3: Adoree’ Jackson and Xavier McKinney will ball out
Ever since losing Adoree’ Jackson and Xavier McKinney, the Giants defense has not looked the same. Obviously this will be the case when a team loses two Pro-Bowl level players, but their absences have shown how badly the Giants need them.
This was abundantly clear in the Giants previous matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, when McKinney and Jackson’s backups were consistently torched by Minnesota’s skill players. However, this time around in the playoffs, the Giants will have these two back and things could look a lot different.
While Jackson, like every other player, can only do so much to guard Justin Jefferson, having McKinney back will do wonders in helping shut down big-time plays from not only the Vikings, but if the Giants make it past the Wild Card, these two could keep things cooking the rest of the way too.
In 10 games played, Jackson has allowed 29 receptions on 54 targets for 338 yards and two TDs, allowing 65+ yards in just two games. Jackson hasn’t matched up with a receiver like Justin Jefferson yet, but we’re confident that he will fare better than Fabian Moreau.
As for McKinney, he has had a sneaky great season, he may not snag the crazy interceptions he did last year, but this is because defenses now recognize his talents and don’t look to throw towards him. This goes a long way in shutting down passes down the field, something the Giants need against a team like Minnesota.