No Philly Recap
Completely wrong about the outcomes of Sunday's games. Hoped the jinx would work, it didn't. Packers let AP run all over them. Stafford is just terrible. Not even going to recap the game vs Philly. Vick looked terrible, not sure if he will start anywhere else.
Bottom line, we are not in the bracket above because of the inconsistent play from this team. One week they look like the best in the league, the next they look like the worst. They get too caught up in thinking they can flip a switch when in the most desperate of situations, and that's just not how the league works.
The Bad
Injuries hurt us this year. started with T2 and his ACL which made a thin Cornerback corps even thinner. Prince played in only 13 games. Andre Brown going down made way for David Wilson, but it would have been nice to have all 3 going. Bradshaw was never fully healthy, and never will be. Locklear going down hurt more than it seemed. Nicks not being able to get to 100% and missing on deep connections with Eli hurt us. The opponent got the chance to double Cruz all game with Nicks not fully going. Kenny Phillips is hurt and hasn't lived up to potential.
Defensive Line (DEs). Started week one against Dallas. Not one DE had a sack and the team had 2 total. It was perceived that the Giants were going through a Super Bowl hangover, but did the pass rush get any better? No. The DE's will get blown up in the off season. No more Osi, Tuck may even be a goner as well. The ends had no idea how to contain. Let running backs cut back. The middle got exposed over and over again. Went into the season thinking that we had more than enough guys to rush the passer, boy oh boy were we wrong.
Corey Webster. Again started week 1 and just got worse. Guy could not guard a blind kid. He is owed nearly $9 Million next season. That is an absolute joke. Get rid of him. I do not care if it makes our secondary laughable, I do not want a glaring weakness on this team. Besides the DE's, Corey Webster is the biggest disappointment this season.
Eli Manning. Comparing last year and this years stats, they look pretty similar. Besides the 1,000 YARD GAP in total passing yards. In games that could have put us in the playoffs (ATL/BAL) he threw for 311, 1 TD, 2 INT in both games COMBINED! Eli is known for being clutch, but those two games put a kink in his armor. I get that Nicks was hurt, but there are plenty of weapons on this team. As a QB of Eli's caliber, he has to take control of the team and put them on his back. A stronger leadership role from Eli may have easily put the Giants in the playoffs. I know that he isn't the vocal leader we would all like to see, but when the team is down, you cannot join them, you have to rise above.
The Good
Andre and Stevie Brown. Both guys came in due to injury and took complete advantage of their opportunity. Andre was the big bruiser that could be put on the goal line and get in no problem, and also had the speed to break big runs. Stevie had his eighth interception of the season vs Philly, the most by a Giant since 1968. Had 307 return yards, which set a new Giants single-season record. These two will be great contributors in 2013.
Martellus Bennett. A guy that was highly touted for his blocking ability had 55 receptions, the most for a Giants TE since Jeremy Shockey. You have a healthy Locklear for a full season, bring Beatty back, you won't have to make Bennett stay in to block anymore. I knew what the guy could be capable of, but his play shocked many others. Just another weapon that Eli can bring the best out of.
Sean Locklear. Another guy that game in due to injury. Had Giants fans crying for him to remain the starter after Diehl came back. Of course he was not, then was put back in, and got hurt. His play this year has earned him a starting spot if healthy next year.
Victor Cruz. This season everyone knew who Victor Cruz was. Everyone had to be aware of number 80. There were plenty of doubters out there. Saying he is just a one year wonder. Think about it though. Defenses know who he is. Nicks is practically playing on one leg. Cruz is getting doubled constantly. Yet he still puts up over 1,000 yards with 4 more receptions and 1 more TD than last year. Yes he dropped the ball a couple times, could have cost us the Dallas game. But there is a level of chemistry between him and Eli that will make them a dangerous pair for a very long time.
Rueben Randle. Wasn't as bright as these other guys but the rookie was not touted as a great receiver. He showed down the stretch that he can play. He has great leaping ability. The instincts to come back and fight for the ball. Finished the season real strong with 2 TDs. A little more chemistry with Eli, he will be in the 3 receiver sets next year, not Hixon.
David Wilson. Up and down season really, ending on a great note though. Put himself right in the dog house week 1 with the fumble. Dropped passes when he was put in later on in the season. Then wham. Guy was putting the Giants at the 40 yard line practically every kickoff return. Always being a shoestring tackle away from taking it to the house. 1,533 yards returning kickoffs is now a team record. Had his first TD against the Browns then didn't do much. Went off against the Saints from both the line of scrimmage and kick returns. Then capped off the season with the start against the Eagles. Can't wait to watch him play next year.
Outcome
Obviously we end the season with the same record as last year 9-7. I blame it on the defensive line, especially the ends. Listen, our secondary was not any worse than it was last year but the lack of pressure made it seem 10 times worse. Without a pass rush, the Giants led the league in giving up plays over 20 yards. 15 sacks combined from the big 3 defensive ends. JPP had 1.5 more than that by himself last year. Absolutely pathetic year for the DE's who I thought would take control of this team and lead them to another playoff/Super Bowl run.
