LOCK STARTS AGAIN
Since coming out of the Week 11 bye, the Giants have not had much consistency at the quarterback position. Due to various injuries, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle have all taken snaps over the last five games, with Lock getting three starts and DeVito getting two. After missing the Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens due to heel and left elbow injuries, Lock returned to game action this past Sunday against the Falcons.
The veteran quarterback got an MRI on Monday due to a shoulder ailment suffered during the game, but coach Brian Daboll told the media Tuesday that Lock "should be ok" for this weekend's game against the Colts. Having the same quarterback under center for consecutive games was a factor in naming Lock the starter for Week 17.
"Try to get two weeks of the same cadence, same play caller in the huddle and we'll go with Drew (Lock)," Daboll told the media.
Lock completed 22 of 39 passes (56.4 percent) for 210 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in last week's loss to the Falcons. After running for over 55 yards in each of his previous two starts, the veteran signal-caller gained just one yard on the ground on one attempt. DeVito will serve as Lock's backup against the Colts, according to the head coach.
Lock was upgraded to a full participant at Friday's practice and was not given an injury designation on the final injury report.
ALL-TIME SERIES
The Giants (2-13) host the Indianapolis Colts (7-8) in their final home game of the 2024 season on Sunday, Dec. 29 in MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Sunday's game will be the 18th regular season meeting between the Giants and Colts,with Indianapolis leading, 10-7. The Giants won the last meeting between the two teams, 38-10, on Jan. 1, 2024 to snap a series streak of four wins by the Colts.
The Giants look to win two consecutive games against the Colts for the first time since 1990 and 1993 when they claimed victores by 24-7 and 20-6, respectively.
INJURY REPORT
Giants
Out: S Raheem Layne (Knee), ILB Micah McFadden (Neck), C John Michael Schmitz (Ankle), CB Greg Stroman (Shoulder/Shin)
Questionable: WR Malik Nabers (Toe), DL Armon Watts* (Shoulder), C Austin Schlottmann* (Fibula), DB Dee Williams (Toe)
*In 21-day practice window for return from Injured Reserve
Colts
Questionable: TE Mo Alie-Cox (Toe), CB Julius Brents (Knee), LB Jaylon Carlies (Shoulder), G Quenton Nelson (Ankle), QB Anthony Richardson (Back/Foot), LB E.J. Speed (Knee)
PHILLIPS 'HAS A LOT OF UPSIDE'
A lot has been made about the Giants' 2024 rookie class. Malik Nabers finds himself nearing a spot in both the NFL and the Giants' all-time record books, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. is nearing 1,000 yards of total offense. But one rookie that has seemingly not gotten a ton of attention this season is cornerback Dru Phillips.
The rookie third-round pick has played 12 games with six starts this season, totaling 61 tackles (38 solo), one sack, seven tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and two forced fumbles. Heading into Week 17, Phillips finds himself among Pro Football Focus' top cornerbacks this season, due in part to his strong play in the run game. Phillips returned to the field this past Sunday after missing the previous two games and finished with six tackles, including one tackle for loss. The slot corner has made a strong impression on the coaching staff in his first NFL season.
"He's done a nice job for us," Daboll said. "He's a physical player, I think he's shown that. Where he plays in particular, he's part of a lot of run fits. He's an aggressive tackler and continues to improve. He's young player that definitely has a lot of upside and will continue to develop."
Daboll added, "He's a good football player. Again, I think a lot of those guys that we drafted this past year have really done a nice job of performing when they've had opportunities to. So, he'll be a good young player to continue to develop. Create turnovers, knock the ball out, intercept the pass, those are all things that you need to do to be an elite defensive back."
KAYVON'S PROGRESSION
After missing five games in the middle of the season due to a wrist injury, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has been a welcome addition to the defense over the last month. The third-year edge rusher picked up three total pressures against the Falcons last week, which marked the third time in his last four outings that he's had three pressures.
"I thought he had a really good game last week," said defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. "I do, I thought he played physical. Obviously, he missed a lot of time there in the middle of the year, which is a big part of- I mean, we talked to all these guys about improving as the season goes and then you get unfortunately injured and you're on the shelf for however long. But I've been pleased with the way he's progressed and what he's put on tape here these last few weeks. And really last week, I thought it was probably one of his better games, like flying around, playing physical. And he's done some really good things for us."
