Don’t let the final score fool you, the Giants collapsed under the spotlight Sunday. Given a chance to rectify a horrible loss from last year, the New York defense was completely exposed and Seattle had a 35-0 lead before the first half was over.
The blame for this loss can be spread to a lot of people, but it has to start with Tom Coughlin. For a guy who is labeled as a “disciplinarian” his team commits way too many stupid penalties and blows way too many assignments on defense. Most of all, how can a team with Super Bowl aspirations come out that flat for a big game?
But the blame shouldn’t be focused solely on Coughlin. Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan, LaVar Arrington and the rest of the “formidable” Giants’ pass rush need to explain how they have a total of two sacks in three games. Plaxico Burress needs to shut his mouth and show some toughness or he may be permanently glued to the bench. Luke Petigout needs to start earning his paycheck.
The Giants have a lot of football left, but they are no longer belong in the ranks of Super Bowl contenders. They can get back to that level, but it looks like they will have to completely overhaul their defense to do it.
