As the New York Giants are approaching the end of the regular season, playoff hopes are looking intact. They control their own destiny and have an advantageous lead for at least a wildcard spot in the postseason. Although taking over the Dallas Cowboys in the division is possible, it’s not entirely likely. Rather the focus should be aimed at clinching a playoff berth and keeping the players healthy for a solid run at the chip. Being prepared for those important match-ups is crucial. On top of the elite players maintaining their level of play, the weak links need to step up and prove their worth. Let’s take a look into some of the team’s defensive heroes and offensive zeros.
New York Giants: Defensive Heroes and Offensive Zeros
Defensive Heroes
After defeating the Dallas Cowboys 10-7, the defense had to carry the team again and make up for the struggling offense. Whether the cause is from Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive coaching or a hefty offseason spending, it’s safe to say something is going right on this side of the ball. The level of play this defense is performing at is truly incredible and it’s become easy to say that they are the leaders of this team.
They have been the heroes that have saved the team from their poor level of play on offense. Perhaps what is the biggest challenge for the Giants historically is keeping their defense healthy and maintaining these units. If this can be achieved successfully, they could be in store for an exciting postseason run for a fifth title.
One of the biggest difference-makers from last week was the emergence of Romeo Okwara. With Jason Pierre-Paul out with a groin injury, Okwara stepped up and performed extremely well against the nation’s best offensive line recording eight tackles, one sack, three hurries, and a tipped pass.
This newfound depth at the position will hopefully open the eyes of the coaching staff to allow JPP and Olivier Vernon to catch their breath and be subbed out more frequently. Not only will this preserve health, but giving the undrafted rookie more experience will improve his skills for the future. This type of long-term thinking is the next step in preserving an elite defensive front.
Taking a look at the secondary, it’s easy to see that clamp season is in full effect. Janoris Jenkins played a flawless game against one of the league’s elite receivers, Dez Bryant. Throughout the night Bryant was targeted seven times when the “Jackrabbit” was lined up against him. Of those targets, Bryant was able to haul in one for a 10 yard gain but then fumbled it shortly after when he came in contact with Jenkins. The Pro Bowl corner came away with an interception as well as defending a crucial pass on the Cowboys’ last drive when in coverage on Bryant. In the two division matchups between the teams this season, Bryant finished with two receptions and 14 yards against Jenkins. Heading into week 15 against the Detroit Lions, a repeat performance on Jenkins’ part would be huge in sealing another victory.
Offensive Zeros
In yet another week of lackluster offense performances, it’s time to play the blame game. Aside from Odell Beckham, there hasn’t been a player on the offensive side of the ball that has been playing consistently all season. Fortunately, the problems at tight end were somewhat solved by reducing Larry Donnell’s snaps, but what else has been fixed? Nothing. The biggest and most persistent trouble the team has faced, is the offensive line. After using two of the last four first round picks on lineman, one can only wonder why the line hasn’t been productive in recent times.
Eli Manning has proven he can win games, but with the talent of our o-line, it makes things difficult. This isn’t to say Eli has been playing well on his own, but it sure doesn’t help his case when he’s being protected by what are soon-to-be free agents.
To nobody’s surprise, the running back committee is still mediocre. With two backs each rushing for 15 times last week, neither were able to surpass three yards per carry. This persistent season long performance needs to improve immediately to increase the odds for a shot at the championship. With Shane Vereen returning to the lineup last week, there was hope the running game could be sparked up again.
This dream was ruined within minutes into the matchup after Vereen was placed in concussion protocol after hauling in a reception for 10 yards. This week’s matchup versus the Detroit Lions will prove to be another challenge, as the team’s defense is ranked 11th in rushing defense by allowing just over 97 yards per game.
As much as it hurts admitting it, Ereck Flowers is a bust at left tackle. Eli has fumbled off some hard hits and Flowers is at fault for the majority, if not all of them. His psychical abilities give him tremendous upside but his talent with technical abilities are awful and weigh the team down. This isn’t to say he deserves to be cut. It just seems as if the team’s best interest to experiment at moving him to another spot on the line. After suffering a knee injury and missing five weeks, Justin Pugh is likely to return to the lineup this week. This is a significant addition and should hopefully allow for more offensive production, whether it comes from passing or rushing.
