NY Giants Week 5: 3 X-factors to beat Dallas

X-factor #1: James Bradberry

The NY Giants will call on James Bradberry for a huge task in a pivotal game this week. He will likely follow Amari Cooper.

This is an enormous ask for Bradberry, as Cooper has been off to a scorching start. Cooper has 37 catches, 401 yards, and a touchdown in four games. Cooper’s per-game numbers of 9.25 catches per game and100 yards per game must be in the back of the NY Giants’ defense at all times. He is an all-around threat on the outside and in the slot in Dallas’ offense with the ability to score with any touch.

Bradberry has also gotten off to a great start to 2020. He was the team’s most-expensive free agent signing this offseason and has lived up to the billing of being a true #1 cornerback.

His numbers back up his impressive game film so far, with one interception, nine pass deflections, and one forced and recovered fumble (both occurred separately). He has been the only steady presence in the Giants’ carousel ride in the secondary.

I expect Bradberry to follow Cooper for the majority of the game. There simply isn’t any other corner on the Giants who can matchup with Cooper for an extended period of time. Both players matchup evenly, with Bradberry at 6’1, 212 pounds and Cooper at 6’1, 210 pounds.

Bradberry must have another big game for Big Blue in order for the defense to stay afloat. This matchup will certainly be one of this game’s best matchups and it will be interesting to see #24 against another top-flight receiver.