Stopping Big Plays, Blitzes Paramount For New York Giants vs. Indianapolis Colts

By Joe Pietaro @MuscleSportMag on October 30, 2014

One team is coming off a bye week and the other a humbling blowout defeat. But there is no clear cut advantage for the New York Giants as they prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. So, even though they have home-field advantage and eight days rest, it would be an upset if the Giants were able to get by the Colts.

Led by their young superstar quarterback Andrew Luck, Indianapolis is in first place in the AFC South with a 5-3 record. The Giants (3-4) looked bad in two divisional losses before the break.

Prior to their 51-34 loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday, the Colts had reeled off five consecutive impressive wins. They have an explosive offense and stingy defense, regardless of what the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to do against them.

Trying to key in on certain players will be a daunting task for the Giants’ defenders, as the Colts can hurt you in a myriad of ways, something not lost on Tom Coughlin.

“They’re playing well; they’re well balanced,” the Giants head coach said. “They utilize any number of personnel combinations and they do a good job with it. And their quarterback is very, very good. He’s able to recognize defenses and put the ball where he wants it and he’s had big play after big play made this year.

“So it’s not an easy thing to try to defend.”

Offensively, the Giants will have to deal with an aggressive pass rush from a defense that uses the blitz frequently and effectively. Quarterback Eli Manning knows this from watching recent film and playing the Colts during the preseason and commented on it.

“They have a good scheme and they do a good job getting pressure on the quarterback,” the Ole Miss product said. “That’s whether they’re bringing pressure, bringing blitzes or just bringing a four-man rush. You’ve got a lot of different looks to prepare for and to plan for.”

This won’t be an easy game plan for Coughlin and his staff, for sure, but it’s one that needs to be nearly perfect on both sides of the ball if the Giants are to get back on track.

Joe Pietaro is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MuscleSportMag, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.