I only had time to take a good look at the 1st half. I will try to stay away from the things that have been discussed ad nauseam.
The offensive line was not nearly as bad as I expected it to be based on tweets and reports here. Not great but they did some good things too.
The best offensive lineman was Brandon Mosley. He got very good push in the run game and anchored very well against some good defensively lineman. He stoned Sheldon Richardson several times.
I was actually encouraged by Will Beatty. Not great but he had his moments. His run blocking will never be great. It just won't. He needs to be schemed into a good position so he can block with good footwork. He did have the one bad wiff but other than that I was encouraged.
JD Walton was the worst offensive lineman in the first half. Consistently got pushed back in the run game and pass protection. For a guy that is supposed to be powerful, he does not anchor very well. The deep ball to Randle that Eli under-threw I think was because of Walton giving up ground right into Eli's follow through. Randle had a step and a half. This happened several times to Walton.
Rashard Jennings' running style is Tiki Barber +25 lbs. He is so smooth and deceptively fast. Very patient and good vision. Vision is not as good as Tiki's but Tiki had elite vision. Very few direct hits on him, just like Tiki. Good blocker, good hands.
The first "should be INT" was on Reuben Randle. Terrible lazy route. The second "should be INT" was totally on Eli. I am not sure these designed rollouts play into Eli's strengths.
Some of the pressure given up in the pass game was on Eli. A couple of times a simple side step would have given him another 1-2 seconds to throw. Instead he just got on his horse and completely escaped the pocket. This happened on the fumble that went out of bounds. He may be shell shocked.
During the 2 minute drill, the two long throws to Cruz were ridiculous. The degree of difficulty on those throws are off the charts. Only a few guys in the league can make those throws.
JPP seems to be getting a lot of flack after last night. I counted four times he was a half a step away from getting a sack. I thought he looked very good. And contrary to popular belief he did not JUST bull rush. Keep in mind that Ferguson is one of the best pass pros in the league.
We do not want Jameel McClain starting for us. Might be a great locker room guy but he is just ordinary at best out there. Slow and does not shed.
DRC is the most natural man-cover corner the giants have had...ever. He is so smooth out there. It looks like his confidence is to the point where he is trying to bait QBs which is a whole lot more rare than analysts would have us believe.
As much as I appreciate all that Connor is doing for BBI. HE clearly has his favorites and his dogs. Jernigan is a dog for Connor. He had a drop on 3rd down but he also had three other catches on the only drive of substance for the 1st team.
Nassib was a dog for Connor as well. I was not at practice so I just simply deferred to Connor. But even before the Colts and Jets games I thought he looked pretty good (for a 2nd year 4th round pick). Nassib's confidence is tangible and it is fun to watch. I really like Connor's style and all the work he is doing but he just seems to have his guys.
With 5 seconds left in the 1st half, why not just have McManus kick it out of the endzone? Why risk a return or the ball going out of bounds?
Nassib was a revelation last night, I'll be shocked if he isn't the starting QB of this team next year. I am legitimately excited about his ability combined with McAdoo's system.
I'm hoping it's just learning curve in new offense...but I also suspect he may still be shellshocked from last season
Most NFL centers are technicians.
Weird that their principal FA OL acquisition of the off-season was playing like a weak link.
Whatever Shwartz' injury status, hope he plays better and has to earn, instead of being given, a starting position. That'll happen if he misses the season. Not sure about it if he doesn't.
Most NFL centers are technicians.
I never really looked at him before he signed with the Giants so I went back and checked some draft scouting reports. They call him powerful and strong.
Walton Scouting Report - ( New Window )
Nassib was a revelation last night, I'll be shocked if he isn't the starting QB of this team next year. I am legitimately excited about his ability combined with McAdoo's system.
Shocked? Really?
He's not getting cut.
I also think the OL is improving, and when Schwartz comes back I agree he should go to RG. Leave Richburg in there.
People need to stop comparing Nassib/Painter playing against 2nd and 3rd stringers to Eli playing against the starting D.
Eli was OK. The near pick to Randle was a mortar ball when Randle had open ground and a step and the pick oob was trying to force it to Cruz. Eh it happens. He was vintage eli throwing strikes on the drive before the half.
Beatty is shaking off the rust. Later in the first half #58 on the Jets tried the same move that he got the whiff on and didn't get within 7 yards of Manning.
It was tough to separate hype from fact with Nassib with all the Cuse people here and in the sporting press but he is throwing the ball very, very well and seems to have rid himself of his formerly funky delivery and is throwing everything for a strike. He would have had another TD pass to Washington but for an uncalled obvious pi. He looks excellent and has earned the backup spot without question. Don't see any need to keep 3 qb.
We stole Andre Williams and Washington. Agree with earlier comments on DRC. JPP played well I thought against both run and pass facing the brick.
I'm curious to see where Washington fits. I no longer ignore big preseason performances from unknown NYG Wrs. Am I crazy to think that Washington could bring more to the table than randle?
Overall I can't wait for Detroit.
If Beatty can return to form and until Schwartz returns:
Beatty-Richburg-Walton-Mosely-Pugh
If Beatty falters and Schwartz returns:
Pugh-Richburg-Walton-Schwartz-Mosely
*I know Mosely hasn't performed at OT in the past, but I believe he's improved and can grow into a Mackenzie type mauler at RT.
If Beatty falters and Schwartz doesn't return:
Someone from this group must step up:
Brewer, Gaines, Reynolds, Jerry, Brown
Kenard and Williams were impressive. Those 2 with Beason will be fun to watch.
DRC was solid and the play he made on Decker in the end zone was phenomenal.
Prince needs to return to get Thurmond back in the slot. I'm more comfortable with McBride or Bowman outside, leaving Thurmond inside until Prince returns.
We know what we have in Rolle but Brown is still a ? IMO.
I like the RBs.
Jernigan can play in this system. Anyone else notice the plays that Cruz made all came from the slot?
Reese absolutely must bring in competition at TE after cuts are made.
Nassib was very impressive. Eli's still not comfortable with the system, but it's coming. When it does, I believe Eli will flourish. All veteran's, especially those as ingrained in a system as long as Eli was will take time to learn and see the game from an entirely different perspective.
McAdoo's play calling and ability to play the chess match with DC's was a huge ? for me coming in. I wanted Kubiak all along and will continue to monitor Eli vs Flacco, Giants vs Ravens offense this year. With that being said, the success the 2nd and 3rd team's have had are evidence that McAdoo's growing into the position.
It looks like it'll be another slow start to the season offensively.
Plusses:
The Giants have a ground game to rely on.
Special teams may be improved.
If Beason returns to form, the defense will be solid.
Minuses:
The schedule is brutal and there probably won't be 5-6 games vs. #2 QBs this year.
Looks like another 7-9 win season.
They are a work in progress and took a step forward. On Thursday I hope the first team goes out for a few series to try to build on this.
I don't think they are ready for the lions, but there's still 2 weeks to go .
I believe his first drive was against the Jets 1's... regardless, he looked in control last night and I am interested to see what happens with him.
Eli and the first team O looked better last night, but still a long way from good.
Eli does not look comfortable rolling out. round peg, square hole?
Patterson looked rusty or his shoulder is still bothering him. Or both?