Monday Morning Manning: Week 4 Tuesday Edition
By: Marco Imperati
Last year when the Giants played the Vikings in late December, they were a team that was checked out. They had a coach who knew his time was coming to an end. They also featured an offense that day that was unrecognizable without their suspended star wide receiver. In the week 4 loss to Minnesota, the Giants showed that they could hang with a quality team like the Vikings.
Hanging and winning are two different things. Add in beating yourself, and you have the makings of the New York Giants. Their flaws are highlighted, penalties, mental mistakes, turnovers.
Quarterback Eli Manning finished with a stat line of 25 of 45, 261 yards, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception. There is a lot to sift through with this performance. Against, arguably, the best defense in the NFL, Eli did look to understand the many looks the Vikings showed at him. There was a clear plan for him to get rid of the ball early and often. Many times throughout the game, Eli was seen throwing the ball into the ground to avoid a blitz. In a Hall of Fame career that Eli has had, it seems like his all time low performances have come versus the Vikings. Going into this game with 7 career starts vs the Vikings, Eli is 132-244 passing, for 1445 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
This expected “high potent” offense is stalling. The pieces are not the problem. The much talked about offensive line is not the problem. Eli is not on the downside of his career. Although Odell Beckham Jr. emotional outbursts have garnered much attention, I don’t necessarily give that all the credit.
In my opinion, this offense has trouble staying in rhythm. The penalties have slowed this offense from being as potent and explosive as it could be. Coach Ben McAdoo has talked about discipline and poise since the first day he changed offices to head coach. The problem last year was there weren’t enough pieces that could help on this team. That’s not the case this year. The Giants need to stop beating themselves and fans will see the real Eli Manning take command of this offense.
Keep an eye on: Ben McAdoo. The jury is still out if this rookie head coach can effectively manage his team and call offensive plays. He has looked overwhelmed at times and last night before the end of the 1st half, could have called a timeout to stop the clock and take some shots into the end zone.
Up next: Next up is a week 5 test on the road with the Green Bay Packers. Mcadoo will return to a place where he spent much time and has a great deal of respect for. On Sunday Night, back in Lambeau Field, with his team on a two game losing streak, and star wide receiver busting at the seems, Coach Mcadoo will be talking this game down, as he does every week. Green Bay has been friendly to the Giants in the past. Eli and the gang are in need of a serious bounce back.
@MGiants11