NY Giants have advantage over Broncos in these key areas
By David Solow
Matchup Advantage #2: The NY Giants’ Rushing Offense vs. the Broncos Rushing Defense
The NY Giants need to stay committed to the run game in this one; even if they fall behind early. The strength of the Bronco defense is the secondary and the edge rushers. Denver’s defense is built to slow down explosive passing offenses.
The NY Giants certainly don’t have one of those, but they do have a formidable rushing attack. Saquon Barkley , who is on track to play, is arguably the best running back in the NFL. Jason Garrett needs to figure out ways to get Saquon the ball in space, where he is extremely dangerous. They might need to pass to set up the run in this one.
An explosive run is defined by a run of 10 plus yards, and Saquon had 31 of those runs in his only complete season (2018). Daniel Jones is another player capable of explosive runs. Jones led all QBs in yards per carry last season and ran the fastest speed among QBs in 2020 (even faster than Lamar Jackson).
Gadget receiver Kadarius Toney is another explosive runner. He was the best run after catch receiver in college football at Florida. Garrett should try to get the ball in his hands on some end around plays and WR screens.
The Broncos middle linebackers, Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell, are both average against the run. Both MLBs ran the 40 yard dash in the 4.8 range, which is average for an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Starting nose tacke Mike Purcell had just a 60.2 PFF grade last season.
Big Blue needs to dominate the ground game and control the clock to come away with a W.