Could Conditioning Be the Problem With the New York Giants?
By Joe Pietaro
@MuscleSportMag
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
There are a number of reasons why a team may struggle late in games. For younger players, inexperience and nerves may come into play during crunch time. Then there are second-half adjustments that need to be made by both sides and one may be outsmarting the other. Lastly, the players themselves may lack physical endurance and tire out in the fourth quarter. That seems like the likeliest of scenarios with the 2014 New York Giants.
Yes, they do have a good influx of youth on the roster, even as starters. But there are more than enough veterans – especially the unflappable Eli Manning – who are natural leaders and would be the ones taking charge in close situations.
In regards to the opponents’ coaches besting the Giants’ staff — again, plenty of experience and leadership at the top make this only a partial reason for the team’s 3-8 record. Tom Coughlin runs the ship and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has a long resume. If there is a finger to point here, it is with first-year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who has experienced some bumps in the road getting the team to grasp and later execute the West Coast offense he brought in.
So that leaves conditioning, which is something the staff can control only so much and the rest is up to the individual player to be in the proper shape. Jerry Palmieri has been a long-tenured strength and conditioning coach and part of Coughlin’s staff since Day 1.
He knows what it takes to put the players in a position to be ready for four full quarters every Sunday. But they have to execute and have not done so in a number of games this season. Blown leads and being outhustled in the final stanza has become an all-too-familiar situation with the Giants.
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.
5 Changes the Philadelphia Eagles Need to Make
The Philadelphia Eagles need to change some things before the start of next season. Read More
5 Players the Texans Could Use A Franchise Tag On
Here are five players the Houston Texans could use the franchise tag on this offseason. Read More
5 Players Set To Break Out For Seahawks In 2015
The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a playoff run, but that does not mean it is too early to look ahead to next season. Here are five players set to break out in 2015. Read More
5 Youngsters Set to Break Out For Ravens in 2015
The Baltimore Ravens had a successful draft last year, and rookies are already establishing themselves as playmakers on this team. Here are five young guys I expect to have a great 2015 season. Read More
Photo: Chris Christie as a Cowboys Cheerleader
Here's a disturbing image of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader from The Trentonian. Read More
5 Things Houston Must Improve Over the Offseason
Here are five things that the Houston Texans must improve over the 2015 offseason. Read More
5 Players Set to Break Out For the Texans in 2015
Here are five young players that will have break out seasons for the Houston Texans in 2015. Read More
5 Players Steelers Could Franchise Tag
Check out five players that the Pittsburgh Steelers could use their franchise tag on in 2015. Read More
Jets Shouldn't Draft Jameis Winston In 2015
The New York Jets are in dire need of a new quarterback. Read why Jameis Winston is not that athlete and why the Jets need to stay away from him in the 2015 NFL Draft! Read More
5 Changes the Jets Need to Make for 2015 Season
The New York Jets have many changes to make for the 2015 NFL Season. Take a look at the top 5 changes that need to be made in order to ensure success! Read More
5 Free Agents the Lions Should Sign
The Detroit Lions had a great season in 2014. If they make the right moves this offseason, they can have an even better one in 2015. Read More
5 Free Agents the Packers Should Sign in 2015
Should the Green Bay Packers decide to make a splash in free agency, these are the five guys they must take a serious look at. Read More