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Who believes this team is good enough to contend for the SB?

Coach Mason : 11/15/2016 3:33 pm
I believe this team is coming together quite nicely and has the talent especially if the some of the young guys continue to develop to make some noise.

We've beaten our NFC east rivals (save the Skins who we should have beaten) and we are not close to clicking on all cylinders yet especially offensively.

I will go as far as to say I believe this team will come together and have a great run somewhat like our 2007 and 2011 seasons and WIN the Superbowl!

The prophecy will come true!

Just get to the tournament  
The Dude : 11/15/2016 3:35 pm : link
game is won and lost by a few vital plays each game from there.
If we can beat the next two  
bradshaw44 : 11/15/2016 3:39 pm : link
Opponents handedly I will be fairly convinced.
They could easily be 8-1 or 1-8.  
Big Blue Blogger : 11/15/2016 3:40 pm : link
It really doesn't matter. Style points in September-November mean nothing in January.

If they find a consistent running game, they can be a threat. Otherwise, no.
If they can put together drives  
Rocky369 : 11/15/2016 3:44 pm : link
that mimic the first one last night - absolutely.
We will need a running game  
Simms11 : 11/15/2016 3:45 pm : link
when the weather gets colder. We also need to give our Defense a break and control the ball. TOP was better last night because we converted third downs and had a semblance of a running game late in the game.
Define "contend"  
j_rud : 11/15/2016 3:45 pm : link
A little more consistency on offense and I think, on a good day when everything goes right, they can go into Dallas and steal a game from them just like in 07. And we know how that story played out. All I can say is that they're giving me a glimmer of hope that they can win 10 and make some noise in the playoffs. It's all on the offense. If the running game has turned a corner and they can stop turning the ball over they'll be in solid shape. The D has managed it very, very well but it seems like every week they're giving up terrible field position and at least 6-10 points off turnovers. The fact that they've got a top 10 scoring D is pretty remarkable when you consider how often the offense puts them in a deep hole. They knock that off and teams would be hard pressed to put up 13 on them.
RE: If we can beat the next two  
Mark C : 11/15/2016 3:46 pm : link
In comment 13219558 bradshaw44 said:
Quote:
Opponents handedly I will be fairly convinced.


Did you mean "handly"?
Oh, never mind...
We are good enough to contend only if the other teams are very bad.  
Marty in Albany : 11/15/2016 3:48 pm : link
Will we get significantly better during the next 7 games while the rest of the NFL gets significantly worse? Stranger things have happened, but not many.
One of the following would need to happen before  
giantgiantfan : 11/15/2016 3:48 pm : link
the Giants can be mentioned as contenders:

1. Improved offensive line
2. Improved pass rush
3. Eli catches on fire

Any one of those occurring would be enough. With that said, if the Giants make the playoffs, they are contenders.
Can't keep turning the ball over more than the other guys.  
Jimmy Googs : 11/15/2016 3:48 pm : link
Won't win a single playoff game doing that...
They are winning games they would have lost last year. D is  
Blue21 : 11/15/2016 3:48 pm : link
making the stops they couldn't last year and O is keeping the ball away from the other team in closing minutes. Something they couldn't do last year. However they still need a better running game. They can't continue to throw the ball all game like they have been.
RE: One of the following would need to happen before  
giantgiantfan : 11/15/2016 3:48 pm : link
In comment 13219574 giantgiantfan said:
Quote:
the Giants can be mentioned as contenders:

1. Improved offensive line
2. Improved pass rush
3. Eli catches on fire

Any one of those occurring would be enough. With that said, if the Giants make the playoffs, they are contenders.


Note, did not mean catches on fire in the literal sense.
I do  
Route 9 : 11/15/2016 3:50 pm : link
1. Eli Manning in playoffs
2. OBJ
3. Defense plays well, the Giants could win a lot of games
I think the arrow is pointing up  
giants#1 : 11/15/2016 3:50 pm : link
several young players are becoming key contributors and improving week-to-week.

And perhaps most importantly, we are fairly healthy save for Pugh (knock on wood).

