"Back in Business"

Tom Coughlin's post game speech was short and sweet. He claimed that the Giants were "back in business," and after the Giants 41-27 victory over the Cleveland Browns, that was certainly apparent.  The most exciting thing the Giants showed was their ability to run the football. The game started off painfully when running back Ahmad Bradshaw fumbled on the first play from scrimmage. But following the mistake Bradshaw ran hard and downhill throughout the rest of the game. Bradshaw accumulated 200 rushing yards on 30 carries with a touchdown. David Wilson scored his first touchdown as well and had 2 carries for 44 yards. The Giants running success was mostly due to the Giants offensive line overpowering the Browns on every snap. Bradshaw deserves great credit, but the offensive line always comes first.

The positives of the emerging run game for the Giants were numbed by a seriously struggling defense. The Giants linebackers and banged up secondary have played respectfully, but the problem is the defensive line. Opposing quarterbacks have had way too much time in the pocket the past few weeks and the Giants defense hasn't been able to get off the field when it's absolutely necessary. The frustrating part is it's not a matter of talent. Giants fans have seen it before, these defensive ends can be some of the best in football and be an absolute nightmare for quarterbacks. The problem has been a lack of discipline. Sure, the Giants are missing a great defensive tackle in Chris Canty, who's return has been pushed back and back with every week. But the defensive ends are making it harder on themselves than it's supposed to be. Why on earth does Osi Umenyiora feel it is necessary to line up several yards apart from the offensive tackles outside shoulder creating a split of at least three yards? He then will try to go around the pass protection by practically doing a figure 8 swoop that most ballerinas can't even accomplish. There is no question it's a questionable strategy.

And forget stopping the run with defensive ends who wander and don't follow assignments. The Giants currently give up an average of 111.4 rushing yards per game. That stat right there is exactly why the Giants have two early division losses. Discipline fellas, Tuck has remained the most consistent but nobody knows it because runs typically aren't to his side. Why would other teams even bother? The film is as clear is day, Osi is magnifying the hole for running backs. And Jason Pierre-Paul has not been playing to expectations that he set for himself last year.

The good news is, Tom Coughlin's not stupid. Coughlin knows where the team is struggling and why. But he's been down this road before, and in the past he would add additional pressure that in some cases would cause tension in the locker room from players. Coughlin is wisely keeping his cool to address this problem and he knows the Giants have plenty of time to improve their defense. Last year before the end of the regular season, the Giants defense was extremely inconsistent. It was only when they came together as a team where they truley excelled and learned how to go "all in."

To bring out the best of the New York Giants, there has to be substantial competition. Often a game that the Giants are highly unfavored is where fans will see their best game. It's a weird phenomena, but mentally under Tom Coughlin the Giants play their best football with their backs against the wall. Going to San Francisco is a great opportunity for the Giants to get a taste of real competition.

But if the Giants can't stop the run, is it possible to think the Giants will stand a chance against the powerhouse 49ers on Sunday? Well generally speaking, no it's not. But it's ironically also the big opportunity that the Giants need to make a statement game. If they can't get their heads on straight for this game then there's a serious super bowl hangover going on. The Giants have a chance for redemption and to seriously be back in business if they can get a 4-2 record against a tough 49ers team on the road. It's not going to be easy, but expect this game to be much harder faught, and fundamentally sound.

More on the 49ers game later, but keep in mind this Giants team is still coming together and will emerge when the time is fit. This is a long season but expect a fired up Giants team to clear the air of their two division losses and questionable defensive performance against the Browns.

The Giants can win this game and all will be forgiven. That's the fact that Tom Coughlin is well aware of but keeping hushed up. Obviously the mentality shouldn't be different on any given week and the effort should remain consistent, but is it really true that the Giants will be just as emotionally ready against the 49ers as they were the Browns? That's what makes football crazy. Emotion is what drives this game. Just look at the Indianapolis Colts incredible win over the Green Bay Packers after they learned their head coach has leukemia. The Giants were a bit overzealous to start their game against the Browns on Sunday. But they got a crucial win and now they can get geared up for the game that any NFL fan should get excited for.

And that is why Tom Coughlin has remained calm, and exactly why the Giants are back in business.