It is hard to grasp the concept that the team that most were calling the best team in the NFL are on the brink of disaster.  It is hard to comprehend that a team that was so hot for 3 straight months is limping towards the finish line.  It is hard to understand that  a team that was leading the league in rushing and scoring offense , cannot find the end zone.  Then you clear the cobwebs and realize that his is not the same team.

These are not the same World Champion New York Football Giants that won 11 of their first 12 games.  That team had one of the best wide receivers in football that commanded a double team on every single play.  That team had an MVP candidate at running back, that put fear into anyone that had to tackle him.  That team had already overcame the loss of a Pro Bowl TE.

I refuse to read New York sport sections today, no need to torture myself with reading about the debacle in Dallas last night.  Last week against the Eagles, it seemed as if the weather, play-calling, mental errors and dropped passes were what limited the WCNYFG offense.  Last night it became apparent that the reason for their last two losses came down to lack of talent on the offensive side of the ball.

Plaxico Burress’ role in this offense is so huge.  Not only was a he a sure handed wide receiver, but he also forced teams to shade a safety to his side, leaving only 7 men in the box to stop the run.  He was just as big of a reason for the 200 yard rushing games, as was the Earth, Wind and Fire combination.

Speaking of Earth, they need him back, badly.  However, there is no reason to rush Brandon Jacobs back from his knee injury if he is not close to 100%.  Last night, there were times that Derrick Ward was able to hit the hole, put unable to create that extra yard or two on the run. Brandon Jacobs does not get knocked down if he is able to hit the the hole full speed, if you don’t hit him behind the line, he is getting 4+ yards, no matter what.  His ability to run through blitzes keeps teams honest, and opens up the play action calling.  This is not the Parcells Giants, that just ran you over and then just threw to the TE in the flat all the time.  This team needs a successful running game to establish their passing game.   That is how their offense flows.  If they cannot do this, things need to change.

The offensive line needs to wake the hell up and make a block. They have been atrocious the last few weeks.  A lot of it has to do with above mentioned missing pieces, but they have to make adjustments, that is what great lines do.

One suggestion that I am sure every fan and reporter has for the team is to look into using a no huddle offense.  I was thinking about that last night during the game, and even urging them to use it, but it won’t work.  Why?  These receivers are not in sync with Eli like Plaxico Burress was.  Eli is constantly changing the calls at the line, just like his brother, especially in passing situations.  Many times, him and Plaxico read the exact same thing, and they would both adjust and be on the same page.  When one goes to the no huddle-hurry up, not only does the QB need to read what the defense is giving him, but so do the receivers.  The old Buffalo Bills ran the hurry up with such efficiency because it was their offense, and Jim Kelly was able to bark out loads of plays from the line.  That was their offense.  Though you see Eli in the 2 minute drill, it is because he only needs to do it for 2 mins, and typically defenses get away from what they were doing all game up until that point.

This lowly bloggers suggestion is to install more check down plays in the offense.  More screens to the running back and TE, and more draw plays.  The Cowboys and the Champs both played great defense last night, utilizing the blitz on more than one occasion. Neither team was never able to get their running games going.  Disregard that last run by Tashard Choice with less than 2 mins left. The big difference in the game was that Jason Garrett tried to slow the blitz with the plays mentioned above.  Except for one ugly broken play, Tony Romo was not really able to stretch the defense.  The majority of Dallas’ big plays came when the WCNYFG would blitz, leaving Tashard Choice open for screen plays.  When Tiki Barber was in the backfield, that was a huge part of the offensive attack, and for whatever reason, it has not been an emphasis with this team.

A team should not have to change its identity this late in the season, but with the losses on offenses, the Champs have to change something if they want to be successful in January. They cannot continue to try to play the same style when they do not have the same team.

The road to the playoffs does not get any easier these last two weeks with  Carolina and Minnesota left on the schedule.  A win against the Panthers gives the defending Champs a bye week and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, regardless of what happens against the Vikings.  They need the bye week to rest up injured players, like Jacobs,  and also the time to figure out who they are going to be offensively in the playoffs.  Right now it is a giant concern.

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