As Tom Coughlin assessed the work of Steve Weatherford in Sunday’s 24-20 victory over the Raiders, the Giants coach said: “We didn’t punt the ball at all,’’ and added, “that was something that we’ve got to address.’’
Often, that means a team will bring in a punter for a workout, which usually happens on Tuesdays during the season. Coughlin said, “No, not necessarily’’ when asked about taking a look at another punter and it certainly appears Weatherford is safe, although he is going through a rough season.
Weatherford struggled against the Raiders, shanking three punts into a stiff wind. He got the benefit of a good bounce on the first but the next two traveled only 36 and 27 yards, and his last punt was partially deflected from pressure up the middle, giving him a 7-yard punt.
“Under circumstances like that, you can’t slow things down,” Coughlin said. “I thought probably the last punt was too slow as well.’’
Weatherford said dealing with the wind was difficult.
“Every kick I had, unfortunately was into the teeth of the wind, not to make any excuses,’’ Weatherford said. “I mean, you don’t normally punt in wind like that. It was 20-plus and gusty, it was difficult to make adjustments because the wind was also changing, which is not something I’m used to in that stadium. It was weird because it would be shifting and at times it would be blowing one direction and then change, on top of the fact it was gusting. It was tough conditions, obviously would have liked to perform better, but I’m not going to dwell on it.’’
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Another problem with the passing attack is Eli Manning might be too predictable. He is forcing the ball to Victor Cruz, who is almost constantly double-teamed. Of Manning’s 22 pass attempts against the Raiders, Cruz was targeted 10 times and had only three receptions. Hakeem Nicks was on the field for 53 of the 65 offensive snaps and was targeted only four times (he caught all four for 49 yards). Linebacker Keith Rivers was on the field for 36 of the 57 defensive snaps and had his best game of the season.
“The interesting thing about that was he practiced well,’’ Coughlin said, “like to the point where I recognized, holy smokes, this guy is having a good week.’’
After getting 30 rushing attempts in his first game of the season, running back Andre Brown was “sore,’’ according to Coughlin. … Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul came out of the game with a sore shoulder.
“He’ll need treatment all week long, but I think he will get better as the week goes on,’’ Coughlin said. … Cruz turned 27 on Monday. … Coughlin was non-committal when asked if Jerrel Jernigan, who lost a fumble on the opening kickoff, would remain the kickoff returner. Rookie Michael Cox is another option.