Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE
The New York Giants are riding high after an incredible come-from-behind win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game that saw an offensive explosion from the Giants. They totaled 604 yards on offense—the second most in franchise history—behind the arm of Eli Manning, who ended the game with 510 yards and three touchdowns.
The way Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks destroyed the Bucs defense was a masterful thing to watch. They became the first duo in NFL history to have at least 10 catches and 150 yards (they actually each ended up with 175+) in the same game. Manning, Cruz and Nicks became just the second trio to go for over 500 yards from the QB and 300 yards from the two wide receivers in the NFL history.
My point in all of this is that the comeback, the offensive dominance and to a certain extent the final play of the game all deter from the fact that the Giants still struggled in the secondary.
Vincent Jackson had 128 yards receiving and Mike Williams caught a 41 yard touchdown late in the game that should never have happened. Luckily, Manning was there to save the defense like he did so often in 2011.
One of the things that could help the defense is getting Prince Amukamara back from injury. Amukamara has missed the first two games after spraining his ankle against the Chicago Bears. Tom Coughlin says the Giants will have to “wait and see” when asked about Amukamara’s status for Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Tom Coughlin is hopefully that CB Prince Amukamara (ankle) will be able to play on Thursday if he can be “a little stronger” #NYG
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) September 17, 2012
Amukamara did not exactly shine in his rookie season, but he missed 15 weeks of practice with a broken foot. The Giants are hoping he takes a leap forward in terms of his ability and they need him to with Terrell Thomas missing the year with a torn ACL again.
Justin Tryon and Michael Coe have not been the players they were advertised to be in training camp, consistently getting beat by opposing wide receivers. There is a reason they are backups.
Hopefully Amukamara can play Thursday. Check back on Wednesday to receive updates on his status.
Jeff is an NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Like Jeff’s Facebook Page here. Follow him on Twitter @Jeff_Shull
