LIONS (1-0) VS. GIANTS (0-1)
MONDAY, 8:30 P.M. ET, METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. uTV:
Announcers: Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters
About the Lions: The Lions turned another fourth-quarter deficit into a 35-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Detroit’s sudden defensive play-making surge was not only encouraging but something of a shocker, as it was the biggest concern entering the season. But coordinator unit notched four takeaways. Safeties
and had interceptions, and after tossing a pick-six on his first pass attempt, was the calm, clutch quarterback Lions fans have grown accustomed to seeing. In addition to his favorite target and the game’s leading receiver, WR Stafford found success by persistently looking the way of third-rounder
who shook off a slow start with his first two career touchdowns, both in the fourth quarter.
About the Giants: If the Giants had any doubt about the importance of
they don’t after an abysmal offensive showing in their 19-3 road defeat to the rival Dallas Cowboys with their star wideout missing. New York managed just 233 yards —as the offensive line and run game (three sacks allowed, 2.9 yards per carry gained) continued to be a giant liability. Beckham gets an extra day to recover from an ankle injury, and the defense, after spending more than 34 minutes on the field, can surely use the extra recovery time as well.
Lions OTs and passed their first test but can’t let their guard down with the explosive pass rush of and looming.
The NFL’s second-leading active receiver,
would’ve been invisible in his Giants debut (one catch on four targets), if not for a bad drop. Added to be Beckham’s complement, he must also show he can be an insurance policy and give Manning an inviting target.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Sunday marked the 29th fourth-quarter or overtime comeback for Stafford in his first nine seasons.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Envelope Eli: The Giants’ leaky offensive line is one of the NFL’s worst-kept secrets. Can DE and DT
supplement and continue their fast starts by forcing the mistake-prone Manning into adverse situations?
A significant injury to No. 2 punter only on the roster because is hurt, forced PK
to handle punting duties. Detroit will be looking for a new punter this week, a situation to monitor, especially ahead of seeing New York’s terrific defense.
From Marshall to firstround TE to second-year slot WR the Giants are seemingly flush with receiving weapons to survive without Beckham. No one stepped up against Dallas, however, , and they need not only Shepard and RB to serve as safety blankets, but a downfield dimension to emerge.
Giants defensive coordinator loves disguising coverages and pressure on passing downs, a key to the Giants defense. Except New York ceded 53% on third downs, about 18% higher than its 2016 average, prior to welcoming a Lions offense that converted half its chances in Week 1.
Arthur Arkush