(7-4) NY Giants 38- 10 Packers (7-4)
Eli Manning, coming into last night’s game, threw for only three touchdowns in his previous five games. Last night, Eli was on the road to redemption when he picked up three touchdowns all in the first half. His third TD last night was his 200th in his career; which subsequently moved him to number one all-time in the Giant’s history of passing touchdowns.
The New York Football Giants silenced all of the critics that were being said about the team’s recent misfortunes. Talks of Eli no longer being elite and a disappearing pass rush seem silly this morning. The surging Packers were receiving most of the accolades going into the game and deservedly so when your reel off five in a row after a rocky start! But their win over the Lions, last week, also revealed that the Packers are vulnerable. The Lions put up better numbers in first downs, passing and rushing. Fortunately for the Packers, they have someone named Aaron Rogers at the helm.
The Giants defense had something to prove and needed to step up. Two weeks ago, members of the defense were calling themselves out, after their loss to Cincinnati, saying they were too cocky. They knew what they had to correct and it appears the bye week rejuvenated their pass rush. Rodgers would be the first to tell you that Big Blues “D” is back and hungry for blood. Hitting the dirt 5 times, throwing an interception, and a fumble was the result of their hunger. Kiwanuka lead the way with two sacks. Besides the 61-yard pass to Jordy Nelson, due to blown coverage by Corey Webster, the Giants coverage held their own against the mighty Rodgers. The secondary looked stellar thanks to the return of Kenny Phillips. Perry Fewel, the Giant’s defensive coordinator, was able play three safeties in the game. With the emergence of Stevie Brown, this has allowed Antrel Rolle to play closer to the line of scrimmage and blanket the Packer’s most explosive new weapon – Randall Cobb. The versatile Cobb was limited to 4 catches for only 39 yards and only rush for twelve yards. Aaron also wanted to throw to James Jones last night because Amukamara was covering him, figuring he was the weakest link. That was also a colossal failure as Jones failed to record a catch. Amukamara has quietly been having a very solid season and living up to the expectations of being a first round draft pick.
The Giants offense also got it rolling last night. Eli and the crew went 5 for 6 in the red-zone. Their running game seemed fresh with a strong game. Bradshaw, who seldomley practices during the week, seemed to have a little spring in his step. Andre Brown, who had a bruising 64 yards and a touchdown, was another important cog in the running game. But unfortunately for the Giants and Brown, Andre did break a bone in his leg last during and will miss the remaining of the season. But overall, their offense proved to be too much for a packers defense that was decimated by injuries; including their best defensive player – Clay Matthews.
Next week, the Giants face the Redskins Monday night in a pivotal NFC East show down that could possibly determine if the G Men run away with the division. RGIII and the Redskins are clicking so this should be a very good game that might come down to the 4th quarter.
