Giants look new and improved after week 1 victory

By Jonathan Solomon  |   Tuesday, September 13, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Giants
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Thank Ron Dayne. Yes, you read right. Without Dayne's complete and utter failure as a professional running back, New York Giant fans would not have a newfound respect for rookie Brandon Jacobs. In what was a refreshing sight, the famous thunder and lightning running was finally back at Giants Stadium. Tiki Barber and Jacobs combined for 101 rushing yards on 19 carries along with a pair of touchdowns (one apiece) in the Giants 42-19 victory over the Cardinals of Arizona.

The stars of the game were definitely another pair of Giants, both special teamers. For the New York Giants, the recent past has seen nothing but special teams folly after folly, so a punt return and a kick return for scores in the same game may be the beginning of a new era. That feat was achieved for the first time in over a half century. Willie Ponder and Chad Morton have been spark plugs in the past and look like they've each found key roles on the Giants squad.

Going into Sunday's game, had you told any red-blooded Giants fan that the weakest link of the team against the Cardinals would be the offense, you would have been laughed at. But, it was the truth, even with 42 amazing points on the board. While it wasn't as weak as a Kyle Boller-led offensive unit, Eli Manning wasn't very sharp. After reaching Jeremy Shockey in the first quarter for a score, he threw a pair of picks until he found Plaxico Burress in the endzone in the final quarter.

It was the 2nd quarter that saw the Giants offense unravel. The Cardinals dominated the clock and went into halftime with a newfound confidence. That all changed in the second half when it was as if Giants head coach Tom Coughlin flipped a switch. Both Jacobs and Barber scored less than a couple of minutes apart to open up the half.

The New York Giants defense played well as a unit in containing the various offensive weapons that the Cardinals possess. In fact, even though Larry Fitzgerald had 13 catches for over 150 yards and a score, he was the only weapon which Kurt Warner found comfort in. Going into the game, a lot was said about the how the Giants run defense was lacking. I'll just say this: the leading rusher for the Cardinals was Kurt Warner with 11 yards. Also, Gibril Wilson and Frank Walker each had an interception in the win.

The only notable injuries for the Giants during the game came from right tackle Kareem McKenzie and Jeremy Shockey. McKenzie left during the second quarter and never returned. He suffered an ankle injury which x-rays turned up negative. Bob Whitfield played in his place and did a fine job. Shockey hurt his ankle in the final quarter and left the game while grimacing in pain on the sidelines. X-rays on his foot turned up negative. Both players' ankles are being called sprains at this point.

Cornerback Will Peterson was not active for the game after telling Tom Coughlin he wouldn't be ready to start. Curtis DeLoatch started in his place and did a solid job.

Tom Coughlin's quote during the half said it best about the Giants' mindset, "There was no way we were going to lose at home on this date for this great city and these great people," and they didn't. You can't predict greatness or failure after Week 1, but the Giants are on the right path to a better season than in years past.
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