With the benefit of hindsight, we’re convinced the NFL had the draft in mind when assembling the New York Giants’ 2026 schedule.
John Harbaugh’s Giants used the No. 5 pick on Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese this past April, and he played a pivotal role in last week’s victory over Carnell Tate (No. 4) and the Titans. Sunday presents another opportunity against another top-five pick, as No. 3 selection Jeremiyah Love and the Arizona Cardinals (1-2) come to MetLife Stadium.
Following preseason injuries and a relatively disappointing first two games, Love broke out for 109 total yards (90 rushing, 19 receiving) and averaged 4.2 yards on 26 touches. He also scored his first receiving touchdown in Arizona’s 36-30 loss to the rival 49ers.
Much of the attention will rightfully be on stopping Love as a runner, but the Giants cannot forget about the value he provides as a receiving back.
Jeremiyah Love could present problems for Arvell Reese and the New York Giants’ defense
Love enters Sunday with 10 catches, the most of any rookie running back and fifth among rookies regardless of position. Credit to rookie coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett (!) for immediately utilizing the Notre Dame product in the passing game rather than depending on him solely as a rusher.
We were vehemently against Love going that early, especially if he fell to the Giants at No. 5. At one point, we even argued it’d be “nonsensical at best and a total waste of a selection at worst.” We stand by our original point that taking running backs that early never works out as intended.
Injuries have depleted the Giants’ secondary, with numerous players either limited or missing practice this week. The pressure falls on Reese and the Giants’ linebacker corps to step up and erase Love from the passing game at all costs. They know they can contain a primary back, just as they did with the Cowboys’ Javonte Williams (3.4 yards per carry) in Week 1.
The good news: Dennard Wilson’s Giants have held opponents to 313 rushing yards, well below the league average of 342.2. But their 4.7 yards per attempt is tied for sixth-worst, largely because Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 164 yards in Week 2. So if you’re an optimist, you’ll argue the Giants gave up only 149 rushing yards in the other two games.
But with a chance to claim sole possession of first place in the NFC East, that positivity may be warranted. Given their own running back issues, though, we nonetheless urge the Giants not to wonder “what could have been” had Love slid in April. Reese has been worth the price of admission, and a 3-1 start absolutely feels attainable.
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