The New York Giants (2-11) take the field against the Miami Dolphins (3-10) at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. This is the first meeting between the two teams since 2015, when the Giants defeated the Dolphins, 31-24.
Miami is coming off a last-second 22-21 loss to the New York Jets last week, as the Jets kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Dolphins sit in last place in the AFC East, two games behind the Jets. Miami has gone 1-2 against the NFC East this season, losing in Dallas and at home against Washington while defeating Philadelphia at Hard Rock Stadium.
Here are five storylines to follow ahead of the Week 15 matchup and the rest of the Giants' season:
Manning to get another start?
Coach Shurmur wouldn't commit to a starting quarterback Wednesday, and while the week is still young, early signs point towards Eli Manning possibly getting his second consecutive start. Manning completed 15 of 30 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions against the Eagles Monday night, his first start since Week 2. Most of that production came in the first half, as the veteran went into halftime with 11 completions for 179 yards and the two scores.
"I thought we executed in the passing game pretty well," coach Pat Shurmur said after Monday's game about Manning's first half. "We were making plays and actually getting explosive plays… I thought he battled. He did a lot of good things."
Daniel Jones was officially limited at Wednesday's practice. His ankle sprain still has a few more days to heal before a decision must be made, but it appears that Manning could start in front of the home crowd.
"He's moving around a little bit," Shurmur said about the rookie quarterback. "We just have to see how he does by the end of the week. He's out here. He's out of the boot, he's into his regular shoes and he's out here practicing. Again, we didn't do much today. We'll just have to see how he feels by the end of the week to see if he fits into the equation here."
Slayton has another breakout game
Darius Slayton had another breakout performance this past week. The rookie receiver caught five passes for 154 yards and both Giants' touchdowns Monday, including a nifty play in which he shed Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby to break free for the team's first score. It was his third multi-touchdown game of the season. Slayton earned an overall grade of 90.3 from Pro Football Focus, making him the highest-graded Giant in Week 14, according to PFF.
"He does a good job of getting separation, a great job on the slant getting a lot of separation," Manning told the media Wednesday about the rookie receiver. "I think one go ball was a busted coverage, but the other was just man and off coverage, and ran right by him. I think he's got good speed, tracks the ball well and has some playmaking abilities. He's an easy target, a big target, to throw to."
Slayton was the 18th wide receiver selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Yet 13 games into the season, the fifth-round pick finds himself at or near the top of the rookie leaderboard in most receiving categories. Slayton leads all rookie wide receivers with seven touchdowns, while ranking fourth with 659 yards and third with 59.9 yards per game. He is also tied for third among first-year receivers in first downs (29) and tied for fourth in receptions (42) and catches of 20+ yards (12).
"I knew I wanted to come in and make an impact," Slayton said about his expectations this season. "I knew I could come in and make an impact. I didn't really know how much I was going to be able to do that, but like I said, I've definitely been blessed. Daniel, Eli, having two really good quarterbacks to play with in my rookie season has definitely helped me out a lot."
With Zeitler sidelined, Gates could step back into starting lineup
Kevin Zeitler has started 85 consecutive games, but following his injury last week, his streak appears to be in danger. Zeitler hurt his ankle Monday and did not participate in Wednesday's practice. If Zeitler is unable to suit up Sunday, second-year lineman Nick Gates is likely to fill his spot on the offensive line.
"I don't know that," Shurmur said about Zeitler's chances of playing Sunday. "I don't know that. He wasn't able to be out here today, and he's a tough son of a gun. We'll just have to see how today goes, evaluate it this afternoon and see what he can do tomorrow."
If Gates is inserted into the lineup for Sunday's game against Miami, it would be the second start of his career. The swing lineman filled in for right tackle Mike Remmers during the team's Week 10 loss to the New York Jets and played well. Gates could have another opportunity to showcase his skill set this week against the Dolphins if Zeitler can't make it back in time.
Will Giants finally have all offensive weapons available?
Thirteen games into the season, the Giants have yet to have all their top offensive weapons active in the same game. Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, Darius Slayton and Evan Engram have all missed time this year due to various injuries or suspension. But with Engram participating in practice Wednesday, albeit in a limited fashion, it appears as if the Giants at least have a chance to have all of their top skill position players available for the first time against Miami.
