Old School Win

After Bradshaw rushed for his third touchdown and the Giants defense held the Bills to 7 points in the second half, it was conclusive the Giants had just won the game in typical old school Gmen fashion. The Giants legends of the past beamed down upon the Meadowlands as New York Giant pride was re-established heading into the bye week.

This game was won thanks to the clutch play of the defense in the second half. Phil Simms described the Bills as a very "opportunistic" team, and he is correct. Fred Jacksons big touchdown run early on exploited the Giants 4-2-5 defense they were in. It created space for one of the most dangerous running backs in open field. The Giants were playing pass all the way and once Williams and Boley both flushed out, it was over. A truck could have driven through that hole.

Fortunately this was early on in the game. When it comes to throwing the ball, the Bills are all about yards after catch. Curls and slants were there game, it was old school and I couldn't help but be a fan of their approach. But I think at some point there was a realization that Ryan Fitzpatrick hadn't actually thrown the ball over 20 yards. He struggles with the deep ball, and he knows it. He rarely attempted any kind of deep route.

So the cornerbacks, who earlier in the game were giving the receivers at least a 5 or 6 yard cushion, began jamming the receivers up at the line in the second half. And like magic, Corey Webster came away with two interceptions and the Bills offense did not look nearly as effective. We were also able to sack Fitzpatrick three times.

It was a good showing from the defense. Forget total yards and stuff like that, it's about clutch stops when you need them. We were up 27-24 in our house. There was no funny business. Our defense went out for four plays and we took our ball back and took the win. It was a nice bounce back from when we were in the exact same situation a week before. New York Giants pride was re-established.

On offense Eli did his job and moved the ball no problem. It was nice to see Ahmad Bradshaw back to having great success running the football, and it was also nice to see Mario Manningham contributing to the offense again. He had been struggling lately since coming back from his concussion in week two.

It was a close one, but we were able to make adjustments and get the win. Now we can go into the bye week with sole possession of first place because Washington has a 1-2 divisonal record and we are 1-1. Tuck and Jacobs will be able to come back with lots of rest, and that's important because the second half of the season is approaching and we have a tough schedule.

Nothing we can't handle of course. This team has the ability to compete with anybody, and as fans we should all look foward to the games ahead.