Dolphins vs. Giants: 5 Things We Learned About New York in 20-17 Win

Judging by the competitiveness of this game, you would never know the New York Giants just beat a winless Miami Dolphins team 20-17. The Giants found themselves in an early deficit but came back behind the arm of Eli Manning and a defense that showed up in the second half. 

I have to be completely honest, the first half of this game had me absolutely furious, and if you're anything like me you probably feel like the Giants stink and have no shot at winning the division. 

Hopefully it's an overreaction, but normally you'd like your team to blowout a hapless team like the Dolphins. 

Let's take a look at a few things we learned from this afternoon's questionable showing. 

Despite Great Start, Eli Manning Is Getting Even Better

Let me just say it right now, I could care less who the Giants opponents have been; Eli Manning is playing on a level we've only seen glimpses of in the past. 

The most incredible part of the season is the fact that he's had to deal with new weapons, a worse offensive line, and no running game to speak of. 

Something obviously clicked this year and Eli has finally decided to take over games like we knew he could. 

He finished the day 31-of-45 for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Oh yea, and no turnovers. 

The Run Defense Will Not Get Better

This is a reality will we all have to come to terms with—the Giants run defense is absolutely terrible and won't get any better. 

Well, maybe it will, but as of now there is no reason to have any faith. 

So far this season the Giants rush defense has made Marshawn Lynch and Reggie Bush look like Pro Bowl running backs; neither of them has done anything to speak of against other teams.

The poor tackling, bad angles, and zero penetration is going to kill the Giants moving forward, as they enter the brutal second half of the season. 

Brandon Jacobs Is a Whiny, Complaining Loser That Should Be Cut

OK Bleacher Report users, I've officially come to the other side. I'm done with Brandon Jacobs. If I had another outlet that did not discourage profanity I would say much more, but Jacobs is a loser and does not deserve to be on this team. 

He clearly has no passion anymore and is waiting for the day that he plays for another team. 

Earlier this week, Jacobs complained that he wasn't involved in the offense enough, and on his first two touches he fumbles and drops a screen pass. 

Nice work. 

Ahmad Bradshaw was forced to miss a couple series as he had his foot x-rayed, and instead of taking advantage of the opportunity, Jacobs tipped toed, danced around, and tripped on one play when he tried to bounce it outside.

He's garbage, and it's time to take out the trash.  

The Giants Receivers Are Among the Best in the NFL

I realize I mentioned Eli working with new weapons, but I have to admit they are a great group of weapons. 

Four different receivers had over 50 yards receiving today, Victor Cruz had another circus touchdown, and Jake Ballard is proving to be everything Kevin Boss was and more. 

However, as good as they have been all year, they better not have a case of butterfingers like they did today. There were several key drops in big spots, which is very uncharacteristic of them. 

I would put my money on that not happening the rest of the year.  

The Giants Will NOT Win the NFC East

The Giants are 5-2 but to this point in the season have not played anyone worth writing home about. They have struggled in several areas and at times looked pretty terrible. 

Using the eye test, I can't say with any conviction that the Giants will win the NFC East. Their schedule down the stretch is just too brutal. 

I honestly would not be the least bit surprised if they lose the next five games. Not only that, but the Cowboys are sitting at 3-3 with a chance to be 4-3 and they've played just about every tough team on their schedule. 

It doesn't mean the Giants miss the playoffs, but even if the Giants take a two game lead with an Eagles victory tonight, the outlook is bleak. 

Something has to change.