Watching the New York Giants get manhandled by the Carolina Panthers this past weekend, all I could think of was the words of the immortal Vince Lombardi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbNidYYGjic
If only we knew.
The offensive line is bad, we know that.
The offensive coordinator is bad, we know that, too.
But what is difficult to fathom is that the once mighty Giants have been reduced to nothing but a floor mat on the level of the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Arizona Cardinals.
And yes, it is that bad.
The Giants rank 20th in the National Football League in Yards per Game, but that’s deceiving; they rank dead last in Rushing YPG with a whopping 44.3. That bears repeating. The New York Football Giants, who for years prided themselves on strong defense and running the ball, now seem unable to do either.
David Wilson deserves some of the blame. It is becoming apparent that his style of running is not one that is conducive to being a true number one back. Or at least, not the way that Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride utilizes him on offense.
“Let’s run the ball up the middle with a speedy back who lacks power,” said Gilbride.
Okay, so he didn’t actually say that, but it’s painfully obvious to anyone who has watched the Giants this season that that is what the plan is. Except for one run Sunday afternoon…one beautiful run.
Wilson took it around the left side, cut the corner and scampered 17 yards into the end-zone for what appeared to be his first rushing touchdown of the season. He even did his trademark back flip and Ric Flair’s patented Stylin’ and Profilin’ strut to celebrate.
The only problem was that a referee had thrown a penalty flag. Holding on Will Beatty.
“You’ve got to be [bleeping] kidding me,” said every Giants fan watching the game.
Wilson had another 12-yard run called back later in the game on a hold from Center David Baas. And when the offensive line wasn’t busy negating big runs by Wilson, they were busy allowing the front seven of the Panthers a free lane to hit Eli Manning.
It’s embarrassing. And for it to get any better, something is going to have to change. Good thing it’s easy to replace an incompetent coach and some lineman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPK3cDl7Ftw
Good times.
Joe’s Prediction in Review
Predicted: 9 carries, 40 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 touchdowns
Actual: 11 carries, 39 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 touchdowns
Verdict: Hooray! I finally got one.
Come back on Friday as I preview the matchup against the mighty Kansas City Chiefs.
Joe Vasile | Featured Columnist
Joe Vasile is the play-by-play announcer for Widener Pride football and the host of “Ball Four” on WTSR in Trenton. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeVasilePBP.