The New York Giants are slowly watching their season slipping away with another dismal performance against the Miami Dolphins 31-16. The loss has the Giants record now at 1-4 and they now shuffle off to Buffalo to face a Bills team looking to start a new winning streak. This matchup is very similar to the Giants matchup with the Dolphins and I expect to see a Deja’vu outcome unless the Giants can somehow turn their season around. Here are my top 3 ways the Giants can win or lose this matchup on Sunday night.
Top 3 ways they could win
- Giants Offensive line: This is not rocket science folks, the Giants offensive line leads the NFL in surrendering the most sacks thus far with 30; which is on pace for 90+ sacks on the season. Buffalo leads the NFL in total sacks with 21 (see below), so this category is arguably the #1 concern in the game.
- Giants Defense: The Giants defense has been pathetic thus far as they surrendered 524 total yards to Miami with 222 yards coming on the ground. Also, the Giants defense has given up at least 24 points or more in each game thus far. Somehow the Giants must find a way to show some effort and positive results, or this game will be over by halftime.
- Red Zone: The Giants need to convert better in the red zone, which wasn’t evident against the Dolphins (or any other game) although the Giants won the time of possession battle. The Giants can’t keep kicking field goals and expect to beat a potent team like the Bills.
Top 3 ways they could lose
- Buffalo’s Pass Rush: As I mentioned this topic above, the Bills have a potent pass rushing attack and the Giants are as bad as it gets in protecting the quarterback. Over the last 2 games alone, the Giants have surrendered 18 sacks (30 total) and unless there’s a miracle in the making, I expect to see this trend continue against the Bills.
- Takaways/Giveaways: The Giants came into the Miami game with zero turnovers and despite finally getting three in the game with one being converted into a touchdown, it didn’t matter as the Giants were never really in the game. The Giants must be at the very least a +3 in the takeaway/giveaway department or this game will be another miserable game to watch.
- Buffalo Big Plays: The Giants defense give up multiple big plays against Miami both on the ground and through the air. As I mentioned earlier, I can see a repeat performance by the Giants defense in surrendering big plays and if so, Giant fans will be shutting off their TV’s by halftime.
The uncertainty of Daniel Jones status for this game (neck injury) is still questionable despite rumblings that Jones could be activated to play. Jones suffered a neck injury a couple of seasons ago and I believe if there is any doubt of him being 100% healthy; it would be wise for the Giants to sit Jones out against a Bills defense that will have ample opportunities to add to their sack total. However, if the Giants decide to activate Jones they are putting into the Lion’s den and risking serious injury.