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Detroit Lions: Five questions with a New York Giants’ expert

By Steven Mullenax

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants talks with Nevin Lawson #24 of the Detroit Lions after the Giants 17-6 win at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants talks with Nevin Lawson #24 of the Detroit Lions after the Giants 17-6 win at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 17-6. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 17-6. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

2. What are the New York Giants strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the ball?

Offensively, the strength continues to the Eli Manning-to-Odell Beckham combination. The duo has a chemistry. Another of Manning’s strengths is his desire to spread the ball around. Which brings us to the weaknesses. Although head coach Ben McAdoo doesn’t want to admit it, the offensive line is a weakness.

The Giants were in the bottom of the league in rushing last season and averaged 2.9 yards per carry against the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener. Some fans have openly complained about McAdoo’s play-calling, which usually becomes a sore spot for unsuccessful offenses.

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I would actually take a deeper dive and fault the game plan (or lack of it) against Dallas. After watching the Denver Broncos hammer the Cowboys yesterday, it seems to me that Cowboys staff outcoached the Giants staff last week.

Defensively the Giants front four is stout. Since the secondary is a little banged up, Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon will have to get after Matt Stafford. Defensive tackle Damon Harrison is a beast in the middle. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo generally has his troops ready, so they will mix up schemes.

The Cowboys picked on second-year cornerback Eli Apple, and I fully expect the Lions to do the same. The injuries to cornerback Janoris Jenkins (ankle/hand) bear watching. Losing Jenkins would be huge for the Giants.

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