?The Arizona Cardinals could be three days away from a playoff berth. Playing at home, in front of an energized crowd, with a legitimate MVP candidate throwing to two of the best receivers in football, what could go wrong?
What's that? Oh yeah.
Standing in their way is 687 pounds of pure, unadulterated running power.
And I find myself, as a Giants fan, thinking something for the first time since the Phil Simms years. We don't ned to rely on our defense, we need to rely on our offense.
Let's face it: The Cardinals are going to score points in the air. Sure, the Giants will be able to get to Kurt Warner (hell, they could usher in the Matt Leinart era, the last time Warner played 16 games, the twin towers were still standing), but he'll get his throws off. And the Giants secondary isn't going to do well against three very good receivers.
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But the Cardinals defense is going to have a hard time containing the Giants' running attack, or Eli Manning.
They're the 11th ranked defense in the league, which is nothing to sneeze at, but they simply lack a defensive player that is going to cause trouble for the Jints.
To be completely honest, I'm having a difficult time fathoming how any team can stop the Giants' running attack, considering what the Ravens did.
The formula the Giants follow is very simple:
Rush on first and second down, hope for a big run (which has been happening more often than not), then give Eli a shot on third down to either Plax or Steve Smith.
The Giants have run an incredibly balanced attack, and the fact that they can do both well creates havoc.
The defense gets so worn down that Eli and his talented corps of receivers can surgically exploit it.
Make no mistakes, this game isn't a lock. The Giants team that showed up in Cleveland could always make an appearance, and that thought fills me with absolute fear.
The Cardinals are clearly better than the Browns, and they do have motivation.
However, I think the Giants multifaceted attack will be able to put up enough points, and the Defense will keep enough off the board, to see the Giants to victory.
Giants - 31, Cardinals - 20
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about 1 month ago
Good analysis Alex. I too fear the Cards' passing attack. Even though the Ravens couldn't stop the Giants run, the Cards will really key on it and so I think Eli will def have to make some passes. Should be another good game.
I like your cautious optimism about the Giants. That's my mentality, too.
about 1 month ago
We win this game... we clinch a first round bye.
Eyes on the prize baby. Keep the train rolling.
about 1 month ago
I just hope we can contain Fitzgerald and Boldin enough. Ross has scared me a bunch.
from about 1 month ago
Like I said, the Cards' passing game is scary good. And Ross has been scary as well. Not a great matchup. We need our pass rush to get to Warner. They haven't been there in recent games, but if there's ever a game to get their pressure on, this is it.
about 1 month ago
I'm a Giants fan with Warner as my fantasy quarterback, so fellas, don't wish a heavy pass rush. Let's hope for a high scoring game!
I'm kidding, I'd rather the Giants win then Warner throwing for 400 yards. I feel you all, Warner could tear us up. We have to stop the Cardinals rush, and hope they falter on third down. As long as we don't turn the ball over, we should light up their defense. I would predict a 45-35 game or something like that- in favor of the G-Men.
Great article!
about 1 month ago
I really think this all comes down to pass protection for Warner. Two or three good hits on him and it's over, he'll get bug-eyed and start turning it over. Just so long as Eli doesn't throw any TDs to Arizona's defense we'll be OK. The Cards are soft, in the worst division in the league by far. If the Giants played six games against the Rams, Seahawks and Niners they'd be a lock for the playoffs too.
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