Jaguars @ Giants Preview
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The Jaguars travel to New Meadowlands Stadium this week and face a NY Giants team on the verge of collapse. After dropping 2 straight matchups against division rivals, the Giants are battered and frustrated with injuries and turnovers respectively. Here is how the numbers shape up this week:
[ via NFL Game Center]
There’s not doubt about it – the Giants have the better overall offense and defense when it comes to statistics. Defensively, the game is very much in the Giants favor. But this game may come down to the areas where both teams are basically neck and neck on offense: third down conversions, rushing yards per game, and of course points per game.
MJD is having a good year, coming on strong as of late. I’ve decided to sit him this week in favor of Brandon Jacobs who is starting in place of Ahmad Bradshaw… I knew picking Jacobs up was going to pay off at SOME point. Because MJD can’t do it alone against one of the best rushing defenses in the league, while the Giants have 2 and maybe even 3 backs who are going to be competitive with their carries this Sunday. I look for the Giants to gain control of the game early with the running game and set the tone for the day on the ground.
Eli Manning and the air attack should follow. This is going to be of course what Jacksonville expects — the Giants entire receiving core is basically on the mend. I have confidence though that Eli Manning will take his shots down-field off play action fakes with Mario Manningham, Derek Hagan, and newly signed Michael Clayton to re-establish the air attack when things get to lopsided. Travis Beckum and Kevin Boss should see more action in the passing game as well.
Of defense, stop the run and target Mike Thomas and Mercedes Lewis. The Giants have done a decent job of limiting big plays from receivers, but traditionally have had a hard time with pass catching tight ends, they should not overlook Lewis this week.
Prediction:
Giants 27 – Jaguars 17