If Coach Tom Coughlin could hit the reset button on the 2013-2014 season, I believe he would. The Giants are off to a dreadful start and will take the field against an 0-2 Carolina Panthers team on Sunday that are also desperate.
This Panthers team has a Quarterback that is looking to show he is one of the elite players in the NFL and a coach who is likely playing for his job.
This Giants team will look to play the type of football that traditionally comes with being a New York Giant; Pride, consistency, and discipline. Defensively, the team has been solid. Lining up against high-octane offenses such as Dallas in week 1 and a surging Denver Bronco’s team that came in after their quarterback threw for 7 touchdowns, there have been bright spots.
Defensive linemen Cullen Jenkins and Linval Joseph have been disruptive forces on the defensive line and the story of the off-season, Terrell Thomas, has demonstrated that not only can he return following 3 knee surgeries; he has been one of the best players on the field as a slot corner back.
However as the Giants go, the level of inconsistency that rears its ugly head has been the underlying theme of this disappointing start. A team that rests on its pass rushers has scored a grade of incomplete so far.
A strong secondary can only do their job for so long without a present pass rush getting to the quarterback. Offensively, balance and taking care of the ball has been far from good. GM Jerry Reese has been questioned of late by the 53-man roster that has been assembled.
The ultra talented David Wilson at running back has yet to move past potential and his touches have been limited. An aging interior to the offensive line, along with a highly paid new left tackle all will be the keys to if this Giants team can rebound and be a consistent factor the rest of the season.
For Giants fans who look at the glass half full, the last two games could be looked at like practice games for players who did not play much in the preseason. Jason Pierre Paul, David Baas, Chris Snee and FB Henry Hynoski will be looking to prove they are healthy and can shake off the rust.
If the Giants lose to the Panthers on Sunday, the pressure and hole that they are digging themselves will be monumental. However, winning the NFC East is always the number one goal. With no teams in the division cementing themselves as teams to beat, the season is always within arms length. The Giants can not continue to beat themselves.
The schedule won’t be easy in the following weeks. The familiar Andy Reid has the Kansas City Chiefs playing mistake free football in a wide open AFC. Like the Broncos when they faced the Giants, the Chiefs will have 10 days to prepare for the Giants in Week 4. You can bet an always difficult venue to play in, Arrowhead Stadium , will be pumped up for the Giants. The time is now for this Giants team.
Marco Imperati | Featured columnist