Giants Keys To Success Against The Bills

Be Successful On Third Downs

The Giants only converted on two of 11 third-down plays against the Cowboys. They will have to play much better in do or die situations against a tough Bills defense this weekend. The Bills were able to hold Sam Darnold and the Jets to only 175 passing yards in total. They also allowed a lowly 3.4 yards per pass. The Giants will be down Golden Tate and currently have both Sterling Shepard and Cody Latimer listed as questionable. That leaves Evan Engram, Bennie Fowler, and newly resigned T.J. Jones as the downfield threats. To win in Week 2, Eli Manning will have to be accurate and make the correct reads. Especially on third-down attempts.

Feed Barkley

The Giants will have to rely on a much larger dose of Saquon Barkley against the Bills. The defense will unquestionably be keying in on stopping the Giants’ running game. Barkley should be constantly fed the ball on the ground and will have to be active in the passing game to get the win. The Bills have an above-average defense. Barkley’s unique talent should give the Giants a few game-breaking plays if given enough opportunities.

Stay Disciplined On Defense

The Giants were undisciplined and showcased consistently poor communication on defense against the Cowboys. They will have to improve their pass defense and amp up their pressure on the quarterback against the Bills. The Giants secondary is populated by a mix of rookies and newly acquired veterans. They will have to stay on their assignments, and not bite on play actions to get the win.

Generate A Pass Rush

In Week 1, Dak Prescott was able to stand in the pocket and find receivers without a whiff of pressure. If they allow Josh Allen the same time and comfort in the pocket he should duplicate the Cowboys down-field success. The Giants defense should employ a variety of different looks and unconventional blitzes to get after Allen. They will have to pay attention to quarterback scrambles, as Allen has shown off the ability to tuck the ball and run in the past.

Throw To Evan Engram

Engram was the most effective pass catcher for the Giants in Week 1. He had 11 catches and accounted for over a third of Eli Manning’s passing yards against the Cowboys. He should be targeted early and often against the Bills. Especially given all the attention the defense will devote to stopping Barkley. The Giants should rely on play-action calls to suck defenders in and open up passing lanes.