Blue Blue Looking for a Comeback Against Former Playoff Contenders
The New York Football Giants are home again this weekend in the Meadowlands, facing last year's playoff contenders, the San Francisco 49ers. So far this season, they have done a great job of winning while at home. However, New York has struggled on the road, having already lost two of its star players this season. They have lost both running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers, and the spots they left vacant have been evident in their last few games. There are several areas to keep an eye out for in this weekend's matchup.
The Defensive Line Needs To Keep It Together
The Giants are missing both of their starting cornerbacks, Paulson Adebo and Cor’Dale Flott. The team has struggled for the past several weeks since their matchup against the Denver Broncos, having lost several key players on their defense. Edge Rusher Brian Burns has been keeping the pace up to put a stop to their opposing teams, but he is beginning to run out of steam at this point. The 49ers have a very talented offensive line, and the Giants may be able to hold them back for a little while. Still, with the team having the possibility of less experienced players being put in, they may find themselves struggling once again. This may not be the best idea, but at this point, the Giants have no choice but to put them in.
The Giants' Offense Has Some Big Opportunities
The Giants may also have an advantage with the 49ers' offense in this game because they are starting with their backup quarterback, Mac Jones. With their starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, still not being fully healthy, they will take over Jones this coming weekend. This 49ers backup has struggled this season, but with the Giants pushing to make wins happen, they may be able to get their hands on the ball a little more. That said, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart can make a little more happen on the field in this game. The 49ers have allowed yards to be gained on the field and have had injuries occur during plays, putting themselves at risk of being more vulnerable. Dart may make a touchdown because of how open they have allowed themselves to be. This is an opportunity for the Giants to work on both their run and passing games in all aspects. The only thing standing in the Giants' way at this point is how they do in the Red Zone. Big Blue is still struggling, but in this match-up, they will be able to execute the plays.
Giants Need To Stay In Control
If the Giants take the field and play like the team they were at the start of the season, catching passes and moving the ball down the field, this may be the tipping point for them in this game. Dart needs to keep his eyes open as to who is open or where he can make a run for it himself. He’s been able to find it on every chance that he gets. He now has backup Tyrone Tracy Jr., but if they are able to stay in control, they shouldn’t have any issues. That has been a key problem for them in the past few games. They have had a few interceptions, or players have dropped the ball when those plays were crucial. This week against the 49ers, they definitely need to have it together. They have certain players, such as Daniel Bellinger and Theo Johnson, who have been able to make these plays happen. They just need to ensure that they continue to do exactly that and keep the ball in their possession at all times during the game.