We do need some blowouts though so we can get JPP and Vernon some rest. They've played a ridiculous number of snaps this year, especially for DL (I believe both are over 95%).
"Maybe" Good Enough to Make the Playoffs...  
M.S. : 11/15/2016 3:51 pm : link

...and a Defensive Unit that is high end, but this team ain't going to the Super Bowl. Period. They are not that close.
Still think we're a year away  
bceagle05 : 11/15/2016 3:52 pm : link
but I've been wrong before. A playoff appearance would be nice - it's been awhile. I could absolutely see us going into Atlanta and winning on Wild Card Weekend, should that opportunity present itself. Anything beyond that is stretching it a bit.
RE: Can't keep turning the ball over more than the other guys.  
Route 9 : 11/15/2016 3:54 pm : link
In comment 13219575 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
Won't win a single playoff game doing that...


True. We're not Russell Wilson vs the Packers (2014 NFCCG) here
I want to be  
bignygfan : 11/15/2016 3:54 pm : link
good enough to get the win against the Bears.
Just don't see it  
JonC : 11/15/2016 3:54 pm : link
This OL, RBs, and TEs winning a SB? Young team, young head coach, all learning what it takes to win in the NFL. We're a good year away from hopefully resolving those issues.
RE: Just get to the tournament  
giantsfan44ab : 11/15/2016 3:54 pm : link
In comment 13219552 The Dude said:
Quote:
game is won and lost by a few vital plays each game from there.


This is my overall sentiment as well. Over the last decade we have all had an idea what we "wanted" from certain parts of the team and it all went out the window when winter came.

Now there are major differences. As much as I like this defense it's hard to compare it to the days of the "NASCAR" package, which obliterated offensive lines on every play.

Biggest of all, Eli is completely different. This offense can't reach the high power levels the 2011 team did. While we do have a game changer in Odell, it's a disservice to compare the players we had on that team- Nicks, prime Cruz, Snee, Bradshaw, etc.

I saw this season as a stepping stone and its about what I expected (although I believed the offense would be at least as good as last year). If we can develop a running game by next season I can't see why this team isn't going to be a contender.
Need a consistent running game in the playoffs  
Rick in Dallas : 11/15/2016 3:56 pm : link
Especially on the road in cold windy weather. Haven't seen that yet...
i don't see it  
Les in TO : 11/15/2016 4:01 pm : link
yet. not consistently good enough in all three phases. but I'm not ruling it out either.
RE: Just don't see it  
giants#1 : 11/15/2016 4:01 pm : link
In comment 13219595 JonC said:
Quote:
This OL, RBs, and TEs winning a SB? Young team, young head coach, all learning what it takes to win in the NFL. We're a good year away from hopefully resolving those issues.


TE's are at least marginally better with Donnell on the bench and have some untapped upside with Adams. At least Tye has the speed to get down the seam and no tumble onto his head after making a catch.

The running game is definitely a concern when the weather gets worse.
I look at this team and I see several solid pieces that make it  
Mark C : 11/15/2016 4:04 pm : link
capable of a championship run. Not expecting that run to come this season, but then again, neither was I expecting that in 2011 or 2007, so who knows?

If Dallas is the best team the NFL has to offer this year, then I'd say every team this side of the Chicago Bears is capable of contending.
JonC  
Coach Mason : 11/15/2016 4:08 pm : link
Many felt the same way during the 2007 and 2011 years. There is enough talent here.
RE: RE: Can't keep turning the ball over more than the other guys.  
Jimmy Googs : 11/15/2016 4:09 pm : link
In comment 13219593 Route 9 said:
Quote:
In comment 13219575 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


Won't win a single playoff game doing that...



True. We're not Russell Wilson vs the Packers (2014 NFCCG) here


I'll say this though, if the Giants do win it then Eli Manning goes into the Ring of Honor in February...
Yes. Good enough to win it.  
x meadowlander : 11/15/2016 4:10 pm : link
Bad enough to lose out.

Because DEFENSE wins championships.

No D? No shot.

If the OL can improve a bit, if the team stays healthy, the defense has already shown they've got what it takes.

