Giants Week 2: Keys to the Game
Sep 5, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls for a hike during the third quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Ravens 49-27. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Manning Bown III is finally upon us. Will Eli finally get that win over big brother Peyton?
If you read any of my Week 1: Keys to the Game, 2 of the 5 did not happen, maybe even 3. Witten had 2 TDs, there was barely any pressure on Romo, and the 3rd would be getting Wilson started early. They tried to get him involved, but as you know, he took himself out of the game with the fumbles. They did a great job on Bryant, had no problem against the run, but turnovers lost the game.
Now what are 5 things the Giants should key on this week? Here’s my list:
1. Get Pressure From D-Line
This isn’t pressure in general, this is pressure from the front 4. Peyton Manning can read blitzes like an adult reading a pop up book, it’s just that easy for him. Get JPP and Co. into the backfield, use all kinds of stunts, different positions, whatever Fewell can think of. The Broncos had only 65 rushing yards last week on 23 attempts so I would assume it is going to be Peyton flinging the ball around all night, making the defensive line have one job to take care of.
2. Stop Wes Welker
Perry Fewell came out and said that no matter what, Terrell Thomas will be in the slot. Well do you know who else is in the slot? Wes Welker. Welker is one of the most shifty players in the league, cutting and juking to find openings in the defense. He had 9 receptions last week but for 67 yards and 2. I do not trust T2 and his knee to be able to keep up. 3 ACL surgeries severely limit a players ability to break on the ball, and keep up with smaller, quicker wide receivers. We have a healthy Aaron Ross available so there is no reason not to go to him, have T2 be the 4th corner in. Pay special attention to him near the goal line, makes those quick cuts right at the line and Peyton seems to find him without a problem.
3. Limit Julius Thomas
The starting Broncos TE had his breakout game week 1 with 5 receptions for 11o yards and 2 TDs. Peyton and the world knows how hard it is for the Giants to stop a good TE (cough cough Witten) and there is no reason Peyton won’t attack this depleted linebacker corps. Rivers, Paysinger, and Williams need to be on their A game all night with a weapon like Thomas coming off the line. He is a big body at 6-5 250 and has those basketball type skills to box defenders out. Peyton loves him already and should fire to him early and often.
4. Defensive Minds vs Peyton
If you have ever watched a Peyton Manning football game, he takes the play clock to almost zero every down. He calls audible after audible to his protection and his wide receivers after reading what the defense has put in front of him. Now Paysinger wore the headset last week and should be wearing it again this week, so he will be the guy taking all the defensive calls from the sideline. Paysinger is in on most of the Nickel and base formations so he is the best man for the job. After a 7 TD 462 yard performance week 1, look to see if the Giants defensive signal caller can keep up with Peyton’s up tempo offense.
5. Pass Early and Pass Often
To be honest, I do not think the Giants will have the time to get Wilson involved early this week. Ray Rice had 12 carries for 36 yards week 1 against this Broncos defense. Giants may be down early going against such an explosive offense, so they may not get the chance to run, and to be honest, why would you? THREE wide receivers for the Giants had over 100 yards last week (Cruz, Nicks, Randle) and there is no reason why they cannot do that on Sunday. Champ Bailey has been ruled out and that leaves DRC as the best corner on the field. Yes Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie shut down Torrey Smith last week but the rest of the CB corps is weak, and small. Chris Harris is only 5-10 and then Tony Carter, who is 5-9 comes in to play the slot. Eli and the receivers have a chance to have a tremendous game.
Those are my 5. Obviously Peyton makes it very difficult for a Giants defense that is not known to do well against the pass. Giants cannot roll with bracket coverage against Thomas on the outside or Peyton will shred them apart. What are you looking for?