"I think what it does is it allows us to not necessarily go and feature one guy," Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula told reporters last week about what having all of the skill players healthy does for the offense. "I think it presents, hopefully for the defense, it presents a personnel grouping of, 'Hey, we need to be careful here because if we focus our attention on this guy, then we have a one on one on that side,' or 'If we try to go split safeties, two-deep shell, where we're trying to umbrella coverage or we're trying to help out in cover, now we have to be careful about Saquon (Barkley) running the ball.' Hopefully, that's what it presents."
While his participation in practice is encouraging, it is not guaranteed that Engram will suit up this week. The third-year tight end practiced on a limited basis last week and was still inactive Monday night. If Engram is unable to go, rookie Kaden Smith will once again fill in as the team's starting tight end. Serving in that role for the last three games, Smith has caught 13 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.
"He's done a good job each week getting better," Shula told the media last week about the rookie tight end. "He's still learning the offense. He knows the offense, he's a smart guy. But just all the kind of little adjustments that you make last minute or just coverage tweaks or things that the quarterbacks might be looking for. I think he's, from what we've seen, just going to continue to get better. He's proven that he can make some plays and catch the ball, make contested catches and hold onto it. Hopefully he'll stay on that trend."
Love continues to perform as starting safety
It's been two and a half games since Julian Love replaced the injured Jabrill Peppers at safety, and the rookie has continuously shown that he is up for the challenge. Love put together yet another strong performance against the Eagles, picking up six solo tackles and a tackle for loss.
"He's got a real good feel," Shurmur said last week about the fourth-round rookie. "Some people have a feel for things and some people don't. He's one of those guys that has a feel for it."
Over the last three weeks, the 21-year-old has recorded 14 tackles (11 solo), one tackle for loss, one pass defended, one interception and one forced fumble. On Wednesday, Love was promoted to starting safety on the team's unofficial Week 15 depth chart.
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins
Doug Kotar of the New York Giants goes flying as he is upended by Miami's Curtis Johnson in the third period at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 12, 1977. Kotar managed to advance the ball for a first down. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Mercury Morris (22) of the Miami Dolphins against New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 10, 1972. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Larry Csonka of the New York Giants is stopped after a two yard gain in the first quarter of NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, Sundays, Sept. 11, 1977 in East Rutherford. The tackle is made by Dolphins Vern Den Herder and Bob Baumhower (73), right. (AP Photo/RFS)
Miami Dolphins safety Mike Kezlowski takes to the air against New York Giants Tom Mullady in the fourth period of exhibition game. The Dolphins won the final exhibition game of the NFL pre-season 24-3 at Giants Stadium on August 26, 1983 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) reacts to a touchdown scored in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 24, 1990. (AP Photo/Bobeto Matthews)
Running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants becomes airborne as he runs over Bryan Cox (51) of the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Fla., Dec. 5, 1993. Also pictured is Jarrod Bunch (33) of the Giants. (AP Photo/Wayne Fleisher)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) unloads a pass during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Dec. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
Miami Dolphins Ricky Williams(34) in action against the New York Giants on October 5, 2003 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Miami Dolphins runningback Ricky Williams is upended by New York Giants' Omar Stoutmire, right, and Kenny Holmes during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Miami Dolphins Sam Madison(29) in action during a game against New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 5, 2003. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10 . Sam Madison played for 12 years with 2 different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning calls signals against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
FILE New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder (52 ) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28, 2007. Jacobs and his Giants teammates face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) scrambles against the New York Giants Kawika Mitchell (55) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Sam Madison (29) breaks up a pass intended for the Miami Dolphins Derek Hagan (82) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Michael Strahan (92) recovers a fumble by the Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for yardage against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) is hit by Miami Dolphins Michael Lehan (22) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Fred Robbins (98) bears down on Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) passes against the New York Giants during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Reuben Droughns (22) runs against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) pulls down Miami Dolphins' Jesse Chatman (28) during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Sam Madison (29) contests the ball with Miami Dolphins' Derek Hagan in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Fred Robbins (98) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon (17) in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, center, is sacked by New York Giants' Justin Tuck (91) and Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals to his offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Miami Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith, rear, tackles New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) talks with New York Giants defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (99)m during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) makes a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball ahead of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) and outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) winds to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs off the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball past Miami Dolphins defensive end Avery Moss (93) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) tries to stop New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) holds on to the ball as he gets past Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, Fle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Miami Dolphins free safety Adrian Colbert (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) and RB Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Elerson Smith (94)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Giants vs. Dolphins Broadcast Info: TV channel, Radio Station and Live Stream.
