The New York Giants defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 12-9 OT victory, was just the team’s second in a disastrous season. The Giants have been plagued with injuries, poor play, and what was called by many including head coach Ben McAdoo, inconsistent effort. Things have gotten so bad in New Jersey it’s safe to wonder whether or not McAdoo has lost the locker room. Two players on the defensive side of the ball, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Janoris ‘Jackrabbit’ Jenkins were suspended earlier in the year. Then there was the anonymous report from a player inside the Giants locker room that said the team had quit after the blowout loss to Rams.
It’s likely the Giants will make some changes at season’s end. But there is no guarantee. Owner John Mara is famous for stability and the franchise often opts for patience and long-term over immediate changes and a shakeup. But something needs to change as the team, despite Sunday’s win, is not very good and there are major talent holes across the roster. One bright spot has been the play of rookie TE Evan Engram. With the injuries to Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard, he has taken on a lot of the receiving duties. Quarterback Eli Manning is leaning heavily on the rookie. He is still learning, so there are mistakes but Engram is being forged through the fire this season. Following the game I asked Engram about the importance of the win given the tumultuous week and all the noise surrounding the team. Engram said, “it’s unbelievable and felt good.” You could see the relief on his face. NFL teams only play 16 games and to put your body through that physical toll and not see results manifest on the scoreboard, can be extremely deflating. The Giants are 2-8 with 6 games remaining, there may not be many wins left on the schedule but they will savor this one.
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The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Utah Jazz tonight at Barclays Center 118-107. Earlier in the day, the team learned that it will be without starting guard D’Angelo Russell for an unspecified amount of time after he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery that morning.
The Nets looked good for most of the game against a Jazz team dealing with its own injuries, no Rudy Gobert or Ricky Rubio. Brooklyn looked crisp with their ball movement and finished the game with a season high 27 assists against only 11 turnovers. First year Nets player Allen Crabbe had his best game for his new team finishing with 18 points. Following the game Crabbe talked about his role on the team with D’Angelo being out, how he is adjusting to a new system, and why he needs to assert himself more in games. He also talked about the balance between going 1on1 and playing within the flow and team concept. |
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