10 Things to Watch in Giants vs. Lions
The New York Giants face a tough test this Sunday against the high-powered Detroit lions. Here are 10 key things to watch as the Giants look to pull off an upset:
1. Jaxson dart’s health & Status: The biggest question mark for the Giants revolves around quarterback Jaxson Dart. head Coach Brian Daboll expressed his primary concern was ensuring Dart’s health following his exit from the game against the Chicago Bears. “My only concern was just making sure Jaxson’s healthy and right,” Kafka told reporters Friday. “Again, we have a lot of trust in the doctors…we are certainly doing that wiht Jaxson.” His availability will heavily influence the Giants’ offensive strategy.
2. Winston’s Possibility: If Dart is unable to play, Tommy DeVito will start, but the Giants will likely lean on veteran Tyrod Taylor to get the pass game going. the Lions present a favorable matchup for passing, allowing the ninth-most passing touchdowns in the NFL with 18.
3. Lions’ Pass-Funnel Defense: Detroit boasts a top-10 run defense but is vulnerable through the air.This creates a potential opportunity for the Giants’ passing attack, especially if Dart is healthy enough to exploit the weaknesses in the Lions’ secondary.
4. Banged-Up Lions Secondary: Detroit’s secondary is facing significant injury concerns. Starting cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) and starting safety Kerby Joseph (knee) have not practiced this week after missing Week 11.The status of starting corner D.J. Reed (hamstring) is also uncertain. The Lions could be without three-quarters of their starting secondary, potentially providing a boost for the Giants’ quarterback.
5. Lions’ Offensive Line Dominance: the Lions’ offense is built around a dominant offensive line, led by tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. This unit consistently ranks among the NFL’s best, creating running lanes and protecting quarterback Jared Goff.
6. Two-Headed Rushing Attack: Detroit features a potent rushing attack spearheaded by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Gibbs is averaging 5.2 yards per carry with 732 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, adding 37 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Montgomery has 493 rushing yards (4.5 avg.) and five touchdowns on 110 attempts.
7. Jared Goff’s Efficiency: Quarterback Jared Goff is enjoying a strong season, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 2,490 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 110.8.
8. Amon-Ra St.Brown’s Impact: Amon-Ra St. Brown is Goff’s primary target and a league leader in receptions. He has 94 targets, 66 receptions, 735 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Containing St. Brown will be crucial for the Giants’ defense.
9. Jameson Williams’ Emergence: Detroit’s No. 2 receiver, Jameson Williams, has been gaining momentum, recording at least four receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown in four of his last five games.
10. Sam LaPorta’s Absence: The Lions will be without starting tight end Sam LaPorta, who was placed on injured reserve last week due to a back injury. This loss removes a key weapon from Goff’s arsenal and could slightly alter the Lions’ offensive approach.
