The New York Giants will face an embattled New Orleans Saints defense on Sunday. Without Delvin Breaux, how can they contain Odell Beckham Jr.?
Last season’s match-up between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints ended with 101 total points scored, which is tied for the third-most in NFL history, and a Giants loss. The Giants defense was revamped in the offseason and had a strong showing Week 1. The Saints defense, however, gave up 35 points to the Raiders, lost Delvin Breaux and will face Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday.
So, how can the Saints possibility stop Beckham?
Jean-Rene Ella of Canal Street Chronicles, gives a bleak assessment of the Saints’ chances. In addition to, P.J. Williams, a “de facto rookie… the Saints will rely on a collection of projects and misfits, starting with Ken Crawley, a first-year undrafted free agent cornerback out of Colorado and veterans Sterling Moore and B.W. Webb, whom they signed as free agents. Needless to say that Eli Manning and crew should have a field day passing the ball on Sunday.”
The Saints can’t simply roll coverage towards Beckham as many defenses did last year. With the return of Victor Cruz and the emergence of rookie Sterling Shepard, who both had touchdowns last week, the Giants offer better options than in 2015. With Breaux in the lineup last year, Beckham still went off against the Saints defense with eight catches for 130 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Who Stacks Up Against OBJ?
The Saints sacked Manning twice in last season’s match-up and if they hope to stunt the Giants offense, the pass rush may be their only hope. Darryl Tapp, Cameron Jordan and the rest of the Saints D-line failed to get a sack against the Raiders in Week 1. But if they can overtake the embattled right side of the offensive line, Eli Manning may have little chance to deliver the ball. Fortunately for Giants fans, Marshall Newhouse and John Jerry both had above average performances against the Cowboys in Week 1.
It’s not all good news for the Giants, however. No team gained more than the Saints’ 507 yards against the Raiders last week. Steve Spagnuolo’s new-look defense will certainly be tested by Drew Brees and company when they come into MetLife Stadium.
If it will in fact be another Giants/Saints shootout, New York would seem to have the advantage with Beckham on the field. He is a mismatch against anyone in the Saints secondary and if coverage shifts to his side, the field will open up for Cruz and Shepard. Giants fans will find out Sunday if the Saints can possibly contain the massive threat that is Odell Beckham Jr.