Giants vs. Browns

The most worrisome aspect of today’s game is not their opponent.  I Don’t worry about “let downs”.  That is the press’ way to keep interest in the game and the coaches way to motivate the players.  The Giants are too talented for this Browns team.  They will however have to rely on depth.  They are severely injured at key positions.  Blog favorite Hakeem Nicks is out yet again.  So is Barden who had the great game against the Panthers in his absence.  However the Giants are very deep at receiver.  Hixon is a reliable option at #2, and rookie Randle and Jernigan can stop up at the 3.  They may need to go to tight end Bennet a bit more.  But with Manning continuing his other worldly play, and the offensive line still able to pass protect even when they can’t open running lanes, Manning should be good for 340 yards today. 

On defense the loss of Kenny Philips will hurt, as will Jayron Holsey but the biggest loss today will amazingly be Rocky Bernard.  He has been stout in his run defense and his absence will be felt more that the others just due to the relative drop off and inexperience of his backups.  Kuhn or Austin will need to step up.  Stevie Brown in for Phillips and will Hill in for Holsey have each played well when called upon. 

Josh Cribbs is  a dangerous returner for the Browns but this is an area the Giants excel.  After so many years of inadequate special teams the Giants are finally great at covering and have been good at kick off returns.  Punt returns could still use some help.  I hope the Giants give David Wilson another shot to get out of the dog house but I don’t really expect it anymore.  On defense, the biggest concern is starting to be the realization that both Tuck and Umenyora seem to be in severe declines.  They have too much respect in the locker room for Couglin to give Tracey or Ojomo a real shot at replacing them.

While the Giants may not shut down Alabama alum Richardson completely in the running game, and Weeden is as old as over the hill Tuck, he is still a rookie NFL quarterback who will have to deal with a tough Giants defense.  Ultimately, his lack of healthy wide receivers and tight ends will not allow him much success against this beat up Giants defense, and Manning will still be Manning going up against a Browns secondary whose best player (Haden) is still on suspension.  The Giants pull this one out 31-20.