90% Half Mental

By 

Anthony Beers 

The concept that drives this team and weakens them is the same thing: the mentality. Football is an emotional game and if a team is not mentally prepared to play it can be an ugly site. This coincides with players and coaching staffs. Taking games lightly is something that can't happen, but for no particular reason sometimes does happen. 

It could be why the Giants under Coughlin always seem to struggle towards the second half of the season. And it may explain why out of nowhere the Giants laid two stinkers in a row to make things more difficult on themselves. It's also probably why the Giants absolutely buried any hope of a Green Bay victory last night. 

After suffering back to back losses, and a bye week to cope with the struggles, the Giants immediately got down to business at home against the red hot Green Bay Packers. On the games opening drive, the Giants ran a fake reverse roll out running back screen to Ahmad Bradshaw for 57 yards. The play most likely came as a complete shock to any Giants fan, considering the Giants are hardly ever about trickery and deceit as an offensive scheme, but that's probably why it shocked the Packers as well. That is a play that really set the tone for the night. The Giants came to play. 

The second play that really symbolizes the outcome of this game came towards the end of the second quarter. The Packers were down 24-10 and had a chance to drive and score making it a one possession game knowing they get the ball at halftime. At the start of the drive, Rodgers dropped back to pass but was sacked by Osi Umenyiora. Osi did an inside move to get to the quarterback. I repeat, Osi did an inside move to get to the quarterback, as a result Rodgers fumbled the ball and it was scooped up by Jason Pierre-Paul. It was a huge chance for the Packers to get back into the game, and as quickly as the opportunity presented itself, it was diminished by a big blue pass rush that had Rodgers under duress all night long. A lot of pressure on Rodgers resulted from great play in the secondary. Upon Kenny Phillips return the Giants ran a three safety set with Phillips, Antrel Rolle, and Stevie Brown. This scheme simplified things on the defensive end, and really resulted in a lot of sacks and hits on Aaron Rodgers. The Giants had the Packers number all night. 

Eli Manning was back to his old ways, throwing three touchdown passes that put Eli past Phil Simms with 200 touchdowns all time. Manning has officially thrown more touchdowns than any Giant that has ever been proud to wear the royal blue. It was a terrific moment for Eli and one of the many terrific moments in this Giants victory. 

Despite the domination, there are always areas of concern with the Giants future. Running back Andre Brown broke his leg in the fourth quarter. Andre the Giant had been a great contributor and was averaging over 5 yards a carry on the season. This loss could hurt the Giants running game because Brown had been consistent all year. Browns return this season remains questionable, but this is a terrific opportunity for the youngster David Wilson to emerge as a running back. There is no questioning Wilson's athleticism and break away speed, Giants fans have seen that on special teams and with Wilson's limited time at running back. But the real question that will shape Wilson's success is will he be able to step in and pick up a blitz to protect Eli. Brown was a terrific blocker and was a big part of a much improved pass protection last night. As far as Wilson's future if he don't block, he don't get the rock. 

The Giants have every right to feel good about this win and the more comfortable position they're in for the NFC East. But several big games are to come and the Giants lead is not secure. The Giants simply have to stay focused and mentally prepared for every snap. The Giants have to stay hungry, and that starts with Tom Coughlin and his ability to help his team overcome injuries or set backs. On Monday night the Giants have a very exciting game in Washington against the dynamic, explosive, and awesome Robert Griffin III. The Redskins are coming off a big win against Dallas and still have plenty of time to make things interesting in the NFC East. The Giants have to be ready for this challenge that lies ahead. 

Taking it week by week is the right mentality, but the Giants schedule clearly says that after Washington the Giants still have to play New Orleans, Atlanta, Baltimore and Philadelphia in that order. These are some tough teams, and the Giants are at their best against great competition. This sequence of games will give the Giants a healthy dose of work going into the playoffs. 

From a mental standpoint, the Giants don't want it any other way. If they want to be the best they have to beat the best. The Giants should embrace this tough schedule and competition whole heartily because they'll have a great understanding of how to feel going into the playoffs. 

Confidence is key in football. And right now the Giants have their confidence, mojo, swagger, or whatever you want to call it back right where they want it. Giants fans have rights to be excited but this game of football is unpredictable. It's a long season, and any team can beat anyone on any given day. That's a truth that can't be taken for granted. And a good reason for the Giants to stay hungry as December rolls around. 

It's crunch time. And the Giants control their own destiny. Monday night should be another battle to remember. 

Also, after the game, New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett actually caught a fan that was falling onto the field. It is an interesting story from a player like Bennett who seems to have an interesting personality. Here's the story.