Playing not to lose vs. playing to win

The Giants are playing not to lose rather than playing to win.

It appears that due to many circumstances that the Giants have become overly conservative and risk adverse to an extreme.

The reasons for the conservative approach are compelling. There is the adoption of a new offensive scheme, the infusion of 21 new players on the 53 man roster (40%), and a lack of quality play makers. The conservative game planning is an attempt to minimize the negative plays and to give the team a chance to win. Coach Coughlin is by his nature a conservative coach. His conservative approach worked well when he had the quality personnel and the continuity of schemes.

I think that it is time to throw caution to the wind. I was impressed by the Cardinals game plan. Despite having a backup quarterback, and a decimated defense, the Cardinals were aggressive and attacking. The Cardinals by their approach created pressure on the Giants offense and defense that resulted in game changing plays. The Giants need to change their outlook and perspective. They should be attacking in all phases of the game.

I would like to see an attacking defense similar to the schemes employed by Steve Spagnola. The Tampa 2 and soft zones on third down do not work. If you give a good NFL quarterback time he will find the holes in the zones. The Tampa 2 is intended to minimize the potential for big plays, yet the Giants are among the leaders in giving up plays beyond 15 yards. My biggest concern is that I am not certain that Perry Fewell is capable of creating deceptive blitzes; they do not appear to be part of his repertoire.

I would like to see the Giants establish the pass and then run. Ben McAdoo and Coach Coughlin seem to be intent on establishing the run. McAdoo is becoming very predictable and his game calling constantly puts pressure on Eli to make the third and 5 plays. Eli historically has been a much better passer in first and second downs. His efficiency diminishes when confronted with third and long. The Giants are really hampered in their run game as they do not have the personnel to attack the edges of a defense. Therefore, 90% of their runs are between the tackles. The Cardinals and the Lions stacked the box and first and second downs daring the Giants to run. I would prefer to see the Giants be creative in the obvious running situations implementing; shuttle passes, end arounds, reverses, screen passes, rather than a dive play. It would also be interesting to see if the Giants could occasionally attempt some trick plays. I can’t remember a Coughlin team ever using a half back option, flea flicker, etc.

The special teams need to be better and smarter. Don’t ever punt to the middle of the field again. Directional kicking can eliminate half the field and minimize returns. It also creates better angles for the special teams’ players and utilizes the out of bounds as an additional defender. It would be exciting to see the first fake punt in the Coughlin era.

The aggressive approach may not work but the alternative has not been successful and at the laest it would be a lot more interesting watching the games.