Just get Eli to the playoffs. He'll do the rest. :)
RE: RE: RE: Can't keep turning the ball over more than the other guys.  
giants#1 : 11/15/2016 4:11 pm : link
In comment 13219632 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
In comment 13219593 Route 9 said:


Quote:


In comment 13219575 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


Won't win a single playoff game doing that...



True. We're not Russell Wilson vs the Packers (2014 NFCCG) here



I'll say this though, if the Giants do win it then Eli Manning goes into the Ring of Honor in February...


He better not retire!!
jrud  
Coach Mason : 11/15/2016 4:11 pm : link
Contend is basically be a strong playoff team that could legitimately go all the way.

however, I don't think it's just contend I believe they will WIN the SuperBowl.
They weren't great in 2007 or 2011  
Go Terps : 11/15/2016 4:15 pm : link
With this quarterback and Beckham they can beat anyone.

I think a lot depends on the matchup. Against Dallas I like our chances, against Seattle I do not. I'm also concerned about the last two regular season games, in Philly and Washington. The offensive line scares me in those games.

Team feels like it's a year away, but that doesn't mean it can't do it this year. 2008 was a better team than 2007, and both 2010 and 2012 were better than 2011.

So yeah, it can be done.
Not at all comparing this team to the last two title teams.  
Beezer : 11/15/2016 4:16 pm : link
Just that neither of those teams looked like favorites when the post-season began.

ASS others have said, just get into the playoffs.

With this quarterback, this talent at certain spots, the potential of this defense to get healthy and gel ... you never know.

They could have a shot if things fall into place. But that's a long way off.
RE: Just don't see it  
Big Blue Blogger : 11/15/2016 4:18 pm : link
JonC said:
Quote:
This OL, RBs, and TEs winning a SB? Young team, young head coach, all learning what it takes to win in the NFL. We're a good year away from hopefully resolving those issues.
I basically agree, though I could imagine Jerrell Adams contributing at a 2007 Kevin Boss / 2011 Jake Ballard level as he gains confidence. Vereen's return should upgrade the RB rotation and improve 3rd down efficiency.

As for the line, well, there's the rub. They might improve to the level of the 2011 line, which was horrible, but pulled its collective head out of its ass in January. The Giants have just won two games without the guy who's supposedly their best offensive lineman. So maybe there's hope there too. And if the running game gets going, Eli won't need to force as many balls into tight spots.

In short, I think the 2016 Giants are a middling team with some upside, whose ceiling is around the level where you win a wild card game and then go quietly in the divisional round. As others have said, there's no longer a lot of difference between those teams and the ones who end up in the Super Bowl. And I think Dallas has just as many weaknesses. Their strengths are just stronger.

One other thing, though: I sure hope that underthrown ball to King was just one bad pass. If Eli has really lost that much arm strength, DCs will take advantage of it. The ball Lewis dropped gives me hope: that was a gorgeous throw, almost Manning-to-Manninghamlike.
Sure...they already are  
AnnapolisMike : 11/15/2016 4:20 pm : link
Although I am not sure why a win over a mediocre Cincinnati team would precipitate this conversation.

They can beat anyone....or lose to anyone at this point. Stay healthy and keep getting better.
Since they beat the Ravens in week six I have had a feeling they  
steve in ky : 11/15/2016 4:23 pm : link
were turning things around and ready to make a run so I don't see why they couldn't continue to improve and peak for the playoffs.

So in a league where almost any team can get hot at the right time and make a run at it why not the Giants?

Will it happen who knows but is it possible, yes.

I do  
JohnVB : 11/15/2016 4:23 pm : link
They have issues, especially on offense, but the defense is championship caliber. These two fixes would immediately have a huge impact:

1. Eliminate the turnovers
2. Eliminate big returns and miscues on ST.

The defense is only giving up about 20 points a game, and that would be lower if they didn't have to start in a bad spot because of a turnover or big return.

