That game was both nerve-wracking and unusual. I’m so glad it was a victory, but as Boomer said, it should have been a blowout.It was nerve-wracking given the circumstances of the Giants almost coming back; it was unusual given the fact that the offense outplayed the defense. It’s hard to single out just one player, so I’m giving the dishonor to the run defense.
Oct 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Eli Manning is a clutch quarterback. He’s proven that he can win big games and make huge plays when the pressure is on. He turns the ball over a lot, but he often finds a way to come through. I’m not very disappointed in the pass defense; sure, they gave up yards at inopportune times, but they also came up big at important times.
The run defense, however, played inexcusably bad. Letting Brandon Jacobs, of all people, average nearly 5 yards a carry is simply unacceptable. The defensive line was awful. I can’t blame them entirely; two injuries to defensive tackles is costly. The safeties were not much better. Chris Conte was on his back for much of the game and Major Wright looks lost. The linebackers played decently, but how long will D.J Williams be gone? The run defense was absent for a lot of the game.