New York Giants

Five Takeaways from New York Giants' Win

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After a week of hype and speculation over how many points the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints would put up, the teams combined to score only 29 points. Regardless of the offensive output of big plays, the Giants registered another win, starting the season 2-0 for the first time since 2009.

That season, the Giants stumbled to an 8-8 finish and missed the playoffs. This season, the Giants are riding high after two hard fought wins. Both featured two noticeable similarities; resounding defensive efforts and less than impressive offensive outings. Unlike last week against Dallas, this week, the Giants offense did not find the end zone. And that is the most significant of the takeaways from their most recent victory.

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Takeaways

The Giants offense was lauded this off season as being an imposing juggernaut; “scary good” according to the New York Post. A unit capable of putting up points at will and over powering teams with a prolific passing game. Through two games, there hasn’t been a play longer than 45 yards from scrimmage. They kept out of the end zone, against a Saints team depleted by injuries in the defensive backfield. The last drive, notwithstanding, where someone in the chain of command on the sideline decided against scoring a touchdown; the Giants never really seemed primed to impose their will on the offensive side of the ball.

They had first and goal from the one-yard line, with two rushes for no gain and then ran a fade route to an isolated Larry Donnell; an easier read than a “Dr. Suess book”. The offense was careless with the ball, again showed close to nothing in the run game, and appeared to put a great effort towards not messing up; as opposed to attacking a defense that Derek Carr and the Raiders shredded last week.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Takeaways

The only bigger improvement than the additions to the defensive line are those made to the defensive backfield. The run stoppers up front, Damon Harrison and Johnathan Hankins, have played at a Pro-Bowl level. The linebacker play has noticeably improved, and relies heavily on the play of the line. But the greatest asset of this defense is the defensive backfield; a group of hard hitters and ball hawks that set the tone on defense and are leaned on to make plays.

By this point in the season, Giants’ fans undoubtedly had images of Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre Paul putting on their best Von Miller impressions and having regular meetings in the offensive backfield. Through two games though, JPP and Vernon have zero combined sacks and Von Miller has shown why he is the greatest singular defensive force in football. JPP and Vernon have ability, but the ability to single-handedly change a game is not one of them. They don’t appear to possess the one-on-one ability of a Von Miller or Lawrence Taylor. Teams are fairly confident in lining up a tackle or even a tight end against them one on one.

As a result of this improved but decidedly unspectacular defensive pass rush, the defensive backs have shown the importance of a solidified defensive backfield. Nat Berhe and Landon Collins have been flying round like men possessed; Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple have been glued to receivers’ hips; and Dominique Rodgers Cromartie has done everything except attempt a kickoff. Their coverage ability and versatility has come into focus after the defensive front four have been unable to generate much of a pass rush.

Aug 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching Takeaways

Ben McAdoo is NOT Tom Coughlin, and two moments stood out against the Saints. The first was the bypassed field goal attempt in the 1st quarter, to have a go at six instead of three points. They didn’t convert the 4th down attempt, and McAdoo firmly established that Coughlin is going to stay retired. In the Coughlin era, it was almost unheard of to consider passing up on three points. Even from the two yard line, a filed goal attempt was automatic under Coughlin. Points are scarce in the NFL, and hopefully McAdoo realizes that sooner rather than later.

The other stark departure from Coughlin’s tenure was the almost bizarre final seconds; seconds that saw grown men, playing a professional sport, readily give up an opportunity to pummel the football into the end zone. Yes, the decision is a smart, and ultimately rather timid decision, and it did result in no extra opportunities for Drew Brees. But the decision to look past the other unit on the team, fall to the ground for two consecutive plays, and put the game in the hands of a newly returned kicker, just doesn’t feel like a move Lombardi, Belichick, or even Coughlin would make. It’s not necessarily an indictment against McAdoo’s coaching strategy, and maybe his strategy will be timid and submissive. However, the decision does show a strain of distrust in your team and your defense in particular.

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Beckham Takeaways

It would be ludicrous to state Odell Beckham overrated, as his ascendance in the NFL to cultural superstar can not be overlooked. But, as Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard showed in the victory, Beckham is not necessarily the number one defensive focus for opponents week in and week out. The Saints went one-on-one with Beckham throughout the game, and in one noticeable instance, Beckham got open only to drop a perfectly placed ball from Eli Manning. Meanwhile, both Cruz and Shepard had clutch receptions on the final drive, both decidedly more difficult than the one Beckham dropped.

Beckham possesses a suddenness and burst that is unrivaled in the most competitive athletic sphere on the planet. But his physical traits and brashness often give credence to the perception that Beckham is overrated. All receivers drop passes. But great receivers have a knack for making the play regardless of the pressure, defense, or outside circumstances. Cruz’s catch that led to the game winning field goal is a prime example of that. Cruz was, and perhaps still can be a great receiver. Beckham is a superstar, but would he be the go-to target for Manning in crunch time?

There have not been many opportunities to gauge this, as their connections have mostly come in losing efforts. Maybe it’s more of a relief to see other weapons on the Giants emerge; as well as a chance for Giants fans to determine that while Beckham has been great, his teammate from LSU, Jarvis Landry, has more catches over his first two seasons.

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Rushing Takeaways

The Giants seem to have a problem running the football. Their “starting” running back, Rashad Jennings, had 27 yards on 13 carriers. The back up, who should just be given the starting role, had a sightly better performance, picking up 42 yards on 14 attempts. Shane Vereen also had three receptions for 24 yards. Both backs had unimpressive showings, and put up numbers the likes of Peyton Hillis, Reuben Droughns, or Andre Brown might even scoff at. While each has shown the capacity to pick up yards late in games, an anemic rushing attack does not bode well for a vaunted passing attack. Offensive line issues, play calling, or scheme may be the cause of the running game. Or, the backs on the roster aren’t that good.

When the Giants were at their best, winning Super Bowls and making the playoffs, they could run the ball. Not just at the end of games, but throughout; allowing Manning to push the ball down the field and stretch the defense. Perhaps there is a correlation between the lack of big plays and the unsteady rushing game.

The Giants are undefeated through two weeks, which is the biggest of the takeaways. But looking ahead, any success the Giants hope to have must come about through a balanced offensive attack. Time will tell if this offense can prove to be balanced or a reiteration of the past few seasons. Last season, four teams had two rushers eclipse 600 yards; all four made the playoffs. Super Bowl participants Denver and Carolina featured two; as did Cincinnati and Green Bay. A steady running game is paramount in the NFL. For the Giants to have success, they can not deviate from this.