4 potential NY Giants trap games to be cautious of in 2022
By Eoin Ferris
Week 8 at the Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are entering a rebuild after trading superstar quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. In 2020, the last time the two teams faced off, the Giants were ironically a trap game for the Seahawks, as the G-Men stunned Seattle in that matchup. Now, Pete Carroll and Co. would love to return the favor.
Losing Wilson will be a big blow for the Seahawks in 2022, although they did miss him for three games in 2021, and he was playing on an injured finger throughout most of the campaign. The impact Wilson has had on the Seahawks has been immense for them over the years, highlighted by the Super Bowl win. Now, all signs are pointing to Drew Lock being the team’s starter.
The Seahawks received a hefty package from the Broncos, which included veteran players and multiple draft picks. In addition to Lock, Seattle also received Noah Fant and Shelby Harris. They then drafted offensive tackle Charles Cross in the first round and also added outside linebacker Boye Maye in the second round.
Despite losing Wilson, the Seahawks still feature talented players like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jamal Adams and more. Add experienced coaches who know what they are doing and you simply can’t rule them out in this Week 8 matchup. Expect the Seahawks to give the Giants a run for their money.
Week 11 against the Detroit Lions
Throughout the past few years, the Lions have not been the most glamorous team whatsoever, but they’re a gritty and hard-headed squad that will not just give you the win. This year, they are looking to show everyone they are done with their losing ways as well, drafting Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams to provide plenty of excitement.
People may forget, but Jared Goff led the Rams to the Super Bowl under head coach Sean McVay. It is true the offensive genius of a coach was a big part in the team reaching that point, however at some point you need to acknowledge the guys who played out what he had asked of them. Goff could have a bounce-back year with the Lions.
On top of that, the Lions have quietly been building up a scary offense, which features a stout offensive line. The group includes studs Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow and more. Plus, the Lions signed wideout D.J. Chark and drafted Williams. Those two plus Amon-Ra St. Brown gives Goff plenty of weapons.
Don’t forget about tight end T.J. Hockenson either. The run game is powered by De’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, two tough backs to defend against. This Lions game, Week 11, is not something the Giants should take lightly.
Week 10 Against the Houston Texans
This Houston Texans team started a rebuild in 2021 following the Deshaun Watson sexual assault allegations, which had him sit out the entire season. Watson has since been traded to the Cleveland Browns, with Houston receiving several draft picks, including three first-rounders. With Houston building towards the future, they have a totally different squad.
One of the Texans’ weaknesses is their offensive line outside Laremy Tunsil. On defense, the team used its No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft on LSU standout Derek Stingley Jr. Houston is hoping the star cornerback can make a major impact on the defensive unit for years to come. Out of all the teams on this list, the squad that has the weakest roster may be the Texans, but that doesn’t mean this will be a lock of a win for the G-Men.
The NFL is not just about who has the better team, it is about who plays better on any given day and executes. This will be another home game for the Giants, which will of course make it more difficult for Houston to steal a victory. Keep in mind that both teams went 4-13 last season as well, so Houston may not be as far behind of New York as everyone thinks.