The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Giants rookies will account for at least 10 combined offensive touches in their debuts
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Will Wan'Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger touch the ball at least 10 times? It's too high of a number. If this was at six or seven, you would go over, but 10 is a big ask given Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney and possibly Sterling Shepard will be on the field. You can expect Wan'Dale Robinson to be a big part of the offense, but 10 is too high of a threshold to cross. He'll catch four passes, run it twice, and Bellinger will catch two passes.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Don't forget about Wan'Dale Robinson's ability to take handoffs. Since Day 1, coach Brian Daboll has talked about having a "clear vision" for the second-round pick. The public just hasn't been able to see it yet. That will change starting on Sunday.
Lance Medow: Fiction – The only two players that account for this statement are Wan'Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger. While Robinson's versatility could increase his chances for touches both as a runner and receiver, he still has competition with Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard and Saquon Barkley in the mix. On top of that, Bellinger is a wild card as to how much he'll be targeted within the offense. When you take those factors into consideration, go with the under.
Matt Citak: Fact – This one is going to be close, as the 10 combined touches would have to come from just Wan'Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger as they are the only two rookie skill position players. Both players are listed on the unofficial depth chart as starters and figure to play key roles in the offense this season. Robinson also has the capability to register a rushing attempt or two, which could help push the total to double digits. Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka are going to find creative ways to get the ball into their playmakers' hands, so don't be surprised to see the pair reach 10 touches in some intriguing ways.
Limiting Titans running back Derrick Henry is the Giants' top priority on Sunday
John Schmeelk: Fact – The Titans had the highest run rate on 1st-and-10 in the NFL last season. They want to wear defenses down with Derrick Henry, which can lead to explosive runs in the fourth quarter. If the Giants can slow down Henry on early downs and prevent those explosive plays, they will have a good chance at winning the game. It is important to note that the Titans are also an excellent early-down play-action team, which could burn the Giants if they dedicate too much of their focus against Henry.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Something we can all agree on, which is saying something in this weekly feature. Henry took home the rushing triple crown in his last two healthy seasons and still finished in the Top 10 in rushing last year despite missing nine games.
Lance Medow: Fact – This is a fact in all capital letters. Derrick Henry missed nine games last season with a foot injury yet he still led the NFL in carries (27) and rushing yards (117) per contest. He's an extremely powerful back, who wears down defenses with his size, strength and physicality. Tennessee's identity is the ground attack. Last season, the Titans were fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 141. If you don't slow down their run game, it's going to be a very long day at the office and Henry's presence and production specifically opens up the play-action game for Ryan Tannehill. Case in point, in 2021, Tannehill averaged more passing yards per attempt and had a better touchdown-to-interception ratio and passer rating when Henry was on the field for eight games versus when he was sidelined for nine.
Matt Citak: Fact – As Wink Martindale told the media Wednesday, there's a reason why he is referred to as King Henry. In just eight games last season, Henry registered 937 yards and 10 touchdowns before he missed the remainder of the season with a foot injury. In the previous two seasons, he rushed for a total of 33 touchdowns and over 3,500 yards, and was named Offensive Player of the Year for his 2020 campaign. The Titans' offense moves with Henry. Slowing him down will have to be the defense's top priority Sunday.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Archie Manning of the Houston Oilers loses the ball as he is sacked by George Martin of the New York Giants in the final minutes of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 5, 1982.
Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon is sacked for a five yard loss by New York Giants Leonard Marshall, left, and Corey Miller in the second quarter at Giants Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) takes a snap during the NFL football game against the Houston Oilers on Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram (82) runs upfield during a 20 to 24 Houston Oilers loss to the New York Giants on December 21, 1991 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass as he is defended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Dainon Sidney (37) in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Toomer gained 40 yards on the play. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Keith Hamilton #75 of the New York Giants fights off a block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jesse Armstead #98 of the New York Giants pursues on a play against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is hit by Tennessee Titans safety Perry Phenix (35) after Barber caught a pass for a 6-yard gain in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. At left is line judge Mike Spanier. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) is dropped for a 4-yard loss as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Also defending for the Giants are Cedric Jones (94) and Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) looks for running room as New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short (53) and defensive tackle Lance Legree (70) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. George gained 64 yards on 20 attempts and scored a touchdown as the Titans beat the Giants 32-29 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and looks to fend off cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) of the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants play against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) talks with teammate Kenny Phillips (21)during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) tries to block a field goal attempt by the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running backs Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrate Ahmad Bradshaws (44) 2nd quarter touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) points out the coverage against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Tennessee Titans, left, line up against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) tries to get through Tennessee Titans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, left, reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks a tackle from Tennessee Titans' Jamie Winborn (52), below, as Titans' Jason McCourty (30) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) evades a tackle by Tennessee Titans' Michael Griffin (33) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shakes hands with Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher after a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Titans' Jake Scott (73) looks on at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) gives a pass rush against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the football during a Week 14 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, December 7, 2014. The Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) tries to get past Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) during a week 14 football game against the on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) rushes in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps past Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) gets past Tennessee Titans defensive back Marqueston Huff (28) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) passes as he is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass ahead of Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans nose tackle Sammie Lee Hill (94) rushes in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) for a 10-yard loss in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jameel McClain (53) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) intercepts a pass during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is dragged down by Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) is sacked by New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Mettenberger was injured on the play and left the game. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is brought down by Tennessee Titans safety Lamont Thompson, center, and linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Brandon Harris (32) pushes New York Giants wide receiver Preston Parker (83) out of bounds in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) protects the ball from Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope (24) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants free safety Quintin Demps (35) intercepts a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker, left, in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
The Giants will win if they rush for more than 100 yards
John Schmeelk: Fiction – The Giants are more likely to win in this scenario, but it isn't a guarantee. How many rushes does it take to get to 100 yards? How many of those yards come on one big run? The details matter here. It would be an impressive feat to get to 100 yards given the strength of the Titans' front and defense overall. A performance like that would give Giants fans faith in the unit heading into the remainder of the season.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The Titans were 11-3 when they didn't allow 100 yards on the ground last season. When they did, they were 1-2. Then again, the Titans allowed 198 yards to the Jaguars in Week 5 last season and then just eight to them in Week 14 – and Tennessee still won both games. That was one of the crazier stats that came up in this week's research.
Lance Medow: Fiction – If the Giants pile up more than 100 rushing yards, that's great but the Titans could very well do the same so this stat alone indicates much. Only three teams managed to surpass the century mark on the ground last season against Tennessee and one of those teams, Jacksonville, racked up 198 yards. The Jaguars still lost by 18. How the Giants' defense performs is just as crucial.
Matt Citak: Fiction – A hundred yards on the ground would be a great start to the season for the run game, but it does not necessarily mean the Giants will come out on top. The team went 2-5 in the seven games they rushed for 100 or more yards last year, including three losses in which they registered 130+ yards on the ground. But getting Saquon Barkley's season off on a strong note could go a long way for the offense's success this season. On the flip side, the Giants will emerge from Nashville with the victory if they can contain the Titans to less than 100 rushing yards.
Defensive lineman Leonard Williams is the most important player for the Giants' defense vs. Tennessee
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Let's go with Julian Love. Wink Martindale will line him up all over the formation, much like the other safeties that will be active on game day. But Love will find himself closer to the line of scrimmage more often than McKinney. He will have to tackle Derrick Henry. He might have to set the edge on some outside zone runs if he is lined up on the line of scrimmage tight to the edge. He will have to use judgment to get into those short zone areas to disrupt the play-action pass game.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The Giants need to stop the run and might need more help generating pressure depending on the statuses of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. Leonard Williams can do both. The newly-minted captain looks at home in this defense and with the team as a whole.
Lance Medow: Fact – You can easily make an argument for several players because it's going to take a group effort to slow down Derrick Henry, but I'd put Leonard Williams atop the list given his versatility in being able to play inside and outside. If Williams is No. 1, then Dexter Lawrence would be No. 1A, especially if Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux don't play, which seems likely. The Giants will need as many bodies as possible to clog up those run lanes and Williams and Lawrence have the physique to answer that call.
Matt Citak: Fact – This was a close one, as an argument could be made for Adoree' Jackson, Tae Crowder and whoever ends up starting next to Crowder at inside linebacker. But Williams gets the nod due to his impact in both the run defense and pass rush. As noted above, stopping Henry has to be the defense's top priority, and last season Williams registered one of the highest PFF run defense grades on the team. Williams clogging up the middle should help limit Henry. The defensive lineman's ability as a pass rusher will also play a vital role in the defense's success Sunday. Williams led the team with 47 total pressures in 2021. It marked the second consecutive year in which he led the team in that category after he had 62 total pressures in 2020. If Williams can make his presence felt in both areas against the Titans, it would provide the defense with a significant boost.
