The New York Giants are catching a massive break in week three against the San Francisco 49ers, mainly due to injuries. The 49ers are absolutely shredded with ailments across-the-board.
49ers Injury Report:
-George Kittle (out)
-Jimmy G (out)
-Solomon Thomas (out)
-Dee Ford (out)
-Richard Sherman (out)
-Nick Bosa (out)
-Deebo Samuel (out)
With that many players out, the Giants have an amazing opportunity to secure their first win under head coach Joe Judge. After losing tough games to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears over the first two weeks of the season, gaining some positive momentum is essential. Earning that first win will give them some confidence and show that their new mentality is working.
Defensively, the Giants rank in the top half of the league, after blanking the Bears in the second half in week two. Through two weeks, the New York Giants are averaging 326.5 yards per game allowed, which is good enough for fourth in the league. In the passing game, they rank second behind the Indianapolis Colts, allowing 377 yards through the air over two games. However, their run defense has been lackluster. They currently rank 23rd, with 276 total yards allowed.
In total points, the Giants are 11th, allowing 43 combined. That is 21.5 per game on average, which is a fantastic start to the season, putting them in the above-average category. Their run-stopping has been a problem, as teams have found a way to contain their interior defensive line and force the outside linebackers and cornerbacks to step up in the run. That has been a difficult challenge, as the Bears schemed around the big men in Dalvin Tomlinson, Dexter Lawrence, and Leonard Williams.
Finding ways to penetrate the outside zone and get players into the backfield is essential if they wish to stop the running game of opposing offenses. However, with Nick Mullens featuring and both running backs absent for the 49ers, this shouldn’t be too difficult for the Giants. As long as their secondary holds up, Big Blue can walk away with a win.
Despite CB2 being an absolute LIABILITY for the Giants, their defense has been ROCK solid through two weeks.
-Ranks 2nd in passing yards allowed (377)
-11th in points allowed (43)
-23rd in rushing yards (276)If they can figure out the CB2 position and run-stopping, WOW.
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 25, 2020
Why this is a “must-win†game for the New York Giants:
Considering the number of injuries San Francisco is dealing with, losing to them would be embarrassing. The Giants have the talent and momentum on defense to limit them significantly. As long as quarterback Daniel Jones doesn’t turn the ball over and they can establish some continuity on offense, the Giants should roll over them with ease.
However, teams like the 49ers have depth and can supplement injuries to a degree. Putting pressure on Mullens and forcing mistakes is the ultimate way to secure their first win of the season.