Detroit Lions Preview: Getting to Know the New York Giants
By Alex Reno
Team Overview/Preview
The New York Giants’ first-team offense has turned into the laughing stock of the NFL. In five games of action, Eli Manning threw for just 188 yards on 41 attempts with just one touchdown pass. Despite being outscored 40-56 in the first half, the Giants still managed to end the preseason with a perfect 5-0 record.
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While the Giants have notably struggled on offense, it would be unwise not to fear their defense, especially their secondary. Prince Amukamara was given the assignment of trying to contain Calvin Johnson last year and did just that, holding him to just three catches for 43 yards. Granted, Johnson was playing through both a leg and a finger injury, but that is still an impressive feat for any cornerback.
The Giants have also made it a point to continue their success in the secondary by going out and acquiring defensive backs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Zackary Bowman, and Walter Thurmond III during free agency period.
Though the Giants lost their premier pass rusher and Subway spokesman in Justin Tuck to the Oakland Raiders, watch out for the second-year defensive end out of Texas A&M, Damontre Moore. The starting ends for the Giants will likely shape out to be Jason Pierre-Paul at RDE with Mathias Kiwanuka at LDE, but don’t be surprised to see a healthy dose of Moore. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Moore ended up earning the starting job over Kiwanuka at some point this season.
Moore has absolutely been on fire this preseason and led the entire NFL in total pressures with 15 (the total amount of QB sacks, hits and hurries).
Did I mention the arrival of former Denver Broncos defensive end, Robert Ayers? Yeah, the future of the Giants on the defensive side is looking bright.
The Giants tried to patch up some holes on the offensive side in the offseason by drafting wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and signing offensive weapons in Rashad Jennings and Mario Manningham. Unfortunately for them, Manningham has already landed on injured reserve, and OBJ likely won’t see the field for another two or three weeks.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
CB Prince Amukamara – Groin – Will be ready for season opener
WR Odell Beckham Jr. – Hamstring – Could miss up to 3 weeks
CB Jayron Hosley – Four game suspension for substance abuse
OG Geoff Schwartz – Toe – placed on IR/designated to return
WR Mario Manningham – Calf – placed on IR
WR Trindon Holliday – Hamstring – placed on IR
Spread
Detroit Lions favored by 4.5 points
Prediction
This is a perfect matchup to start the year for the Detroit Lions. Eli Manning struggled in their previous matchup (23-42 256 yards 1 TD, 1 INT) and hasn’t looked any better this preseason. If the Lions can take advantage of the Giants’ offensive line struggles and put Manning under duress, then it should be smooth sailing for them.
On 106 snaps during the preseason, Eli Manning was sacked for a total of 5 times (4.7 percent of his snaps). Last year Manning was sacked 39 times (tied-11th in the NFL) on 1002 snaps (3.9 percent). The sports world has already begun to drive the narrative of how bad the Giants’ offensive line is, and you better believe opposing defenses are paying attention. You can bet Eli Manning will be hard-pressed when facing the Lions defensive line on the road for the first Monday Night Football game of the year.
Let’s just hope we see less of this:
And more of this: