ffplmbng: New York Giants Lose Big in 41-13 Victory Over Chicago Bears

Injuries to key players at key positions are always deflating, but injuries to key players at key positions during their final seconds on the field in a preseason game are downright demoralizing.

When New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas fell to the turf and put his hands over his head, Big Blue fans all over the world collectively lost their breath. It was a scene that we've all witnessed far too often and one that has become far too common. It was yet another season-ending injury to a key component at a position that seems to be ravaged with injuries.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) can't hold on to the football in the endzone as he his covered by New York Giants Terrell Thomas during the first quarter of their NFL football game in Seattle, Washington, November 7, 2010. Thomas intercepted the football on the play. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

Last year it was wide receivers, and this year it's cornerbacks. But unlike the unit a year ago that saw Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks begin to reach their full potential, the Giants' cornerback depth is now so thin that little known Michael Coe has essentially inherited the nickel role.

The loss of Thomas is devastating for the New York Giants, and not just because he was their leading tackler a year ago, but because he was rounding into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Because he was rounding into a true leader, not just in the defensive backfield, but for the entire defense. And because that's not the sort of person or production that is easily replaced.

This loss can not be overstated, but alas, like the Giants, we must all move forward.

Sure, the team also lost Brian Witherspoon for what could be a considerable length of time as well, but there were several positive things that stood out in Monday's 41-13 victory over the Chicago Bears.

For the first time in recent memory, the collective special teams unit was not a complete and total embarrassment. Devin Thomas really stepped up and possibly won himself the starting kick returner job with several impressive returns that put the Giants' offense in excellent field position. Additionally, players like Victor Cruz, Greg Jones and the aforementioned Michael Coe added to their potential roster value by shining in kick and punt coverages. Meanwhile, both Matt Dodge and Steve Weatherford kicked the snot out of the ball and made what seemed like an eventual clear-cut decision into a legitimate competition.

Speaking of Greg Jones, he not only stepped up on Special Teams, he made an impressive fourth-and-goal stuff that ESPN and their announcers credited to Phillip Dillard (but then again, they also referred to Domenik Hixon as Michael Clayton).

While we're on the subject of linebackers, how about Mark Herzlich? Forget the great story about determination and overcoming incredible obstacles for a moment. This is a football player. A serious football player.

Some analysts and beat writers are still on the fence about Herzlich, and some still believe he's got a long way to go to make the team. I'm not one of those people. If he had never gotten cancer, making the 53-man roster wouldn't even be a topic of discussion. In fact, the Giants would have never even gotten a whiff of the kid because he'd have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. That's how talented he is. And although concern is an instinctual reaction after coming back from something life-threatening, Herzlich has slowly returned to his pre-cancer form and has been consistently impactful both during practice and on the field in each of the last two preseason games.

Another rookie who really stepped up and impressed last night was running back Da'Rel Scott who had the chance to flash his open-field speed lightning supersonic legs on a 97-yard touchdown run. And really, what more needs to be said? Damn that kid is fast.

Finally, it's worth noting that after a bad training camp and a very poor performance against the Carolina Panthers, Aaron Ross really stepped up and looked like quality cornerback again. It may be too soon to hang your hat on his performance, but the Giants will certainly need that type of quality out of him moving forward. He's become a key component of the defense by default, and he needs to have a big year.

Other positive observations:

Brandon Jacobs needs to write Major Wright a check to cover medical expenses after completely breaking his ankles on that touchdown run. B-Jac is going to have a huge year.
The offensive line is slowly coming together and David Baas is a mean looking, dangerous, destructive center. Fierce.
David Carr played really well and had great command of the offense. Like Eli Manning before him, he was also reading the defense really well.
Michael Boley, despite a back issue, looked much improved for the second consecutive game.
Domenik Hixon is a legitimate threat at wide receiver. I know certain people don't want to hear that, but fact is fact?he's good.
Henry Hynoski is all sorts of fearless. He's going to be a violent, hard-nosed, crazy kind of fullback who just bulldozes people when he gets more experience under his belt.

Other negative observations:

Kenny Phillips looked absolutely lost Monday night. He was hesitant, out of position and appeared slow at times. It could be a mental thing or it could be a legitimate issue.
Clint Sintim could possibly be in his final weeks with this team. Everyone keeps waiting for him to step up, but it's just not happening.
Jerrel Jernigan is not the answer at punt returner. He may be speedy, but he's indecisive and dances around far too much. He'll be an asset to the team, but it won't be as a return man.
Rhys Lloyd, a "kickoff specialist," wasn't really kicking the ball any deeper than Lawrence Tynes would/has.
Rehashing the obvious: Big Blue has issues at tight end.
In addition to Thomas and Witherspoon, defensive end Alex Hall suffered a groin injury and William Beatty suffered a minor foot/ankle injury.

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