Running To Nowhere
September 12th, 2012
Ahmad Bradshaw and the Giants rushing attack were impotent against the Cowboys to open the season
In what Paul Schwartz of the New York Post calls “the time-honored dance of the beaten,” the Giants claim they can correct their rushing woes, which led to an opening-game loss to the Cowboys.
But panic seems to be setting in in Gotham, Schwartz writes. The Giants haven’t been able to run the ball consistently for a season, and now facing the sudden new rush defense kings of the NFL, the Bucs, Big Blue followers are worried that an 0-2 start may mean no Super Bowl title repeat in the Big Apple.
The caution flag goes up with the rushing attack, as the only background information is of the indicting variety. The Giants of 2011 were first in the hearts of their fans and last in the league in run offense and, until otherwise, not much has changed. Even the 82 yards gained against the Cowboys comes with a disclaimer that should read, “Caution, objects under this stat column are not as acceptable as they appear.’’ The Giants were swarmed up front and the 33-yard run Ahmad Bradshaw ripped off in the fourth quarter came with the Cowboys leading 24-10 and more than willing to trade yards on the ground for time off the clock.
The Buccaneers on Sunday represent the league’s top-rated run defense, a Week 1 designation based on the 10 — yes, that’s correct, 10 — rushing yards they allowed to the Panthers. Sure, Jonathan Stewart did not play and, no doubt, the Panthers gave up even trying to run it with only 13 attempts all game in their 16-10 loss. But still. When DeAngelo Williams gets the ball six times and comes away with minus-one yards of production, it’s worth noting. Ten yards is nearly nothing, or, as Bucs safety Ahmad Black told Tampa reporters, “Ten yards rushing … that’s Pop Warner.’’
“They had a great game defensively against a very good Carolina team that usually puts up a lot of yards rushing,” Giants guard Kevin Boothe said. “That’s impressive. I think that definitely raises eyebrows around the league.’’
It’s not just scribes and fans of the Giants that are worried. Giants headmaster Tom Coughlin admitted as much in his conference call with Bucs beat writers today.
“Any time you don’t have success you have concenrns,” Coughlin said. “We need to move people off the ball.”
One can see where this is going. The Giants’ front line is not moving defenders, the rushing game is stagnant, and the Giants will be facing what could be a strong rush defense by the Bucs led by Gerald McCoy, who Coughlin lauded as a budding NFL star.
“He’s very explosive,” Coughlin said of GMC. “He does a nice job rushing the passer and plays the run hard.”
Joe can see where this is headed: The game will break down to Eli Manning’s arm vs. Doug Martin’s legs. And since Joe is in a good mood, here is an oldie but a goodie song to send you into the evening.
September 12th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Loving the music video spree, Joe!
September 12th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I wouldn’t mind if the Bucs signed Tiki for a game or so…just to fullfil a Ronde wish. He’d be better than our current vet.
September 12th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
What’s prompted your good mood, Joe? The New Schiano Order?
As for me, I’ve been smiling since Sunday, and for the first time in almost a year, I’m very much looking forward to Gameday. That makes it feel like old times! Cheers!!
September 12th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
All this talk about the giants being desperate and panicked I think is bogus they always start slow in the season. I do however believe they will be very motivated to play the bucs because I’m sure there piased off at their performance last week and there at home. I hope more than anything they tank but I don’t think that’s going I happen, I don’t think the bucs will have as good of a performance as the cowgirls. Giants at home coming off a loss we need to be very sharp on all facets.
September 12th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Like the way we match up with the Giants (for once). Great run defense vs. lousy running team means lots of 2nd/3rd and longs. 2nd/3rd and longs mean deep passing which means potential for turnovers like we saw in the Carolina game. Our secondary and pass rush will have their hands full against a great passing attack but we only need a few big plays to swing the game our way. Eli can easily throw for 350+ and still lose if that happens.
September 12th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
This game will boil down to two things. Whether or not the right side of our OL can block the Giants rush. Pierre-Paul will line up across from Trueblood. A massive mismatch on paper.
I’d expect Tampa’s gameplan to be pass heavy considering Giants secondary is depleted. We all saw that Giants vs Cowboys game last week. Those backups in the NYG secondary are nothing more than special teams players. We have to attack them. That will only be possible if we can block up front. Not an easy task.
NYG OL is middle of the pack in the NFL. We should be able to get to Eli a few times. Gotta create turnovers, get a lead and then hammer them with our RBs. Looks like Blount will be a go for Sunday.
September 12th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
The game comes down to freemans arm, thats how the cowgirls did it by throwing agaist some crappy corners.With there line we need to pass the football to run the football.I think the bucs offence can do both run to set up the pass or pass to set up the run, it just depends on the d-fence that we are playing from week to week, thats why I say they are going to be a playoff team.GO BUCS
September 12th, 2012 at 7:10 pm
@Justin – I second everything in that paragraph! Get some turnovers and get to Eli, I think we can hold up.
September 12th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Everyone take note of all these excited fansbeing all hyped up. Because they are the same ones that will be talking bad about the team if the Bucs lose this game.
If I were you guys I would go to ticket master and order tickets to the next home game (Readskins) before the next game…while you still want to. When the Redskins game comes you won’t regret it…because that will likely be our next win.
I bet if the Bucs lose to the Giants & Cowboys the streak talk will start.
September 12th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Buccobruce, the game will come down the protecting the quarterback..because with a weak secondary the only option left for the Giants is to go after Freeman.
So let’s hope our oline does well.
September 12th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Dutcher, the line will surprise everyone but me and they will do pretty good and Freeman might have to on a couble of plays make something happen on his feet and either run for a few first downs or make some great throws on the run,hey thats why he lost that weight and Sullivan is that kind of play caller thats how Eli got so good,but you are right at first because it all starts up front.Lets just not look for the line to be perfect Freeman has to make some game winning plays on his on ,well with the help of a WR.Thanks for the links sunday.
September 12th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
I’m very nervous about this game. I was actually hoping the Giants would beat the Cowboys so they wouldn’t be 0-1 playing against us. Don’t want to play against a champion with their backs against the wall. They didn’t rush the passer very well last week, which means they are going to be relentless against us. We need a huge game from our line. We need to be able to run the ball to keep their pass rushers from pinning their ears back and coming after Josh.
That being said, if we can play at the same level we played last week on defense, I like our chances. That may be too much to ask against a truly elite QB, but you never know. Hopefully we can force a couple turnovers as well, and protect the ball on offense.
September 12th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@pete
I absolutely agree with your post maybe people should buy those redskins tickets now while we are excited about the bucs!!!!! I don’t see us winning these next two but I think we will be competitive and before game one I think most realistic fans that’s what they wanted.
September 12th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
To everyone that says Giants will come motivated, keep in mind that Bucs are motivated as well. Our kind of motivation is different, yet as deadly if not more. IF Bucs are able to somehow dominate 1st quarter with our defense and mistake free offense, that could be another win for us. That is a huge IF however. I hope for an early defensive miracle, hopefully a couple of sacks and/or int.
September 13th, 2012 at 1:04 am
I like our chances, but think the game will boil down to how the team reacts to the inevitable bad play that goes against them. These are the SB Champions, & they will, at the very least, make a few plays. How the kids react to it will be key. Their reaction, when the puddy tat’s scored their touchdown, gives me hope that they’ll be fine.