Based on the pure breakdown from the NFL’s game page there are few crucial things that can be deduced from the Bears @ Giants matchup to take place Sunday night:
Firstly, the offensive breakdowns of these teams are fairly balanced. If you could give one edge to one team, it would be that the Giants running game has outpaced the Bears by 40 yards over the last 3 games. The other statistics sort of end up in a wash — the Bears slightly average more points per game, the Giants have slightly more total yards and time of possession. Really, the blurry eye test is what this offensive comparison is all about, and the only clear advantage for the Giants is the run game.
Defensively, the Bears have the edge. But it’s not where you’re thinking… Passing yards per game is going to be skewed because the Giants have played run-first offenses the last several weeks (yes, even the Colts) while the Bears have played pass heavy teams each week… not exactly apples to apples there. Justafiably, the run defense would be skewed for the Bears then as well. The only true marker for the Bears that gives them the advantage is points — the Bears have allowed 11 fewer points per game than the Giants, that’s more than a TD and FG for those that are having trouble with it.
Taken with a grain of salt, things balance out more than I’d thought they would and it’s sure to be a close game that comes down to who out-executes who, and who minimizes their mistakes. Giants redzone issues on both sides of the ball will take center stage Sunday night.
Will the Giants want it more or will the Bears steal another home victory from the crowd at New Meadowlands Stadium?