Monday Morning Manning: Week 10
By: Marco Imperati
The Giants have now won four games in a row after beating the Cincinnati Bengals 20-21 on Monday Night Football. In an emotional night that saw Tom Coughlin, Ernie Accorsi, and Justin Tuck enshrined in the Giants Ring of Honor, the team won a close game that they had a tough time doing in years past.
Eli Manning finished with a stat line of 28-44, 240 yards, 3 TD’s, 2 Interceptions. The offense looked razor-sharp on the first drive that was capped off by a Jerell Adams touchdown catch. Coach Ben Mcadoo is sticking to his word where he said he wants to get all 46 players available on game day.
Eli was working with an offense that at times featured Roger Lewis Jr., Adams, Paul Perkins, and Tavares King. Not to mention, Will Tye and Odell Beckham Jr. who played every snap of the game. The two blemishes on Eli’s stat sheet were the two interceptions. Fortunately, this defense is so locked in, they are able to keep the offensive mistakes to a minimum (quite the different tune from last season). I give Eli a ton of credit for his play calling, modifying at the line, and sheer toughness. However, I don’t see any reason he should be throwing downfield, into triple coverage, to his 5th wide receiver.
Keep an eye on: This running game seems to be coming on. Credit again to Coach McAdoo for not giving up on this group. I still think Orleans Darkwa would be effective. Especially at the end of the game when the Giants are trying to pound it home. Darkwa has been MIA for a few weeks. Keep an eye on Shane Vereen. He was seen warming up last night with no protection. He’s been on IR but rumors are swirling that he can be aiming for a come back within the next few weeks. The team will need him down the stretch.
Up Next: Next week the Giants play their third straight home game, vs the Chicago Bears. Former Giants defensive coordinator John Fox is the head coach for the Bears. He will bring in a battered group. Their three best offensive players–Kyle Long, Alshon Jeffrey, and Jordan Howard, will all be out of this game. The Giants have to keep their foot on the pedal. Any sign of life for the Bears could lead to a devastating trap game for the Giants.