THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBAL WEEK 6 SUMMARY

Pregame Prediction:

When SF offense came back - so did their defense. This is not the 49ers. But, Defenses do get worn out when the offense goes 3 and Out the whole game. I'll predict that the weak Def Line of CHI (few sacks or pics) allows NYG to establish a run game and gives Manning time in the pocket to throw to Cruz. What used to be a decent Defense for NYG - would then be pissed off and rested - keeping the total under (47).  Cutler (I call him Baby Huey) is due to be Cutler, get sacked and throw some picks. It's in his nature. 

FIRST HALF

It all played out perfectly, with one exception. Eli Manning threw 2 picks in the first 5 minutes.

The weak Def Line of Chi opened up the run game for Jacobs who really stepped up. 

After the first Pic, the run opened up right away, Then after a first down, they line up in shotgun. What are you doing? I thought. Then bam! Pic 6!

The defense stepped up big too., Holding Chicago to no points inside the 20.  But 2 - three and outs left the defense winded again and enabled Bears to rack up 17 more points.  

Manning is the problem in New York.  Not the Offensive line. Even while he settled in to score 2 touchdowns - he threw late to his receivers. It was like slow motion - watching them stand there waiting for the ball.  

How do I say this politely.  You can see it in his face.  Eli is not his brother. The contrast between the verbally prolific and calculating Peyton and his younger sibling is visibly obvious,

The Giants need a QB. Regardless of what the 2nd half brings. After the 2 INTs - there was no one to replace him. Painter is a pathetic career failure. The only other back up is a rookie with very few, if any -  first team reps. 

The Giants are deep in talent and shallow in leadership. Cruz, Nicks, Jacobs, Wilson, Pierre Paul, just to name a few.  As much as I hate Caughlin, he did a good job of predicting a comeback and firing up the team.  Any top 5 QB in the league would have this team on the way to the playoffs.

Unless they pull this one out - they may be done. You can already see a few players jogging through the plays. Some of them have already packed it in and are calling it a season. 

Big second half for the Giants. Even though Manning blew my under - I'm very interested to see if this will end as a swan song or Anthem. 

2ND HALF

High and behind. What most of the Giants players and they're fans will be before they go to sleep tonight.

High and behind also describes Eli Mannings last throw of the game.
Near the end of a game winning drive in Chicago territory -  Manning made another mental error.  When your 6'5 inch Tight End has to stop his crossing route and jumps as high as he can - and still can't reach the ball - It's your fault Eli.  In spite of what the kiss ass announcer says. 

Caughlin said at halftime they would blitz more to pressure Cutler.  Really? That didn't occur to you in the first half? I thought about it on Monday. Member when you did it before and sacked him 8 times? Well, it worked!  Kept Chicago out of the end zone the entire second half. Just a little late genius. 

Props to Brandon Jacobs. He deserved a win tonight. Earned one, along with the majority of the Giants players. Brandon Marshall also deserved the victory. 

At least I called the Giants to cover. They did that. Without the pic 6 by Manning - I hit the Moneyline and the Under too. 21-20 (42)

Next time I call a moneyline - just take the points. 

(Update) The NFL has just removed Marijuana from the banned substance list. The new ruling will only apply to players in the New York area and Matt Schuab. 

- Rick Jansen