On defense, we have been clamoring for a multiple front that can put the dline into positions to succeed regardless of what the offense is doing. We saw that on Sunday. We gave up some middle isoes on the first few snaps. By the third snap, Q dialed up a 3-4 look but the very next snap he started 2 gapping over both guards with edges out wide. Initially it was with Golston and Osa but doubles on both got push so he put Hankins in the look over a guard. Hankins held the point of attack in that look so from that point on he had Hankins, Mazi, or Gallimore in the front and it was on.
Contain was a problem because we were stunting inside and man calls were vacating the LB in coverage. Jones was looking for it and getting chunk plays. Q started calling zone under to keep them home and outside of a Fowler brainfart, it was contained. This all happened in the first two series.
The Giants had no answer and Q started moving 11 around on passing downs. This caused the Giants front to panic and overadjust. We all saw what happened. I really do not think people grasp how good this defense is going to be. I have no even mentioned the physicality in our pursuit or the savviness of our coverage.
This offense is nothing like what we have seen. I would like to start by saying that in the aftermath of this game we have been seriously underrating the Giants front. Lawrence, Robinson and Williams are absolute monsters up front and were giving Edoga and Biadasz in particular fits. Their pursuit behind them is fast and they tackle well. Our tackle play was outstanding.
As for the offense itself, the runs are what they are but we don’t just run straight into them like we used to if the defense is talented and crowding the middle. We are finally seeing those designed sprints to substitute for the run like Peyton Manning used to eviscerate us with. The 7 step long developing play is gone. Long developing plays are now out of play action or by moving the pocket. Thank goodness. We got Romo pummeled doing those 7 step routes out of empty sets. The TE are motioning into the backfield or staying inline and squeezing for pass pro.
Once it started raining and the ball was coming out erratic from Dak’s hands and passes were just slipping off of receivers hands, MM responded by getting the ball out quickly. Giants pursuit did a good job bottling it up with their tackling but we did not turn the ball over.
The days of choo choo, you know what we are doing but you cannot stop it are over. Now we respond to what is going on in the environment and what the defense is trying to do to counter us. It’s about time.
