Black and Blue; Giants Have Issues

It wasn’t too fun for any Giant fan, whether they were at the stadium, or watching at home, in an embarassing 29-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans. It was their second consecutive loss and second consecutive week of sloppy football against another AFC opponent. Chris Johnson ran for 125 yds. on 32 carries. The Big Blue defense held him in check for most of the game, but too many mistakes allowed Johnson and the Titans to walk out of New Meadowlands stadium with a win. The defense played tough. The Titans offensive line looked outmatched. Barry Cofield lived in the Titans backfield and the interior line for Tennessee could not develop any push at the point of attack. But you have to play 60 minutes in this game and it seems like the G-Men didn’t get the memo.

The Giants were penalized 11 times and committed 5 personal fouls. Tom Coughlin has a reputation of being a disciplinarian. It has worked because the Giants have been one of the most disciplined teams in football. But that was when they had veteran leaders like Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer and Antonio Pierce to keep order and set an example for the rest of the guys in the locker room. When the Giants play to the level of expectations, they’re one of the best teams in football. But those stupid penalties and personal fouls will not win you many football games.

It’s inexcusable for players like Kareem McKenzie and Antrel Rolle, two veteran players on this team, to committ a personal foul. You expect that from a rookie or a younger player. But from two starters, one who was on your team during the Super Bowl victory against the Patriots, another who was in the big game two years ago is unacceptable.

continue reading...http://nygiants-sportsfans.com/2010/09/29/black-and-blue/