Giants problem is still the Offensive line which was a little better on Sunday. But the lack of a short passing game is hurting them. Later in the game they used Cruz for short gains. They have to do that from the beginning. That is why they have no rhythm. Actually, the Giants did play better against a very good Chiefs team. Except for Carolina, which was the worst team they faced, they competitive in all their games despite a deficient, injury ridden, offensive line.

Good defensive backs take more penalties. Why not if the refs are dumb.

What many do not realize is that winning football teams are smart to take penalties, especially, 5 yard penalties, when the alternative is a long gain or a touchdown. Baltimore used it last year and it helped them win. Denver did it against the Giants when the defensive backs took eight penalties. The other factor is it gives the db an open shot at the receiver which can take him out of the game or intimidate him. referees have to get savvy about this. League officials should take heed. Too many times no penalties are called at all. Sportscasters sometimes get scared to call things as they are. As in the obvious hold against San Francisco in the Super Bowl. San Fran should have won that game. The official decided it.

Offesnsive line, Offensive line, ditto, .......

If you cannot make openings or protect the passer there is no offense. Not Eli. Not Wilson. A terrible offensive line. The receivers are good, the quarterback is still elite. Get that line in order.

Justin Tuck is the reason Giants are not in the playoffs

The reality that the Giants are close to last in all major defensive categories has to fall on Justin Tuck. He is the hightest paid defensive player and he is not delivering. These Giants have always worked off the pass rush and stopping the run. Not this year and Tuck must shoulder the blame. Strahan performed at a very high level to the end. When he knew he did not want to do it anymore he retired. Look at the stats. If he plans to continue as badly as he did this year he should retire. My opinion is that Tuck worries about long term damage to his body after playing such a violent game. That is ok. But he should not play then. He is the leader of the defense and it feeds off of him. He should do better because offenses double up on Pierre-Paul. But to no advantage. Pierre-Paul had become less effective through no fault of his own and Tuck has not capitalized.

Giants were smarter today

The first good thing was not to throw to Nicks who has been a shell of himself the past two weeks.`The Giants slowed themselves more than the opposing defense. Second, they used Wilson more and this made Bradshaw more effective. The kid makes plays that Bradshaw would not have made and vice versa. Mixing them up gives the defense pause. Getting Randall more plays was another good move. It opened things for Cruz. So we have to say the coaches messed up more than the players. And what is the story with Barden? It is a game of inches. The defense did play better. But the offense made it easier for them.

Receivers and little use of Wilson are the problems.

Receivers have to step up and catch the ball when it is thrown. The Giant receivers have become too finesse and forgot how to live in the trenches. Cruz made a great catch and took his lumps. Reed made a dirty hit and will be fined for it. If you watch the New Orleans receivers and also Seattle, you see receivers finding a way to catch the ball even if there are two or three defenders. The other problem was lack of use of Wilson. How do you only give him three touches??? Yes the run defense is bad and the Giants miss Philips and Snee. But this team has gotten too dainty.

Nicks was the Turning Point

If you cannot catch it you should not let the defender catch it. That was the basic point Nix made. He was frozen rather than being active to knock down the football before it came or to knock it out of the defender's hands. Good and smart receivers know this. They have to step it up a notch. Couglin also made the same mistake the Falcons did last year when they went for it on fourth and one. The Falcons did play well. But Coughlin could have prevented his team from falling apart. Shop Amazon - FREE One-Day Shipping on Select Products