After suffering from 4 straight losses in which interceptions have been the main reason that they are losing, something needs to change. This was the mindset that Coach Burn had when he talked to the press this week. The Giants had two plans, keep Jones as the starting quarterback, however, ensure the game plan only calls for safe throws or bring in rookie quarterback Slovis and have him start his first game of the season.
With this week being a key game versus a top divisional opponent, the Giants decided to keep Jones as the starting quarterback and tailor the game plan to cater the short/medium pass and run game. The Giants started off the game on the wrong foot throwing an interception on a deep pass in which Jones was hit while throwing. This led to a 14 – 0 lead for the Cowboys, a lead in which they would never surrender. The Giants would keep the game close, sticking to their gameplan, however, the Cowboys defense did everything they could to stop the run. Barkley had no effect in the run game, which resulted in even the medium passes being anticipated and intercepted with the help of a defensive line that hit Jones all day long. Some of Jones’ interceptions were on him even being hit while throwing, however, in one case it was on the receiver. Whenever you have a one on one ball with a receiver who has two inches and 9 points in jumping ability on a safety you would think that would automatically make for a catch. This wasn’t the case as rookie free safety Elam out jumped and took the ball away from superstar Golladay. The Giants would get within 4 late in the fourth quarter, however, a perfectly timed pitch to Elliot was all it took to seal the game.
Jones turned the ball 4 times in this game, however, his offensive line played terribly. They opened no holes in the run game, and on multiple occasions Jones was hit on three step drops. With their best offensive lineman out with injury, it seems that the offensive line had a hard time recognizing who to block in this game. While Jones doesn’t lead the league in interceptions, he is third highest in the league. The Giants and interceptions seem to go hand and hand each week. It’s like no matter what the game plan, they can’t help themselves but to throw bad interceptions which takes them out of the game. When asked about this after the game coach burn responded with, “ We have been over estimating our offensive lines ability to block, as well as Jones throw power and ability to quickly get the ball where it needs to be before the defense gets there.” In practice next week, coach Burn has told us this is all he will be focusing on.
The defense played well, stopping one of the best running backs in the game from eclipsing the 100 yard mark, however, the continued effort to stop the run had an effect in the passing game. The Giants defensive backs played looser than normal which allowed for big plays to tight end Blake Jarwin, and wide receiver Lamb. All in all, the offense is preventing the defense from getting any traction as the turnovers force them to be out on the field more than normal.
With a new focus on quarterback play and a potential quarterback change if this doesn’t work, bright things could be in store for the Giants. They are getting healthier on the defensive line next week as rookie sensation Thibodeaux will be back. This will be the first time since week one that the Giants will have their full arsenal of pass rushers. This couldn’t be a better week for it as they will be facing off against the Houston Texans and their speedy running back Raheem Mostert.
