Scheming for the Giants

[trowl520]

While I've never been a big fan of bend but don't break defense, it's worked well for us. But this week, I think it's even more vital we tighten up the coverage on these WRs. Last night, the Giants WRs struggled mightily to avoid the bump and run. That, as much as the OL, led to the eight (or so) sacks. They don't have a WR that really scares you. And Thomas Davis should be able to cover Boss like a blanket. Their longest pass play is for 48 yards - second worst in the NFL. And December in the Meadowlands should not be a track meet. We just cannot make their WRs into Pro-Bowl players, like Antonio Bryant.

The flaws of the plan:

1 - What do you do with the safeties? Do you have them in a 2-deep coverage to guard against the increased chance the CB misses the bump? If so, the Giants would run against 7 in the box all day, Jacobs or no Jacobs. So, do we trust Lucas, Gamble and Marshall enough?

2 - It's not the defensive style we've played all year. What we've done has worked reasonably well. There's a danger in implementing a drastic change in philosophy for one game.

I think it may be a moot point. This game, imo, will come down to turnovers and if the Panthers can be creative in getting the ball to Smith. A 50-yard, throw it up and let Smith go get it type-play just won't work in the Meadowlands.

Offensively, I want to see more of the same. I think it's set up pretty well right now. Last week, the Panthers showed what they can do on the ground. This week, Smith is one of the headlines. It's a tough package to prepare for. I liked the formation this week - Smith and Moose in the slot, Rosario and Jarrett out wide. It did confuse the Broncos, though it didn't pay huge. And the wildcat - no one is using it to the full potential. Put Stewart and Williams in. Or even Smith and Williams. Right now it's just a glorified off-tackle rush. Add 28 or 89 with some misdirection - that is tough to prepare for.

I think if we avoid the big INT and play to our strengths, we stand a decent shot at the upset. And I still stick by my point a few weeks ago - when the Panthers put forth the effort, it'll happen for them. I can't see them not giving 110% this week.