InReeseWeTrust.com: Key Players for Week 8 Matchup: New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins

By Author of Mario Manningham Facebook Fan Page - InReeseWeTrust.com 10/25/11

    The New York Giants are currently in 1^st place in the NFC East division, thanks to our 27-24 win against the Buffalo Bills in week 6 and a couple losses from the Washington Redskins. Big Blue will remain at home in week 8 to match up against the winless Miami Dolphins. We can all admit that this may be the easiest game on our schedule at the moment, but if they underestimate or take this game too lightly, a loss can become a possibility. The Giants have improved their play calling, physical abilities, and they have cut down their mental errors. A win in week 8 will give them a 5-2 record traveling to New England afterwards to face the Patriots in week 9. It is imperative that the G-Men can be victorious against the Dolphins, but the only way to do so is if certain players can have game changing performances.

     For the second time this season, QB Eli Manning has been chosen as a “Key Player.” Manning has been playing amazing so far, topping some of the best quarterbacks in the league. Eli has 1,778 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes off of 125 completions along with a measly 5 interceptions. This former Mississippi quarterback is currently ranked 8^th among all NFL QB’s. He has had his seasons, games, and moments that have turned so many “Giants fans” against him. Although he has made questionable decisions in the past, that has to be overlooked now because of his superstar performance. The Miami Dolphins are ranked 21^st against the pass, so if Eli can study and dissect that defense, there’s no way he can be stopped. His finest skills are needed if he wants to lead his team to another division leading victory.

     Sticking on the offensive side of the ball, RB Ahmad Bradshaw is our next superstar player. He is ranked 18^th in the NFL among other running backs with 98 carries, 390 rushing yards, and 5 touchdowns. Ahmad has been a tremendous help and contributor ever since his first NFL season, he fights for extra yards and runs like an angry bull. There is no doubt that he’s out there to give his best effort to win and contribute as much as possible. Every single down, drive, game, and season, Bradshaw gives a 100% effort and 100% dedication to the Giants and their offense. The Dolphins are ranked 20^th against the run and tend to miss tackles more than any other team in this league. Ahmad is perfect for slipping tackles and making defenders miss, so it’s relevant that his O-line gives him the holes needs. Now that RB Brandon Jacobs and OL Chris Snee will return this week from injuries, he has some assistance in the backfield and up front on the O-line. “Smash N’ Dash,” are back at full force and the Giants will depend on them to help get a win.

    After reading about two wonderful players and how they have played great so far, it’s time to discuss the suspect of the week.  Also for the second time this season, DB Deon Grant has not been playing to his full potential.  Grant has 28 total tackles, 1 sack, no interceptions, and about 20 blown coverage’s. For those who watched the Bills vs. Giants game in week 6, Deon was the reason two Bills touchdowns were scored. His angling, vision, speed, and tackling abilities appear to be struggling, but age and an unknown injury could be in effect. When you hear his name, you picture a physical, effortful man with a ton of leadership, yet none of those qualities are displayed on the field. His presence is important to the Giants and we need him to step up big this week. Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall is a huge, physical player and will take advantage of the Giants defensive backfield if he has the opportunity to do so. Therefore, Deon Grant can’t afford to slip another week, or eventually he may be replaced. It’s time for him to prove why the New York Giants signed him a couple years ago.

    In Summary, the New York Giants are receiving the majority of their injured players back this week just in time for the Dolphins game, but the players that must stand out over everyone are QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, and DB Deon Grant. Manning needs to continue to be accurate with his throws, avoid the interceptions, and just focus on delivering. Bradshaw will play a huge role in this week’s game because he can run effectively and catch out of the backfield as well.  If he gets the blocking he needs from his O-line, the rest of the work is on him. Grant has to become more aware and open up his vision, this way no tackles are missed, coverage’s are blown, and touchdowns are scored. If these three New York Giants can perform well on Sunday, we could be talking about a 5-2 record and we will stand in first place alone in the NFC East! Go Giants!