't expect Mathias Kiwanuka to have a huge impact on the game. If he does have any success at all against Thomas it will be due to the fact that he has been matched up against elite LT's the whole season (Orlando Pace and Walter Jones) which should lend itself to more effectiveness against such a talent as Thomas.

In the pre-season the Giants wreaked havoc on Derek Anderson, even knocking him out of the game at one point. I wouldn't say by any measure though that this is an indication of things to come, but Anderson might want some extra padding this game.

For starters he will most likely be without one of the best TE's in the league in Kellen Winslow Jr. Winslow Jr. is a solid blocker and a comfort target in the passing game for Anderson. That is one less target the Giants need to worry about in the passing game leaving a little more room for some Spagnuolo blitz happy packages.

With Winslow Jr. out this leaves one legitimate threat in the passing game, Braylon Edwards. A tall physical and talented reciever, he will no doubt be the focal point of the Giants secondary. The Giants don't always do well either against elite wide recievers.

TJ Houshmanzadeh had a big day against the Giants this year and when it comes time to play the Cowboys and Terrell Owens, hopefully this game will help because Owens always finds a way to hurt the G-men. Regardless, Edwards will have to be stopped and should be stopped as the Giants will have the luxury to have two men on him most of the time.

While the weakness of the Giants defense, it could be argued, are the linebackers outside of Antonio Pierce, this should not be a problem this week as it hasn't been any week.

The DT duo of Cofield and Robbins will continue to control the line of scrimmage allowing Pierce to make sure everyone else is in the right place ready to fly around and make the tackles. Again, with Winslow Jr. out it takes that much more pressure off of the linebacking core.

With all of this being said, I expect two players to have big days, the first may not be much of a surprise, Justin Tuck. Kevin Shaffer, the starting RT, for the Browns is a little beaten up from what I understand, which may slow him down a little, even with TE help (backup TE help) you have to give the edge to Tuck. Not to mention I think he is due for a big game here.

The next player on my list is Kenny Phillips, whether he starts or not he will get his playing time and he will lay a big hit on Braylon Edwards at some point in this game and introduce himself to the NFL in a big way.

Derek Anderson will be having to get the ball out quickly with the Giants bringing the heat and Phillips will be right there to capitalize on it, as even Donte Stallworth has a slight Quad injury. Expect him to lay some hits, and either register a sack or interception.

Overall I see the Giants defense giving up ten points, with the attention paid to Edwards, I see one of the other receivers making the TD grab. The running game for the Browns will be virtually non-existent, Jamal Lewis looks only average this year, and not fast enough to evade the Giants blitzing schemes to get to the second level.

Many may think that all of this Giants success on defense is because of the schedule thus far, easy teams such as St. Louis. However as easy as this may have been, I think this defense is for real. They are more talented than the Superbowl defense that shut down the "greatest" offense ever and as always are extremely well coach with Spagnuolo.

He coaches to the strengths of the players and so far it has worked. They may give up a few more points per game as the tougher teams come to town, but expect the Defense to keep bringing it all season long and maybe even get better as Phillips, Kiwanuka, and Wilkinson all get more playing time and grow as players as a result.