Post 119 – Pro Football – Giants the Day After

The Giants won their first game of the year by beating the Houston Texans, 27-22.

The big news heading into the game was the benching of right tackle Ereck Flowers and replacing him with Chad Wheeler.

The change had a positive effect as the Giant line looked more cohesive and there were a couple of runs on their first touchdown drive that gained yardage on the right side, with blocks I question would have been made with Flowers playing.  If the line can play like this and improve, things will not look as dark as they did a week ago.  Wheeler did an adequate job replacing Flowers, despite the fact JJ Watt had three sacks for Houston.

More, Eli Manning had a very good game at quarterback, completing 25 of 29 for 297 yards and two touchdowns.  While the pass protection wasn’t super, he had enough time to throw.

Saquon Barkley had his most consistent game running the ball, due to improved blocking.  Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard had good games receiving, while tight end Rhett Ellison caught some passes, including a touchdown, and picking up some slack when Evan Engram left the game with an injured knee.

More than anything, there was a confidence the Giants had that wasn’t there in the previous two games.

Their defense played better, with Kerry Wynn making plays and getting penetration.

We can all look forward to next week’s game with optimism against New Orleans.  It won’t be easy with Drew Brees always ready to light things up through the air.  But it sure beats the scenario from last week.

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