This blog has had a fairly consistent message for a number of weeks now- (1) get the ball to Bradshaw as much as possible, and (2) get him on the field because he stretches defenses and enables THE GIANTS to dictate the terms of engagement. In August, despite a sloppy preseason, we spotted something to get excited about- a rookie named Ahmad Bradshaw. He fumbled in W2 on a kickoff and was sent to the doghouse. He came back in W16 versus the Bills when Jacobs was hurt, and the team has not been the same since. His minutes have risen. TOO SLOWLY. Gilbride, the great misuser of talent, is waiting for years from now to use him? If Jacobs did not get hurt we would not even know if Bradshaw existed! (He was not even dressed for a number of games in midseason.) THE FUTURE IS NOW! Next season this budding star RB could tear his ACL and his career is over, a footnote in Giants history, a trivia question in the back of a sports almanac. WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP NOW WITH BRADSHAW.
BUCK AND AIKMAN ASKED ALOUD FOR THE WORLD TO HEAR IN H2 OF THE PACKER NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME- WHY ARE THE GIANTS NOT GIVING MORE TIME TO BRADSHAW?
AND NOW WE HAVE BILL BELICHICK SAYING THAT BRADSHAW IS A "KEY PLAYER TO STOP."
The Giants understand that you need to pitch a perfect game to beat the Patriots. The Giants have that perfect game, and it means maximizing your talents and playing Bradshaw as much as possible. This means playing Jacobs too, but it means 20+ touches for Bradshaw. Even when Bradshaw is on the field and not getting the ball, he is doing his work, pressing the Patriot defense to cover much more of the field due to his threat. BILL BELICHICK GETS IT. WHY DOESN'T COUGHLIN AND GILBRIDE?
Keep it simple- dictate the terms and win the game by playing Bradshaw.
Great post. I think the Pats run screens on a lot of teams. I think the Giants should throw a few screens at them...especially early in the game. If you do that, it will keep NE off balance and give Eli some confidence early in the game.
ReplyDeleteyes, the screen + Bradshaw is lethal against opponents because he is a good pass catcher and is great in space.
ReplyDeleteYour doing a good job. Tough choice Andy for me. I grew up a Giant fan and was so through the 1980s. I became a Patriot fan here in New England when Parcells showed up. In a sense I can't lose. A little like Katrina (inside joke).
ReplyDeleteIf they weren't going for perfect season, I would be pulling for Giants. Should be a good game.