Category: Giants Wire Features

Gimme Him: One player Giants would steal from Eagles

Who would the New York Giants steal from the Philadelphia Eagles? How about this offensive lineman who would immediately improve their team.

The New York Giants will square off with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday for the first time this season and the first of two meetings over the next four weeks.

That provides us at Giants Wire a unique opportunity to theoretically steal two players from Philly over the course of a month, and their roster is littered with talent that would immediately boost Big Blue’s play on the field.

We could dance around the obvious and list off a series of names worthy of consideration, but in their first meeting of 2019, one name immediately leaps off the page and is the only right choice for New York.

Enter tackle Lane Johnson.

Johnson is playing at an elite level this season, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 87.0 through 13 weeks, while being tied for the league lead in sacks surrendered at his position (1). Johnson also has just five penalties on the year, which is tied for the 34th-least out of qualifying offensive tackles.

There’s a reason the Eagles just handed Johnson the largest tackle contract in the history of football, and a reason why he’d be an ideal fit in New York.

And that is not a reflection on Mike Remmers, who has played about as well as anyone could have expected. But adding Johnson to the fold would immediately boost the Giants’ offensive line, although they’d still need a replacement at left tackle.

What say you, Giants fans? Would you steal Lane Johnson for the Giants or go in a different direction?

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What we learned from Giants’ 31-13 loss to Packers

The New York Giants lost to the Green Bay Packers, 31-13, in Week 13 and here’s some of what we learned from that loss.

The New York Giants can’t buy a win. They hosted the (now) 9-3 Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday in the midst of a torrential snow storm. The Giants gave it a valiant effort, tying the game at seven on their second drive.

Unfortunately, the Packers would wear down the Giants and pull off a 31-13 win. But not all is lost, the Giants are still mathematically in the playoff race and there are three things we learned from the loss:

Al Bello/Getty Images

Daniel Jones is tough as nails

Jones took some major hits on Sunday, including one that was so hard that the “Y” in “NY” was knocked off his helmet. He kept moving, though, even once that contact was made. Later in the game Jones suffered an ankle injury, but he played through it.

Say what you will about the rookie, but one thing you cannot question is his toughness or his heart. The young quarterback clearly loves football and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team.

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Stock up, down after Giants’ 31-13 loss to Packers

Whose stock is up and whose is down following the New York Giants’ loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 13?

10-34. That’s what the New York Giants record has been since the 2017 season. What does that equate to? A lot of losing and a lot of frustration over the course of three seasons.

And on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, it was no different as the Giants dropped their eighth straight of the season and lost, 31-13, which put them at 2-10 and in sole possession of last place in the NFC East.

With the loss, the Giants were officially eliminated from all playoff contention — not that many people thought that they were going to the postseason at this point anyway.

Now the focus shifts to where the Giants will land for the 2020 NFL Draft, as they are currently in the driver’s seat for the second overall pick and just one game back for the first pick. It’s not something the fan base wants to see, but when you’re 2-10, that’s what happens.

Following the loss to the Packers, whose stock was up and down for the Giants?

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Stock up: Saquon Barkley

After facing repeated questions surrounding his health, Barkley really looked like the guy we all saw last year against Green Bay.

He ran for 83 yards and had 32 receiving yards, giving him 115 total yards and his first 100-plus yard game since the loss against the Detroit Lions back in October.

Whether Barkley will ever be fully healthy or not remains to be seen, but on Sunday, he sure looked healthy enough to be effective.

Stock down: Daniel Jones

Yes, it was the first time Jones was playing in the snow and in the elements of New Jersey in December.

But in the end, Jones struggled. While Aaron Rodgers was thriving in the elements at MetLife Stadium, Jones didn’t.

Aside from the one touchdown pass he had, Jones threw three interceptions and had another fumble, although he didn’t lose it this time.

All in all, it’s a learning experience for him and one he should strive to improve from.

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3 takeaways from Giants’ Week 13 loss to Packers

Here are three takeaways from the New York Giants’ Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers, which dropped them to 2-10.