Offensively, there's a lot of room for improvement. Hopefully as the season goes on the line will gel a bit, especially once Pugh returns.
Only if they can overcome their fibromyalgia  
jcn56 : 11/15/2016 4:28 pm : link
.
let's just say the top 6 teams to make playoffs are:  
dep026 : 11/15/2016 4:28 pm : link
Dallas
Seattle
Atlanta
Green Bay
Giants
Washington

Maybe seattle, but none of those teams are that much better. Every team has serious issues and aren't unbeatable. The point is to go to the dance.

With our DEs coming off their best game, a very, very good secondary. Eli and OBJ? I'll take my chances against anyone.
RE: RE: Just don't see it  
Go Terps : 11/15/2016 4:31 pm : link
In comment 13219654 Big Blue Blogger said:
Quote:
JonC said:

Quote:


This OL, RBs, and TEs winning a SB? Young team, young head coach, all learning what it takes to win in the NFL. We're a good year away from hopefully resolving those issues.

I basically agree, though I could imagine Jerrell Adams contributing at a 2007 Kevin Boss / 2011 Jake Ballard level as he gains confidence. Vereen's return should upgrade the RB rotation and improve 3rd down efficiency.

As for the line, well, there's the rub. They might improve to the level of the 2011 line, which was horrible, but pulled its collective head out of its ass in January. The Giants have just won two games without the guy who's supposedly their best offensive lineman. So maybe there's hope there too. And if the running game gets going, Eli won't need to force as many balls into tight spots.

In short, I think the 2016 Giants are a middling team with some upside, whose ceiling is around the level where you win a wild card game and then go quietly in the divisional round. As others have said, there's no longer a lot of difference between those teams and the ones who end up in the Super Bowl. And I think Dallas has just as many weaknesses. Their strengths are just stronger.

One other thing, though: I sure hope that underthrown ball to King was just one bad pass. If Eli has really lost that much arm strength, DCs will take advantage of it. The ball Lewis dropped gives me hope: that was a gorgeous throw, almost Manning-to-Manninghamlike.


I'd be interested to see video of the ball to King in the air. Eli was throwing ducks last night any time the throw wasn't in rhythm. His mechanics were a mess.
RE: let's just say the top 6 teams to make playoffs are:  
giants#1 : 11/15/2016 4:37 pm : link
In comment 13219669 dep026 said:
Quote:
Dallas
Seattle
Atlanta
Green Bay
Giants
Washington

Maybe seattle, but none of those teams are that much better. Every team has serious issues and aren't unbeatable. The point is to go to the dance.

With our DEs coming off their best game, a very, very good secondary. Eli and OBJ? I'll take my chances against anyone.


Arizona could be dangerous if they rally to make the playoffs. Excellent D and Fitzgerald + Johnson (best RB in football) on offense. If their K didn't suck, they'd be in first over Seattle.
Win the SB?  
Doomster : 11/15/2016 4:37 pm : link
Not quite.....

Eventually, Adams will be exposed at FS, for what he is.....the linebackers, make a play here and there, but not enough.....the pass rush/pressures and run defense have masked these faults......we have Jenkins and DRC and Collins back there, playing great ball.... but Apple has fallen off the branch.....and guys like Wade are just one play from a td....

This offense can't handle a pass rush.....and if the other team gets a big lead, the dogs will be unleashed.....

This team is good enough to make the playoffs.....maybe a wild card win at home......the pieces are not all there yet.....Guys like SS and Perkins and Jerell Adams will hopefully take that next step, next year, like Collins did.....

If the defense can keep games close, there is always a chance in the fourth with Eli....this team has 8 more games to improve on....how much they improve will determine how far they go.....this team still makes mistakes, one week it's the offense and turnovers, the next it may be ST's, and so on.....After after three straight losing seasons, this team has to learn how to win again, when it really counts....
RE: They weren't great in 2007 or 2011  
Danny Kanell : 11/15/2016 4:37 pm : link
In comment 13219649 Go Terps said:
Quote:
With this quarterback and Beckham they can beat anyone.

I think a lot depends on the matchup. Against Dallas I like our chances, against Seattle I do not. I'm also concerned about the last two regular season games, in Philly and Washington. The offensive line scares me in those games.

Team feels like it's a year away, but that doesn't mean it can't do it this year. 2008 was a better team than 2007, and both 2010 and 2012 were better than 2011.

