LANDOVER, Md. - The 2014 Giants unveiled their revamped offense on Sept. 8. It was a nationally televised, prime-time game, and Giants fans tuned in to see the new-look offensive system.
By the time the game was over, the fans wondered what was new and probably wished they had not looked at all. The Giants lost by 21 points to the Detroit Lions, and the offense had just 16 first downs. They rushed for 53 yards.
In another prime-time game Thursday night - the last time the Giants will play this month - the redesigned offense that unfolded was stunning in its proficiency and remarkable for its smooth efficacy.
In a 45-14 rout of the Washington Redskins, Eli Manning threw four touchdown passes and ran for another touchdown. Tight end Larry Donnell, who came into the season with three career receptions, caught three touchdown passes.
The Giants' offense moved up and down the field throughout the game, rarely appearing out of sync and converting on third down repeatedly. It had 31 first downs and Manning completed 28 of 39 passes for 300 yards. Showing a new variety and balance, the Giants (2-2) also rushed for more than 100 yards.
Not to be out-done, the defense - remade with several new starters - dominated Washington (1-3) in every facet. While the Giants did not force a turnover in either of their first two games, on Thursday the defense created six turnovers and intercepted Kirk Cousins four times.
There was little to criticize about the Giants. The pass protection was solid. The pass rush was fierce. The special teams were steady.
And now the Giants, with nine days off, have rejoined the race for a division title and playoff berth. Long forgotten is the team's 0-2 start and the ghosts of last year's disastrous season that were resurrected by that poor early record.
Although the Giants had a 17-point lead after halftime, Washington took possession of the football at the start of the third quarter and five plays later had cut the Giants lead to 10 points. Washington was primarily throwing the football underneath, but running back Alfred Morris was also charging through the line, including his final carry of the drive, a 20-yard touchdown.
When the Redskins tried to capitalize on the momentum of Morris's touchdown during their next series, Cousins threw behind wide receiver Ryan Grant and cornerback Prince Amukamara intercepted the pass.
The Giants were quickly on the Washington goal line again and Rueben Randle appeared to catch a touchdown pass, but the ball was knocked free and intercepted by Washington linebacker Keenan Robinson. But Cousins gave the ball back to the Giants two plays later when he overthrew wide receiver Pierre Garcon and Quintin Demps intercepted.
The Giants turned the miscue into another touchdown, a 2-yard pass from Manning to back-up tight end Daniel Fells for a 31-14 lead, and the rout was on with several minutes remaining in the third quarter.
As well as it concluded, the game did not begin auspiciously for the Giants. Their first drive ended when wide receiver Victor Cruz dropped a third-down pass that would have picked up a first down. On Washington's first offensive play, the Giants safety Quintin Demps, who made his first start as a Giants in place of Stevie Brown, looked confused and out of position as Washington tight end Niles Paul got past him for a 13-yard reception.
But things got better quickly for the Giants. On a third-and-nine, Cousins was sacked by defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka. As Kiwanuka was making the tackle, he stripped the football from Cousins's grasp with his right hand.
The fumble was recovered by defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins at the Redskins' 24-yard line. Manning connected with tight end Larry Donnell for a key 5-yard gain on third down and after some tough inside running by Rashad Jennings, the Giants had the ball at the Washington 4-yard line.
The Giants split three wide receivers wide and Manning knew that Washington linebacker Perry Riley Jr. would be in single coverage against Donnell, who is quickly becoming Manning's favorite goal line target.
Manning threw the ball very high, but the 6-foot-6 Donnell went up and made an impressive catch, then held onto the football as he crashed to the turf. The Giants had a 7-0 lead.
Washington self-destructed on its next two possessions, killing their chances with penalties.
When the Giants got the ball back, they were operating their no-huddle offense and running the Redskins ragged again.
Posted by Unknown on Thursday, September 25, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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