The Raiders will take on the New York Giants on Sunday in a big AFC-NFC matchup. To get you prepared for this game, we spoke with Dan Benton of Giants Wire about how the season has gone so far for New York.
We discussed the progress of Daniel Jones, a hidden superstar on offense and how this game might play out in Week 9. So without further ado, let’s get to our Q&A with Benton!
How has Daniel Jones progressed in Year 3?
GW: That really depends on who you ask and what data you choose to believe. Jones is such a hot topic and heels are so thoroughly dug in it’s hard to get an honest evaluation on the guy.
That’s only further compounded by the team’s almost historic level of injuries, their horrendous offensive line play and Jason Garrett’s suspect (at best) play calling.
From my perspective, Jones’ growth appears clear as day. Save for an ugly interception a week ago, his issues with turnovers have vastly improved. His deep ball is among the best in the NFL, his legs can change a game and his leadership and work ethic are unparalleled.
But I would love to see what he could do with an NFL-level squad and some health around him. He’s had neither since entering the league.
What is the strength of the defense this season for the Giants?
GW: Well, until Week 7 there wasn’t one. The Giants’ defense had been playing every bit as poorly as the offense and had regressed substantially from a year ago. Even after their past two solid performances, there’s no one thing that can be pinpointed as the driving force behind their recent success.
Against the Carolina Panthers, their pass rush came alive. It vanished again against the Chiefs and the secondary, using that vaunted Cover 2, stepped up.
There’s been no consistency and nothing I can objectively tell you is a strength. Some may view that answer as a copout, but you’ll see for yourself on Sunday. It’ll be whatever it happens to be that day (perhaps a credit to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham).
How do you feel the Joe Judge era is going in New York?
GW: Not well. Not well at all. Although Judge has managed to keep his team, he’s beginning to lose support of the fans and media alike. He sometimes comes across as a used car salesman as opposed to head coach, and his recent HeadsetGate stuff left a sour taste in the mouth of many.
His gameday decisions, particularly as it relates to clock management and timeout use, are questionable and his willingness to punt or settle field goals in “go situations” is jarring. Still, team co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch have pledged their allegiance to him.
Give us one under-the-radar player to keep an eye on during this matchup
GW: This is a difficult question to answer as well given all the injuries and uncertainty surrounding in excess of 10 players, and that doesn’t even factor in all the false-positives the Giants have received as a part of COVID-19 testing this week. Most inactive/active decisions won’t be made until Sunday at kickoff, so it’s really a crapshoot as to who plays.
Assuming he does, tight end Kaden Smith is always an under-the-radar option. He’s a solid pass protector and run blocker, but he’s also a very capable route runner with good hands. He flashes when you least expect it.
Defensively, keep an eye on linebacker Quincy Roche, who has seen a well-deserved uptick in playing time. He may very well start over Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines.
Who wins and why?
GW: Despite everything I said above, this just feels like one of those games the Giants are going to win. They tend to play up or down to the level of their opponents and outside of the Raiders’ pass rush versus the Giants’ offensive line, I feel like New York actually matches up quite well.
If the Giants can find a way to keep Daniel Jones upright, they’ll head into the bye week victorious. If they don’t, they won’t. My gut says they do. Take that for whatever it may be worth. Giants 26, Raiders 23
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