So yeah, it can be done.


Agree with this entire post.
RE: Only if they can overcome their fibromyalgia  
Big Blue Blogger : 11/15/2016 5:07 pm : link
jcn56 said:
Quote:
.

Attack the post, my friend. Love the poster... and all of his previous personas. ;o)
I just feel like the running game  
Johnny5 : 11/15/2016 5:10 pm : link
Needs to pick up by a lot still to even consider it.
Teams evolve during the season  
WillieYoung : 11/15/2016 5:12 pm : link
The teams that won the Super bowls in 2007 barely resembled the team that took the field in September (referring to caliber of play not personnel). If our defense keeps getting better at the rate it is, we are absolutely cable of contending.
Not with the O-Line  
montanagiant : 11/15/2016 5:17 pm : link
You're not going to make the SB without at least an okay running game
Not with this Oline.  
Keith : 11/15/2016 5:18 pm : link
Games are won and lost in the trenches. We have some really good parts on the dline so I can see a case to be made that they will be good enough. The oline is absolutely awful though.

That being said, next season could be the year. If we fix the running game/oline next year, we will compete, IMO.
Go Terps: I just looked at the Iloka INT again.  
Big Blue Blogger : 11/15/2016 5:22 pm : link
Go Terps said:
Quote:
I'd be interested to see video of the ball to King in the air. Eli was throwing ducks last night any time the throw wasn't in rhythm. His mechanics were a mess.

From a strictly physical standpoint, it was a little better than I initially thought. After he stepped up to avoid Atkins, Eli got pressure on his left from Peko. So, although he was moving forward into the throw, he didn't have his feet well set. The ball traveled close to 55 yards on a line, and the window was tiny because King didn't have the step I thought he did.

It was a bad throw - too short and too close to the center of the field, giving Iloka a better play on the ball than King - but mostly, it was a horrible decision. The only way to complete that pass was to gun it 60 yards on the run, over the top of Adam Jones, and hope for a great catch by a receiver with a career total of 19 yards.
If they make the tournament  
djstat : 11/15/2016 5:25 pm : link
then we can talk SB. Until then just crush Chicago...hopefully Dallas loses to Baltimore and then we get a shot to knock the Boys out of first place.
Call me crazy  
Route 9 : 11/15/2016 5:25 pm : link
But wasn't te offensive line shit in 2011 for the most part? Let's not remember the 49ers playoff game.
They were good players who couldn't run block.  
Keith : 11/15/2016 5:30 pm : link
The pass protection was good if I remember correctly. When we got into the playoffs, the running game got good again.

This team can't pass block or run block and the players stink. I don't see that changing.
RE: Call me crazy  
giantsfan44ab : 11/15/2016 5:43 pm : link
In comment 13219760 Route 9 said:
Quote:
But wasn't te offensive line shit in 2011 for the most part? Let's not remember the 49ers playoff game.


I remember it being pretty good (IIRC). Snee, Mckenzie, baas and boothe were all solid. Diehl really declined but they used him as a swing tackle and he filled that role nicely.

And also, how many defenses in the last decade were as good as the niners peak? Seattle and Denver? That was the greatest LB corps I've seen since I've watched football. They had 4 All pro LBers (pretty sure their backup LB could've been a pro bowler as well). Also had prime Goldson and Justin Smith. 6 total all pros on the defense and other solid DBs and Dline as well.
In today's NFL  
EJJ : 11/15/2016 5:48 pm : link
Just get into the tournament and get hot. Records go out the window. If we know anything we know Eli raises his game in the Playoffs! Hell yeah the NY Giants are contender's flaws and all.
Still have one of the worst OLine's in the league,  
Dave in Hoboken : 11/15/2016 5:50 pm : link
if not the worst. And the worst run game in the league. Both of those aspects are very important, especially later on in the season. Need to get better from a personnel standpoint in those positions (and TE) before we are SB contenders.
I don't see it.  
yatqb : 11/15/2016 5:56 pm : link
We need a running game and a better pass rush.

ROTFL HAHAHAH  
FStubbs : 11/15/2016 6:03 pm : link
Enjoying each game as it comes, but Superbowl? That's hilarious.

