The New York Giants play their third primetime game as they return home to face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football of Week 4.
The first three games have not been entirely kind to the Giants. While they did come back from 21 points against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, they have struggled for most of the season to get anything going. The offense has found it difficult to move the ball down the field and generate points. The defense, meanwhile, has been on the field way too much this season. They are nott creating enough pressure on the quarterback to make things difficult for the opposition.
They now face Seattle, who made the playoffs a year ago and have started this season 2-1. The Seahawks have an outstanding offense, led by quarterback Geno Smith and wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Seattle’s defense is also talented, with rising cornerback Tariq Woolen and star linebacker Bobby Wagner leading the way. It will be a very tough battle for the Giants. For the Giants to win, three key players must contribute in a big way against the Seahawks on Monday night in Week 4.
[metabet_core_game_tile query=”fbp/new_york_giants” size=”350×300″ site_id=”lastwordonsports”]
3 Key Players to a Giants Victory Against the Seahawks in Week 4
Evan Neal
The Giants faced a glaring hole on the offensive line going into the 2022 NFL Draft. Thankfully, they had two top-10 picks. With their second first-round pick, they selected Evan Neal out of Alabama.
Coming out of college, Neal was a physical freak. While he needed improvement in the pass-blocking game, his run-blocking was pristine. Fans were excited for the Giants to have an elite prospect at right tackle, opposite Andrew Thomas, who shined at left tackle.
When Neal entered the NFL, he struggled. He faced many problems with edge rushers. Some just blew by him with speed. The early problems he faced were a little excused because he was a rookie.
However, in Week 1 of 2023, Neal had many of the same problems he had last season. The Cowboys had a field day against Neal and the Giants got blown out 40-0. In the last two weeks, Neal showed some signs of improvement, but he still has not gotten over the hump.
Going into Week 4, the Giants are without Andrew Thomas again. Thomas is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 1 when trying to run after a blocked field goal. Needless to say, this is not good news for a team that has struggled to protect quarterback Daniel Jones. In order for the Giants to have any chance on Sunday, they need a big game out of Neal so that Jones can properly execute the offense.
Jalin Hyatt
For the past couple of seasons, the Giants have struggled to develop the vertical passing game. They now have the necessary tools for that with speedster deep threat, Jalin Hyatt. New York selected Hyatt in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was a star at Tennessee and was awarded the Biletnikoff Award, presented to the nation’s top wide receiver.
Against the Cardinals, Hyatt made two big catches in the second half that helped propel the Giants to victory. Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, Hyatt barely saw the field and made no impact on the game (zero targets).
The Giants need explosive plays in order to compete with the Seahawks offense. If they do that, with the help of Hyatt, things could turn in the Giants’ favor.
JALIN HYATT 58 YARDS!!! 💨 pic.twitter.com/427oRolFnr
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 17, 2023
Azeez Ojulari
So far this season, the Giants have had little to no pass rush. They have paid a lot of guys on the defensive line but they still have not struck when it comes to the play on the field.
New York need to disrupt Smith on Monday night. The return of Azeez Ojulari will hopefully do that. Ojulari was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He had a great first year, getting eight sacks, and then an injury-riddled sophomore season that limited him to 5.5 sacks.
He has a lot of speed when he rushes off the edge and the Giants need that kind of play. Ojuari is coming off a hamstring injury that he suffered in practice a couple of weeks ago. The young x-factor has struggled to stay on the field and that has really hurt the Giants. Once he returns to the field though, he can wreak havoc and the Giants will certainly be looking for that as they try to slow down the Seahawks.
Universal Responsible Gambling Disclaimer:
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Main Photo: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
