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!!!