The eminent statesman Winston Churchill once said: “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”
The Giants and their fans went through hell last night, losing a bleeder. There is no choice but to take some positives out of the game and keep going.
The eminent philosopher and sometimes HOF football coach Bill Parcells once said: “You are what your record says you are.”
At 1-5, the Gmen cannot look back. That is who they are and they just have to try to win next week vs Washington. They can do that. Given the Giants are +1.5 on the road, that is a winnable game. Let’s look at the positives (and some of the negatives) from last night for some reasons the Giants can get to 2-5.
- Tyrod Taylor was very capable vs a good BUF defense. Yes, he made that boneheaded checkdown at the end of the half (which I still blame on Daboll). But Taylor spread the defense with some very effective downfield plays. He managed the pocket better than his shell-shocked predecessor. No, I will not debate who is better for the Giants right now. We simply saw enough on Sunday night to know Taylor can win.
- Wan’Dale Robinson continues to look spry and competitive. He is getting plenty of separation and can move the chains regularly.
- Barkley is back. No, he couldn’t cut. But as long as he behind the QB he has to be accounted for.
- Jalin Hyatt is a budding star. I have already said that a few weeks ago. Last night he got a lot of targets. His biggest play of the evening was a 47 yarder which was nullified by a penalty. Yes, he was inbounds. His second biggest play was a key first down on the final drive where he went up and grabbed a high throw, getting popped as he came down. Great hands, great control, clutch. Not what you see from rookies, unless they are budding stars.
- Slayton spread the field too. 4 receptions for 69 yards, he is earning more time. Slayton, Hyatt and Robinson are the effective starters.
- Justin Pugh was oxygen for the Offensive Line. It was insane how this aging Guard went from the couch off of ACL surgery to the Giants’ Left Tackle when Ezeudu went down. After getting 2 false starts, I believe the Left Guard started holding Pugh’s calf to help him move off of the snap. Once that got ironed out, Pugh was quietly (always a good thing for an Offensive Lineman) proficient.
- Neal is playing better. Not great. Better.
- Okereke has ascended to become the linebacker they paid for. He is creating turnovers and tackles for a loss. Essentially he is the run stopper and impact player they needed at the second level.
- Deonte Banks is quietly becoming a solid Cornerback. He was draped on Diggs for much of the game.
- Wink Martindale’s defense got ripped for 500 yards vs MIA, but he has coached well and put his players in a position to beat SEA and BUF.
All the Giants need is for Thomas to get back. It changes everything.
Even without Thomas, the Giants were very competitive. This was a game no one gave them a chance of winning. If they make a mistake or two less, or don’t get flagged (there were a few that were nauseating), they can easily win that game. They did not. They are 1-5. But the same team plays WASH and can win. Keep going.