Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!
Ideally, the New York Giants would play a good team on any given week, at least giving the fans a fun game to watch with talented players on the field. Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins is the exact opposite of that dream, considering Miami, who’s 3-10 on the season, is the better team at this point.
In another version of the “Toilet Bowl,” the Giants will desperately grasp at a glimpse of success after waiving top cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Friday morning. However, a loss to Miami might spell the subsequent end of head coach Pat Shurmur’s reign, so we can hope. It will also push the Giants one-step closer to the top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Here are the top three New York Giants players to watch out for against Miami:
1.) Eli Manning
The first half of last week’s game against the Eagles saw vintage Eli come to life, as he put up 179 yards and two scores with zero turnovers. Shurmur’s game-plan came screeching to a halt in the second half, as the Giants gained only 30-yards. Manning, though, looked like his former self in every facet, utilizing his check-downs and taking a few risks downfield to wide receiver, Darius Slayton.
I would expect a little of the same against the Dolphins, who have a decent team, more-so competitive. If Manning can come out of the gate firing, the Giants should be able to secure an early lead. The primary issue is holding onto it, which has only become increasingly more difficult as talent diminishes for whatever reason.
2.) DeAndre Baker
Baker has been far more reliable in recent weeks after starting the season on a negative note. Against Philly, Baker had his best game by a large margin, logging three passes defended after recording only two through the first 12 weeks. One of the primary ways to tell Baker has slowly worked his way out of the dog house for lack of effort and consistency is the decreasing of special teams snaps.
Since week seven, Baker has gone from playing on 37% of special teams snaps to just 9%, allowing him to focus on his skill-set at corner. The Giants will undoubtedly line him up on DeVante Parker, the Dolphins’ top option, who will test Baker’s abilities.
3.) Saquon Barkley
The Giants need their star running back to break out of his funk, and one dominant game could do the trick for the elusive play-maker. He has failed to reach 100-yards on the ground since week two, before suffering a painful high ankle injury. Miami ranks 31st in the league in stopping the run, allowing opposing backs an average of 141 yards per game on the ground.
This gives the Giants an excellent opportunity to get Barkley on the right track and instill some confidence into his battered spirit.
Nonetheless–
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