The New York Giants will spend the subsequent three weeks enjoying video games on the highway. Their first check is in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday, and what a loopy time it’s for each groups.
The Raiders are at present favored to win this recreation, which is stunning given the upheaval in Vegas. The Giants, in the meantime, will get quarterback Daniel Jones again and may additionally see the return of their two beginning tackles.
That stated, listed here are six keys to victory for the Giants heading into Week 9.
The Giants’ quarterback scenario is shaky at finest. Daniel Jones says he is able to be again, however the line hasn’t precisely been sort to any QB this season. Tyrod Taylor left the Jets recreation with an harm, bringing in Tommy DeVito, a rookie out of Illinois with zero expertise. If the Giants need a shot at profitable any recreation sooner or later, they need to defend the quarterback, irrespective of who it’s.
Darren Waller has been the highest goal this season, however he’s out a number of weeks on account of harm. Jones undoubtedly must discover a new goal, however Saquon Barkley goes to play an even bigger position this week. Preserving the ball on the bottom in opposition to the second-worst rush protection within the league will go a great distance towards a win.
There are a few components to clock administration. It’s not nearly how timeouts are referred to as, it’s in regards to the performs which can be referred to as. It’s about not leaving 24 seconds on the clock and permitting a workforce to tie the sport. The teaching workers and gamers all must know the place they stand with the clock.
Different components of clock administration embody turnovers and penalties. Each of those end result within the clock stopping, so it’s crucial to play a clear recreation and maintain possession of the ball.
The Raiders underwent a little bit of upheaval this week. Not solely did they fireplace their coach, however they benched Jimmy G in favor of Aidan O’Connell, a rookie out of Purdue. The defensive position should get strain on him early and infrequently. His inexperience performs an element, placing strain on him and forcing him to make quicker selections which ends up in errors. Errors result in the Giants getting the ball again.
Clock administration. Creating turnovers. Preserving possession. All of those occur when errors are made. Stress O’Connell.
Josh Jacobs is by far the Raiders’ main rusher, and it’s not even shut. Almost 400 yards separate him from the subsequent man, Tre Tucker. The Raiders will wish to depend on Jacobs with their younger QB on the helm, so it’s vital to include Jacobs as a lot as doable.
All the workforce should stay targeted throughout this recreation — it’s on no account a “gimme.” The coaches should stay targeted as nicely. Keep on with the sport plan as a lot as doable however enable for changes when the Raiders present you one thing totally different. They’re a pass-heavy workforce this season, however which will change underneath new administration.
Keep targeted on what the workforce is displaying you and be prepared for appears they haven’t proven earlier than this week. The Giants have the personnel and expertise to win this recreation, however they’ve to remain targeted and play a clear recreation to be able to accomplish that purpose.