Giants vs. Eagles

Is it too early to analyze the top of the 2014 draft?  Even being only 2 games out, that is all the Giants can realistically think about at this time.  The Giants looked good for a little while there.  The opening drive was impressive, as were the back to back drives in the 3rd quarter that put them ahead.  But then the turnover monster struck yet again.  At some point it’s not just the bounce of the ball. 

On a positive note (I have to), Will Hill’s comeback from drug suspension and was all over the field.  He does have the ability to be an impact player.  Unfortunately, he doesn’t rush the passer and that is the real weakness of the team.  JPP showed a little –which is more than he had for a while, but still not enough.  Kiwi and Tuck are over the hill.  It makes no sense to me that at this point Damontre Moore isn’t getting the major reps at DE.  They were forced to play Hankins and he played well. Perhaps well enough to ensure that Linval Joseph’s sure to be large contract demands, at the end of this year, will not be met.  A Secondary can cover only for so long.  The run defense has actually been pretty decent this year.  The pass rush just can’t get anywhere near the passer. 

On offense, the running game is just nonexistent.  David Wilson hurt his neck and didn’t return, though they claim it was largely precautionary and he should be good Thursday against Chicago.  With no realistic chance to make the playoffs, it’s time to really see what the next generation can do.  Adrian Robinson and Donnell should get real shots at tight end.  Play Hosley (when healthy) at CB.  Rolle, Webster, Tuck, Diehl, Joseph and most of the linebacking staff will not be back.  Stop playing them.  6-10 is not really better than 4-12, while giving experience to the youngsters. 

Coughlin has done a good job in his Giants career and I think that 2 Superbowl victories earn him the right to retire when he wants.  Today was about his worst game as a coach. He made glaring judgment errors that cost them.  He accepted a penalty that should have been declined, allowing a Vick run on the next play that led to a score.  Then he called a time out right before he challenged a play, wasting an extra time out.  Both were mistakes a coach of this experience should not make.  The latter was very costly, because it didn’t allow them to challenge calls later in the game because they had no challenges left.   

They play the Bears on Thursday.  The Bears are a good home team.  They lost to the Saints but the Saints are back to being the pre-bounty suspension Saints.  The Bears are not great but Cutler and Trestman seem to have something going on there.  The only redeeming sports item for many Giants fans right now is that the Knicks, as of this writing are still undefeated and will allow many of us to fool ourselves into believing that they can go somewhere this year.  When you know you are at least a year away from seeing a meaningful Giants football game, it’s about all you can root for.