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New York Giants
Minnesota Vikings 7
New York Giants 23
- It took a date with the equally hapless Minnesota Vikings in the Monday Night JV Football game, but the New York Giants finally managed to break in to the win column during week seven. For the first time all season, the Giants defense pitched a shut out; the Vikings only score came on an 86-yard punt return. Although the defense only recorded one sack, the Giants were able to generate enough pressure to force Josh Freeman into a 20 for 53 passing performance and held Adrian Peterson to 28 yards on 13 carries.
"I can't say enough about our defense. They just kept playing, The only real blemish was the punt return, which drove us all crazy." - Tom Coughlin
- The injury bug hit the Giants offensive line once again. Having just returned from a neck injury, center Davis Baas injured his knee in the game against the Vikings. He did not return and, as of this writing, he is awaiting an MRI. As Baas stated after the game, "I just can't catch a break."
- Jon Beason, recently acquired from the Carolina Panthers has been a spark of light for the New York defense. In spite of questions regarding him not having anything left in the tank, Beason has led the team in tackles the last few weeks, and the entire squad is responding to his presence. Over the last six quarters, they have allowed a total of one field goal.
Few thoughts from MNF debacle: 5. NYG should deal Hakeem Nicks. Only plays hard when wants to. 6. Justin Tuck called Jon Beason "a Godsend."
— Bear Heiser (@BearHeiser) October 22, 2013
- As mentioned above, the only Minnesota score came as a result of special teams. Not only did Marcus Sherels return a punt 86 yards for a score; Cordarrelle Patterson also scorched the Giants special teams for a 69-yard kick off return. As for the touchdown, over at our sister site, Big Blue View, Ed Valentine had this to say about the coverage:
Marcus Sherels' 86-yard punt return was almost comical. This was a terrific punt to the sideline by Steve Weatherford, who seemed to be the only one who remembered that somebody has to tackle the guy who catches the ball. Weatherford tried to do that -- with zero help from the other 10 Giants on the field -- for about the last 40 yards of the return. The punter finally dove at Sherels near the goal line, ending up with a penalty for a horse-collar tackle. At least he tried. It sure looked like no one else did.
- In an effort that earned him a reprieve from being the poster boy for the Weekly BEast Report, Eli Manning had a pedestrian outing, but compared to his recent efforts, one that I am sure all Giants fans were thankful for. He went 23 for 39 on the night with 200 yards passing and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception. In fact, the G-men did not turn the ball over at all against the Vikings.
- Next up for the Giants will be a a trip to Philadelphia for their second meeting of the season with the Eagles. Philly prevailed in the first contest, winning the week five engagement by a score of 36-31.
Chicago Bears 41
Washington Commanders 45
- In a wild and woolly affair at FedEx Field, the home-standing Commanders prevailed in a game that saw several lead changes and the second most points scored this season (Dallas and Denver being the top scorers). NFL.com's Marc Sessler saw things this way:
Well, that was a weird one.
After eight lead changes, five ties and the second-most points in a game this season, the Washington Commanders have their second win of the year -- a 45-41 doozie -- at the expense of the Chicago Bears.
- For the second straight week the Commanders offense went over 200 yards rushing and over 200 yards passing in the same game. In addition, Robert Griffin, III continues to look more and more like the player he was last season. After the game, Bobby Trey said he is starting to "feel it" this season.
"Al made a great play, when I saw him catch it, it was a feeling of last year. You throw ‘Tana a ball down the middle of the field against Philly and he catches it over two defenders. Al catching those field posts in the Dallas game and the Philadelphia game. We had that feeling the whole game and the mojo was definitely working today." - RGIII
- Not only did the Commanders have the ground game working against the Bears, they have made adjustments in the game-plan to get Roy Helu, Jr more involved. On Sunday it paid off in spades for the home team as Helu scored three rushing touchdowns. Head Coach Mike Shanahan is pleased with the way his backs work well together in his "turbo" package.
"Helu is a great change of pace from Alfred because he has great speed and size. You could tell the defense was getting a little bit tired. When Helu got the ball he had not only the speed to break through tackles but to get the ball quickly into the end zone. I was pleased with our 1-2 punch there." - Mike Shanahan
- Special teams play continues to be an issue. After a blocked punt for a touchdown against Oakland and being gashed by Dwayne Harris of the Cowboys on multiple kick returns, including one for a score, the Commanders surrendered a touchdown return to Devin Hester on Sunday. Still there are no plans to make any significant changes, according to what special teams coach Keith Burns told ESPN on Monday.
from last night... #Commanders ST coach Keith Burns: 'Sticking to my plan' http://t.co/PjIvWEzxBH
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 22, 2013
Sounds like a plan to me; albeit one that will result in a job opening on Shanny's staff after the season.
- Next up for the Washington Commanders will be a visit to the Denver Broncos. Could be another high-scoring affair if both quarterbacks are on top of their games.
Dallas Cowboys 17
Philadelphia Eagles 3
- After making his second start of the season, Eagles QB Nick Foles, who was lost to a concussion against Dallas, will be replaced by Michael Vick as the signal caller in Chip Kelly's scheme. With Foles still not cleared to play, and rookie Matt Barkley clearly not ready for the role, the Eagles have decided to go with Vick even if he is not 100% recovered from his hamstring injury that prompted the veteran quarterback to miss the last two games.
Vick handled all of the first-team reps Tuesday, expects to start vs. Giants http://t.co/QxDoQJPONH
— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) October 22, 2013
- The high-flying Eagle offense that has come to be a norm around the league was held in check by the Dallas defense. For the first time in his career as a head coach (NCAA and NFL combined), a Chip Kelly led team was held scoreless in a half. That streak had lasted 59 games before Monte Kiffin's charges put a stop to it.
- As the Cowboys witnessed first hand on Sunday afternoon, the Philadelphia defense has begun to improve as a unit. DeMeco Ryans is emerging as the leader and key ingredient in the resurgence of the "forgotten unit" of the Eagles team. According to defensive coordinator Bill Davis, the unit keys off of Ryans.
"DeMeco Ryans is the quarterback of our defense. He's outstanding. He lines (the defense) up and keeps them steady when things start to go bad. I am just happy for DeMeco. He is having a good season." - Bill Davis
Although he downplays his own role, Ryans is quick to credit the focus and drive of his teammates.
"From where we started out defensively we have gotten a lot better. That is something we have been talking about each week. We knew it would get better because guys are getting more comfortable with what we are doing on defense. Guys know what they can and can’t do, and you see how good we are getting. We still have some things to get better at. Our goal is to continue to get better each week. Even though this was a solid outing, we still have some things we have to work on." - DeMeco Ryans
- The loss to the Dallas Cowboys was the ninth straight home defeat for Philadelphia, dating back to September 30th of 2012. On that day the Eagles recorded a 19-17 win over the New York Giants. They will have an opportunity to relive that performance when the Giants come to town for the second meeting between the two teams this season.
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