Thibodeaux has at least one quarterback hit in nine of the 10 games he's played this year and a total of 13 on the season, with five of them coming in the last four games. Bowen told reporters that he has seen some growth from the young outside linebacker since he returned from injured reserve in Week 12.
"The physicality, the attack, playing on the other side of the line scrimmage in the run game has shown up," Bowen said on what has stood out about Thibodeaux's game in recent weeks. "Made some really good effort plays. The one on third down last week was a heck of a play, being able to get him down, chasing from behind. So, pleased with where he's at. Hopefully, he continues to improve and get better and show up on Sundays for us."
MUASAU 'PLAYING FAST'
Inside linebacker is the latest position on the Giants' defense to get hit with the injury bug. Bobby Okereke last played in Week 13 and was placed on injured reserve last week, thus ending his season early. Now Micah McFadden is dealing with a neck injury he suffered against the Falcons, which has kept him out of practice Wednesday and Thursday. Darius Muasau saw a big uptick in playing time once Okereke got hurt, and the rookie linebacker has risen to the occasion with the expanded opportunity. Now that McFadden has been ruled out for Sunday's game, the Giants will need to lean even more heavily on the 23-year-old linebacker.
"He's doing a really good job for us," Bowen said about the rookie. "I think he's playing fast, him and Micah both playing fast in there, flying around, been disruptive. I think the front's been disruptive up front, allowing those guys to run around a little bit, to be a little bit clean, to go make plays. And he's physical, he's got some instincts. So, he's done a good job with the opportunities he's had, and hopefully that continues here in these last couple weeks."
Muasau was the Giants' sixth and final selection in this year's draft. Unlike the other members of his draft class, it took Muasau more time before he was getting consistent, extended action in games. After Muasau started the last three weeks for the injured Okereke, his defensive coordinator pointed out some noticeable improvements he's seen from the rookie in recent weeks.
"He comes to work every day, works hard, he's smart," Bowen told the media. "Don't see him make the same mistakes twice, which I think is a pretty good indicator as a coach when you have young guys that are able to learn from their mistakes, where we can progress and move on, and they can move forward. Let's learn something else now and focus on something else. We kind of got that handled, whether it's learned by fire or not, which a lot of times when you play young guys, it is that way. I've been really pleased with him, and I think he's taken advantage of his opportunity, and hopefully that continues."
View photos of the Giants on the practice field at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
KUBAS LATEST ROOKIE TO STEP UP
The Giants have gotten plenty of contributions from their rookie class this season. The latest first-year player to step up when his number was called was undrafted guard Jake Kubas. With Aaron Stinnie out due to a concussion, Kubas started the first game of his NFL career and put together a solid performance. The 24-year-old played well in the run game and was credited with just one total pressure allowed on 44 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
"Jake was a bright spot for me," assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka told reporters Thursday. "I think seeing a young guy step in, he played physical. Sure, there was things he can get better at, plays that maybe he missed here or there. But, overall, I thought it was a big step forward for him."
Kubas is looking at another opportunity to start this weekend. Stinnie has progressed to a full participant at practice as he continues to work through the concussion protocol, but center John Michael Schmitz was ruled out on Friday after being unable to practice all week due to an ankle injury. Brian Daboll said veteran Greg Van Roten would take some practice reps at center in case Schmitz can't suit up Sunday, and if that's the case, Kubas would slot in to replace Van Roten at guard. Van Roten was added to the injury report Thursday and Friday as a limited participant due to a knee injury, but he was not given an injury designation on the final injury report.
No matter what the alignment is up front on Sunday, Kafka is confident that Carmen Bricillo and James Ferentz will have their guys ready to go.
"Whoever's in there will be ready, will be ready to rock and roll. Carm does a great job with that group and James, getting those guys prepared, whether it's guys that have been here for a while or guys who are just stepping in. Young guys, old guys. Older guys, I should say. But they do a really good job with that, getting those guys prepared."
ANOTHER TOUGH TEST FOR RUN DEFENSE
Over the last three weeks, the Giants have faced off against three of the top running backs in the NFL. Starting in Week 14, the defense has been tasked with slowing down the likes of Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, and Bijan Robinson, all of whom have enjoyed a ton of success this season. While Robinson did total 94 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries last week, the Giants' run defense has seen an improvement over the last few games compared to earlier in the year.
