ALMOST
9.10 9.24 10.8 10.22 11.5 11.19 12.3 12.17 12.31 @DAL @ PHI vs. LAC vs. SEA vs. LAR vs. KC @ OAK vs. PHI vs. WAS L (19-3) 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 4:25 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
The Giants never got a chance to get their running game going in Week 1 against the Cowboys, rushing just 12 times for 35 yards throughout the 19-3 loss. Only two of the Giants’ 13 first downs came via run, too, while the offense was hardly on the field as the Cowboys dominated time of possession. If the Giants do establish the running game, it could also open opportunities for the rest of the offense to excel. It will be interesting to watch if Orleans Darkwa sees an uptick in carries if Paul Perkins fails to provide a spark.
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The Giants’ defense is the team’s clear strength, but one thing they did not do against the Cowboys was create any turnovers. Part of that was the lack of pressure on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. He was sacked just once and hit just three times. Lions QB Matthew Stafford did throw a pick last week against the Cardinals but was sacked just once and hit four times as he put up 35 points. If the Giants can get pressure on Stafford, led by Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon, they can force him to make mistakes.
Ultimately, the best chance the Giants have at winning is if their best player is on the field. The Giants failed to do anything offensively against the Cowboys without Beckham. While the team has weapons that should be able to fill the void, the presence of Beckham will draw attention from the Lions defense and could help others get more touches and produce.
Giants: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle), LB B.J. Goodson (leg), G D.J. Fluker (leg) are questionable. LB Keenan Robinson (concussion) is out.
Lions: DE Ezekiel Ansah is questionable.