The New York Giants will spend the next three weeks playing games on the road. Their first test is against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday, and what a crazy time it is for both teams.
The Raiders are currently favored to win this game, which is surprising given the upheaval in Vegas. The Giants, meanwhile, will get quarterback Daniel Jones back and may also see the return of their two starting tackles.
That said, here are six keys to victory for the Giants heading into Week 9.
Please, please protect Daniel Jones
The Giants’ quarterback situation is shaky at best. Daniel Jones says he is ready to be back, but the line hasn’t exactly been kind to any QB this season. Tyrod Taylor left the Jets game with an injury, bringing in Tommy DeVito, a rookie out of Illinois with zero experience. If the Giants want a shot at winning any game in the future, they must protect the quarterback, no matter who it is.
Make way for Barkley
Darren Waller has been the top target this season, but he’s out several weeks due to injury. Jones definitely needs to find a new target, but Saquon Barkley is going to play a bigger role this week. Keeping the ball on the ground against the second-worst rush defense in the league will go a long way toward a win.
Clock management
There are a couple of parts to clock management. It’s not just about how timeouts are called, it’s about the plays that are called. It’s about not leaving 24 seconds on the clock and allowing a team to tie the game. The coaching staff and players all have to know where they stand with the clock.
Other parts of clock management include turnovers and penalties. Both of these result in the clock stopping, so it is imperative to play a clean game and keep possession of the ball.
Pressure, pressure, pressure
The Raiders underwent a bit of upheaval this week. Not only did they fire their coach, but they benched Jimmy G in favor of Aidan O’Connell, a rookie out of Purdue. The defensive line must get pressure on him early and often. His inexperience plays a factor, putting pressure on him and forcing him to make faster decisions which leads to mistakes. Mistakes lead to the Giants getting the ball back.
Clock management. Creating turnovers. Keeping possession. All of these happen when mistakes are made. Pressure O’Connell.
Contain the run
Josh Jacobs is by far the Raiders’ leading rusher, and it’s not even close. Nearly 400 yards separate him from the next guy, Tre Tucker. The Raiders will want to rely on Jacobs with their young QB at the helm, so it’s important to contain Jacobs as much as possible.
Stay focused
The entire team must remain focused during this game — it is in no way a “gimme.” The coaches must remain focused as well. Stick to the game plan as much as possible but allow for adjustments when the Raiders show you something different. They are a pass-heavy team this season, but that may change under new management.
Stay focused on what the team is showing you and be ready for looks they haven’t shown before this week. The Giants have the personnel and talent to win this game, but they have to stay focused and play a clean game in order to accomplish that goal.
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