"I think the guys are playing hard," Bowen said. "I think they're battling up front; they're fighting. I think the backers are doing a good job to get downhill. They're effective, I think tackling has been improved in some areas, especially from the back end moving forward here. Just really haven't seen the really, really big ones. So, we've been able to do a good job of eliminating the really big ones. Where those, there might be a 10-to-12-yard gain here and there. But it's not turning to 40, so it's been a big part of it. And the guys are playing hard, they're flying around. And they're accepting the challenge and they're taking advantage of their opportunities and they're making the most of it."
As if going up against Kamara, Henry and Robinson the last three weeks wasn't enough, the Giants will now try to slow down Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who is fresh off one of the best games of his NFL career. Going up against the Titans' solid run defense, Taylor exploded for 218 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries, good for an average of 7.5 yards per carry. Attempting to contain Taylor and the Indianapolis run game will be yet another tall task for Shane Bowen's unit.
"Another really good back," the defensive coordinator said about Taylor. "Obviously, coming off a really big game last week. Got some experience with him, obviously, being in division with him for a few years there. Patient, if you give him a crease and he finds it. Really good vision. Burst through the hole, gets on second and third level really quickly and obviously able to hit the home run at any moment. So, we got to do a good job, hopefully setting edges and building a wall and not giving him creases inside that he can find and exploit."
TRYING TO SLOW DOWN RICHARDSON
It's been an up-and-down season for the Indianapolis Colts, as their 7-8 record leaves them two games out from a playoff spot with two games remaining. However, Shane Steichen's team is coming off perhaps its strongest offensive performance of the year in last week's 38-30 victory over the Titans, with the run game playing a significant role in the unit scoring its highest point total of 2024.
Taylor wasn't the only Colt to enjoy success on the ground last week. Quarterback Anthony Richardson added 70 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries (7.8 avg.) while also throwing for 131 yards and an additional score (along with one interception). As the Titans saw last week, Richardson can hurt you both through the air and on the ground, something the Giants' defense will have to look out for on Sunday.
"I'd say he's an explosive player, explosive athlete," said Daboll. "He has a cannon for an arm, can throw it a far way. They're doing a nice job… Obviously, he runs the ball. But he's plenty talented enough to throw it where he needs to throw it. Anytime you have a young quarterback, you continue to develop him. It's not going to be perfect, for most of the quarterbacks that get drafted right out the gate. I think he's done a nice job. He's got all the skill set in the world. Again, he's a dual threat player and he can affect any part of the field. Whether it's with his legs or throwing it however far he needs to throw it."
Richardson did not practice all week due to back and foot injuries and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
SCOUTING THE COLTS' DEFENSE
The Colts jumped out to a 38-7 lead in the second half of their Week 16 win, but a furious, late comeback by the Titans saw Tennessee score 23 unanswered points to make it a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter. Despite allowing the large lead to slip away last week, the Colts' defense has shown some flashes this season.
Led by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the Colts rank 23rd in points and 29th in yards allowed on the year. A lot of that production came in the run game, as they rank 28th in rushing yards allowed on the year. Despite allowing some big plays throughout the season, Bradley's unit has found a tendency to get after the football. The Colts' 24 defensive takeaways are tied with the Broncos for the sixth-most in the league, aided in large part by their 15 interceptions, which are tied for the fourth-most.
"Coach Bradley, he's done it for a long time," Daboll said about the opposing defensive coordinator. "Gus has been in this league for a long time. They got two really good interior players, and they have a good team defensive scheme. They play their certain style that they'd like to play with. Every team in the league is a good football team. They got a lot of good players. They got good coaches.
"They did a heck of a job, I know it ended up being 38-30 against Tennessee, but they really started out the game really strong. It was 38-7 with three minutes left in the third quarter going into the fourth. So, I think Shane (Steichen) has done a nice job. So has Gus."
The unit features talented players at all three levels. Defensive ends Kwity Paye (seven sacks) and rookie Laiatu Latu (four sacks) help get pressure off the edge, while interior defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart have combined for 10 sacks. Meanwhile, linebacker Zaire Franklin leads the NFL with 151 total tackles to go with his two interceptions, three forced fumbles, five passes defensed and 2.5 sacks. In the secondary, safety Nick Cross and slot cornerback Kenny Moore are tied for the team-lead with three interceptions apiece. Cornerback Jaylon Jones leads the unit with 12 passes defensed.
View photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.
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