New York Giants: 3 keys to beating the 49ers in week 3

The New York Giants are set to face off against the San Francisco 49ers in week three of the 2020 regular season. Coming off two consecutive losses to open the year, the Giants will be looking for the first victory of the campaign, and the 49ers just might give it to them.

San Francisco is dealing with significant injuries on both sides of the ball and could be without starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and they’ve already lost Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas to injured reserve. That is not to mention pass rusher Dee Ford are both likely out for the contest.

However, they will have tight end George Kittle for the contest against the Giants, but backup quarterback Nick Mullens will have a tough time against a surprisingly good defense for Big Blue.

Three keys for a New York Giants victory in week 3:

1.) Establish the run

The Giants must find a way to establish the run early on in week three against an injured 49ers defense. With Saquon Barkley out for the entire season with a torn ACL, they will rely on Wayne Gelman, Dion Lewis, and newly signed Devonta Freeman. I don’t anticipate Freeman gaining a lot of reps in his first game with the Giants, as he learns the playbook, but he could be factored into a chunk of designed plays.

I expect Gallman to receive the majority of the reps, having only touch the ball 29 times on the ground in 2019. Former head coach Pat Shurmur strayed from Wayne, the former Clemson stand out. Back in his rookie campaign in 2017, he rushed 111 times for 467 yards. He also picked up 193 yards through the air and one score.

While the talent drop-off from Barkley to Gallman is significant, we can expect the Giants to utilize a three-headed monster moving forward and play the hot hand. With the offensive line taking a step forward in week two against the Chicago Bears, I expect they will improve gradually against San Francisco.

2.) Win the turnover battle

The Giants have been unable to win the turnover battle through two weeks, as Daniel Jones threw two interceptions against the Steelers and one against the Chicago Bears. He also fumbled and week two. If the Giants wish to walk away with a victory, they must keep the ball safe and allow their defense to make plays. Cornerback James Bradberry recorded one interception and tipped a ball that landed in the hands of safety Julian Love last week — hopefully, he can continue his hot streak.

Bradberry was the highest-graded defender for the Giants in week two and has been their primary playmaker. The interior defensive line has also done a solid job getting after the quarterback and stopping the run, but strong safety Jabrill Peppers must utilize his playmaking ability and impact the game more effectively.

Whatever team wins the turnover battle on Sunday will likely walk away with a victory under their belt.

3.) Force Nick Mullens to make mistakes

With Jimmy Garoppolo sitting out of practice on Thursday, Nick Mullens will likely be the starter on Sunday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also confirmed this, which gives the Giants a heightened probability of winning this game.

Mullens, who entered the NFL in 2018, played in just one game last season, not even earning a passing attempt. The last time he played in a regular-season game was back in 2018, when he helped put up 23 points against the Giants. Big Blue ended up winning the game 27-23, but he completed nearly 70% of his passes for 250 yards and a score.

Unfortunately for him, he threw two interceptions and totaled 10 on the year over eight games. Putting pressure on him and closing the pocket quickly is the recipe to success for the Giants, and we can expect defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to dial up plenty of creative blitz calls.