NFL: What Went Wrong for the New York Giants in Week 5?

The Giants lost to a lousy 1-3 Seahawks team on Sunday, dropping their record to 3-2.

As a Giants fan, I wish that I can say I'm shocked.  But as we know, and as I wrote yesterday, the Giants always take inferior teams too lightly.

While the box score shows three interceptions for Eli Manning, he played better than the statistics indicate.  Manning threw for over 400 yards and three scores, but saw a potential third straight fourth-quarter comeback come to an end when Victor Cruz slipped, forcing a Manning pick six to seal the victory for Seattle.

Manning, who also lost a fumble in the first quarter, received no help from the Giants running game. Ahmad Bradshaw ran for a mere 58 yards on 17 carries, while Danny Ware added a monstrous three yards on four carries.

The Giants are averaging 72 rushing yards per game in losses this season, and 91 rushing yards in wins, thus putting too much pressure on Manning and the passing game.  The absence of a usually potent rushing offense leaves little room for effective play action passes down field.

The offense, as bad as the running game has been this season, hasn't been the problem; it's the defense.  Always known as a defensive team, the Giants are giving up over 360 yards per game, amounting to 21.8 points per game. 

The G-Men have also surrendered five rushing touchdowns this season, and also concede 116 rushing yards per game.  Allowing 36 points to the Seahawks is completely unacceptable.

Watching the Giants this week was almost as painful as watching the Eagles.

Next Sunday, the Giants will host the 4-1 Buffalo Bills, who forced four Michael Vick interceptions this week, in route to a 31-24 victory.

For now, the panic meter shouldn't be too high; after all, the Giants are still in better shape than Philadelphia.