This Sunday, the New York Giants seek revenge as they host the New Orleans Saints in a rematch of their week eight loss last season. In order for the Giants to win, the keys to victory are simple.
New York Giants Keys to Victory in Week 2
A Shootout Must Be Avoided
Last year, both Drew Brees and Eli Manning had record setting days. The Giants 52-49 loss at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome was strictly an offensive battle. If the Giants want to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2009, they will need to keep Drew Brees and Co. in check. This will only be possible if the defense plays like they did last week.
The Giants invested upwards of $200 million this offseason in their defense alone, and it showed in week one. The defensive line easily penetrated arguably the best offensive line in the league. Pass rushers Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul should have zero issues replicating their performance. If Steve Spagnuolo mixes in more blitz packages this week, Drew Brees will be hearing footsteps all day.
Establish the Run Game
Against the Dallas Cowboys last week, the Giants run game was wildly inconsistent. It came alive at the end of the fourth quarter, but in the first half, it was almost completely absent. If the Giants plan on leaving MetLife Stadium with a victory, they will need to establish the run right away. This will afford Eli Manning the opportunity to throw into single coverage. With a trio of dangerous receivers at Manning’s disposal, he should be able to easily pick apart a battered Saints secondary. A good ground attack will also allow the Giants to control time of possession. Last week, the offense was on and off the field very quickly, leaving no time for the defense to rest. With a quarterback like Drew Brees on the field this week, that cannot happen. Drew Brees is not Dak Prescott. He will punish the Giants if they let him see the field for extended periods of time.
Spread the Ball Around
Manning has a great supporting cast. He has All-Pro receiver Odell Beckham, former Pro Bowler Victor Cruz, and rookie standout Sterling Shepard in his passing arsenal. Add scat back Shane Vereen and tight end Larry Donnell, and Eli has a pretty stacked offense at his command. It will be nearly impossible for the Saints defense to lock down every single playmaker that the Giants possess. Also, the Saints number one cornerback Delvin Breaux is out, meaning that an inexperienced cornerback will be covering Odell Beckham. Beckham will have a huge game or he will be limited by double or possibly triple coverage. If the Saints decide to overcompensate and add players to shadow Beckham, look for either Cruz or Shepard to fill up the stats sheet.
The Giants are in a great position to win this game, but as we have seen, anything can happen. If the Giants make this a relatively low-scoring affair and the defense stays well rested, they should leave MetLife Stadium with their second win of the 2016 season.
