How The Mighty Have Fallen: The New York Giants

One burning question almost every NFL follower has is this one: What has happened to the once mighty New York Giants? Whether you love them or hate them, their season to date has been a tale of two teams. Two very different teams at that.

We first observed a Giants team that had the appearance of being the dominant team in the NFC. They bolted out of the gate to a 5-0 start and had many experts convincing us that they were the best team not only in the NFC, bit in all of the NFL. QB Eli Manning (left) was looking so much the part of his brother and like a viable MVP candidate.

But look at the opponents combined record during that time frame. 12-28 for a .300 winning percentage. Only the Dallas Cowboys, sitting at 6-2, currently have a winning record. Washington, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Oakland comprise the other teams that New York defeated.

Then, a game in the Superdome began the Giants we've seen over the last month. No protection Eli and a once fearsome defense that has not stopped anyone. The last 4 opponents are 23-9 for a .719 winning perentage. Beat the teams you're supposed to beat, which New York has done.

But Sunday's loss should give Giants fans a reason to worry even more.

During the fourth quarter, head coach Tom Coughlin drew some criticism about the play calling during the Giants field goal drive that, at the time, gave New York the lead, 20-14. A penalty and three straight rushing plays from inside the Chargers 10 shows signs of a team that wasn't trying to win a game. Coughlin and staff were willing to let the defense win the game instead of the offense. It backfired as the Chargers managed to score the game winner with a mere 21 seconds remaining.

Why would Eli not take a crack at the endzone? You gave him a Brink's truck and now you don't let him try to put the game away for you? Coughlin did get some heat, but you cannot let offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride off the hook either. Going back to conservative playcalling?

Consider this. Sometimes statistics skew our opinions and observations. In the case of the Giants and their fall from the NFL's better teams, this is not the case. The only stat that has been consistent for the G-Men is time of possession. They currently lead the league and have all season log. Go back and look at the Giants before the Saints game and since that same game.

First 5 Games           Opponent
Pass Yds/Game       260.8               124.6
Rush Yds/Game      160.4               105.8
Points/Game             30.2                 14.2
Sacks For                  14                      3
TD/INT                    10/2                  4/5

Last 4 Games
Pass Yds/Game       232.5              262.3
Rush Yds/Game      112.0              102.5
Points/Game             20.3                33.3
Sacks For                    6                     12
TD/INT                     6/6                   11/3

Just from these numbers, you can see the struggle from both sides of the ball. Some have guessed that the absence of Plaxico Burress is still being felt. Makes sense as Eli does not have his "go to guy". WR Steve Smith has stepped into the role, but he does not possess the physical traits of Plax. The passing yards are down, but I'm more concerned with the rush.

While RB Brandon Jacobs (right) does lead the team in rushing, he has yet to produce a single 100+ yard game or a multi-touchdown game. In fact, Jacobs only has 2 TD for the season. The Big Guy must re-establish his punishing style or has his body reached its peak of absorbing punishment? Ahmad Bradshaw has the only 100+ yard effort (He has two: weeks 3 & 5). Bradshaw has visited the endzone four times.

The defense has attracted most of the criticism. Just review what their opponents have been able to do against the defense. More passing yards, more points, more TD passes, less sacks and INT. Sure, the rushing yards are slightly down, but teams are taking their shots at a depleted Giants secondary. There's also no sign of a pass rush.

All of these issues must be severly scrutinized during this week and time is on the Giants side as they have a bye.

A lot of work for the staff during the bye.