The Start of a Must Win Streak
Are the last 4 games of the season absolute must wins? No, but have a look at the schedule comparison between the Giants, Skins, and Boys. It is going to be hard for the Skins to lose. Cowboys, who knows what they are going to do any given week. Bottom line, when the pressure is on the Giants, they usually come up with diamonds.
Giants got manhandled last year against the Saints in the Superdome. 49-24, and to be fully honest it felt like 49-7. They were up 21-3 at the half. Boley was out for the game. Osi ended up getting hurt during. Perry Fewell has stated, “they kicked the shit out of us.” It's true. Everybody knows it. Time to get some vengeance.
The one positive about facing the Saints, they aren't the Redskins. What I mean by that is, no triple option stuff. Just a very good pass heavy offense. Kenny Phillips being doubtful hurts. Yes he was doubtful before the Skins game but he did not look good during the loss and all signs point to him sitting this one out. With Sash out as well, look out for number 31. Will Hill. Kid is an athlete that we need on the field against all the weapons the Saints have. Another huge relief is the fact that Jacquain is back. The man has been out since week 6 after spraining his PCL. When healthy, he can be the best athlete the Giants have. Put him out there as a hybrid safety/backer role.
Stop Jimmy Graham. Bottom line. 84 yards with 2 TDs in last years contest. The guy is a beast coming in at 6'7" 265. You can maybe throw Rolle on him when he lines up in the slot, or have Jacquain shadow him all game. Williams is not as big but has some size to pair with his athleticism. At 6'3" 224, he may be the best chance we've got.
The Saints passing game is not the only thing to worry about. Although they 27th in the league in rushing, their four running back attack has averaged nearly 120 yards in the last five games. Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, and Mark Ingram know how soft the Giants defense looked while they let the Skins put up 200 rushing yards on them, and will try to do the same. Chris Ivory, the 4th running back is doubtful. As a Giants defender, you cannot sit on your heals waiting for the pass or they will pound it right through you on the ground.
Another good thing, even though they held Atlanta to only 283 yards, the Saints are the leagues worst defense YPG wise. Hidden fact is that Spags, the Giants D coordinator before Fewell is now the Saints DC. Knows tendencies. Knows more than other opposing DCs. Saints are dead last in rush defense. Apparently, they are terrible containing outside runs. Speed backs have no problem getting to the outside and taking it up field. I'm tired of saying David Wilson is going to break out, so maybe the week I don't, he finally will. Bradshaw is quick enough to get to the outside, but a back with even more speed should be able to take advantage.
Nicks knee has flared up again and if he plays, he will be hurt. Saints are 30th in the NFL in pass defense. Bennett had a solid game last week, look for him to continue the trend into this week. Cruz is Cruz, drops drive killing balls, still puts up 100 yards. With Locklear out, Diehl is back in. They will need help over on the right side, Eli will have to be careful, but he should continue his upward trend.
Look for Hixon to have a PR/KR role. Maybe its because he put up a franchise record 303 total yards against the Saints. Maybe it's because they want to rest Rueben and Wilson a little with their expanded roles in the offense.
Backs against the wall. Need the win before the road trip to Atlanta and Baltimore. Lose, and there is a big chance we are not 1st place in the NFC East. Must Win.
Another good thing, even though they held Atlanta to only 283 yards, the Saints are the leagues worst defense YPG wise. Hidden fact is that Spags, the Giants D coordinator before Fewell is now the Saints DC. Knows tendencies. Knows more than other opposing DCs. Saints are dead last in rush defense. Apparently, they are terrible containing outside runs. Speed backs have no problem getting to the outside and taking it up field. I'm tired of saying David Wilson is going to break out, so maybe the week I don't, he finally will. Bradshaw is quick enough to get to the outside, but a back with even more speed should be able to take advantage.
Nicks knee has flared up again and if he plays, he will be hurt. Saints are 30th in the NFL in pass defense. Bennett had a solid game last week, look for him to continue the trend into this week. Cruz is Cruz, drops drive killing balls, still puts up 100 yards. With Locklear out, Diehl is back in. They will need help over on the right side, Eli will have to be careful, but he should continue his upward trend.
Look for Hixon to have a PR/KR role. Maybe its because he put up a franchise record 303 total yards against the Saints. Maybe it's because they want to rest Rueben and Wilson a little with their expanded roles in the offense.
Backs against the wall. Need the win before the road trip to Atlanta and Baltimore. Lose, and there is a big chance we are not 1st place in the NFC East. Must Win.
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