Game 6 Review - Game 7 Preview

It was with mixed emotions that I watched the Giants win, in a convincing fashion against a heavily favored Broncos team that had dominated some other teams.  Surprisingly the Giants’ offense displayed strong running game against a team that has not allowed much to running backs all year.

There are a number of reasons for this.  One was clearly the addition of D.J. Fluker (ultimately instead of Hart) on the offensive line.  The second was the reconfiguration that put Pugh back at tackle where his athletic abilities are probably best suited. We have been positive on Darkwa for a while and he was great. It should be clear that Perkins will not get his starting job back when healthy.
 
They didn’t post overall gaudy numbers and passing to wide receivers was virtually non-existent, but they did what they needed to do and controlled the game.
 
JPP had a big game for the first time all year. With Vernon injured, that was desperately needed. The Giants improved against the run led by the typical all-world Snacks Harrison.  Thankfully a mediocre quarterback like Simeon could not expose the fact that DRC was benched via suspension.  Interceptions tend to be random and come in bunches.  The Giants got 3 after doing very little for the first 5 games. Simple mean reversion.
 
As a realist I know there is no chance for the Giants to make the playoffs. In that regard they would be better off planning for the future as discussed in last week’s blog. The fact that there are articles about the path to the playoffs is absurd but also an indication that they won’t give up in time for the trading deadline. It would be a wasted opportunity to not set themselves up well for next year.
 
Seahawks Preview
The Seahawks are not the team they once were.  They never were as good on the road as in Seattle but none of their victories have been that impressive.  While the Giants played above their heads last week and materially benefited from the one-time surprise that comes with Mike Sullivan being newly responsible for play calling, the Giants have a few things working for them this week.  For one, it appears likely that Sterling Shepard will return from his ankle injury. It’s a really big deal specifically because of how many good receivers have been lost and the fact that they are down to guys who were mostly unemployed a few weeks ago.  Given the comparison it’s a meaningful upgrade.  Having some receivers to go along with a newly found running game could provide reasonable offense.
 
On defense DRC returns from his one game suspension and that will materially help the secondary.  On the D line, Olivier Vernon could come back.  Given the very weak Seahawks tackles, he and JPP could wreak havoc.  The Giants are 6.5 point underdogs at home.  I think they keep the game close and it would not surprise me if they came away with a win.

​-Ari Glass