Not that it couldn't happen, but this team is a long way from thinking about things like that.
Not with the O-Line playing like this  
Vanzetti : 11/15/2016 6:13 pm : link
You can win without a good running game in today's NFL, but then you have to be an excellent pass blocking line like Giants were in 2011.

This OL can't run or pass block.

They have been getting better, so that would have to continue and we would have to see significant improvement for them to be legit contenders.

SB Contenders  
bogey5 : 11/15/2016 6:27 pm : link
They will have to win at least 2 of the 3 remaining division games to make the playoffs IMO, then think the SB.
Sure.  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 11/15/2016 6:28 pm : link
Get into the dance & who knows what can happen. Who saw '07 & '11 coming?
O line started to come together  
Paulie Walnuts : 11/15/2016 6:45 pm : link
in the 4th Quarter ...if they can run the ball, this team gets dangerous
It's not.  
arcarsenal : 11/15/2016 7:04 pm : link
Not right now, at least. Could things come together down the stretch? It's possible. I just think it's very hard to do without a run game. Eli had to be Superman in 2011 to get us there and while he's still capable of playing at a high level, we can't expect that from him at this point in his career.

I'm thrilled that this team is 6-3 right now, though. There's a very real chance to get to 8-3 if we can beat two inferior opponents. Just gotta take it week by week.
RE: They could easily be 8-1 or 1-8.  
Joey in VA : 11/15/2016 7:12 pm : link
In comment 13219560 Big Blue Blogger said:
Quote:
It really doesn't matter. Style points in September-November mean nothing in January.

If they find a consistent running game, they can be a threat. Otherwise, no.
I hate it when I have a thought and you barge in here and say it. Ratfink.
They're not a juggernaut...  
Dunedin81 : 11/15/2016 7:16 pm : link
But nobody else in the NFC is either. Dallas is very good, but they've also been pretty healthy this year and sooner or later that could change. If we stay healthy and the offensive line comes together, our offense can play with anyone. The defense has shown it in spurts, but not consistently. With the right breaks this team can contend only because it's a weak conference this year. Unlikely but not impossible.
They are 6 - 3 and have more pts against  
joeinpa : 11/15/2016 7:19 pm : link
Then for. The offense struggles to score pts because they don t protect well enough to throw deep and can t run the ball at all.

No, right now I do not believe they are a contender for the SB
Stop with the next year Bull Shit  
Bluesbreaker : 11/15/2016 7:23 pm : link
They didn't go crazy in free agency for next year if the
O-line doesn't get more consistant we could still get to
the playoffs but I doubt much further ...
If they come together and get the run game back to respectability then Yes with this Defense and some luck
on the injury front we can make some noise ..
RE: RE: If we can beat the next two  
adamg : 11/15/2016 7:27 pm : link
In comment 13219571 Mark C said:
Quote:
In comment 13219558 bradshaw44 said:


Quote:


Opponents handedly I will be fairly convinced.



Did you mean "handly"?
Oh, never mind...


Did you mean handily?
RE: They are 6 - 3 and have more pts against  
Go Terps : 11/15/2016 7:31 pm : link
In comment 13219900 joeinpa said:
Quote:
Then for. The offense struggles to score pts because they don t protect well enough to throw deep and can t run the ball at all.

No, right now I do not believe they are a contender for the SB


They were outscored for the entire 2011 season.

Outside Seattle (in Seattle) I don't know if there is a team in the NFC against whom they'd be a clear underdog. You may remember people felt that way about New Orleans in 2011.

