4 NY Giants bold predictions vs. Cleveland Browns: Ground and pound time?

The NY Giants face uncertainty at quarterback and bring a depleted defense into Sunday night’s clash with the Cleveland Browns

The NY Giants face a desperate situation on multiple fronts in Sunday night’s game against the suddenly high-flying Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium.

Patrick Graham’s stout defense will be without cornerback James Bradberry, added to the reserve-COVID-19 list Thursday, and it could be Colt McCoy at quarterback as Daniel Jones battles through a right hamstring injury and sprained left ankle.

After dropping in disastrous fashion to the Arizona Cardinals last week, this could prove a must-win game if the NY Giants are to keep pace with the Washington Football Team in the NFC East standings.

Can Joe Judge’s Giants bounce back?

Here are four bold predictions for Sunday night’s game:

Giants running backs combine for over 200 rushing yards

In the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the NY Giants’ offensive line was able to dictate to the Cardinals’ front-seven in the running game and it seemed there was a chance that might be the prevailing style of the offense. It wasn’t to be, obviously.

However, Freddie Kitchens will be calling plays as offensive coordinator Jason Garrett isolates and recovers from testing positive for COVID-19. There are some clues in how the Browns attacked teams last season that might suggest the type of gameplan Kitchens could deploy against his former team.

Last season, the Browns finished third in rushing offense, averaging 156.2 yards per game and Cleveland’s 16 touchdowns were ninth most in the NFL.

Sunday night, whether it is Daniel Jones at quarterback, gutting it out with the lingering effects of a right hamstring injury and sprained left ankle, or Colt McCoy, the Giants are going to need to commit to the running game and stick with it if they were going to have any chance against the suddenly pinball Browns offense.

It wouldn’t be too surprising under these circumstances if Wayne Gallman surpasses his career-high 135 rushing yards from two weeks ago against the Seattle Seahawks, and Alfred Morris add 70-plus.