Jason Pierre Paul Saves Season

Dec 12, 2011

Eight tackles, two sacks, a safety and a season saving blocked field goal. It looks as if the Giants’ decision to select an unproven defensive prospect is finally paying dividends. The Giants position is far from being secure however. The unpredictability that has governed the Giants’ season thus far could easily be the demise of a team who still has to face a Redskins team who played New England to the wire on Sunday and a hot Jets team before a likely all or nothing rematch in the Meadowlands in Week 17. If the Giants hope to still be in playoff contention by Week 17, they must find a way to limit the big plays that made their secondary look bewildered by even the most routine schemes that Romo and company threw their way on Sunday.

Despite JPP’s stellar game on Sunday, the Giants’ defense, known for its tenacity and pass rush, has been anemic for the better part of this year. Injuries have slowed Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, putting even more pressure on a depleted secondary. Michael Boley was a welcomed addition to the linebacking corps that looked vulnerable on Sunday as well. What was most troubling however, was the secondary’s clear lack of communication that resulted in an undefended touchdown to Dez Bryant and a long play to Laurent Robinson. The Giants have given up an astounding 40 points per game in their last three games. While their run defense has been stout, their pass defense continues to be a problem. Prince Amukamara will need to get settled in the coming weeks to help shore up the secondary.

Eli continued to impress surpassing 4,000 yards for the season in a strong 300 yard game. Manning got the ball to Nicks early in the game and continued their connection throughout their game. Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Mario Manningham have formed a reliable triumvirate f0r Manning. TEs Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum must continue to stay involved in the offense. Ballard’s strong red zone touchdown was a turning point for the Giants.

Brandon Jacob’s showed sparks of life, exceeding one hundred yards for the first time all season. Yet, the running game stalled when the Giants needed it most, in the red zone and on short yardage. After Felix Jones’ pivotal fumble, the Giants were unable to capitalize in the red zone once again. Kevin Gilbride must shoulder a significant portion of the blame for this. The Giants offense has become too predictable on critical downs. Shotgun draws to DJ Ware have yielded important two point conversions but have also been consistently shut down on 3rd and 1s. The Giants need to reevaluate their red zone play calling if they are going to return to the Meadowlands with the division title on the line.

Another bright spot in the game was the Giants kicking. Lawrence Tynes has been solid all year and will need to stay consistent in the upcoming weeks. Drew Weatherford had some big punts on Sunday, pinning the Cowboys inside the 10 twice. The Giants once again have not been able to take advantage on special teams returning. Even after the safety free kick, the Giants were only able to start on the 25 yard line. Weatherford has been able to balance starting field position through his punting but it is generally another disadvantage the Giants face.

Even with all of these vulnerabilities, the Giants still found a way to win on Sunday. The defensive stood tall when they had too and Eli continued his magic. Going into the final stretch of the season, the Giants play well in the red zone and limit big plays in the secondary. If they can do that then they will be able to return to the Meadowlands with an NFC East Title shot on the line.