Live from New York: Raiders at Giants, 1st quarter
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants took the game’s opening drive down the field and scored on the Oakland Raiders, with Eli Manning leading a 14 play drive that ate up 77-yards. On the possession, Manning opened the game with a 9-yard completion to Darcy Johnson for 9-yards. Facing a 3rd and 7, Gerard Warren jumped offsides and gave New York a manageable 3rd and 2. On that play, Manning found a streaking Steve Smith for 8-yards with Stanford Routt trailing on the play. A few plays later, on 3rd and 8, the Raiders were penalized again, this time Routt for pass interference in trying to cover Smith. The 11-yard penalty set-up the Giants deep in Raiders territory and a few plays later on 4th and goal from the 1, Ahmad Bradshaw gave the Giants a 7-0 lead.
Oakland’s opening drive stalled after Michael Bush ran for 7 yards on the first play. Erik Pears was flagged for a false start and the Raiders were not able to recover after that. On 3rd and 6, JaMarcus Russell avoided a sack and was able to find a wide-open Todd Watkins near midfield, but the receiver was not able to hold on to the pass, which would have extended the Raiders’ drive.
The Giants quickly bolted down the field on their next drive. Manning connected with Smith for 43-yards on a perfect sideline toss with Chris Johnson and Hiram Eugene in coverage. Then, Bradshaw ripped a 17-yard gain before darting to the end zone from 19-yards out to give the Giants a 14-0 lead.
Manning at that point was 5-of-6 for 79 yards, this after being held out of practice most of the week with a foot injury.
Oakland had an uneventful second drive that ended with a Zach Miller reception for 5-yards on 3rd and 6.
New York again attacked on their next possession, with Bradshaw ripping the Raider defense for a 23-yard gain and then closing the quarter with a 55-yard catch and run on 3rd and 23.
SCORE: Giants 14 – Raiders 0
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report.net Columnist
