Big Blue Bounces Back

by: Ben Sanchez | Staff Writer - NY Sports Day | Thursday, November 22, 2007



It’s unfortunate that the day after the Giants won a game that absolutely had to win; the majority of the talk about this team is focused on the one thing that they cannot control -- injuries. Sunday’s game was the embodiment of everything the Giants couldn’t do over the past two seasons after the bye week, but the injuries to Matthias Kiwanuka and Brandon Jacobs seem to overshadow that.

Heading into Sunday’s game at Ford Field, the prolific Lion offense hadn’t failed to win a game at home all season, their plus 12 rating in the turnover department was tops in the NFC. All the Giants did was keep a prolific Lion offense off the board the entire first half and out of the end zone until halfway through the fourth quarter. To put a cherry on top, the Giants came away with a season high six turnovers at key moments to short circuit some big drives.

“Everyone was writing about ‘How could our defense stop a team like this’ and they really stepped up,” remarked Jeremy Shockey after the game. In addition to the six turnovers, the Giants were able to get after Jon Kitna thrice, for 26 yards. They also held the Lions to 25 rushing yards on 11 carries. The Lions were able to gain 377 yards through the air, but the Giants defense was able to hold when it counted.

The unquestioned star of the game was Michael Strahan, who recorded all three Giant sacks en-route to a marquee performance. “[Strahan] made some key, key plays against the run as well when they did try to run, and he certainly put the pressure on the quarterback with sacks and also had some pressures and forced a couple hurries,” Tom Coughlin commented after the game.

All in all, the first half of the game was extremely uneventful with both defenses refusing to budge. The Giants pushed an early field goal across but saw a fumble by Sinorice Moss short circuit a promising drive that started at the Detroit 38 yard line. The Giants were finally able to fight into the end zone with 30 seconds left thanks to a short passing game that cut apart an unimpressive Lion secondary.

The third quarter saw the teams exchange field goals as the Lions finally put some points on the board, but the big strike came with only four minutes left in the game as Kitna found the end zone through Calvin Johnson. The Lions would press but a key interception at the goal line nearly iced the game. Unable to convert a third and 10 with a minute and a half to go, the Giants were forced to punt and allow the Lions a final run at winning the game. Fortunately the Lions shot themselves in the foot with a poorly timed false start. Sam Madison took advantage of a desperate attempt from Kitna to force a ball into Shaun McDonald and iced the game for good with an interception.

After the game, the Giants focused on a few poor calls on the officials, including a very questionable passing the rougher call on Justin Tuck. Strahan chimed calling it ‘Disgraceful’ and a ‘Garbage Call’ while Tom Coughlin was at a loss for words remarking that the NFL is slowly taking away the ability to hit the quarter back.

Michael Strahan and Jon Kitna also exchanged pleasantries after the game. Kitna took a bit of a shot at the Giants, "That's not a better football team than us. In November and December, you cannot let a team come in and beat you at your place that is not better than you. It's unacceptable to me."

Strahan was at no loss for words and ripped into Kitna, "I don't quite understand why Jon would say that, but the bottom line is, we're 7-3, they're 6-4. Maybe we'll see them down the road. If that's the case, we'll beat that -- again."

Game Review

Offense
Eli Manning had his best game since dismantling Atlanta. Manning, who had been struggling to do much of anything lately, was extremely efficient in completing 28 of 39 passes for 283 yard. Even more amazingly, Manning avoided any turnovers and was much more careful in not taking any coverage sacks again this week. Kevin Gilbride should take note of Manning’s comfort with a shorter passing game used this week and perhaps implement it going forward.

Brandon Jacobs had a strong showing until a hamstring strain took him out of the game in the second half. Jacobs amassed 103 yards on the day with a touchdown, but lost another fumble. The team appears to be unsure of the severity of Jacobs’ injury and whether it will keep him out next week. Droughns was a non-factor in the offense after Jacobs went out, but it should be noted the team struggled to keep drives going after Jacobs left.

The receivers were used quite well, spreading out passes and using just about everyone on field. No player went over 50 yards and the longest completion was a 34 yard catch and run by Jacobs. Sinorice Moss looked good, utilized in some bubble screens and slants to add some speed to the passing game. Shockey lead the team in receptions with five, giving the Giants a nice big target over the middle.

The offense line played nicely, giving Manning a nice pocket and opening some holes in the running game. Chris Snee did yield another poorly timed penalty, this time a false start penalty ended one of the more prolonged drives of the first half. Overall, it was another strong game from the offensive line.

Defense
The defensive line did a nice job of disrupting Kitna and getting after him most of the game. Justin Tuck and Michael Strahan were the standouts, Strahan getting the three sacks and Tuck getting after Kitna twice – once forcing what looked like an intentional grounding and the second time getting flagged for the aforementioned roughing the passer. Umenyiora was quiet, as was Robbins. It should also be mentioned that the Giants stood strong and stuffed the run early, forcing the Lions to the air early and often.

The Linebackers were decent, but the big story of the game was the apparent season ending injury to Matthias Kiwanuka. Kiwi’s leg was rolled onto by Umenyiora while attempting to make a stop in the first quarter. Other that that play, Pierce lead the team in tackles with seven and Mitchell was very quiet. Expect to see either Chase Blackburn or Gerris Wilkinson get some extended playing time with Kiwi done for the year.

The secondary was porous at times, but came through when it counted. The cornerbacks were relatively quiet, which is a good thing. As predicted, the safeties were forced into coverage a bit and both Wilson and Butler came up with picks – none bigger than Butler at the one yard line with a minute and fifty seconds left. Butler did get burned on a touchdown reception by Calvin Johnson that opened the door for the Lions late, but overall a strong game from the secondary as well.

Special Teams
Lawrence Tynes was remarkably accurate, drilling three field goals, the longest from 46 yards. While kicking in a dome certainly helps, this is certainly promising for the future. Also of note was a 68 yard return from Bradshaw as he continues to show promise in the return game.

Verdict
A big game when the Giants needed it the most, and most of all something to let the fans believe in. The Giants have a few easy games coming up against an Adrian Peterson-less Vikings and the struggling Bears. If the Giants can come up with two wins in the next two weeks, they will have a strangle hold on the NFC wild card with a tough four game stretch left to play.