We’ve seen a tale of two different teams from the New York Football Giants after two weeks. The Giants dominated the second half against the Panthers, leading to a 31-18 victory as they christened their new stadium in Week 1. Last week, however, Eli Manning’s team was embarrassed by older brother Peyton in front of the entire country on Sunday Night Football.
The question that is now on everybody’s minds is: Which Giants team will show up against the Titans on Sunday?
At first glance, it’s tough to tell. The Giants beat what appears to be a very weak Carolina team, and then were manhandled by the perennially contending Colts. There is undoubtedly a large gap between the quality of the Giants’ first two opponents, and it’s difficult to figure out where exactly the Giants fall in between those two teams. The next two games will give us a much better indication as to who the Giants really are.
I think the Giants have a great chance to beat the Titans this week and prove that they’ll be a competitive team throughout the season, but a few things have to happen on Sunday. First, the Giants need to take note of what the Steelers did to Chris Johnson last week and replicate it. Taking him out of the game is a must, because if he finds the open field, the Giants defense will be gassed from trying to chase him down. Vince Young will start again this week, but who knows how much confidence he has right now after being pulled for the fourth quarter last week. The Giants defense should look more like they did in Week 1, and I think coming back to the Meadowlands plays a big part in that.
The offensive line is coming off a putrid showing in Indianapolis, particularly David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, who combined for four sacks and four other hits on Eli Manning, took Diehl and McKenzie to school. The Giants won’t face that kind of pass rush this week. Eli should have more time in the pocket, and when he has enough time, he can put up big numbers.
Helping Eli’s cause will be the return of tight end Kevin Boss, who sat out last week’s game with a concussion, and the improved health of Hakeem Nicks, who, despite scoring a garbage-time touchdown last week, was basically a non-factor. Nicks has not been limited in practice this week, and will be ready to flash his playmaking abilities for a large compliment of snaps like he did in Week 1.
The X-factor to me, for this week and beyond, is Ahmad Bradshaw. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride needs to plan for Bradshaw to get at least 25 touches. Last week his carries were limited due to the Giants playing catch-up the entire game, but they need to establish the run from the get-go this week. With Brandon Jacobs seemingly in a downward spiral both on and off the field, it’s time for Bradshaw to be a workhorse for this team. If the Giants hold a second-half lead, Bradshaw can wear out the opposing defense while working the clock. Give him the rock and let him do his thing ‘ he’s capable of being a No. 1 tailback.
This game does have me worried, as the Titans are in a similar position as the Giants, coming off a loss, evening their record at 1-1. It may come down to the final minutes, but I feel the Giants will pull this one out, and I do think the Giants being home plays a major factor in that.
Prediction: Giants 27, Titans 21