I placed friendly wager with a Giants fan on the first Redskins-Giants game this season and was pleasantly surprised to win it. I never, however, would've taken a bet on this game. Low and behold, we were again surprised with a victory. I watched this game at neighborhood bar in New Orleans that was kind enough to give me one small screen for the NFC East match up. Maybe is was watching from a different city, but it felt like I was watching a different team.
What the heck was that opening play?
Take it out of the book. Now.
Argh, A3
Armstrong saw more action this weekend, but I'm not sure he deserved to. He seems very disconnected from the rest of the offense and particularly out of synch with Rex. Armstrong slipped on some crucial opportunities. He lazily strolled back to the huddle, seemingly uninterested in the play calls. And he should have caught the would-be-TD-pass that Webster batted down. I won't be surprised or disappointed if we don't see him next season.
Valiant Veterans
With Cooley and Hightower on IR, our ground game is all about the young talent, but the air game this week was dominated by a few veterans relishing their opportunity to play. Gaffney has been our most reliable receiver all season. He is a playmaker and a joy to watch. Stallworth has not always proven as steadfast as Gaffney, but he has made big catches when we need them and proved this week to be excellent at pass protection. I think he is a class act and could be useful to retain for mentoring and depth.
Beastly Backfield
And now, to those young bucks. The Giants defense prevented us from ever really opening up the run, but that did not stop our rookie core from trying. Helu and Royster both made commendable pushes, showing great heart, strong legs and an unimpeachable persistence. Darrel Young deserves props for his first career TD. He is a fighter and shed Giants D-men as easily as brushing dirt off his shoulders. With Hightower hopefully back next season, we'll have a solid running core and one tough full back. Now if we can just get an O-line in place to open holes for them (actually, the makeshift one did all right this week)...
Dominant D
For once I think I can actually compliment the entire defense for their performance. As usual, our front core and linebackers put on a show, but the secondary actually seemed to be gelling too. Wilson, DHall and Atogwe all came away with INTs. Wilson had one of his better games, with batted balls and solid hits to compliment his second INT of the season. DHall's INT was one of those we've been longing for all season - a one-handed snag the likes of which we all wished we'd seen more than three of in 2011. Fletcher broke up the pass that opened the way for Atogwe's remarkable pick, also his third on the year. Needless to say, that was not Fletcher's only shining moment (we need to resign him ASAP). He forced a fumble off Jacobs and, per usual, made huge contributions throughout the game, tallying twelve tackles. Riley continues to impress and was the number two tackler this week with ten total. I think LaRon must have loaned him his cape, because he seems to be everywhere. Orakpo, Kerrigan and Bowen all got sacks on Eli. I do enjoy watching him get hit, only if because it means more Manning Face shots.
Other Notables
I've always liked Lorenzo Alexander and have been glad the Shanny's found a place for him on special teams. He looked great this week and made a big contribution when he was brought in on D in Q4 for a goal line stop. Westbrook had quite the showing this week too. He has been a good practice squad retention for years. It's nice to see him contributing beyond special teams too.
Rex still had two INTs (not surprised). On the flip side, Gano made all his kicks (surprise).
We have two games left in the season. We're not playing for anything at this point but pride. This win is without a doubt one which we can all take great pride. Even if a Cowboys fan TSA agent thanked for the win on my way through security, it did still make for a much more pleasant trip home.
What the heck was that opening play?
Take it out of the book. Now.
Argh, A3
Armstrong saw more action this weekend, but I'm not sure he deserved to. He seems very disconnected from the rest of the offense and particularly out of synch with Rex. Armstrong slipped on some crucial opportunities. He lazily strolled back to the huddle, seemingly uninterested in the play calls. And he should have caught the would-be-TD-pass that Webster batted down. I won't be surprised or disappointed if we don't see him next season.
Valiant Veterans
With Cooley and Hightower on IR, our ground game is all about the young talent, but the air game this week was dominated by a few veterans relishing their opportunity to play. Gaffney has been our most reliable receiver all season. He is a playmaker and a joy to watch. Stallworth has not always proven as steadfast as Gaffney, but he has made big catches when we need them and proved this week to be excellent at pass protection. I think he is a class act and could be useful to retain for mentoring and depth.
Beastly Backfield
And now, to those young bucks. The Giants defense prevented us from ever really opening up the run, but that did not stop our rookie core from trying. Helu and Royster both made commendable pushes, showing great heart, strong legs and an unimpeachable persistence. Darrel Young deserves props for his first career TD. He is a fighter and shed Giants D-men as easily as brushing dirt off his shoulders. With Hightower hopefully back next season, we'll have a solid running core and one tough full back. Now if we can just get an O-line in place to open holes for them (actually, the makeshift one did all right this week)...
Dominant D
For once I think I can actually compliment the entire defense for their performance. As usual, our front core and linebackers put on a show, but the secondary actually seemed to be gelling too. Wilson, DHall and Atogwe all came away with INTs. Wilson had one of his better games, with batted balls and solid hits to compliment his second INT of the season. DHall's INT was one of those we've been longing for all season - a one-handed snag the likes of which we all wished we'd seen more than three of in 2011. Fletcher broke up the pass that opened the way for Atogwe's remarkable pick, also his third on the year. Needless to say, that was not Fletcher's only shining moment (we need to resign him ASAP). He forced a fumble off Jacobs and, per usual, made huge contributions throughout the game, tallying twelve tackles. Riley continues to impress and was the number two tackler this week with ten total. I think LaRon must have loaned him his cape, because he seems to be everywhere. Orakpo, Kerrigan and Bowen all got sacks on Eli. I do enjoy watching him get hit, only if because it means more Manning Face shots.
Other Notables
I've always liked Lorenzo Alexander and have been glad the Shanny's found a place for him on special teams. He looked great this week and made a big contribution when he was brought in on D in Q4 for a goal line stop. Westbrook had quite the showing this week too. He has been a good practice squad retention for years. It's nice to see him contributing beyond special teams too.
Rex still had two INTs (not surprised). On the flip side, Gano made all his kicks (surprise).
We have two games left in the season. We're not playing for anything at this point but pride. This win is without a doubt one which we can all take great pride. Even if a Cowboys fan TSA agent thanked for the win on my way through security, it did still make for a much more pleasant trip home.
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