The start of the 2024 season has gone differently than the NY Giants anticipated. Big Blue is 0-2 after losing to the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders in two straight weeks. Unfortunately, the Giants' schedule does not get any better for them in the next few weeks; could they pull off an upset to get themselves in the win column for the first time this season?
Next up for the G-Men are the Cleveland Browns, who are 1-1 after dropping their Week 1 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, but taking down the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Their touted defense now hosts a struggling Giants offense in Week 3, a favorable matchup for the Browns. Still, Giants fans want to remain hopeful that the team's centennial season is not a complete disaster. Here are four bold predictions for the Giants in this one:
4. Devin Singletary rushes for over 100 yards
Giants running back Devin Singletary is giving fans a good reason to be excited about the ground game. In Week 2, 'Motor' had 16 attempts for 95 yards and a seven-yard rushing touchdown. Big Blue fans are waiting for their new RB1 to have his first breakout game as a Giant and rush for over 100 yards, and it could come in Week 3 against the Browns.
While Singletary's numbers through the first two weeks don't necessarily jump off the charts, as he posted 37 yards in the season-opener, he's made defenders miss more than any other running back on runs and receptions. Motor has forced 15 missed tackles through the first two games and has been a bright spot in the Giants' struggling offense. It would not be surprising if he continued this trend in Week 3 against Cleveland.
The most missed tackles forced after two weeks 💨 pic.twitter.com/rR5d6cY2Jb
— PFF (@PFF) September 18, 2024
The only thing standing in Singletary's way is Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett; however, he has not practiced for two straight days due to a foot injury and may miss this week's game. If the former No. 1 overall pick does not play on Sunday, Singletary could have the opportunity to perform well against a talented Browns run-defense.
3. Brian Burns records his first sack as a New York Giant
Like Singletary, another new Giant with high expectations who has yet to have their true breakout moment is edge-rusher Brian Burns. He has been quiet through New York's first two games. Burns was the Giants' most significant addition this offseason, and many expected him to make his presence known on the defensive line immediately, but that has not been the case.
Through the season's first two weeks, the talented outside' backer has seven total tackles (six solo), three quarterback pressures, and one run stuff. Burns has not completed his first sack or tackle for a loss of the season yet, but that will change this week against the Cleveland Browns offense. I believe we will see No. 0 take over on Sunday and get to quarterback Deshaun Watson.
While injuries derailed the Browns' 2023 offensive line, Cleveland's o-line should be much better this year; however, Watson has been sacked eight times in the first two games. He was sacked six times in Week 1 by the Dallas Cowboys and twice this past week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the Giants' defensive line can get through Cleveland's offensive line and pressure Watson this week, it should be a good showing for Burns and Co.
2. The Giants' secondary locks down Amari Cooper
The Giants' defense has struggled through the first two weeks of the NFL season. New York ranks 26th in total defense, allowing four touchdowns. They have seven passes defended and one interception from rookie linebacker Darius Muasau in Week 1 in the Giants' 28-6 loss against the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite a quiet start in the first two games, the Giants' secondary has a significant opportunity to step up and stifle the Browns' passing game this week. Watson, who has two interceptions to his name, committed in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, and has thrown for 355 yards this season. While WR1 Amari Cooper is Cleveland's most targeted receiver, Jerry Jeudy leads the team in yards and has the Browns' only receiving touchdown.
Through the first two weeks, Cooper has five receptions for 27 yards on 17 targets and has not played well in double coverage. The Giants' secondary has an opportunity to lock down Cooper again and ensure his offensive struggles continue this week. This could be the key to the Giants securing their first win of the season, keeping the audience hopeful and excited.
1. Malik Nabers gets 15+ targets and another 100+ yard game
One of the bright spots of the Giants' 21-18 loss last week to the Washington Commanders was rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who had 10 receptions for 127 yards and recorded his first career touchdown on 18 targets. Despite dropping a catch on 4th down that would have put the Giants at the Commanders' 10-yard line in the fourth quarter, the former No. 6 pick performed well and gave Giants fans hope for the future.
Nabers can only improve from here and continue to spark the Giants' offense throughout the season. If Daniel Jones can connect with No. 1 on Sunday, he can have a second consecutive 100-yard game on 15 targets or more and get in the end zone for Big Blue to help them get in the win column. A good performance from both Jones and Nabers will help build chemistry as the season progresses.
With the Browns' defense giving up 220 yards in the air last week to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nabers has the opportunity to expose Cleveland's secondary with his speed and elite route running. If the Giants want to upset a talented Browns' defense, they will have to spread the ball with all their weapons, including their WR1 Nabers.