Preview: Giants vs Texas — Concerns and Predictions

Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants defensive end

(90) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Preview: Houston Concerns

I think the Texans should worry about:

Turnovers.

In the Giants loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Eli Manning tossed two interceptions and lost a fumble which was overturned by a penalty. Rashad Jennings also lost a fumble at a crucial point in the game, essentially sealing the Giants’ fate. At the same time, the Giants defense was unable to take advantage of backup quarterback Drew Stanton‘s passing attack.

The end result was a turnover differential of -3, which combined with two turnovers in the first week against the Lions pushes the Giants into dead last in that category. In the days shortly following that pathetic loss to the Cardinals, Coach Coughlin spoke out on the topic.

"“We’re not taking the ball away from opponents,” Coughlin said. “It’s an issue now. No fumbles. No interceptions. It’s something every team counts on in the NFL.”"

Defensive captain Antrel Rolle also weighed in.

"“You have to take chances,” Rolle said. “I don’t feel like we’re taking enough chances as a defense as far as believing what we see. If you see it, go get it. If they make a play, we line up and we play again. You have to take chances. You can’t be a defense that’s scared to get beat or, you know, not sure, second-guessing yourselves. We’re all smart guys. We all have played the game a long time so if you see it, you’ve got to go get it.”"

The Giants defense will need to be more aggressive against the Texans. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is known for his inconsistent play at times, and Jason Pierre-Paul knows that if they force Fitzpatrick to put Houston on his back, the stops and turnovers will come.

"“We have to make him want to throw that ball. Stop the run and they will start throwing it, I promise you that. They will start throwing it.” Pierre-Paul added. “We need turnovers. Turnovers win games, especially when you are on defense. We have to get turnovers, no matter what.”"

Preview: New York Concerns

I think the Giants should worry about:

Arian Foster.

Foster has been the workhorse of the Texans offense, amassing a league leading 55 carries in the first two games of the season. Foster is agile, patient, an effective receiver, and attacks holes at the line of scrimmage with burst and decisiveness.

This week against the Texans, the Giants will be missing an incredibly important part of their run defense in linebacker Jon Beason. Despite Beason’s insistence that his toe injury has improved, he has been ruled out for this week’s contest and it will be up to the remaining linebackers to fill the void in the middle of the field.

Different names to replace Beason for the time being have been floated by the team, specifically Mark Herzlich and Jameel McClain. Coach Coughlin has been noncommittal in naming a new middle linebacker against the Texans, saying “We have a couple of options, sure.” Fans should hope that McClain gets the call, as Herzlich simply does not appear to have the foot speed to keep up with NFL running backs, particularly one such as Foster.

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It can be easily seen the kind of damage an effective outside runner can do to this Giants defense.

of the Arizona Cardinals gashed the Giants multiple times on outside zone and stretch runs. CB

is well respected for his solid tackling as is S

. The remainder of the secondary will have to follow their lead to support the front seven.

It would not be surprising to see defensive coordinator Perry Fewell employ some three-safety sets against Houston. This may be the game where rookie Nat Berhe, nicknamed ‘The Missile’ by Fewell, starts to get some defensive snaps. It will take a team effort to stop Foster.

Preview: Winner

No secret, the Giants need this win badly, if they do win, they’ll be 1-2, if they lose they’ll be 0-3. No NFL team wants to be 0-3, the Giants appear to be ready to take winning serious and get the job done. One of our new writers, Anthony Valerio was asked the winning question here:

According to Anthony, the Giants win… what do you think, Giants Nation?