The New York Giants’ latest loss, a 31-13 slopfest against a recently struggling Green Bay Packers team, has all but put the lid on Big Blue’s designs of becoming a competitive team this season.

In front of a large throng of Packer fans, the Giants once again displayed for the whole word that thy are officially one of the NFL’s worst and most poorly run franchises.

Here are three takeaways (click away now if you’re looking for a silver lining).

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Numbers don’t lie

At 2-10, the Giants are officially the doormat of the NFC. There is no further to fall. They are it. John Mara and Dave Gettleman can be proud of the mess they’ve made of this franchise. Sure, you can blame Jerry Reese, but Gettleman has had two full offseasons and the team has gotten worse. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

How do you get to 2-10? Easily. The other team scores more than you every week, that’s how. They are averaging 19.2 points per game but have scored only 13 and 14 points respectively in the past two games. That’s not going to get it done when you’re allowing 28.2 points each week.

Who is to blame? Just about everyone. The team is not coached very well, has two many inexperienced players and the veterans who are here are under-performing.

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Giants dropped by Packers, 31-13: Instant analysis

Instant analysis of the latest New York Giants loss in which they fell to the Green Bay Packers, 31-13, in a snow storm.

The New York Giants are thisclose to having the first overall selection in next year’s NFL Draft. With the 31-13 loss this afternoon to the Green Bay Packers at icy MetLife Stadium, Big Blue fell to 2-10 on the season and just may be the worst team in the NFL right now.

They didn’t exactly embarrass themselves against the Packers on this lousy weather day, but just like nine other times this season, they just didn’t do enough again to win the game.

To their credit, the Giants kept things close for three quarters but the lack of depth and experience caught up with them as the Packers scored two touchdowns in the final frame to put the game away.

The team continues to be poorly run. On offense, timeouts are being used haphazardly and the play calling leaves a lot to be desired.

On defense, the coverage dogged them again, surrendering too many big plays in the passing game while committing costly penalties.

At this rate, it’s going to be difficult for general manager Dave Gettleman and the coaching staff to convince Giants’ ownership they deserve to return next season.

Some highlights…

Sterling Shepard from Daniel Jones for a TD.

A 43-yard completion to Cody Latimer.

Notes

  • The loss was the Giants’ eighth straight, which is tied for the second-longest skein in franchise history. They lost eight consecutive games on three other occasions: 1966 (Oct 23-Dec 18), 1980 (Sept 14-Nov 2) and 2004 (Nov 7-Dec 26). They will be attempting to tie the franchise record of nine next Monday night in Philadelphia. The record was set in 1976 (Sept 12-Nov 7) and matched from Nov 9, 2003 through Sept 14, 2004.
  • The Giants were without their two top tight ends again. Evan Engram (foot) and Rhett Ellison (concussion). They were replaced by rookie Kaden Smith and Scott Simonson.
  • Latimer started for Golden Tate (concussion) at wide receiver and rookie Julian Love was in for Jabrill Peppers (back) at safety.
  • Daniel Jones now has a touchdown pass in each of his 10 starts this season.
  • Wide receiver Darius Slayton had six receptions for 44 yards but his best play of the game – a 29-yard gain down the sideline in which he made a fingertip grab – was wiped away due to a penalty.

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Giants vs. Packers Player of the Game: Saquon Barkley

The New York Giants fell to the Green Bay Packers, 31-13, on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, but Saquon Barkley had a solid game.

The New York Giants didn’t win a single game in the months of October and November. The month of December is already off to that kind of start, as the Giants dropped their eighth straight game on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers, fresh off a beating from the San Francisco 49ers, came in and took down the Giants, 31-13, at MetLife Stadium in a snowy and rainy mess.

There wasn’t a lot of bright spots in the game despite the fact that the Giants fought the heavily favored Packers the entire game. One thing that stood out resurgence of Saquon Barkley.

After weeks of wondering if Barkley had been playing hurt, the second-year running back looked like he was back to his old form on Sunday, hitting holes and making plays.

On the ground, Barkley carried the ball 19 times for 83 yards, but no touchdowns. Receiving wise, he had three catches for 32 yards.

