The Giants Two Weeks In

I had wanted to share my thoughts on the Giants anyway, but after reading the preceeding post I was compelled to do so in short order.

With two weeks in the books certain trends are definitely developing. Most alarmingly is the lack of touchdown conversions in the red zone. Also of somewhat glaring concern are the gashing off tackle runs given up to Portis, Jones and Barber.

There is certainly no reason to panic as this 2-0 start is not a mirage but two hard fought divisional victories. The Giants will be a better team by the end of October so any division wins are the proverbial money in the bank.

Quarterback: Eli is certainly unique, he lulls you to sleep with his inaccuracies and seemingly emotionless play but fosters fervor with his ferocity in the clutch moments. Failing to cash in "green zone" opportunities is cause for concern. A stronger running game and more creative play calls would help but he needs to find Boss and look to attack the end zone. It is really difficult to tell if his check downs are warranted without the game film but there are an inordinate number of passes to backs and crossing receivers well short of the goal line. Another thing to watch for is that Manningham and Smith are quicker in and out of their breaks than Plax or Toomer were which requires an adjustment period for Eli. You gotta believe that Eli will be able to adjust to his receivers getting open quicker, the one thing to watch for is he has less room to be wild high than he did with Plax and Toomer.

Bottom Line: While maddening at times, there are few Quarterbacks in the league who deliver as regularly in the clutch and even fewer who could do it under the hot lights of New York. For the Giants to win the division and have a shot to play into February he needs to be more productive in the green zone and adjust to his smaller, quicker receivers.

Running Backs: Not much to say other than Jacobs is as fearsome a weapon as there is in football and he continues to improve. Both he and Bradshaw should be able to put up better numbers as teams adjust to respect the growing pass game and can't put 8 in the box on the early downs. Madison Hedgecock needs to continue to pave the way and provide the lead as he's done in the past. Wouldn't hurt for him to hold on to a pass in the flat once in a while.

Receivers: Great start in general. Steve Smith is a premier 3rd down receiver with sneaky speed. Probably as close to a young Amani Toomer as you could hope for but with a better knack for getting downfield between the numbers. Manningham is electric combining great hands, precision and a burst. He was the number 1 at Michigan and is starting to prove that faith will be rewarded. The little I saw of Nicks is impressive, as the season progresses I believe he will pass Hixon for playing time. Hixon's effectiveness as a deep threat is less important with the emergence of Manningham. Hixon has demonstrated game breaking speed but his hands have not always been up to par. What was once considered a big question mark is presenting itself as an asset.

O Line/TE: Simply the best offensive line in the game. Speed of the Cowboys front 7 provided some problems in the run game last night but they kept Eli upright and play with a versatility and precision that drives the offense. Certainly you would like more run production near the goal line in the first two games but improvement will come and they played against two excellent defensive lines. For the team to fully realize its potential Kevin Boss needs to become a more viable option in the pass game.

Defensive Line: Has to be the strength of the team. Somewhat disappointing in the Dallas game with the lack of pressure on Romo leading to sacks and hurries. The losses of Canty and Tuck clearly hurt in the run defense. I dont think teams will succeed running the football against the Giants the way the Cowboys did last night. I also attribute much of the difficulty to the linebackers. While Osi needs to hold the point of attack better on each of the big runs to his side, Michael Boley got sucked inside and walled off. Robbins and Cofield have done a good job getting inside push.

Linebackers: Quite certainly the biggest cause for concern on the team. The Giants went out and got Boley to fill the role that was vacated by Kawika Mitchell. A backer who could equally play the run game and cover. Based on last night I hope he covers better than he plays the run. Iam willing to give him the benefit of the doubt since he missed most of training camp and it was apparently very hot and humid on the field last night. Danny Clark is a little past his prime and I would look for Ryan Kehl, Chase Blackburn and Gerris Wilkerson to start to transition into that spot as the year goes on. Anthony Pierce clearly has limitations but he is the defensive leader and does an excellent job in recognition and audible calls. You can win with Pierce at MLB. This group will go a long way in determining how far the Giants go.

Secondary: Without perhaps its best corner in Aaron Ross and its nickel back Dockery the Secondary has performed above expectation. Other than some tackling issues in one on one situations there is little to complain about. The group lead by prototypical Miami safety Phillips has become opportunistic, holding onto the sure intercepts. Probably the second most pleasant surprise of the season thus far behind the receivers. The lack of depth and growing list of injuries is a substantial cause for concern.

The kicking game is excellent, Feagles is the best directional punter in the history of the NFL and Tynes makes you feel confident every time he lines up a big kick.

You also have to feel good about the Coaching. Coughlin has built a team in his own image, tough, relentless, disciplined and precise. These characteristics, as mujch as any, were the difference between the Giants and Cowboys.