IMPROVING GROUND
Giant's defense provides first evidence it can carry its weight
NO, IT was not perfect. The Redskins had a few too many plays in the fourth quarter that could have made the ending a bit more uncomfortable. But at least this time the Giants showed they could keep a lead and win a game to save their season.
A 12 record is miles better than 03, especially with a 10day break to let injuries heal and confidence swell. Say what you want about an offense that has grown overly reliant on Odell Beckham Jr. while Eli Manning searches for his “A” game. It was the performance of the defense in beating the Redskins, 3221 on Sunday, that offers hope the Giants might be able to make something of themselves in 2015.
Washington entered MetLife Stadium with the NFL’s top ranked rushing offense and as the league leader in time of possession. But the Redskins couldn’t establish much of either against a Giants defense that welcomed the return of linebacker Jon Beason by forcing three turnovers.
“To get the win was huge,” Beason said during a conference call on Friday. “We’re a great football team, and we have a chance to go far if we decide to do that.”
Washington entered the game averaging 171.5 rushing yards a game, but managed just 88 against the Giants. The visitors never could mount the ballcontrol offense that had allowed them to have possession an average of 37:49 minutes. They had it for just 28:30 to the Giants’ 31:30. Stopping the Redskins’ rushing attack made it all possible.
“It was the No. 1 thing we had to stop, and we knew that,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “So that’s our No. 1 objective. There were many objectives, but that was No. 1. And our guys rose up against a very, very good offensive line. They had their runs, but we did a good job.”
You figure the Giants’ offense is going to find its rhythm at some point when wide receiver Victor Cruz returns and gets in sync. It’s the defense that has to prove its worth, especially after being torched in the fourth quarter by Tony Romo in Dallas and getting beaten by Julio Jones and the Falcons last week. Forcing three turnovers and shutting down the Redskins’ running game was a start in the right direction.
“I think guys are really embracing the fact that we want to be a defense that chases perfection with relentless effort,” Beason said. “Do your job and after you do that, keep playing and go be a factor on something else. That’s something that Coach [Steve Spagnuolo] has brought here. He’s harped on it throughout the offseason, and guys are really
starting to embrace that.”
There was no performance timelier than that of cornerback Prince Amukamara. Not long after Jones made his 37yard catch to set up the Falcons’ gamewinning touch down Sunday, Amukamara stood in the middle of a solemn locker room and answered every question and offered no excuses for being beaten in mantoman coverage.
“There’s seven million reasons why that’s not a lot to ask,” he said after someone suggested going mantoman with Jones was asking a bit much. “I was drafted in the first round to be that guy, and the Giants pay me to be that guy.”
Four nights later, he was in a happier locker room after recording an early interception in his best defensive game of the year.
“You definitely don’t want to spend the whole weekend just thinking about being 03, so I’m glad guys are in great spirits,” Amukamara said.
The Giants will be in good spirits if their defense can keep improving.
I think guys are really embracing the fact that we want to be a defense that chases perfection with relentless effort. Do your job and after you do that, keep playing and go be a factor on something else. Linebacker Jon Beason on Giants’ improving defense