Giant Keys-Week 5

A bad thing happened to the New York Giants during their bye week.  I’m not referring to Plaxico Burress’ one game suspension and rumors that he may have violated the NFL’s code of conduct policy.  Losing Burress is a big blow, especially if it is for more than one game. But what I’m talking about could be bigger than the Giants losing their star wide receiver.  I’m referring to how, without playing a game last week, the Giants got the “respect” that they’ve been complaining that haven’t been getting since Superbowl XLII ended.   With the Dallas Cowboys losing to the Washington Redskins last week, the Giants have been crowned (for this week anyway) by the media as the best team in the NFL.  Big Blue currently ranks first in ESPN’s power poll.  Foxsports.com also has them as the top team.  Sports Illustrated’s Peter King said they are the best team in the league at the quarter season mark, and even King’s colleague Paul Zimmerman ranked the Giants number one.   This is bad news for a team that plays the “underdog/no respect” card on an almost weekly basis.  In their recent history, the Giants have always performed better when expectations have been low.  It will be interesting to see how the team performs without the “no respect” security blanket that propelled them to a Superbowl victory last season and a 3-0 start this year.

Keys Matchups: Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks Linebackers        vs.      The New York Giants Running Game

The Giants, who feature one of the best running games in the league, will look to pound the ball even more than usual with Burress serving his one game suspension.  Seattle probably has the best group of 4-3 linebackers in the NFL.  While they are undersized, Julian Peterson, Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill are smart, quick and good open field tacklers.  For Seattle to have any chance to slow down the Giants’ running game and force them into 3rd and long situations, the linebackers will have to use their speed to disrupt the Giants’ blocking schemes.

Seahawks Quarterback Matt Hasselback   vs.  Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo

In week three, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo brought pressure all game against Carson Palmer and the Bengals.  And while the defense racked up six sacks and numerous hits against Palmer, they almost lost the game as Palmer and his receivers beat the blitz for many big gains.  Matt Hasselback reads defenses well and has a quick release that may give the Giants trouble.  While Spagnuolo will never become a “bend but don’t break” play caller, he will have to pick his spots more carefully against Hasselback.

Expect a close game as the Giants play conservatively with Burress out of the line up.  The running game will wear Seattle down in the second half and the Giants will win 20-16.