Getting back on the field Sunday might be the best thing for the Giants.
It’s been a tough week for head coach Joe Judge and his team. The criticism has come from all sides – the fans, media, and even former players. They’ve all weighed in on what’s been another frustrating season for Big Blue.
Sometimes the best thing to do is get right back to work. For the Giants, at 1-5, it’s time to start fixing all that’s gone wrong.
Their opponent this week, the Carolina Panthers come into MetLife Stadium with their own problems.
After a 3-0 start to the season caught the attention of everyone around the league, the Panthers (3-3) have dropped their last three games. Among the issues which stick out, according to head coach Matt Rhule, is the running game – and the lack thereof.
Last week, Carolina only rushed the football 23 times in their 34-28 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Sam Darnold, meanwhile, has thrown six interceptions over the past three games. The former New York Jet threw only one in the first three games.
Rhule vowed his team will commit to the run game this week against the Giants
“We’re not going to line up and throw it 40 times a game and think that’s going to win for us,” Rhule said on Monday. “It hasn’t. … So, we’re going to redefine who we are, and we’re going to run the football and we’re going to protect our quarterback and we’re not going to turn the ball over anymore.”
If Rhule is true to word, it won’t be Christian McCaffrey running the football. Carolina’s workhorse remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Therefore, look for rookie running back Chuba Hubbard to continue getting an increased workload.
If the Giants defense can take away Carolina’s ground attack, it’ll force Darnold to beat them through the air. He hasn’t performed well against a strong pass rush.
Unfortunately for the Giants, their pass rush has been next to non-existent this season. Moreover, they’ve struggled stopping the run.
The Giants are giving up 264 passing yards per game, 22nd in the NFL. On the ground, it’s even more alarming. Big Blue is allowing 137.2 yards per game, 29th in the league.
It’s gut-check time for this defense. They need more from Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence, and the rest of this unit.
The Giants will be without running back Saquon Barkley, receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney, and offensive lineman Andrew Thomas. The offense comes into this week a battered and bruised bunch.
*Editor’s Note (Gameday):
Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) has been added to the inactive list for this week.
If the Giants are going to silence their critics this week, their defense needs to step up and do their part.