Overall, Barkley had 115 total yards for the game, which was a regular thing for him before he had the high ankle sprain and missed some time due to injury.

The last time Barkley had 100-plus yards in a game was all the way back in late October against the Detroit Lions when he had 143 total yards.

Even when he returned from the injury, Barkley still didn’t look right and was even held to just one rushing yard against the New York Jets a few weeks ago. But on Sunday against the Packers, Barkley looked like his old self again.

Even if the Giants don’t win another game this season, getting Barkley back to his old form is a good thing to have happen for the Giants, especially in a season where good things haven’t happened that often.

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Giants fall to Packers: Winners, losers and those in between

The New York Giants fell to 2-10 with a 31-13 loss to the Packers in Week 13, and here’s a look at the winners and losers from that game.

The New York Giants fell to the Green Bay Packers, 31-13, on a snowy Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, extending their losing streak to eight consecutive games and officially eliminating them from the playoffs.

The game itself wasn’t as lopsided as many anticipated initially, but it got a little out of hand later on in the fourth quarter. And while that does represent some progress, as head coach Pat Shurmur would say, you don’t get any prizes for trying hard.

Here’s a look at some winners and losers from Week 13:

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Winners

Sterling Shepard: Because of the weather, Shepard wasn’t targeted as many times as he would have been under sunny skies, but he made sure to remind Giants Nation how valuable he can be when he’s on the field. He hauled in three receptions for 40 yards and one beautiful touchdown, and was open several other times throughout the game, but the Giants were simply unable to get him the ball. He did have one drop, but that shouldn’t define his performance.

Darius Slayton: Slayton is rapidly becoming a consistent weekly force and Sunday was no different. Ironically, he actually played better than his stats would indicate as one of his long receptions was called back due to a penalty. He finished the game with six receptions for 44 yards.

Janoris Jenkins: Jenkins entered the Week 13 game feeling quite confident and all but guaranteeing he wouldn’t give up a touchdown, and true to his word, he did not. In fact, Jenkins didn’t give up a single reception to a receiver in which he was covering one-on-one, and even had a pass defensed that prevented a score.

Others: Buck Allen, Aldrick Rosas, Kaden Smith

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5 reasons Giants could upset Packers in Week 13

The New York Giants and Green Bay Packers square off in Week 13, and here are five reasons Big Blue could come away with the win.

The New York Giants are coming off their seventh straight loss and have now gone winless in the months of October and November for the first time in franchise history.

They face a tough task this week against the 8-3 Green Bay Packers, who will be seeking revenge after the San Francisco 49ers crushed them by 29 points on Sunday night.

Although unlikely, let’s look at five reasons why the Giants can pull off the upset of the Packers.

Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Offensive rhythm

The Giants struggled to find any rhythm on their offense last week against the Chicago Bears, scoring only seven points until the final 10 minutes of the game. They also had minus-two total yards in the second half up until the fourth quarter when they switched to a fast tempo offense. After this change was made, Daniel Jones and the Giants offense racked up 131 yards and a 23-yard touchdown pass to Golden Tate, which cut the deficit to five points.

The Giants had several opportunities to win this game and despite giving up 335 total yards, the defense did their job holding the Bears to only 19 points. It’s time for the stagnant, unbalanced and inconsistently designed offense to step up. Instead of waiting until their final two possessions this week, Pat Shurmur must make the necessary adjustments to break out of the frequent offensive slump Big Blue endures each week.

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Giants vs. Packers: Week 13 staff picks and predictions

The Giants Wire staff offers their picks and predictions ahead of a Week 13 game between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers.

The New York Giants (2-9) will take on the Green Bay Packers (8-3) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday in a game that could result in Big Blue’s elimination from the playoffs.

Expert have completely sided with the Packers — 10:0 — with most of those expecting a blowout.

How does the Giants Wire staff see this Week 13 battle shaking out? Here’s a look at our picks and score predictions:

Dan Benton: Packers 31, Giants 13

In every conceivable aspect, the Packers have a substantial advantage over the Giants — other than home field. But even that is questionable, as Big Blue Nation has all but given up on the season.

