Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Giants at Redskins)

[SmootSmack]

So I had the chance to watch some of today's action with a few NYC Firefighters. I mean they were all loudly rooting for the Giants, but still that was pretty cool. Especially on a day like today

Anyhow, let's keep this brief because it was a huge win to start the year and there aren't too many things to complain about (and I'll leave Doughty out of it today, because I think we're beating that silly in other threads)

Pass Protection I know we want to put all the blame on TW, but Brown struggled early, Kory L. gave up at least one sack, and it's not just limited to the OL. Our backs and receivers, including Hightower struggled in picking up blitzes a couple of times. Luckily, Kyle's underrated schemes (combined with a depleted Giants secondary) put a lot of open receivers out there. Still, it's something that needs to be corrected

The Running Game I didn't understand it quite honestly. I thought they'd use Helu some more, even thought Torain might see some action. But really what I didn't understand is why we seemed to be repeatedly running Hightower to the outside, and not really getting much out of it. I'd need to watch the game again, but less than 3 yards a carry is disappointing

Graham Gano No excuse for missing that field goal...and once again, we go back to getting nervous every time you line up for a field goal

[rbanerjee23]

I would be more than a little concerned about TW and the rest of the line .. not only was the giants secondary depleted, their D line was missing Osi and Tuck, arguably two of the best D Linemen in the league. Pierre Paul is no slouch but Trent Williams looked flat out bad against him today.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by rbanerjee23

I would be more than a little concerned about TW and the rest of the line .. not only was the giants secondary depleted, their D line was missing Osi and Tuck, arguably two of the best D Linemen in the league. Pierre Paul is no slouch but Trent Williams looked flat out bad against him today.

Well we won the game, I think the o-line protected Grossman for some crucial plays. I do think the o-line needs to improve their play though, b/c we will see better pass rushing teams than the depleted Giants.

[T.O.Killa]

Originally Posted by rbanerjee23

I would be more than a little concerned about TW and the rest of the line .. not only was the giants secondary depleted, their D line was missing Osi and Tuck, arguably two of the best D Linemen in the league. Pierre Paul is no slouch but Trent Williams looked flat out bad against him today.

He played horrible, but in his defense, Paul could end up being better than both of those guys.

[hooskins]

I wont mention our safety who struggled, but we need landry back ASAP. Any of you haters still think we are better without him?

[Beemnseven]

Yeah, watching Demarcus Ware tonight should scare the daylights out of everybody. We'll see him in two weeks, and they better figure something out quick. You also have to figure this was the first full game for all of these guys to play together and there are going to be some kinks to work out.

I was surprised that with all the pressure, we didn't see any screen passes. At some points, I thought playcalling in anticipation of obvious blitzing situations was a bit suspect. They have to do a better job of setting up some plays to get the ball out quicker.

Overall though, I have a tough time complaining tonight. Great win. And they needed this one bad.

[Lotus]

Over the long haul we are not going to get it done unless the running game improves dramatically. Counting on Rex or Beck to win the game through the air every week is a recipe for disappointment.

The defensive backfield needs to improve its communication and cohesion.

Bowen needs to raise the intensity of his pass rush.

Everyone on the offensive line had their moments of suck, as SmootSmack indicated. But T.Williams prefaced a sucky game today with a sucky preseason - it wasn't just one game. And we didn't draft him at #4 overall to make excuses regarding Pierre-Paul's abilities. Everyone on the o-line needs to raise their level of play but especially Trent.

Still, we're in first place and have broken the Giants hex at least temporarily. It was a good day.

[Meks]

Originally Posted by Lotus

Over the long haul we are not going to get it done unless the running game improves dramatically. Counting on Rex or Beck to win the game through the air every week is a recipe for disappointment.

The defensive backfield needs to improve its communication and cohesion.

Bowen needs to raise the intensity of his pass rush.

Everyone on the offensive line had their moments of suck, as SmootSmack indicated. But T.Williams prefaced a sucky game today with a sucky preseason - it wasn't just one game. And we didn't draft him at #4 overall to make excuses regarding Pierre-Paul's abilities. Everyone on the o-line needs to raise their level of play but especially Trent.

