Ah, the people at Football Outsiders are on the offensive today.

"Ralph Vacciano can see into the souls of men.

I know that Derrick Ward was the hero with 215 yards Sunday night, but I think everyone can now see what a difference it makes to have Jacobs in the Giants’ lineup. His absence, much more than that of Plaxico Burress, is why the Giants struggled the previous two weeks.

Jacobs may have only gained 87 yards on 24 carries, but his presence, his ability to push the pile, wear down the defense and change the way the defense is played, is what set the table for Ward. Jacobs had the defense on its heels, bracing for an impact that came when he was in the game, but didn’t when Ward was in. In that sense, he helped make the Panthers defense miss so often on Ward.

That’s not to take anything away from Ward’s remarkable performance. His ability to read and find the holes and his burst through the line created many long runs. Maybe he could’ve done that even if Jacobs hadn’t been in the game.

You know, because correlation is always causation. And Ralph Vacciano can sense presence and tell when defenders are bracing for impact. Maybe Ward just benefited from having a few nice holes at the right time."

Oh, as if Brandon Jacobs doesn't have a psychological impact on defenders. The guy hits hard. When a back bludgeons a defense over and over again, they will be on their heels and they will be unprepared when the speedy back gets the ball. I think the correct term is pain aversion.

The Outsiders can be as snarky as they want, but what it comes down to is this: they can't measure emotion, and they're mad about it, so they push it to the side in favor of their statistics. Ralph Vacciano, wherever you are, you are right on. Don't let the geeks push you around.