The Miami Dolphins are facing the New York Giants this afternoon. To get some further intel on Miami’s Week 15 opponent, we checked in with Giants Wire to get caught up with the Giants’ similarly unsuccessful 2019 season.
Running back Saquon Barkley has struggled to find his footing after suffering an ankle injury earlier this season. How much has that been a factor in holding him back versus some of the other limitations on the Giants’ roster?
There’s a fine balance when it comes to the futility. Barkley has very clearly been hampered, but the horrendous play-calling, poor run blocking and his general misuse have certainly contributed to a great degree. Some of the OL issues are hard to fathom, especially this late in the season, but here we are. And with Kevin Zeitler, the Giants’ best offensive lineman, out on Sunday, things won’t get any easier for Barkley.
Rookie wide receiver Darius Slayton has emerged in a big way this year and is poised for another big game against the Dolphins. Where does he win on the field and what do the Dolphins most need to worry about defending in order to box him in?
Slayton opened rookie minicamp in the worst way imaginable, dropping every single pass thrown his way. I mention that as a testament about how far he’s come. He’s a speedster who runs solid routes for a rookie, but where he really excels is finding space on the field and running to a spot for the quarterbacks to throw. He’s dominant against zone and he is always willing to run under the ball, frequently winning contested passes. It’s actually quite impressive to see a mid-round rookie making veteran plays, but he makes 2-3 per week.
What is the reaction in New York to another extended look at Eli Manning and how does that compare to the reception Daniel Jones has received thus far in his rookie season in New York?
Giants fans are ruthless, so it’s rare that anyone can satisfy them. That said, there’s a lot to like about Daniel Jones, sans the fumbles, and I think most New Yorkers now see the potential in him. As far as Eli, fans are excited to see him one more time. It’s a weird situation and it’s kind of odd to be torn on the two, but an injury settled that by thrusting Manning back into action. I expect rousing cheers for him on Sunday. The man won two titles in New York…he’ll be loved (even by those who claim to dislike him) forever.
Defensively, the Giants surprised by making a trade for DL Leonard Williams ahead of the 2019 trade deadline. What has his impact been for New York so far this season?
People want to look at the sack numbers and argue Williams is a waste, but the reality is the Giants D has done a 180 against the run since his arrival and that has vastly improved the defense. Moreover, Williams has also recorded more QB hit and QB pressures than anyone not named Markus Golden since he debuted in East Rutherford, so he’s clearly having a positive impact. Is he worth what the Giants gave up plus a long-term contract? The jury is out on that, but he’s played well and had an impact.
The Giants defense has yielded just 15 turnovers through 13 games this season — who is the biggest threat on the Giants defense to generate some game changing splash plays?
Well, it was Janoris Jenkins or Jabrill Peppers, but both are out the window now. As far as turnovers, look out for rookie safety Julian Love, who is a bit of a ballhawk, and rookie DL Dexter Lawrence, who simply dominates every single play. Literally. Every. Single. Play.