The Giants are in a world of hurt. Literally. Quarterback Eli Manning may or may not play. (I doubt it) Running back Brandon Jacobs is out. Starting defensive end Osi Umenyiora is out. Their kicker is hurt. (Hey, after the last game we know how important kickers are…) Taking a look at Bob McGinn’s opponent preview (sorry, sub required) you can see this team is all offensive skill positions, and not much more, especially now that Umenyiora’s out.
Here’s what I’ll be looking for from the Giants:
Offense: Derrick Ward will do a pale Tiki Barber imitation, but from what I saw of him last Sunday night against the Cowboys, the Packers better be careful. This kid has got some quickness and definitely hits the hole much quicker than Brandon Jacobs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bunch of draws and screens surrounded by a heavy dose of running between the tackles, especially if Jared Lorenzen starts for Manning. The only hope the Giants have is to get the running game going well enough that the Packers are forced to bring Bigby down into the box, thereby giving Lorenzen some one-on-one match-ups off play-action. Also look for Shockey out wide to match up against our linebackers. He is more athletic than all but Barnett and could do some real damage if the line gives Lorenzen time.
Defense: What a mess. This unit looked absolutely pathetic against the Cowboys. Play after play Dallas exposed the middle of the field with tight end Jason Witten. The Packers don’t have anyone of that caliber at the tight end position, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see similar zone drops from the Giants, thinking Lee and Franks won’t beat them the way Witten did. (And let’s face it, they’re probably right) If the Packers can’t run the ball this game, they wont be able to all season, because with R. W. McQuarters and ancient Sam Madison playing corner, there’s no way they leave them without safety help over the top much of the game, meaning there should only be seven defenders in the box for most of the contest. If the Packers can’t get something going in the run game, something is seriously wrong.
