4 matchups to watch for the NY Giants going up against the Seahawks

With a disappointing 1-3 record and coming off a tough loss, the New York Giants are eager to turn their season around by securing a much-needed victory. The team will make its way to Seattle to take on the Seahawks, who are also coming off a defeat and surrendered 42 points a week ago.

The Giants need to play a spotless game to stay competitive for all four quarters. A few players in particular could be the X-factors for NY to pull off an unexpected victory. Now, let's look at four key matchups that could determine the outcome of this road tilt:

4. Deonte Banks vs. DK Metcalf

Joe Schoen had high expectations for Deonte Banks when he selected him No. 24 overall last year, and he showed some promising flashes in his rookie campaign. However, his lack of experience has been evident, and he has not performed like a true CB1. Banks struggled in Week 3, allowing Amari Cooper to have a two-touchdown game against him. Last week, he was criticized after CeeDee Lamb burnt him badly for an easy score in the matchup against the Cowboys.

Things won't get any easier on Sunday. He will line up opposite DK Metcalf, one of the fastest and most physically imposing receivers in the NFL. Considering Metcalf is three inches taller and nearly 40 pounds heavier than Banks, it could be another ugly showing for the second-year corner. If the Giants are not confident in him slowing down the Seahawks' top offensive weapon, Shane Bowen should give him safety help over the top to prevent any successful chunk plays.

3. Brian Burns vs. Charles Cross

The G-Men executed an offseason blockbuster trade to land star edge-rusher Brian Burns. That move has yet to pan out thus far, as he has one sack through four games and failed to yield a QB pressure on 25 pass-rushes vs. Dallas. Keep in mind that he is the fourth-highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, yet he has hardly made an impact through the first quarter of the year.

He faces a tough challenge this week against Cross, the Seahawks left tackle. Known for being one of the top run-blocking tackles in the league, Cross is also capable in pass protection. With the defense needing a strong performance, there’s no reason Burns should disappear again. The former Panther must get back on track.

2. Wan'Dale Robinson vs. Seattle's secondary

With Malik Nabers set to miss Sunday’s contest as he clears concussion protocol, the Giants will be without the offense’s most important weapon. Daniel Jones must run it back with last year’s wide receiving corps of Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and Wan'Dale Robinson. That isn’t good news for an offense that had already been struggling immensely.

Seattle’s defense will shift its attention in the secondary to Robinson, who caught 11 passes for 71 yards on 14 targets a week ago. The compact slot wideout should be used all over the field in NY’s offensive scheme as Jones’ safety blanket. He must find soft zones on the field to catch quick passes in short-yardage situations, while Slayton and Hyatt can be the downfield options. 

1. Daniel Jones vs. Geno Smith

Jones has been far from perfect this season, but the margin for error is slimmer than ever without Nabers. NY’s mistake-prone quarterback must have a near-perfect game in the air and potentially use his legs to keep the defense on its toes. There is no reason he should continue to miss his wideouts in stride by underthrowing deep balls.

Meanwhile, Smith has turned his career around since his short stint in East Rutherford and become one of the best signal-callers in the NFC. He has thrown for 1,182 yards and four touchdowns so far, leading Seattle to a 3-1 record. Even if Jones outplays him, it might not be enough to pull off the win, but Big Blue fans can only hope Danny Dimes gives the team a fair shot to come out victorious.