Well, it’s more than halfway through the 2008 NFL season, and there are some things that surprise me as well as some things that I expected. I did not expect the Titans to be a 9-0 team… not at all, especially with Kerry Collins at the helm. I did expect the Giants to be doing well at this point of the season, although not 8-1… they are playing very well and I am pretty happy about that.
First off, the Giants really need to buckle down and play tough football to finish the season with a good record. They have the hardest schedule in the NFL from here on out (as of 11/11/08) and I don’t expect that to change. The NFC East is the best division (although the NFC South seems to be pretty close and might take the second wildcard) in the league, and the last 3 division games are going to be as hard as the first 3… with the exception of the Dallas game. I’m not necessarily worried about that though, as they beat Pittsburgh without playing their best football (luck and a terrible long snapper had a small part in the victory) as well as beating Dallas and Philadelphia. They really choked against Cleveland, who had their backs against the wall and needed a win. The Giants don’t have any games left against teams like that this season, which is good because they seem to thrive against good teams and win the close ones this season.
Quarterback – Eli Manning has really impressed me this season. He has had games were he’s made plenty of mistakes (Dallas), but has kept his head and rallied the team as well (Cincinnati). 14 TDs isn’t too much, but I am more impressed with his only 6 INTs, considering he threw the most in the entire league last year and still won the Super Bowl for his team. He is showing that he can only get better, which is very good for Big Blue.
Running Back – Phenomenal. Using 3 RBs, the Giants have the second best rushing game in the league, and that says a lot about the offensive line. With the “Earth, Wind and Fire” threesome of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw, defenses have no idea what to expect at any given time, and this gives a huge advantage to the Giants. Jacobs will pound through the line, while Ward will be a faster option, and then Bradshaw will come in with speed as well as the ability to break tackles. He just needs to hold onto the ball a little better and he will get more carries and have even more success as a NY Giant.
Wide Receiver – Great depth here. Burress has been a royal pain in the rearend this year, but Toomer has been extremely reliable. Steve Smith is also playing very well and is Eli’s 3rd down man. He has done great in this role this year, picking up from the amazing job he did in the Super Bowl last season. Domenik Hixon has also stepped up, having a huge game (over 100 yds and a TD) against Seattle when Burress was suspended… and he only played in the first half because of a concussion. Even Sinorce Moss (and Mario Manningham too) has seen some garbage time and scored 2 TDs, and when he’s getting the ball, you know everyone is getting it.
Tight End – Kevin Boss has been slow this year, but is starting to pick things up recently. Can’t really comment on him too much at this time, except for the fact that he has played very well in the last couple games. I think he will start to pick up and play very well throughout the rest of the season.
Offensive Line – Simply outstanding. The main reason for the Giants success. They are playing great in every aspect this season. They are the best part about this Giants team, and are the sole reason for the 8-1 record in many respects.
So far, the offense looks outstanding. Just need to keep the turnovers down and I think that they could break some team records this year for sure. Could have two 1,000 yard rushers in the same backfield in Jacobs and Ward, which would be great.
The defense is very impressive as well this year, considering they lost so many high profile members, such as Michael Strahan to retirement, Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell to free agency, and Osi Umenyiora to a season-ending injury.
Defensive Line – Tuck and Kiwanuka have played very well at the end position, with 14 sacks between the two of them. Even Dave Tollefson has stepped it up and played very well when filling in for any of the ends. Robbins and Cofield have done a fantastic job plugging up the middle and helping to stop the run against dangerous players such as Brian Westbrook and Marion Barber, who were completely shut down.
Linebackers – The shakiest part of the defense this year, with veteran Danny Clark in there, as well as rookie Bryan Kehl. Antonio Pierce has done a fine job of directing these players though… and if that’s the weakest part of the defense this year, I will be happy enough. They are still playing adequately and good enough not to surrender too many short yardage plays, but they need to be wary of those good receiving tight ends that will eventually come their way.
Secondary – Michael Johnson has been impressive, as well as rookie Kenny Phillips, both at safety. Having a veteran such as Sammy Knight will only help them, considering the experience that he has in the league. I think the corners have played fairly well, especially Corey Webster, who they should try and lock up after this year (since he is a FA). Aaron Ross is a great player and will only get better, but he has to learn not to take so many risks, only to get burned by them soon after. Sam Madison is still playing well for his age, but it will probably show later in the year. However, with the lack of play that he has gotten this year, I am hoping he is geared toward the playoffs and will step up big if the Giants make them.
Special Teams – 5 words: Jeff Feagles and John Carney.
(couldn’t even find him in a Giants uniform)
That’s really all I have to say for now… GO GIANTS!
Posted by Kevin 
Posted by Kevin 
Posted by Kevin 
