Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Key Players for Week 5 Matchup: New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks


By Author of Mario Manningham Facebook Fan Page - InReeseWeTrust.com 10/5/11


       The Big Blue Wrecking Crew had a tremendous victory against the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday in Week 4. They were down by ten points in the 4th quarter with approximately five minutes to go and QB Eli Manning found WR Hakeem Nicks wide open for the final game-winning score. Luckily, the G-Men came out of this game with a ‘W,’ even though they shouldn’t have given up twenty-seven points to the Cardinals. The Giants worked as a team and pushed on through to better their record to 3-1 and tie the Washington Redskins for 1st place in the NFC East.  On Sunday October 9th at 1:00 PM, the Seattle Seahawks will come to MetLife Stadium to match up against the New York Giants. This game is considered a “trap game,” because the Giants are riding a three-game winning streak and there’s a possibility they can underestimate their opponent and lose. There are three players that need to absolutely step up this week and contribute to the game in any way they can. WR Mario Manningham, DE Osi Umenyiora, and G Kevin Boothe are this week’s choice for “Key Players.”  
      
       Former Michigan WR Mario Manningham has played like a superstar for the past few years now.  In 2009, he had 57 catches for 822 yards and 5 touchdowns, which earned him the respect he finally deserved. In his 2010 season, Mario managed to rack up 60 catches for 944 yards and 10 trips to the house.  These kinds of stats set him up for the 2nd spot at the wide receiver position.  Manningham opened his 2011 NFL season against the Washington Redskins with 4 catches for 49 yards.  In week 2 against the St. Louis Rams, he suffered a concussion on a play when Eli Manning threw a perfect ball, but he took his eyes off of it and couldn’t catch it clean. Therefore, he fell to the ground and banged his head which caused him to miss the next week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Super Mario has had connection problems with his QB, Eli Manning and he can’t seem to run his routes correctly, which is the reason why he was benched against the Cardinals. When the ball is in his hands, the defense is always in trouble, but he definitely needs to step it up this week because WR Victor Cruz could replace him in the future.
      
      Moving forward, DE Osi Umenyiora is next on the Week 5 “Key Players,” list. As most of you may already know, Osi caused a ton of commotion during the offseason and NFL Lockout by demanding to be paid more money. He had an outstanding 2010 season, putting up 48 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles. Honestly, the 8th-year DE deserves a huge deal, but this season will officially decide what he makes. Umenyiora missed the first 3 games this season because of a surgical repaired knee, but returned last week to play the Cardinals.  In his 2011 NFL season debut, this former man out of Troy had 2 tackles and 2 sacks with a forced fumble.  Osi had a booming impact on that game and has to do the same this week, especially with DE Justin Tuck injured.  It’s extremely crucial that he can force a pass rush on Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson because he is 21th in the league in passing.  Wide Receiver R Sidney Rice is one of the few players that should concern the Giants this week.  Pressuring the QB will play a key role in a successful game. Umenyiora will get assistance from DE’s Jason Pierre-Paul and Dave Tollefson if Justin Tuck sits out this week.

      In addition to Manningham and Umenyiora, the last man on the list is G Kevin Boothe. New to the O-line this year was recently signed C David Baas, a free agent from the San Francisco 49er’s.  In the Giants/Cardinals match up in week 4, Baas suffered a neck burner during the game. This injury could sideline David for Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks, but there is no final word at the moment.  For now, the Giants will look to start Kevin Boothe in place of him. Kevin has been on the Giants roster since 2007 and he’s come in and out every season, therefore the 6-5 320lb man has experience.  QB Eli Manning never seemed to have complications with his centers throughout his career, so there shouldn’t be anything to fear. Besides, once the ball is snapped into Eli’s hands, he just has to finish his blocking and the play is over. Of course you don’t want to see Baas sit out, but Boothe is reliable and can be trusted. 
  
      In conclusion, WR Mario Manningham, DE Osi Umenyiora, and G Kevin Boothe are the “Key Players,” for Week 5 when they face the Seattle Seahawks.  Manningham has to clean up his act and get on the same page with QB Eli Manning, Umenyiora has to dominate on the D-line and force pressure on Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson, and Boothe has to snap the ball correctly to Eli, so their plays can be called on time and work effectively. If the Giants are winners this week, their record will improve to 4-1, which should keep them in first place in the division. Go Giants!!!







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