The Giants medical staff was busy today, but Big Blue found a way to get off to their best start since 2011, when they won the Super Bowl.
Legacy day was a success for the Giants, it took a throwback performance to get the job done. Daniel Jones ran for two touchdowns before injuring an ankle. Saquon Barkley, however, ran for 146 yards to help lead the Giants to a 20-12 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Here are a few quick observations:
The Run Game took centerstage today.
The Bears came into week four running the ball a league-high 65.4 percent of the time. Their 187 yards per game ranked second-best in the NFL. The Giants, fueled by Barkley’s resurgence, ranked fourth with 169 rushing yards.
The formula was simple, take away the run and force the other team’s quarterback to beat you.
Well, it kind of went that way.
The Giants showed their commitment to the run with a heavy dose of Barkley (31 carries for 146 yards). Jones, following up a strong showing on Monday night, added 68 rushing yards on six carries and two touchdowns. Chicago, however, responded with 149 rushing yards on 32 carries. Khalil Hebert stepped up in place of David Montgomery, with 77 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Justin Fields also ran for 52 yards on seven carries.
With Barkley and Herbert respectively averaging 4.1 yards per carry for their teams, neither defense excelled today in stopping the run.
What, to me proved to ne the difference was how the Giants did a good job of moving Daniel Jones out of the pocket on designed rollouts. In the first half, head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka repeatedly dialed up getting Jones out in the open field to make plays.
Late in the game, with Jones and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor injured, it was Barkley – in wildcat formation — helping the Giants protect the lead.
Too Many Injuries
Daniel Jones left the game in the third quarter after injuring his left ankle while taking a sack. His backup, Tyrod Taylor took a big hit in the fourth quarter and was forced to leave the game. Taylor is being evaluated for a concussion.
Rookie tackle Evan Neal missed time with a neck injury. Wide receiver Kenny Golloday missed time with a knee injury. Safety Julian Love was ruled out with a concussion. Defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux needed a cart after injuring his ankle.
The Giants came into week four already banged-up – they now have more questions to answer, specifically at quarterback, in their preparation for next week’s trip to London against Green Bay.
Let’s talk about Brian Daboll
The first-time head coach continues to impress with his in-game adjustments. Jones goes down with an ankle injury, Taylor comes in, the game plan doesn’t change. Taylor was able to move the chains with his legs until he was forced to leave the game. Jones comes back in, but clearly limited, and Daboll draws up wildcat formations to feature Barkley.
Rolling Jones out of the pocket, putting him in position to make plays with his legs, has taken pressure off the offensive line in pass protection.
Players are responding to Daboll, there’s a plan in place, with a head coach establishing credibility in his ability to make necessary adjustments.
Four games into the season, the Giants are off to their best start since 2011.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
