After an uninspired 12-7 loss to the New York Jets in Week 1 of the preseason, the New York Giants look to get back on track this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. As they look to strike in the NFC East one season after finishing just one game from a division title, New York has their sights set on a division crown to take down the Washington Football Team.
With star running back Saquon Barkley back in the fold, big-bodied wide receiver Kenny Golladay newly acquired from Detroit, and a returning defensive unit that ranked top-10 in the vast majority of metrics last season, hopes are high in the NY.
Their Week 1 game with the Jets wasn't particularly entertaining â neither Clayton Thorson nor Mike Glennon completed 50% of their passes, and Sandro Platzgummer was the only back to rush for more than 50 yards. However, Daniel Jones and all of the healthy starters on the Giants offense should be ready to play the first half this Sunday, according to Joe Judge, and that means we should see some exciting play.
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Kenny Golladay (hamstring), Kyle Rudolph (foot), Saquon Barkley (knee), and Kadarius Toney (unknown) will all be absent from the Giantsâ lineup on Sunday.
4. Corey Clement creates RB2 competition
Though Devontae Booker did a fine job filling in as Josh Jacobs' backup with the Raiders last year, Corey Clement offers a completely different skillset that would give the Giants a back that fits their system more if anything were to happen to Barkley â a dual-threat player with big-play potential.
Clement showed burst against the Jets last week, averaging 6.4 yards per carry to Booker's 4.0, and anything near that against the Browns' talented rushing defense could make a great case for him to be in the conversation as the Giants backup running back.
3. Giants' secondary shines
By signing cornerback Adoree Jackson, the Giants are now loaded with talent in the secondary. In addition to Jackson, they have James Bradberry at corner, Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan at safety, and should be able to make a lot of splash plays this year.
Against Baker Mayfield and the Browns talented first-team offense, the Giants defense will have their hands full on Sunday. However, Joe Judge and Co. should be up to the test, and be good for at least 2 interceptions.
2. Daniel Jones explodes for big rushing TD
Preseason games are usually much messier than regular season games, which means more opportunity for a defensive breakdown. Daniel Jones won't have 2 of his top 3 receivers out there Sunday, which means his sneaky wheels will be coming into play often. We all know Jones has the ability to rip off big plays (and fall down), and in 2021 he should certainly try to use his speed to his advantage more often.
In his preseason debut, he'll surprise everyone and take for a big TD run â foreshadowing his dual threat talent in 2021.
1. Giants still get blown out
While the Giants have talent and will hav ea chanc eot contend int eh NFC East this year, the Browns simply have another tier of talent. With arguably the best O-line in football, the best backfield tandem in the league, an incredibly deep receiving core, and a defense that's just as talented as New York's, the Giants will have a difficult time on both sides of the ball.
While the Giants will make flashes and give fans reason for optimism, Cleveland will run away with this one.
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