So, there’s a heart beat in New York and the NY Giants live another day.  Today was a good performance…not a great performance, they did give up almost 400 yards passing, but a win either way.

The Big Blue defense still gives up too many yards down field and my boy, Steve Smith dropped one too many passes; however, this will not stop me from raving about our new core of young backers.

Boley, Goff and Sintim brought an energy and a fire that had been missing behind the big boys upfront.  The young backers were flying around the ball, shooting gaps, wrapping up would be ball carriers and defending passes.

I like these backers.  Let them play!

1. Michael Boley - #52 Weakside OLB

Boley who came to the Giants as a free agent from Atlanta is by far, the most athletic linebacker on the team.  Today, against Dallas he  had 4 tackles and 7 assists and one HUGE pass deflection down field as he was defending Dallas TE Jason Witten.

Boley has been a great addition to this team, when healthy.   He’s making tackles and flying all over the field.  He also has a good sense of the ball when he is in coverage.  It’s been a long time since the Giants had an outside linebacker with his skills set.   Just think of the last crop of outside linebackers the Giants have had…Reggie Torbor, Kevin Lewis, Carlos Emmonds, Barrett Green, Brandon Short.  Should I go on?

2. Jonathan Goff - #54 Middle Linebacker

Goff got his first start for the Big Blue Wrecking Crew at MLB, replacing Chase Blackburn.  He did not disappoint and pulled down a solid performance.  I was watching No. 54 closely.   He was flying to the ball and made some great,  instinctual plays.  I am sure the adrenaline got the best of him, as the first time starter over pursued many of his lanes, causing him to miss a handful of tackles.   Overall, Goff showcased a good nose for the ball and was on top of the ball carrier before or just as he got to the hole.   His game time speed was impressive.

Goff had 4 tackles & 4 assists.

3. Clint Sintim - #97 Strong Side Linebacker

I love this guy.   Danny Clark is a nice player; however, he has never been a stud on any team he has  ever played for.    Now would be the perfect time to let Sintim run wild.   CS has excellent speed as displayed today by snaring his first sack against Dallas’  Tony Romo.  Sintim hit the edge unblocked and was pressing Romo’s faces mask in matter of seconds.

It was very refreshing too see.

Bill Sheridan:

I am not a fan of the Giants Defensive Coordinator, Bill Sheridan.   This one defensive stand will not win him any new fans, but the shuffling of players did wonders for execution.  Osi being benched and used on 3rd and 4th down plays was certainly a wake up call for the former pro-bowl defensive end.

He did rush the quarterback with a bit more passion and showcased some heart by coming up with a fumble recovery and run back.

Over all, Sheridan seemed to have a good grip on what needed to be done and his scheme finally made some sense.   The players responded well and kept the great Dallas Cowboys rushing attack to 45 rushing yards with 1 costly fumble.

Going Forward:

Salvage the season! It might be too late for the GMen but there destiny lies in their own hands as they take on the Eagles next week.  The Giants need to beat Philadelphia Sunday to continue this run for the wild card…and Sheridan…Let the young guys play!

Aaron Ross needs to be on the field more.  As a corner, not a safety.  He showed us again today, why the Giants drafted him in the first round round out of Texas.  Marion Barber, one of most feared backs in the NFL, was checking down as a safety value for Romo at the end of the game.  A first down could have made things very difficult for the Giants.

Instead…Ross came in an made a beautiful open field tackle crushing any Dallas thoughts of success.