New York Giants 2016 Opponents: Predictions, Reactions, Outlook
By Neal Lynch
Washington Redskins (HOME)
Washington didn’t run the ball well, which is a weird sentence to write and to read. They had Alfred Morris and big back Matt Jones, yet averaged less than 100 yards per game and didn’t score double digit touchdowns on the ground. The passing attack was just outside the top 10 as Kirk Cousins emerged as the team leader.
Conversely, the defense wasn’t strong against the pass; they were in the bottom 10 for passing yards allowed and touchdowns thrown. The run defense gave up a bunch of yards on the ground, but not many scores.
Eli is 9-2 vs Washington at home. Those 2 losses came in the Super Bowl seasons – 2007 and 2011 – when they were facing backup quarterbacks Todd Collins and Rex Grossman. Since McAdoo took over as offensive coordinator, Eli has been great against the ‘Skins at home, averaging a 115+ rating.
PREDICTION: WIN
Washington Redskins (AWAY)
The one dud from Eli came this season after the Week 11 bye when Big Blue slept through three quarters and woke up in the fourth with a furious comeback that came up short. Eli is slightly less successful when the Giants visit Washington, going 7-5. In 8 of Eli’s 12 seasons, he’s had a better rating away then at home.
Giants continue to dominate the all-time head-to-head with 97 wins versus 65 losses.
PREDICTION: LOSS
Dallas Cowboys (HOME)
Jeeeeez, Dallas. The hot post on Facebook right now is the one showing that the Alabama Crimson Tide have won more games in Dallas (2) than the Cowboys this season, who went 1-7 on their own turf. It’s difficult to say what’s on the horizon for the Cowboys. There are rumors they might sign Robert Griffin III, they might get Johnny Manziel. Can Tony Romo make it through an entire season without obliterating his collarbone?
The Cowboys were a disaster at quarterback, rotating Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel, and then Kellen Moore in place of Romo. Their passing stats reflect that. The running game was fairly successful at picking up yards, but not scores.
The Cowboys pass defense was among tops in the league. Not many yards allowed and tied for third least passing touchdowns allowed. The run defense, however, was porous. If the Giants can establish the run and keep Romo off the field, they can grab the victory and not let it go.
Eli’s Giants are 6-6 against the Cowboys at home.
PREDICTION: WIN
Dallas Cowboys (AWAY)
From 2009 – 2011, Eli was outstanding vs. Dallas. After a down year in 2012, Manning played great in 2013 and 2014, averaging more than a 90 rating in all 4 games. This past season, Eli took a step back. No touchdowns in either game, but also no interceptions. The pass out of the end zone in Dallas gave Romo all the time he needed to beat the G-Men in heartbreaking fashion. I expect Eli to get back to form and engage in another epic shootout thanks to a rejuvenated run game.
Eli’s Giants are 5-6 against Dallas in Dallas.
The All-Time Giants have a while before they even up the series as they sport a 43-62-2 record against Big D.
PREDICTION: LOSS
Philadelphia Eagles (HOME)
Giants fans have to be relieved Chip Kelly was fired. Now they can only hope Connor Barwin takes a personal sabbatical in the Himalayas and never returns. Zach Ertz could probably join him as well. Even without Chip Kelly, the Eagles seem to have Big Blue’s number.
The Eagles had one of the league’s worst pass defenses allowing 36 touchdowns and almost 270 yards a game. The run defense was the league’s worst when it came to yards allowed, but only gave up 10 touchdowns, which either indicates teams are throwing long touchdowns from outside the red zone or the goal line defense is staunch.
Eli’s played 24 games against Philly. The last great game he had came in the 2012 season finale during a 42-7 rout against a 4-11 team that was escorting Andy Reid out the door.
Manning’s Giants are also 3-9 at home against the Eagles! Yuck.
PREDICTION: LOSS
Philadelphia Eagles (AWAY)
Most would say Chip Kelly’s hurried spread offense was pass-happy, but the team was mid-tier in terms of passing yards per game and touchdowns thrown.
When the gettin’ was good for the Eagles under Kelly, it was because the rushing attack was top echelon. However, this past season, the Eagles couldn’t match seasons past, despite brining in 2014 leading rusher DeMarco Murray.
Eli’s Giants are 6-6 in Philadelphia, but have been absolutely annihilated the past two trips there.
Even with the recent slump, the Giants have a slight lead over Philly in the all-time series, winning 83 of 164 games for a 51.2 percent winning percentage.
PREDICTION: LOSS
OUTLOOK: 8-8 and another missed postseason.
The NFC East was one of the weakest divisions in football ins 2015. I don’t see that changing in 2016. The Cowboys and Eagles are in a state of upheaval, though, Dallas has less question marks. The Giants need to use the majority of their drafts picks and free agency budget on defense. Pass rushers and sure tacklers. Right now, they’re a .500 team. They were a few points away from a winning record and a division title in 2015. With a few solid additions on defense, they can earn their first winning record in four years and first postseason berth in 5 years.