NFL Football
2010-10-03 - Chicago Bears at New York Giants
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
Football : United States : NFL : Week 4
Monday 4 October 2010 - Kickoff 1:20am (British Standard Time)
New York Giants (1-2)
What is the solution to a problem where the Head Coach instills discipline into his side at all times, yet said side gives up huge penalties for ill discipline in a heavy defeat at home? Well according to ex Giants Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan, it means Head Coach Tom Coughlin is in danger of losing his job.
Ill discipline on the field in terms of personal fouls hurt this team heavily against the Tennessee Titans last weekend, but another issue of turnovers is killing the team. Eli Manning has a League leading 6 Interceptions, many of those off tipped balls by his own receivers, and the Giants have 10 turnovers in 3 games, 2nd in the NFL.
The Giants have now lost 10 of their last 14 regular season games after opening last season with a 5-0 record. The team has lost a little bit of the spark they had on the defensive side of the ball and they are currently allowing the 6th most rushing yards per game in the NFL. Perry Fewell is the Defensive Co-Ordinator for New York and his methods should be familiar to the Bears who interviewed him for that position in Chicago.
Chicago Bears (3-0)
The Chicago Bears are the surprise 3-0 team of the NFC this season, the only one left after the Monday night win over Green Bay at home. Lovie Smith came into this season under pressure after a couple of tough seasons, but his side have responded well. More effective for him could have been the appointment of Mike Martz as the new Offensive Co-Ordinator.
Martz has started to get the best out of Jay Cutler, a QB with all the talents except failing to have a winning record since High School. Cutler has 6 TD passes on the year and only 2 Interceptions, a vast improvement on last year and he has his side on course for a winning season as well as a playoff spot. The Bears have a nice schedule this year and this start has put them in an extremely strong position in the NFC.
The Chicago defense was also revamped with the addition of Julies Peppers in the off season and he has been a revelation for them so far. Peppers will also be looking forward to this game after terrorising the Giants with Carolina last season. The Bears rushing defense will be tested this week as New York have gained at least 100 yards on the ground in each game while Chicago have allowed an average of less than 40 yards.
Head to Head
The last 2 times these teams have met in the regular season was in 2007 and 2006. On both occasions, the winner reached the SuperBowl that year.
Chicago have won on their last 5 visits to New York going back to 1969.
Prediction
I have to say I am a fan of what Mike Martz is doing in Chicago. The fact he is getting real production from the offense means the Bears defense is beginning to look like their mean old selves. It is always tough to play Monday night and follow that with a game on the road but they are meeting a team in disarray.
The Giants look out of control over the last 2 games and it will be interesting to see the kind of reaction the players will have to all the media criticism they are facing. Turnovers and penalties are destroying this team at the moment but they will be aware they can move the ball as they demonstrated by putting up over 500 yards against Tennessee last week.
I have to say I was very surprised with the line put out but understood it was much to do with Chicago having to play on the road just days after a big Divisional win. However, I can see them putting points on the board and would not be surprised if the game is settled by a field goal. I have to take the points here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
New York Giants 20-24 Chicago Bears
