After all the hard work and all the talk this summer, it’s time for the New York Giants to put up or shut up. First-year head coach Brian Daboll knows that people are relying on him to get this team back on track, and everything will start this weekend in Nashville. Is an upset coming for the NFC East side?
That could end up going down, but things aren’t going to be easy for the Giants. There’s some obstacles standing in their way on both sides of the ball, but NY has what it takes to start the year off 1-0. In order for that to happen, these three things will need to happen.
3. Giants must find a way to slow down Derrick Henry
This is 100 percent easier said than done, but goodness me, how in the world can the Giant slow down Derrick Henry? The power running back is one of the most exciting players in the game and he’s nearly impossible to bring down. When he reaches full speed, it’s basically lights out for anyone trying to stop him.
Henry is no doubt a superstar and the NY defense is going to have its hands full trying to keep him from getting into a groove. It’s going to be on the guys up front to slow him down. Yup, there’s going to be a big amount of pressure on players like Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence to bring down Henry.
Not only that, but the guys on the outside need to play well too. What stings for the Giants here is that both Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux are questionable for Week 1 due to their injuries. If they can’t play, it’s going to be a massive blow for Daboll and Co. Go ahead and keep your fingers crossed the pass-rushers will be able to take the field.
2. Daniel Jones must have a game to remember
Feel free to call us Captain Obvious, but Daniel Jones has to play well. Not only that, he’s going to need to record some big-time throws in order for the Giants to win this one. Time and time again, Jones has been underwhelming with the ball in his hands. It has led to people calling for him to get benched.
In order for him to quite down his haters, he needs to power the Giants to a Week 1 victory. This won’t be easy, but the Titans defense isn’t an unbeatable unit. Jones will have plenty of opportunities to fire the ball downfield in Daboll’s system. It’ll also be on offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to put Jones in the best position possible.
Look for the playmakers to help out Jones as well. Kadarius Toney, Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard are all in need of impressive showings. Toney has been battling an injury this summer, but the speedster looks like he’ll be a full go vs. Tennessee. Golladay has his haters too, but the second-year Giant must be electric as well.
1. The NY CBs and safeties must fly all over the field
One of the major concerns for this team leading up to the new season is no question the secondary. With James Bradberry, Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers no longer in town, this is a new defense as a whole. The depth isn’t there either, which is a big concern for new defensive coordinator Wink Martdinale.
At cornerback specifically, there’s plenty to be desired here. While Adoree’ Jackson is the No. 1 CB and Darnay Holmes looked sharp during training camp from his slot corner spot, the rest of the group isn’t looking too strong. Cornerback Aaron Robinson was targeted early and often in the preseason and he didn’t play well.
Robinson 100 percent has to play better against the Titans for the Giants to have any chance of slowing down Tannehill. The Tennessee wideouts will hope to have a field day against the NY secondary, but Martdinale’s men will look to prevent that. We’ll find out Sunday how things go, but fans are keeping their fingers crossed Robinson can step his game up. If he doesn’t, it could be a long day for the Giants.