Still, we're in first place and have broken the Giants hex at least temporarily. It was a good day.

Secondary will not be cohesive without landry. .. other than thatbthey played a HELL .. of a game so I hafta disagree there...

O.line, yes, needs to improve I'm pass pro and run blocking.. but I fear the playcalling was getting predictable in that regard ..

Pass rush I thought was much improved even after last time we saw them.and Bowen had a huge sack ... so I dunno pressure was there today and our corners played verybwell because of it ...



Overall great shut them the F down in the 2nd half... blocked field goal gave me chills and memories of Vincent/Taylor against the cowgirls... being there live feeling the energy of this team and fans... we are gonna find ways to win games. IMO that's all that's gonna matter, this team is READY, to step up and find ways to win as we've always wanted...

[warriorzpath]

Originally Posted by Lotus

Over the long haul we are not going to get it done unless the running game improves dramatically. Counting on Rex or Beck to win the game through the air every week is a recipe for disappointment.

The defensive backfield needs to improve its communication and cohesion.

Bowen needs to raise the intensity of his pass rush.

Everyone on the offensive line had their moments of suck, as SmootSmack indicated. But T.Williams prefaced a sucky game today with a sucky preseason - it wasn't just one game. And we didn't draft him at #4 overall to make excuses regarding Pierre-Paul's abilities. Everyone on the o-line needs to raise their level of play but especially Trent.

I agree that the offensive line needs to play better than how they did in the second half, but the giants were bringing a lot of guys in both passing and rushing blitzes. I'm not trying to excuse their play because other teams will definitely try some of this too since it was somewhat successful. But I'm hoping that most this may be handled in gameplanning and adjustments in the upcoming weeks.

As for the secondary, I think I'm not as down on them as others. I still think it's a huge improvement from last year. I think holding the giants, who have pretty much owned the redskins, to 14 points is pretty good.

[12thMan]

Beemn, I was thinking the same thing about Ware. He's gonna eat our lunch.

[Swarley]

My only other gripe that Smoot didnt touch on was the drops by Armstrong and Gaffney.

[44ever]

My biggest ? is why no RB rotation??? I really expected to see Torain and Helu. Hightower did what I expected in the 1st half but was very one dimensional the 2nd. Why the heck have 3 great backs and only use 1? With that said, Great Game! HTTR!!!

[celts32]

[QUOTE=44ever;834640]My biggest ? is why no RB rotation??? I really expected to see Torain and Helu. Hightower did what I expected in the 1st half but was very one dimensional the 2nd. Why the heck have 3 great backs and only use 1? With that said, Great Game! HTTR!!![/Q

I don't see the need for much of Torain...I see him more as insurance in case Hightower goes down. I would like to see more Helu mixed in for a change of pace though.

[44ever]

Originally Posted by celts32

I don't see the need for much of Torain...I see him more as insurance in case Hightower goes down. I would like to see more Helu mixed in for a change of pace though.

That seemed to be the plan yesterday but, I think this could be a break out season for Torain if given the opportunity.

As far as Helu is concerned we need to give him at least 5-10 a game IMO and if he breaks out then more. No need to break Hightower down like we did Portis when we don't need to. I think we will see RB rotation next week.

[mlmpetert]

Originally Posted by 44ever

That seemed to be the plan yesterday but, I think this could be a break out season for Torain if given the opportunity.

As far as Helu is concerned we need to give him at least 5-10 a game IMO and if he breaks out then more. No need to break Hightower down like we did Portis when we don't need to. I think we will see RB rotation next week.

Yeah i think thats the plan too. Plus his hand was broken 4 weeks ago, a couple hits and it could rebreak and he could fumble the ball. You got to worry about a RB's pass protection too with a surgically repaired 4 week old broken hand. Might have soreness and swelling affecting his strength and mobility and might have a little nerve damage too. Keep him fresh while Hightower is playing well