Stats never lie... for the most part.
These show that although the O line is problematic, it shows that the play calling may be the actual problem:
In 2 games-
Rushing average- 3.2 YPC #27
Yet, better than Steelers, Colts, Panthers, Chargers and Cards
Rushing attempts- Dead ass last
Quarterback hits- 12 #13
Better than Bears, Texans, Eagles, 49ers, Browns, Cards, Seahawks, Packers,Colts
Tied with Broncos, Chiefs, Rams and Redskins
Sacks #8
Really bad considering short drop scheme
But better than the Texans, Browns, 49ers
Tied with the Bengals, Colts and Eagles
#14 in experience - Combined starts total of offensive line
The Giants have been known for years to win games when the rushing attempts outnumbered passing attempts in any game. It is impossible for any running back to get into a grove when they are running the ball so few times per game. Throw in Vereen and his average per carry so far compared to the chosen #1 back and no wonder they rely on Eli to carry the team.
MaGoo's attempt to start the running game consists of 3-4 rushes in the starting three series and then he has Eli try to win the game.
Last week the Broncos stifled the Cowboys with the tried and true defensive scheme used against the Giants. Stop the run and make the QB beat you. And as much as I hate to admit it, they do have a better running game than the Giants.
Suggestion: Feed the running game for at least one game and see how it works. What is it going to hurt? The absolute worst that can happen is going 0-3 which if nothing changes is exactly where they're going to end up.
Our D will keep us in the game against anybody in the league and at this point, Eli isn't going to live long enough to put up a 4,000 yard season.
NFL.com Stats - (
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If you haven't seen that Lions defense versus the Giants where that shows the all 22 angles broken out with some context it really is worth a look. Not being able to run is only half the battle. Mid and long-range routes are being doubled on both sides and underneath passes are also covered up because teams can rush three or four and have 7-8 in coverage. Even if Beckham could break something long Eli would have to have a clean pocket to throw it and he's bailing out before it can happen with all his check downs covered as well. He just start throwing it as far as he can into the stands to make a point
This defense has 1 three and out total for 2 games. This defense has been poor on 3 rd down. This defense has been run on.
And as Carl Banks and. Bob Papa pointed out. Just because your offense goes three and out does not mean your defense can t do the same.
This defense gives up 3 first downs and field position even when they have gotten off the field
This consensus that everything is fine on that side of the ball is inaccurate.
I hate being this pessimistic in September, but this is not a very talented or well coached team. The thing keeping the season alive is that league wide parity means going from bad to average is not a huge jump. But many things need to improve to take this team to being average.
Would also give reason to start a guy like fluker - but they appear reluctant. At least with fluker we move more bodies and out of 2 te that could be useful
Would also give reason to start a guy like fluker - but they appear reluctant. At least with fluker we move more bodies and out of 2 te that could be useful
If the argument is that we'd be more one-dimensional, I don't see how it's possible. If it's that the running game isn't working, well, neither is the passing game so far.