Patriots vs. Giants: 3 Key Matchups

Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) is brought down by New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard (59) and New York Giants corner back Prince Amukamara (20) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots’ Running Backs vs. Giants’ Front Seven

There’s no Dion Lewis. But injuries have never stopped the Pats from getting production from the backfield. Whether it’s putting a tight end behind/next to Brady, or just dumping the ball off on screens, they just find a away. I don’t know how they do it. It’s incredible—James White and Brandon Bolden, should they get touches, will likely produce.

However, if… if… IF the Giants can bottle the Patriots up at the line of scrimmage, it’ll help them control the clock, a la matchup number one. Bolden and White are primarily pass threats out of the backfield—but stopping Blount, the team’s purest, most-talented runner, will at least strip the Patriots’ offense of a dimension. With Johnathan Hankins and Jon Beason gone, it’ll be important for players like Jasper Brinkley, Jay Bromley, and (hey, hey) Jason Pierre-Paul to close the gaps and edges.

This is also where the Giants’ ability to create turnovers becomes vital. LeGarrette Blount had fumbling issues earlier in his career and the cough drops returned in his 2013 stint with New England. James White and Brandon Bolden—while they haven’t had as many chances as Blount—much to Bill Belichick’s liking, have never put the ball on the ground in their young careers.

While the Patriots’ offense will still be very dangerous if they become more pass-heavy, it would help the Giants take control of the game if they can take away the run. And they can do that with the linebackers and linemen crashing, and maybe even forcing a costly turnover and sending one of their backs to the bench.

Next: Giants' Offensive Line Vs. Patriots' Front Seven