They started off saying a west coast style offense that runs the ball. We were expecting more timing routes and less option routes. I believe the expectation was less interceptions for Eli which thus far seems to be true. However, we have been concerned that this will take away the deep (big play) passes for Eli which he is very good at.
The first few games we clearly were still learning the plays and trying to get acclimated in the new offense. During this time nothing was going right but many of us expected this. Eli and the receivers clearly needed to get on the same page.
Then things started to click as Eli and the receivers got on the same page. We started to see the west coast style offense and yes we were running the ball. For 3 games we were getting 3rd and short situations that we could not get the previous year. Eli was getting the ball out very fast (almost the fastest in the league). Also at this time we were praising the OL on their protection. Was the OL better then or did it just look that way since Eli was getting rid of the ball so quickly?
Then the Eagles game. First Jennings was hurt. Personally I think this really hurt more than we can admit. He's a good all-purpose back. In a west coast offense, he provides a great dump off option for Eli. I've always thought that throwing the ball to a good back out of the backfield is a large part of a west coast offense. I don't feel that Andre Williams is a west coast style back. The Eagles knew with Williams as the primary back we would only attack between the tackles so they made sure to keep that hole closed. In the passing game I think they also focused on the underneath coverage since we were not attempting the long ball much. When we did attempt to go deep we were unsuccessful.
Since the Eagles game, we appear to be trying to compensate for those weaknesses. It's really starting to look more like our old offense and less like a west coast offense. Now I admit I'm no expert but that seems to be the case. Eli is holding on to the ball longer and he is going deep more often. I love Eli but he had a really bad game against San Fran. It looks like he was told to take risks (what Reese asked for in interviews).
Trying to keep this short (I know, too late) so back to the main question. Have the Giants even established their offensive identity yet?
Agreed.
Because the players should match up with that identity.
Example: I feel Williams is better for a between the tackles, power running style offense. Jennings is a jack of all, master of none. If we wish to be a west coast style which requires a back to catch it out of the backfield then a Sproles type would have been better. If they want a speedy back to get around the corner, a RB like Wilson might have excelled at this.
I think it's like the 4-3 defense vs the 3-4 defense argument. Yes you have to have multiple looks and keep the opposing team honest but you still need that primary identity. For the Giants offense right now, I'm not seeing what that is. It seems like we keep changing it.
I think right now we try to be balanced. We are trying to run many different passing concepts from slants, screens, hitches and curls, crossing routes, and attacking deep now.
We are moving Eli around a lot more this season which is a good thing. We just need better talent offensively from OL to playmakers at WR/TE.
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^^^^this
Yea it was ridiculous. The real kick in the nuts was the 4th down pass was not even close to the fucking first down marker. It seems our receivers are always short of the first down line.