Letters to the Editor: November 9, 2012

Nat K. writes…

I think that few would dispute that during the past several years the Giants have been extraordinarily dependent upon Eli which means that he deserves substantial credit for their successes.

But it also means that when the Giants don’t do well (and they haven’t done well most of this season even when they won) it is appropriate to focus on his flaws. He is elusive but not mobile. He cannot pick up yards running when no receiver is open.

Hence when he is pressured he makes bad decisions. Second he has a penchant for the long “Hail Mary” throw. This has often produced great results. But the accuracy of any pass diminishes with the length of the throw and opposing teams also learn how to defend against it if it is used too frequently.

The answer I think is first to bolster the line to minimize the pressure on Eli (putting Diehl back in is definitely not the answer) and second for the coaches to instruct Eli to emphasize what the defense will give him.

Finally I join your many readers who puzzle over the absence of the screen play.

Nat, you have to look at the receivers – are they able to fight off the jam they’ve been receiving? From what I’ve seen, the sight adjustments are all messed up as are the timing routes, so you can’t put the problems Eli is having on the o-line alone.  The answer is to run the ball and maybe deploy a few check down options. As you said, take what the defense gives you and stop trying to force what’ s not there.