Giants Lose Again: Look Forward to Bye
New York Giants were beaten by San Diego 21-20 at Meadowlands today. It was the fourth loss in a row for New York Giants. I wanted to name this article “Fourth Loss In A Row For Giants,” hoping they never lose four in a row again during the life of Where Did My Go?
But if Giants do not improve quickly, this will happen again.
What Went Right Today?
Giants controlled ball for 37 minutes — almost 15 minutes more than Chargers, and held their star running back, LaDainian Tomlinson to 22 yards on 18 carries. Chargers only gained 32 yards rushing. Giants defensive end Chief Osi Umenyiora got his fifth sack of season, and running back Brandon Jacobs averaged over six yards per carry. Eli Manning completed 15 of his first 16 passes, and finished 25/33 for 215 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions. Steve Smith had 8 receptions for 57, with one touchdown. Smith only needs 22 receptions in final seven games, to break Amani Toomer’s 2002 franchise record of 82 catches during regular season.
What Went Wrong Today?
Giants committed seven penalties. Lawrence Tynes missed a kick, then punter Jeff Feagles fumbled ball, which Tynes never kicked. Five punts by Feagles — with only one inside the 20: oldest player in NFL is playing like it.
Brandon Jacobs only rushed 11 times, for 67 yards, after he injured his knee near end of first half.
Giants seemed to have won, late in the game, when cornerback Terrell Thomas intercepted a Philip Rivers pass, and carried it 33 yards, to San Diego 4. Sadly, a holding penalty against Chris Snee on first down, pushed Giants back ten yards, and they settled for a field goal, and a 6 point lead, with two minutes remaining.
San Diego Chargers drove 80 yards, and scored winning touchdown, with 21 seconds remaining.
What Went Wrong This Season?
Brandon Jacobs does not have a 100 yard game. Offensive play calling stinks, and new Defensive Coordinator Sheridan needs help from Coach Coughlin.
On his WFAN post-game show, Russ Salzberg said Giants are last in NFL for red zone offense and defense. I was unable to verify this on NFL Team Statistics, because I could not find category.
What Can Giants Do?
Giants are lucky to have a bye next week. Coaching staff needs to regroup, watch films, and run better plays, if they expect to reach playoffs.
I do not have stats, but Giants are awful on third and short. And you do not win games, where you lose over 100 yards on seven penalties.
Giants can start by hoping Justin Tuck, who left game in agony, and Michael Boley, who also left game, are not seriously injured.
Giants face Atlanta Falcons in two weeks. Load my 2010 NY Giants TV Schedule as a “live bookmark”, or a calendar to keep up with Giants.