What an utterly strange game this was.
Having made my post about Cutler last week, he turned in awful performance here against the Giants. My biggest concern about him has been his mental fortitude, too many times in the past I have seen him crumble into negativity after one mistake, which often leads to more.
Eight more, in the case of this game. Cutler was sacked (or at least technically chased out of bounds for a sack) 9 times in the opening half by a Giants defense made to look better by an amateurish Chicago O-line performance. He would retire from the action with a concussion sustained during one such slam to the turf.
It was, as Cris Collinsworth said, circus stuff.
A percentage of the blame can be apportioned to the protection, which repeatedly became laughably porous; Giants defenders often reaching the Bears ball-carriers within seconds of the snap. But Cutler made bizarre decisions, throwing the ball for an interception when there was nothing open, but holding the ball for an eternity when the pressure demanded he at least throw it away.
A team in better form than New York would surely have piled on the points in the early going, but it wasn't until late in the 3rd quarter that the Giants were able to put together a sustained drive for an Ahmad Bradshaw touchdown.
This was in part down to a solid defensive display by the visitors led by defensive end Julius Peppers, but also from a stuttering offensive production by New York that saw Brandon Jacobs continue his frustrating tendency to fumble the football.
It was a game that for long periods looked set to end 3-0 to the Giants, which in truth would probably have been a fair score-line. The brightest moves were the neat plays of Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks in both dipping shoulders to out-manouvre Bears defenders, and physical play to come back to an Eli Manning pass to set up a Giants score in the final quarter.
A game to remember for the most unusual of reasons.
Talking points
* A number of teams seem to use a large number of offensive plays that are simply too slow to develop. The Wildcat offense has lost its ability to surprise defenses, and most pro players are too fast to use end-arounds and sweeps with much effect. I'd rather be seeing more direct runs at the line of scrimmage to gain at least small yardage.
* It's now week 4 and there are no excuses for players not being aware of the rules. Leading into tackles with your helmet (as the Giants did last night on Todd Collins) will most likely result in a penalty, and whether or not you agree with the principles, a rule is a rule. Wrap the carrier properly and stop incurring costly penalties.
No comments:
Post a Comment