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Fact or Fiction: Points of emphasis for Week 2

Sep 15, 2023 at 11:47 AM

by John Schmeelk, Dan Salomone, Lance Medow & Matt Citak

The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.

Turnovers were the biggest issue in Week 1.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – They are a close second. A blocked punt, two interceptions and five fumbles (one lost) is a formula for a loss every week no matter the opponent. Turnovers can also be fluky, especially in an opener with rain throughout the contest. Go with the pass protection because if it does not get fixed and remains an issue throughout the season, it could short-circuit the Giants' season. The Giants have six games against three excellent pass rushes in the NFC East, and they also have to deal with the 49ers, Jets, Bills, Patriots, Packers, Dolphins, and the Rams' Aaron Donald this season. It is not going to get much easier so the pass protection must be better next week.

Dan Salomone: Fact – One of the biggest keys to the Giants' success last season was having the second-fewest giveaways in the NFL. In addition to the two interceptions last week, the Giants put the ball on the ground five times and lost one of them.

Lance Medow: Fiction – It's never encouraging when you turn over the ball three times (2 interceptions, 1 lost fumble) and have a field goal blocked. Despite those mishaps, it was most alarming that Daniel Jones was continuously under siege. The Cowboys collected seven sacks and 12 quarterback hits and forced the Giants into at least one negative play on all 12 of their possessions. Dallas totally dominated in the trenches in all three facets and that's why the game was so lopsided.

Matt Citak: Fact – Although the conditions on the field were obviously far from ideal, the fact of the matter is a team can't win a football game with the ball security the Giants had in Week 1. Daniel Jones threw two interceptions while the Giants fumbled the ball a total of five times against the Cowboys. Only one fumble was lost, but nonetheless, this number is still way too high. After ranking second in the NFL with only 16 turnovers all of last season, one can expect the Giants to be significantly better at protecting the football this week and moving forward.

The Giants will lean heavily on the run game in Arizona.

John Schmeelk: Fact – The Cardinals play their safeties deep and their edge defenders wide, which should present a number of opportunities for the Giants to run the ball between the tackles with Saquon Barkley. You could expect them to run it successfully and for Barkley to top 100 yards for the firs time this season. Look back at how the Giants played against the Bears and Texans last season, and use that as guide.

Dan Salomone: Fact - The Giants are 2-10 when two-time Pro Bowl running back Barkley gets 15 or fewer touches in his career. It's a simple formula to get back on track.

Lance Medow: Fiction – The Cardinals' defense put together a very respectable performance in Week 1 against the Commanders as they had three takeaways, recorded six sacks and scored a touchdown. That unit also kept Washington's run game in check as the Commanders ran the ball 28 times for just 92 yards and their lone score was a product of Sam Howell's scrambling ability. You wouldn't think the Giants are going to lean heavily on one specific facet, especially since they won't have to worry about weather since the game will be played indoors. You also can't sleep on the Arizona defense.

Matt Citak: Fact – The Giants acquired several talented pass-catchers to the offense this year, but make no mistake, this is a team that wants to establish the run each and every week. Then, consider that standout left tackle Andrew Thomas may not suit up after hurting his hamstring in Week 1, which would be a big hit to an offensive line that surrendered seven sacks in the season opener. Sunday is shaping up to be a ground and pound game for the offense.

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