With Jennings out, Andre's pass blocking will be crucial to keeping Eli upright against the historically blitz happy Eagles D (says captain obvious). I decided to focus in on some of the positives/negatives that I saw in the Falcons game after the Jennings injury in the 3rd :
3rd quarter - 5:31 1st & 10. The Beckham overthrow by Eli looked to be the result of a missed block by Williams. Can't see who Eli is talking to, but he's pointing out the missed block. A missed opportunity to answer on the falcon quick score.
3rd quarter 4:38 1st & 10. The DB blitz gets picked up by Williams but seems lacking (Williams did not attack the blitzer. Reactive vs proactive.). Thus, creating pressure on Manning. Ball thrown to ODB resulting in defensive PI.
3rd quarter 3:38 2nd & 10. Play action pass. Williams chips Osi and Manning rolls out to opposite side and hits ODB. No pressure on E due to rolling out of the pocket.
4th quarter about 10:10 3rd & 3. Williams in to block. No one really to chip/pick-up. Manning has time and throws TD to ODB.
4th quarter around 7:50 2nd & 7. Play action to Williams. Williams stays in to help chip/block DE but Beatty handles the DE with ease. No one to block. Again, Eli rolls out of the pocket to the opposite side and hits Robinson.
Notes:
1. On most passing plays, Williams was sent out in space as a receiver thus negating the need for him to be a blocker. Wish D. Wilson was used more in this manner prior to his injury (damn you Killdrive)
2. Hills doesn't miss a beat. There's one play in the 4th quarter where he just knocks the a-gap blitzer clean out of the picture. Unfortunately, Randle cannot complete the catch to convert the 3rd down.
3. Who needs blocking! Manning is releasing the ball lightning quick.
4. Williams can lower the boom when he runs as evidence by his TD score. He also has a tendency to run upright causing him to get ragdolled at times.
All in all, there's room for improvement. Williams will have his hands full against the Eagles. I would like to continue to see passes thrown his way. It'll keep the Lbs honest, and he would be a nice outlet on a blitzing defense.
2nd half pass blocking Grade: C-/incomplete. The missed block on the would be ODB bomb factored in heavily. Also, need a larger sample size.
He appears to me,which means nothing, to be improving every game which is all you can ask for.
I trust the coaches and Eli are aware of his progress and will adjust the offensive game plan accordingly.
The logic is two-fold: a) he is a more reliable blocker and receiver than Williams; and b) the Eagles have less film on Hillis in the new offense than they do on Williams.
Ditto.
I expect williams to get at least 20 touches with Hillis as the primary back in obvious pass downs. Williams has shown the ability to pass pro and is gaining confidence catching the ball. I expect him to have a nice day against one of the leagues worst run defenses.
I think Williams will be helped - as Bradshaw was - by working with a QB who has seen it all and knows how to adjust. (By contrast, Tiki debuted with Dave Brown, then Danny Kanell, Kent Graham, Kerry Collins, a shell-shocked Kurt Warner and the rookie version of Eli.) If anything, Williams might have a higher football IQ than Bradshaw, and he's obviously bigger, so he should do fine eventually. Expect mistakes, though. Eli certainly will. In fact, it's much more likely that the Giants will leave plays on the field because Manning anticipates pressure than it is that Williams will actually get Eli killed.
The logic is two-fold: a) he is a more reliable blocker and receiver than Williams; and b) the Eagles have less film on Hillis in the new offense than they do on Williams.
I agree. I think TC will start the game to see what he can get from Hillis and at the same time not risk the pass protection. I think then, depending on how the game goes he'll turn to Williams.
Hillis is not the runner Jennings is but he can catch and block just as good as Jennings and maybe a little better. If Hillis can't get a running game going then he'll have to go to Williams. Knowing TC's conservative nature this is what I would expect him to do...unless......
TC may use Williams as a starter as a means to fire up and inspire Williams and see if he can be the complete back. But if TC takes this route I would expect him to not be patient with Williams and yank him fast if he messes up the Pass Protection a few times.
Not to mention not even touching on what concepts you can add in the passing game that could compensate for runs, just in case if our running game isn't on par.
Clearly need to use both Williams and Hillis as a rotation, but give Williams majority of carries, and give Hillis and even Hynoski more looks on dump offs/swing passes.
Eli also needs to help himself out and be a bit mobile and even look for spots to run for a first down as needed. There will be a lot of focus on Cruz as usual and now OBJ so should be able to catch their defense with backs turned.
Just don't be a moron when you slide...
He can be an outlet in this offense we are not in the run and shoot anymore.
I see other teams do this all the time, protection breaks down fast, RB chips or just sneaks out and catches a screen for positive yardage.
Blocking from the RB position mattered a hell of a lot more in the run and shoot with a sub par OL.
This OL seems to be handling its business ;)
Hillis also will continue to play his ST role.
I think that's enough to ask and count on from the big guy.
Of course all those plans go in the shiiltter if someone fumbles.
Hillis will be in on 3rd and 5 or greater, but Williams definitely will be tested this weekend.
That said, I think we're gonna feature the running game this weekend against the Eagles.
I think Cox is going to play a substantial role (if I'm repeating myself, sorry) at RB needs to be similarly prepared to deal with Eagles blitzes.
Jennings versatility and explisiveness on 1st down and ability to pass block (as well as catch) on 3rd down will take both Hillis and Cox to (sorta) replace.
..oh yeah, and Williams needs to go for about 21 for 100yrds with a TD or two on Sunday.