Anointed as 'supposed to suck' by the genius sports writers that base their 'expert opinions' on a team's previous record. A new season yields new results. For the past few seasons the Giants have started off well and then faltered down the road. The first year with Coughlin had early wins against lower competition and then a switch to a rookie quarterback when it was obvious the team wouldn't be going far that year. Then the next season go 11-5 yet obtain some killer injuries at the end of the season which ruined playoff hopes (on top of Eli in his first ever playoff game and the offense completely sputtering). Last season, one that started off nearly as well as this season so far and then sputtered due to a terrible rash of injuries to many key starters and a brewing vile team chemistry in the locker room.
And now this season so far. The defense was still trying to find their way in the first couple of games. Now that they have their feet underneath them, the defense is playing to their strengths getting to the quarterback and creating havoc. However, they are still susceptible to the short passing game, but they are also improved with Ross playing steadily and the pass rushers doing their job. And the offense, while pretty damn explosive at times, is still slightly inconsistent at times, but still very good enough to put up big numbers. So, the biggest difference from this point last season and so far this season?
The coordinators. Spags using our defensive talent in the best way possible, the way that Lewis had always promised to use them but instead instilled his stubborn and faulty schemes that did not suit our players. And Gilbride is a much better playcaller than Hufnagle, by a million miles. While there is a questionable series every now and then, there is much more rhyme and reason behind his playcalling, as well as notable adjustments throughout the game. Add to that Eli playing much more steadily (yes, the interceptions need to be stopped and reduced), the team overall is shooting itself in the foot a lot less than in the past, the team chemistry is very high right now (winning helps, but there was no vileness during the opening two-game stretch of embarrassment, as well as encouraging each other after bad plays during the games), and the low number of injuries so far. Also the fact that we have been out-right beating opponents rather than stumbling past them just barely like last season.
I could go on, but I've made the point I wanted to. They're playing like a team right now, a team that wants to win and doesn't want to be embarrassed again like the opening of the season. Continuing to do that and being extremely lucky with injuries down the stretch (hopefully we'll survive throughout the season for once!) will be the key to sustaining a winning standard for the rest of the season. I feel confident in our chances against any NFC team right now, but I'm very wary of the upper-echelon AFC teams as they are still well ahead of any NFC team. But I'm also aware of our current weaknesses, as we are still very vulnerable to the short passing game (which Dallas excels at, evidence being the dinking and dunking Romo did to the Vikings) and our special teams are below average.
The Giants are good right now, but still not great. edit; And I have to add that as a fan, I'm loving how the defense is playing right now, as it is so fun to watch, and that I'm so happy to have Jacobs back, he is absolutely key for our offensive attack when December comes around and it becomes harder to throw the ball. Let alone the fact that I get so much joy out of watching him run into and through defenders.
Nothing makes me happier than to be "pleasantly" surprised. I am not big on expectations anyway... in any aspect of my life, but judging from all the hearsay and polls at the start of the season, I have to say that they are doing the job well! It is especially great, living here amongst Eagles fans who thought they had the season wrapped up! Hahaha.
Anointed as 'supposed to suck' by the genius sports writers that base their 'expert opinions' on a team's previous record. A new season yields new results. For the past few seasons the Giants have started off well and then faltered down the road. The first year with Coughlin had early wins against lower competition and then a switch to a rookie quarterback when it was obvious the team wouldn't be going far that year. Then the next season go 11-5 yet obtain some killer injuries at the end of the season which ruined playoff hopes (on top of Eli in his first ever playoff game and the offense completely sputtering). Last season, one that started off nearly as well as this season so far and then sputtered due to a terrible rash of injuries to many key starters and a brewing vile team chemistry in the locker room.
And now this season so far. The defense was still trying to find their way in the first couple of games. Now that they have their feet underneath them, the defense is playing to their strengths getting to the quarterback and creating havoc. However, they are still susceptible to the short passing game, but they are also improved with Ross playing steadily and the pass rushers doing their job. And the offense, while pretty damn explosive at times, is still slightly inconsistent at times, but still very good enough to put up big numbers. So, the biggest difference from this point last season and so far this season?
The coordinators. Spags using our defensive talent in the best way possible, the way that Lewis had always promised to use them but instead instilled his stubborn and faulty schemes that did not suit our players. And Gilbride is a much better playcaller than Hufnagle, by a million miles. While there is a questionable series every now and then, there is much more rhyme and reason behind his playcalling, as well as notable adjustments throughout the game. Add to that Eli playing much more steadily (yes, the interceptions need to be stopped and reduced), the team overall is shooting itself in the foot a lot less than in the past, the team chemistry is very high right now (winning helps, but there was no vileness during the opening two-game stretch of embarrassment, as well as encouraging each other after bad plays during the games), and the low number of injuries so far. Also the fact that we have been out-right beating opponents rather than stumbling past them just barely like last season.
I could go on, but I've made the point I wanted to. They're playing like a team right now, a team that wants to win and doesn't want to be embarrassed again like the opening of the season. Continuing to do that and being extremely lucky with injuries down the stretch (hopefully we'll survive throughout the season for once!) will be the key to sustaining a winning standard for the rest of the season. I feel confident in our chances against any NFC team right now, but I'm very wary of the upper-echelon AFC teams as they are still well ahead of any NFC team. But I'm also aware of our current weaknesses, as we are still very vulnerable to the short passing game (which Dallas excels at, evidence being the dinking and dunking Romo did to the Vikings) and our special teams are below average.
The Giants are good right now, but still not great. edit; And I have to add that as a fan, I'm loving how the defense is playing right now, as it is so fun to watch, and that I'm so happy to have Jacobs back, he is absolutely key for our offensive attack when December comes around and it becomes harder to throw the ball. Let alone the fact that I get so much joy out of watching him run into and through defenders.
Gmen, are completely dominating so far, they've beaten everyone in their division except for the Cowboys which the Gmen will have a rematch with soon. And now that our defense has stepped up it shall be a good challenge.
Gmen, are completely dominating so far, they've beaten everyone in their division except for the Cowboys which the Gmen will have a rematch with soon. And now that our defense has stepped up it shall be a good challenge.
We got beat in that game, but not dominated. If you remember...we kept pace with them, and almost had them beat...until the end.
They won't be so luck the next time. Our defense will be in Romo's face. Bet on it.
What happened????
Linear Mode
