The New York Giants have a tall task ahead of them, with the Los Angeles Rams standing in their path in week four. After three consecutive losses to open the season, the Giants are looking for a lively performance to showcase their abilities. However, their defeats have been ugly; notably, their loss to the 49ers last week, in which the defense allowed 36 points, and the offense didn’t take a single snap in the red-zone.
The Giants have been anything but exemplary this season, but with a new coaching staff in place and new schematics being introduced, it was always a pipe dream to believe they could be a contending team. The growing pains of a young squad learning a new system are problematic, and more experienced teams with veterans in place will always take advantage.
That is primarily why the Giants will likely get battered by the Rams, but they can at least remain competitive and show their will to fight after being embarrassed at home in week three.
Three New York Giants players who need to step up in week 4:
1.) Julian Love
The injury report this week indicates that starting strong safety Jabrill Peppers will likely not be available against the Rams. After suffering a low ankle sprain on an extra point attempt by the 49ers, Peppers went down in a heap of pain. He limped off the field under his own power but was unable to return. Low ankle sprains can take a few weeks to heal, and the Giants are lucky that is all he suffered. We all remember how difficult it was for Saquon Barkley to return after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Nonetheless, I expect free safety Julian Love to move up into the box, considering he experienced reps there last season with the Giants. After Peppers went down with a season-ending hip injury, Love started and played in 100% of the final three games of the year. He can adequately fill the role, but I could also see the Giants putting Logan Ryan in that position alternatively.
Considering Love has been playing in the deep half of the secondary this year, he has done a good job mitigating any big plays from their opponents. However, the Giants have still managed to give up methodical drives to more experienced teams.
Love can get the job done, but I wouldn’t expect him to be playing at an All-Pro level. The Rams will take advantage of the young safety, but at the very least, he has the positional experience to hold his own for the time being.