Defense Gets Giants Back on Track

We at Gothamist admit that we took the Redskins in the pool this week and spent the last week ripping the Giants after their shellacking at the hands of Philadelphia. We also admit to booing after the Redskins scored an easy touchdown in the first quarter this Sunday and the Giants looked typically pedestrian on offense. But you know what? The Giants responded.

As all Giants fans know, defense sets the tone and the defense yesterday went a long way to turning the Giants young season around. The unit forced 7 turnovers that led to 17 points and led Big Blue to a 20-14 victory over the Redskins. It was the Giants first victory in their last nine games. The Giants have never lost 10 in a row.

On the first drive of the second quarter, with the Redskins leading 7-0, Giants tackle Fred Robbins (we love famous Freds) separated Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell from the football and Michael Strahan recovered the fumble. The turnover led to a 38-yard touchdown from Kurt Warner to Tim Carter to tie the score. On the next Washington drive, safety Shaun Williams forced Clinton Portis to cough up the ball and Barrett Green took it into the end zone to give the Giants the lead for good.

Although the offense looked fairly weak for much of the game, they took care of the ball and did not turn it over in the second half while the defense forced 4 turnovers down the stretch. Brent Alexander came up with two red-zone interceptions - one in the end zone and another at the 10-yard line - and Robbins also came up with his first career interception.

This is a big win, but there are still problems with this team (7 turnovers ought to equal more than 20 points), but this is a Monday that Giants fans should enjoy. The team finally freaking won.