*Above prediction was also printed in USA TODAY Sports Weekly alongside a full game preview. Print editions are available every Wednesday at newsstands everywhere.

John Fennelly: N/A

N/A

Doug Rush: N/A

N/A

Tyler Henry: Packers 37, Giants 17

This game may be closer than my prediction but if it is, I can see this being one of those games where you say “the scoreboard was closer than the game actually was.” The Packers got absolutely embarrassed on national television on Monday Night Football last week. I also think the Giants’ offensive line is really going to struggle with the packers pass rush. I can’t see this one being competitive by any stretch of the measure. This one may get out of hand in a hurry.

Pat Ragazzo: Packers 35, Giants 17

The Giants head back home on a seven-game losing streak to take on the 8-3 Green Bay Packers. The Packers are coming off an abysmal 29-point loss to the 49ers defense, who were able to sack Aaron Rodgers five times and keep him uncomfortable all night in the pocket. If the Giant can put consistent pressure on Rodgers they have a shot of staying in the game until the final 10 minutes, but despite this factor, the Packers will still pull away at some point and win comfortably.

Kevin Hickey: Packers 28, Giants 17

Even at home the Giants are no match for the Packers, who have a chance to take the NFC North down the stretch. Though not technically eliminated, the Giants are already looking toward the future while hoping to develop their young talent with the remaining five games.

The offense has been up and down in recent games. The turnover trouble for rookie quarterback Daniel Jones will continue the trend, but the Giants will finally get the frustrated Saquon Barkley back on track following a few rough outings. Jones will throw two touchdowns — one to Barkley, the other to Darius Slayton — as he tries to work without Evan Engram and Golden Tate.

Defensively, the Giants simply won’t be able to stop the Packers offense. Davante Adams is in for a day against Janoris Jenkins, while Aaron Jones is liable to find the end zone multiple times. Until the Giants prove they can simply compete with top-tiered teams in the NFL, they will continue to be looked at as an easy win.

Mike Moraitis: Packers 31, Giants 17

The Giants are running into an absolute buzzsaw in Week 13. Fresh off a blowout loss to the 49ers, the Packers are coming into this game angry and hungry to bounce back and get a win. This is not good news for a Giants team that has lost seven straight.

The two Aaron’s, Jones and Rodgers, are going to have a field day picking apart this Giants defense. With Evan Engram out once again and Saquon Barkley not looking like himself, Daniel Jones is going to have an impossible task in keeping up.

Serena Burks: Packers 28, Giants 17

The Packers’ defense is too much for the Giants offense, and the Giants defense doesn’t have enough to contain Aaron Jones or Aaron Rodgers. It will seem close at first, but the Packers offense wears down the Giants defense and takes off in the second half. Meanwhile, the Packers defense keeps Daniel Jones off the field with solid pressure, and potentially creates some turnovers.

Behind Enemy Lines: Week 12 Q&A with Packers Wire

With a Week 13 matchup between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers on tap, we go behind enemy lines for a chat with Packers Wire.

The New York Giants (2-9) and Green Bay Packers (8-3) will square off on Sunday in Week 13.

The Giants opened the week as 6.5-point home underdogs, and the spread hasn’t changed as of Saturday morning.

With this matchup on tap, Giants Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Packers Wire managing editor Zach Kruse.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Giants Wire: The Packers appeared to have rounded out some early season struggles entering Week 12, but then came a meltdown against the 49ers. What did San Francisco do to frustrate Aaron Rodgers & Co. and what should the Giants have learned from that game?

Zach Kruse: The 49ers were a bad matchup for the Packers on paper and it played out exactly that way on the field. The 49ers dominated the line of scrimmage, contained Aaron Jones as a runner and receiver, got consistent pressure with only four rushers and smothered any and all underneath-to-intermediate options in the passing game. The Chargers established the blueprint in Week 9, and the 49ers executed it perfectly.

The key to frustrating the Packers is taking away the running backs (especially Jones), pressuring Rodgers without blitzing and playing coverage with seven. Force the Packers to beat you through the air with their receivers and tight ends. They haven’t proved capable of doing it consistently.

Continue …

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