Giants vs Saints Review Week 2
Positives
The Defense
Once again the Giants defense was the strength of the team on sunday. They kicked the game off by forcing five straight New Orleans punts. The defense has not only looked the part of a shutdown defense they have only allowed two touchdowns this season (one per game). It cannot be stressed enough how the combination of Big Johnathan Hankins and Snack Harrison set the defense up for success. They stuff the run game and push the pocket on a regular basis. Big Hank had a game changing play when he swatted the field goal kick by the Saints resulting in Janoris Jenkins taking it back for a 68 yard return.
Eli was asked why the #NYG are making plays in close games this yr unlike last yr. His answer: "That $200 million we spent I think, right?"
— Jeff Roberts (@TheJRob) September 18, 2016
Sterling Shepard & Victor Cruz
Sterling Shepard went off for a team high eight catches and 117 yards. The most important catch coming on a 3rd down to extend the game winning drive. He came across the middle Eli rifled the ball into a very tight spot and Sterling came down with it. He is living up to his 2nd round draft choice and more through two weeks. I along with a lot of many Giants fans are absolutely elated to have Victor Cruz back. He is truly a difference maker for the Giants. He ended the game with 4 catches for 91 yards. The most crucial one coming down the sideline. He climbed the ladder and came down with a huge catch to put the Giants at the Saints one yard line. The catches by Victor and Sterling combined to win the Giants the game on the final drive. The best way to say it is Victor Cruz simply makes plays. That play set up Josh Brown for a game winning field goal.
Eli Manning
Eli went 32/41 for 368 yards which was his 40th career 300 yard game. He did not get the ball in the end zone but he played well enough for the Giants to win for the second straight week. Eli made the tough throws on critical third downs tonight. Which is to be expected at this point in his career, but it is always refreshing to see. Eli is looking good so far this season he didn’t throw an interception against the Saints which is also refreshing to see.
Negatives
Offense
As well as Eli and Victor Cruz played today they were both responsible for fumbles that could have been costly. luckily the defense was able to hold off the Saints. Shane Vereen also coughed up the football. Three turnovers all fumbles. This game could have gotten ugly quickly had the Saints capitalized on their takeaways. The Giants offense found a way to leave something to be desired once again. If you had told me the Giants defense would make the Saints punt five consecutive times. I would’ve said the Giants would be winning by at least 14. That was not the case as it took a jumpstart from the defense to get the offense scoring and they only managed 6 points. This is against a Saints defense that allowed 35 points to the Raiders last week. It is always good to get a win but there are improvements the offense need to make.
Ereck Flowers
Ereck Flowers was called for back to back holding calls which killed one of the Giants drives. He really needs to take the next step in his development. He has all the natural ability in world but his technique still isn’t up to par. The game wasn’t terrible for the Giants second year pro as he did have several nice blocks. Those penalties are drive killers and it was not as if he was going up against a top flight defensive end. I still believe in his ability as there were plenty of times I saw him keep a clean pocket for Eli. He was also able to get to the second level on some of the Giants runs plays. Flowers needs to put complete games together for 60 minutes of football.
Run Game
The Saints team put an emphasis on stopping the run this week and they did a good job. The Giants were held to a paltry 64 yards on the ground. Forcing the defense to be on the field for far too long this game. The Giants ran the ball well in week one but that did not carry over to today. If the Giants want to be successful they have to be able to run the ball well. If not teams will not respect the play action which is a sizable part of the Giants offense.
Overall
The Giants and Ben McAdoo are 2-0 on the season. The wins have not been pretty but they are getting the wins. It is always easier to work out the kinks while winning. Ben McAdoo is off to a great start as head coach of the New York Giants. Im sure he is making Tom Coughlin proud or jealous.
Sterling Shepard shaping Up As A Nice Rookie Of The Year Candidate
