New York Giants: Breaking Down Battle With Jets

The battle for bragging rights in New York is finally here. The New York Giants play the Jets tomorrow. In the previous couple seasons, the Jets were a mess. The 2015 Jets have grown up and have become a formidable opponent. On paper the Jets are a better team.

For the Jets it starts on defense. The Giants caught a big break as Darrell Revis will not play. The Jets will presumably ask their nickel-back, Buster Skrine to step up and be the number two corner. Skrine is talented and in combination with Antonio Cromartie the Jets cornerbacks are no laughing matter.

The Jets defensive front seven is pretty incredible. When explosive guys like Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson on the defensive line, the Giants offensive line will have their hands full. According to a report by Colin Stephenson of ESPN, Justin Pugh should be back in action. Though Weston Richburg and Marshall Newhouse remain questionable.

The Jets offense has playmakers. Brandon Marshall and Ereck Decker are a respectable duo at wide receiver. Devin Smith has struggled in his rookie season and he only has nine receptions. I still wouldn’t let Smith beat you deep, speed is not his issue. Jeff Cumberland is an underrated playmaker at the tight end position.

Ryan Fitzpatrick gives the Jets stability at the quarterback position. The veteran passer does just enough to make the Jets offense a capable unit. Fitzpatrick is a gunslinger without a cannon-like arm. He will take some chances; he believes he can fit it into any window but struggles to put the requisite mustard on the football.

The Giants must pressure Fitzpatrick and create turnovers. This will be hard to do for three reasons. First the Jets have a decent offensive line. Secondly the Jets still employ a ground and pound offense. Christopher Ivory is having a breakout season and is averaging just over 4 yards per carry. Finally the Giants pass rush has been nonexistent often this season.
The Jets are a quality opponent with a better record than the Giants. The moral of the story is that the Giants must give Manning protection against a fearsome Jets front. This will be a tough fight against a gritty team. Dropping to 5-7 is a real possibility.