The Giants are like a lot of the New York metropolitan area.
"We're under construction," foreman Tom Coughlin said Friday.
|
|||||||||||||||||||
After two fourth-quarter collapses, his crew finished the project last night with a 32-21 victory over the Washington Redskins. Eli Manning slid the final pieces into place with long touchdown passes to Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle in a game the Giants led for all but 2 minutes and 13 seconds while never trailing.
But by no means are they done working.
"We've talked to our team this morning and we've had a chance to look at the tape, and we did a lot of good things and we left some things out on the field that need to be corrected," Coughlin said. "I spent some time, obviously, congratulating our team and telling them that the effort for the most part was outstanding, and that's got to remain right where it is. The passion, the effort, the believing, the rallying around each other and realizing the importance of the game, not only the divisional game, but just to get on the board here to become hopefully relevant.
The Giants broadcast team hand out their game balls after the Giants top Washington
DT Johnathan Hankins (presented by Bob Papa) Collapsed the line of scrimmage in the Giants' favor as the defense held the No. 1 rushing attack to 88 yards, 26 of which came on the final play with the game well out of reach.
PK Josh Brown (presented by Jeff Feagles) Remained perfect on the season by making all three of his field goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards.
WR Rueben Randle (presented by Paul Dottino) Put the Giants over the top with a 41-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter as part of a seven-catch, 116-yard performance.
CB Prince Amukamara (presented by John Schmeelk) Sparked the team to a quick 9-0 lead with a first-quarter interception deep in Washington territory. Amukamara finished with eight tackles and three passes defensed.
LB Uani 'Unga (presented by Lance Medow) Alternated with Jon Beason in the middle and led the team again with nine tackles (six solo), two passes defensed and his second interception of the season.
LB Devon Kennard (presented by Dan Salomone) Continued to emerge as a playmaker on defense with five tackles (one for loss), a quarterback hit, and a tipped pass that led to 'Unga's interception.
"But once all those things were pointed out, I did spend some time talking about the end of the game, and how I realize we're under construction, but the patience factor is really—we're into our third game here. We do need to understand how to finish better than we did."
While the backend of a Thursday night game provides somewhat of a second bye week, middle linebacker Jon Beason will put in overtime after making his 2015 debut.
Beason, who played in four games in 2014, suffered a knee injury in the preseason, forcing him to miss the first two weeks when the Giants saw double-digit leads crumble in the final 15 minutes against Dallas and Atlanta. Beason split reps with leading-tackler Uani 'Unga against the Redskins while he gets back up to speed.
The Giants won't play again until next Sunday when they face head coach Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills on the road.
"Well, after a game you definitely want to recover, but for me, I'm going to continue to do some extra running and try to get my wind back so I can play at a high level," said Beason, who was expectedly sore on Friday. "That's key for me."
Until then, 'Unga proved to be more than reliable, increasing his team lead with nine tackles in addition to notching his second interception of the season.
"They're both outstanding players and we need them both," Coughlin said. "We had personnel combinations that we had Jon in, and Uani was in other combinations. And Jon was coming back for his first actual playing time, and we wanted to make sure that he was extended and got a chance to line up next weekend in anticipation of some more snaps. We have a young player that's made two outstanding interceptions, that's athletic, that is fast, and is growing into the position. And we have a veteran that is so extremely well-thought of, he's voted captain of the defensive team, and we feel like we're fortunate in that we'll be able to utilize both of these players."
On the other side of the ball, the Giants hope to have the same thing in the near future with wide receiver Victor Cruz.
"He's improving and we're hoping he's running," Coughlin said. "He'll be running all weekend and we're hoping that there's nothing but straight ahead positives in all his activities and we'll see next week if we can get him on the practice field."
Currently dealing with a calf issue after a knee injury ended his 2014 season, Cruz ran on the ground for the first time last week but was ruled out for the Redskins game.
Buffalo could mark his return.
"I hope so," said Coughlin, who added that cornerback Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie (concussion) is likely going to be fine and hopefully the time off will help left tackle Ereck Flowers (ankle). "That's what we're being told."
Five standout performers in the Giants Thursday night matchup vs. Washington
DE KERRY WYNN Wynn had a big game against the NFL's No. 1 rushing attack with eight tackles and a quarterback hit.
CB PRINCE AMUKAMARA Amukamara helped the Giants jump out to an early lead with a first-quarter interception -- his first of the year -- deep in Washington territory that led to a Giants touchdown. The fifth-year cornerback finished with eight tackles, three passes defensed, and an interception.
WR RUEBEN RANDLE The Giants made it a point on the short week of preparation to get the ball to Rueben Randle, who had just four receptions for 28 yards in the first two games. And they did just that. Randle had seven catches for 116 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown that all but sealed the game in the fourth quarter.
LB DEVON KENNARD In addition to tipping a pass that led to Uani 'Unga;s interception, Kennard recorded five tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hit.
WR ODELL BECKHAM JR. Beckham caught seven passes for 79 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown that put the Giants ahead by 19 points in the fourth quarter.
