In the wake of the New York Giants’ 33-18 loss at the hands of the New Orleans Saints, the level of consternation surrounding the production from the Giants’ offense is reaching a fever pitch. Against a defense – and particularly a secondary – that had made opposing passers look like Patrick Mahomes through three weeks, Eli Manning and company struggled. Manning completed 31-of-41 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown, but yet again there were opportunities missed in the passing game and a plethora of check downs. Studying this Giants’ offense right now uncovers a team trying to find its schematic identity, a quarterback struggling to gel in the new system, an offense leaving too many chances on the field, and questions over how this team handles risk.
Missed Chances – Part 1
Let’s get two plays out of the way at the start, both of them missed chances for Manning to connect with his most talented target in the passing game, Odell Beckham. On two occasions in particular the Giants had the absolute right play called, the ideal coverage scheme to execute it against, and Beckham was wide open … but Manning missed the throw.
Following a Saints’ field goal the Giants begin a drive…
