The New York Giants are just two days away from playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in week one of the 2020 regular season. While most were undoubtedly worried this season might not even happen, the game is set in stone for Monday night.
In what will be a tough matchup against Pittsburgh, who has an extremely deep defense with talented players, the Giants have an opportunity to shake Ben Roethlisberger. He missed all of 2019 with a shoulder injury. Getting after him and putting him on the ground is how they can keep the score close and pull off a victory. The Steelers’ defense is far better, but limiting their offense is how the Giants can win. Another important factor, Saquon Barkley. Putting the ball on the ground and managing the clock well is an essential piece to the puzzle. New head coach Joe Judge will have his first opportunity to show us what he can do in a live game and how he intends to make adjustments throughout.
Ultimately, as long as the Giants show toughness and grit, I will be happy with their performance. Anything less than 100% effort would be disappointing, especially from Joe Judge’s group of players.
New York Injury Report:
Golden Tate (Hamstring):
Tate has been nursing a hamstring injury for several days now, failing to participate in practice until Friday, when he got limited working. He went down after attempting to make a catch several days ago, but seem to be moving well prior to the weekend. Unless an immediate setback occurs, he should be in line to start Monday’s game in a regular role.
“He’s moving well right now,†head coach Joe Judge said of Tate. “We’ve been mixing him into some of the things we have been doing in practice. Individuals, a little bit of team work, some group work. He looks like he’s coming along nice. He’s working hard every day and doing what he can to get back.â€
Markus Golden (Illness):
Golden missed practice with an undisclosed illness that was not COVID-19 related. He was a limited participant as well but is in line to return to the team in a full capacity on Monday. The New York Giants will need his experience, up against a solid offense, you could be missing All-Pro right guard David DeCastro.
Levine Toilolo (Hamstring):
Toilolo was also limited with a hamstring issue, but it didn’t seem to be anything too serious.
Tae Crowder (Hamstring):
“Mr. Irrelevant†for the Giants, who made the active roster based on his athletic upside and the potential he showed during camp, was also a limited participant due to a hamstring injury. Hammies seem to be acting up for the Giants during the latter portion of camp, but things are OK for the former Georgia linebacker.
Adrien Colbert (Illness):
One of the Giants’ three waiver claims last week with safety Adrian Colbert. Having played with Patrick Graham on his defense last year, his experience in the scheme made him a solid addition. He also missed some time with an undisclosed illness but was a limited participant on Friday. He is trending in the right direction to be a GO for Monday night.