Tom Coughlin On The Defensive
According to published reports by the New York Post, New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is doing his best Tammy Wynette impression and standing by his man, defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. After another less than impressive showing in the 45-38 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the pressure is building for a change to get this once vaunted defense that took down the unbeaten New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII back on track.
“I let him know my support for him and also let him know it has to be better,” Coughlin said. “We’re here for one reason. The inconsistency part of it is disturbing.”
After starting the season 5-0, the Giants have lost six of their last eight as they limp into Week 15 with a 7-6 record and dwindling chances at a playoff berth. After 5 games the Giants defense rated tops in the league. Ten weeks later, the powder keg lit in blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints, the defense has fallen to a 27th ranking in the league. The struggles are personified by the Giants league-worst red zone production, giving up touchdowns 70% of the time when an opponent crosses the 20 yard line.
The Giants problems have been specifically marked by their propensity to give up the big play. During the win streak, the Giant defense gave up just two plays over 40 yards. Since then, they have averaged over one big play per game, with 9 plays of over 40 yards in eight games. All of those big plays came in games in which the team lost.
So why is this talented defense blowing so many plays? It really gets down to the players not executing within the schemes called by the coaches. During the game against the Eagles, all three plays over 40 yards came on blown coverages. The players have the talent, as the Giants defense has no made many major changes from last season. In fact, the defense was improved with acquisitions of Michael Boley, Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. The main difference in this year’s squad is the departure of Steve Spagnuola and the elevation of Sheridan to run the defense.
The recent benching decision of Osi Umenyiora and Fred Robbins has led to no different results on the field. The big plays keep happening even when they are not on the field. In fact, coming of the bench, Umenyiora has been explosive and Robbins has been terrific, even blocking an extra point attempt. Sheridan’s defensive schemes and play calling are problem, as they are too predictable and the players are being exploited by the lack of creativity that Sheridan displays at game time.
Where the problems start and end are with the defensive line. During the 2007 Super Bowl run, the Giants defense rated #1 in the NFL with 53 sacks. In 2008, the defense rated a solid #6 in the league with 42 sacks with the drop occurring late in the season as they led the league for most of the season despite the knee injury to Umenyiora. For 2009, the Giants rate #22 in the league with a meager 26 sacks and fall back to a worse rating is expected.
The unit is just not getting pressure on the other side of the line of scrimmage any longer. Opposing QBs once feared having to face the NFL’s best defensive line. Now QBs look forward to it, easily determining Giants blitz schemes and pickup part a helpless defensive backfield.
Coughlin can continue his defense of his boy Sheridan as much as he likes and support his failing coach. If the Giants implode and don’t run the table, they’ll be watching from home in January and his hand will be forced to find a new leader for his defense. The Giants organization and its fans expect the best from the Big Blue Wrecking Crew and heads will roll with the coaching staff, as the issues have nothing to do with the talent that is on the field.
Tags: bill sheridan, New York Giants, osi umenyiora, tom coughlin