Would you really be worried about going to Detroit, Green Bay, or Atlanta? I wouldn't.
A couple of good things.  
Ira : 11/15/2016 7:51 pm : link
We have talent on both sides of the ball and talented young players who are improving as the season progresses.
Doubt It But Who Knows...  
clatterbuck : 11/15/2016 8:28 pm : link
2007 and 2011 teams got hot at the right time. Eli, OBJ, a good D. They could also lose to the Browns, but again, who knows? However, just the concept of going back to Dallas in the playoffs and knocking off the 14-2 Cowboys is almost better than a SB.
defensively maybe  
msh : 11/16/2016 2:42 pm : link
still not dominating the way those pieces should but they have the players to get better every weak,i watched what looked a poor team in the first london win over the dolphins go on to put in one of the best performances team wise in a superbowl against the pats so it COULD happen.

the problem is the OL/Running game and short passing game now veeren is out and they dont have boss or ballad anymore its larry donnell who goes for extra yards when he has enough and gets flipped on his head risking a fumble but goes down all too easily when he hasnt made the first down marker

the OL was a strength of the 2007 team and its the weak link on this one they have done better than i anticipated going in to the season if they can come together they could do it again but just getting out the division into the playoffs is no gimme with the cowboys running away with the division like they are
RE: They're not a juggernaut...  
Big Blue Blogger : 11/16/2016 3:15 pm : link
Dunedin81 said:
Quote:
But nobody else in the NFC is either. Dallas is very good, but they've also been pretty healthy this year and sooner or later that could change.

Dallas hasn't been all that healthy, and suspensions have depleted them further. A lot of presumed starters - Romo, Collins, Bryant, Church, Scandrick, Claiborne, and Lawrence, plus key reserves like McFadden, Hanna and Dunbar - have missed substantial time with injuries, and two defensive starters have been suspended all season.

The Cowboys aren't so much healthy as deep - or at least, constructed to survive injuries by controlling the clock. Personally, though, I'm looking forward to the next injury on their offensive line. With Leary in reserve, losing Collins wasn't such a big deal. But now that line is pretty thin, especially until Chaz Green is 100%.
RE: RE: Just don't see it  
JonC : 11/16/2016 4:18 pm : link
In comment 13219654 Big Blue Blogger said:
Quote:
JonC said:

Quote:


This OL, RBs, and TEs winning a SB? Young team, young head coach, all learning what it takes to win in the NFL. We're a good year away from hopefully resolving those issues.

I basically agree, though I could imagine Jerrell Adams contributing at a 2007 Kevin Boss / 2011 Jake Ballard level as he gains confidence. Vereen's return should upgrade the RB rotation and improve 3rd down efficiency.

As for the line, well, there's the rub. They might improve to the level of the 2011 line, which was horrible, but pulled its collective head out of its ass in January. The Giants have just won two games without the guy who's supposedly their best offensive lineman. So maybe there's hope there too. And if the running game gets going, Eli won't need to force as many balls into tight spots.

In short, I think the 2016 Giants are a middling team with some upside, whose ceiling is around the level where you win a wild card game and then go quietly in the divisional round. As others have said, there's no longer a lot of difference between those teams and the ones who end up in the Super Bowl. And I think Dallas has just as many weaknesses. Their strengths are just stronger.

One other thing, though: I sure hope that underthrown ball to King was just one bad pass. If Eli has really lost that much arm strength, DCs will take advantage of it. The ball Lewis dropped gives me hope: that was a gorgeous throw, almost Manning-to-Manninghamlike.


Eli's 35 with fewer weapons around him on offense. Eli had three wideouts who could kill you, and threats at TE, not to mention two tailbacks who could take games over. For me, that drops the expectations meter a bit when you add in the difficulties they've had running the football, defeating basic Cover shell looks, etc.

The good news is they're clearly improving, the discipline and mental errors, physical errors, and results on gameday are slowly visibly improving.
Ehh. I don't put that 2011 offense on a pedestal. They were better  
Jimmy Googs : 11/16/2016 11:09 pm : link
than this year's crew but not by that much.

The biggest difference may very well be Eli as 2011 was his finest and he is not playing at that level this season...
That Eli INT  
KWALL2 : 11/16/2016 11:37 pm : link
Wansnt close to being on a line. It wa as soft wobbly duck.

Having said that I still believe Eli can win another one and this team could do it. Far from perfect but the defense is really good and we have Beckham. That's a lot. Enough to win the NFC.
I think the D  
JOrthman : 11/17/2016 12:20 am : link
is better then the 2007 and 2011 teams. People really over rate the defense we had those years, this one is playing far more consistent.
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