In this week's Cover 3, the crew discusses the most pressing questions for the Giants down the final stretch of the season.
John Schmeelk: As the Giants head into the home stretch of their season, the big question is whether or not they can win games when they get out of their formula - get a lead, run the ball, don't beat yourself, and play good situation football.
The Giants have gotten early leads in their last two games and have been able to play from ahead. It allows them to stick with their run game, and use a lot of quick game, play-action, and mass protection in the passing game. It keeps the Giants out of catch-up situations, where opposing defenses know they must throw it and can rev up a pass rush accordingly. In such situations, the Giants will have no choice but to run five- and seven-step drops, with limited support for the offensive line.
Once the Giants get into those situations, can their playmakers consistently get open and make explosive plays down the field? Can the offensive line hold up long enough to give Daniel Jones a chance to deliver the football? Can Daniel Jones continue to limit mistakes when he feels the pressure of playing with a deficit late in games? This is the next step for the Giants' offense, including their young offensive line and quarterback.
Coming out of the bye, their three opponents do not have ferocious pass rushes, so the Giants may be able to let Jones stand in the pocket a bit longer to try to create more big plays down the field. It will be fun to see how much Garrett will be able to expand the offense.
The Giants' pass defense remains a worry. They have been able to get multiple late-game stops the last two weeks against Washington and Philadelphia, but will they be able to do it against more efficient offensive teams in the season's final six games? Washington and Philly were two of the least efficient passing teams when the Giants played them. Against the pass this season, the Giants are ranked 23rd in pass yards allowed per game and 21st in pass yards allowed per play.
It will be more difficult against the likes of Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson in the season's second half. Can the Giants apply a consistent pass rush without having to blitz five or six men? Can their zone defense continue to hold up in these games, or will they be able to start playing more man-to-man as their defensive backs get more experience and their players return from injury?
If the Giants can sure up these two areas, they will have every opportunity to win the NFC East.
View the best photos from the first 10 games of the Giants' 2020 campaign as the team enters its Week 11 bye.
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) prepares to snap the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts with linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after a defensive play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gets sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (95) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is pushed by Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
QB Daniel Jones
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pushes Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) out of bounds during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
San Francisco 49ers' Jordan Reed, right, tries to grab a pass over New York Giants' Logan Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) runs with the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens, center, is sacked by New York Giants Leonard Williams (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) makes a catch during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett, left, fumbles the ball which would then be recovered by the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) is seen in action during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) lines up out wide during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) carries the ball in front of Los Angeles Rams free safety John Johnson (43) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) and offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) block during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks an extra point as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and defensive end Aldon Smith (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Head Coach Joe Judge picked up his first win as a head coach in this Week 5 victory over the Cowboys.
New York Giants' Casey Kreiter (58), place kicker Graham Gano (5) and punter Riley Dixon (9) celebrate a field goal kicked by Gano in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) reacts during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a 2-point conversion pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
OLB Kyler Fackrell finished the game with 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended, 1 quarterback hit and an interception which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
2021: DL Leonard Williams (No. 84)
Head Coach Joe Judge picks up his first win as a head coach.
Leonard Williams (99)
QB Daniel Jones completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, adding seven carries for 74 yards.
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Washington Football Team's J.D. McKissic (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
WR Darius Slayton caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.
New York Giants' Daniel Jones plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
WR Golden Tate caught just one pass but made it count, taking it 39 yards for a touchdown.
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a catch to score a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Ric Tapia/NFL)
New York Giants' James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass against Philadelphia Eagles' John Hightower (82) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
New York Giants' Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez reacts after a missed sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a touchdown pass against Philadelphia Eagles' Darius Slay (24) and Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants' Logan Ryan (23) celebrates with teammates after the Giants forced a turnover on downs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) celebrates after picking up a fumble during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' James Bradberry, right, knocks away a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Evans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, fends off Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Lavonte David during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives with the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Golden Tate, right, catches a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Sean Murphy-Bunting during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) runs down field against Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) in the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
LB Blake Martinez finished with a team-high 10 tackles (three solo), two passes defended and an interception.
TE Evan Engram recorded five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 10 targets.
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
RB Alfred Morris carried the ball nine times for 67 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and caught one pass for four yards.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to runs past Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
DB Logan Ryan registered six tackles (five solo), two passes defended, a forced fumble and the game-clinching interception at the end of the fourth quarter.
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) celebrates with long snapper Casey Kreiter (58) and punter Riley Dixon (9) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) tackles New York Giants' Austin Mack (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) reacts to a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Golden Tate (15) catches a pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Nickell Robey-Coleman during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) jumps over Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
CB James Bradberry registered four solo tackles and two pass breakups.
Dan Salomone: The biggest question is the only one that really matters: Which NFC East team will get hot? Look, we all know it's a wacky division. The 2020 season has made everyone forget it's the only one in which all four teams have won a Super Bowl. There has not been a repeat champion since the Eagles won four in a row from 2001-04. And a lot of times, just when it looks like no one wants to win it, one team comes out of the woodwork and goes on a winning streak.
Let's look at the past two champions. The 2018 Cowboys started 3-5 and won seven of their final eight games. The 2019 Eagles started 5-7 and won their final four games. As we enter Week 12, all four NFC East teams have three wins, and the only one on a losing streak is Philadelphia, which leads the pack because of a Week 3 tie. After beginning as more of a stroll, the NFC East race is now a six-week sprint.
Lance Medow: When you look at the Giants from top to bottom after the first 10 games of the season, I think the most pressing question has to do more with the offense than the defense as they get set for the final six games. Although the run game has made significant strides with five straight 100+ yard games and the Giants rank tied for ninth in the NFL at 4.5 yards per carry, the passing game is one facet to watch. Daniel Jones has thrown for just eight touchdowns against nine interceptions and New York is 28th in the league in passing yards per game (196). Those stats will have to improve as the Giants look to finish strong down the stretch.
The other trend connected to the offense is ball security. The Giants had no turnovers in either of their last two games (Washington and Philadelphia) before the bye. These games represent the only times they've played clean football this season and they had at least two mishaps five times.
When the Giants have won the turnover battle, they're 2-1 and when they've tied or lost the battle, they're 1-6. Keep in mind, four of their six final opponents have at least 12 takeaways on the season - Seattle, Cleveland and Baltimore each rank in the Top 11 in that category. How well the Giants take care of the football will determine how the season finishes.
Vote your favorite Giants for the 2021 Pro Bowl
Voting is now open for the 2021 Pro Bowl. Vote for your favorite Giants players
