The New York Giants (2-2) are heading into what appears to be an easy match-up with the Cleveland Browns (0-4) at home in MetLife Stadium this weekend. But coming off a devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, it is vital that the Giants bounce back. Overlooking the Browns would be a foolish mistake to make.
Of course, New York always means business and the team will come into this game looking for a win.
The Browns have sputtered in their start with a handful of disappointing losses. However, despite some struggles on both sides of the football, they have shown they can compete with some of the NFL’s best in close defeats at the hands of the Eagles (3-1) and Baltimore Ravens (3-1).
Though Cleveland’s record may point to the contrary, the Giants could have a tough game against a rugged, young team seeking their first win in this 2012 season.
Here are the keys to victory for the Giants in this Sunday’s match-up.
1. Give Andre Brown the football. A lot.
Yes, the Giants have arguably the best quarterback in the NFL in Eli Manning, but it couldn’t hurt to give the elite gunslinger a week off.
According to Football Outsiders, the Giants rank eighth when running the football up the middle, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Such success can be attributed to breakout running back Andre Brown who, prior to Ahmad Bradshaw’s return last week, rushed for 184 yards on 33 carries and three touchdowns.
Against the Browns’ dismal run defense — their defensive line ranks 27th vs. inside runs — the Giants have to feed the football to Brown and let the man do his thing. He has shown his prowess as a punishing inside runner and deserves an opportunity to excel in a situation that caters to him while helping to deliver a victory for the home crowd.
2. Attack the Rookie Quarterback
Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden is going through some growing pains as he attempts to adjust to the NFL’s level of play and it has resulted in some lackluster play on his part. Boasting such a feisty unit, Giants’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell would be wise to direct his men up front to make sure they are in Weeden’s face all afternoon.
Cleveland currently ranks near the bottom in every significant passing statistic. This includes interceptions, seven of which Weeden has thrown through four games. Pressure up front from the Giants’ vaunted pass-rushing group — Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck — will force Weeden to make decisions on the fly.
If his first four games are any indication, putting the rookie quarterback under duress should result in turnovers and scoring opportunities for the Giants’ secondary.
3. Protect Eli Manning
While the Browns have been atrocious otherwise on defense, their pass-rushing unit has been substantially impressive. They have recorded 13 sacks and have proven to be a dependable source of disruption against some of the league’s top passers, including the Eagles’ Michael Vick and Baltimore’s Joe Flacco.
The Giants have been fantastic keeping Manning off his back, surrendering just five sacks and 10 hits on the quarterback. That success will need to continue in order to keep their quarterback safe in the pocket while also keeping the Browns’ defense in check.
Manning should not be asked to pass the football too often but it is vital that he when he does, he has ample time to do what he needs to do.
4. Stuff the Run
The Giants have been inconsistent on defense against the run. While they should focus on stacking the box up front to keep Weeden off of his game, they should also do all they can to make sure Cleveland rookie running back Trent Richardson doesn’t have a breakout game.
Richardson has struggled some, despite a 109-yard performance in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants had trouble against the Dallas Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray — who runs in a very similar style — in the season opener. With his amazing combination of speed and power, the Browns could use Richardson to capitalize on the Giants’ early-season difficulties against the run.
The defensive linemen and linebackers will need to be on top of their game to ensure that the University of Alabama product is unable to get anything going. All it takes is one big run to break open the game, and a successful rushing campaign for Richardson could ease some of the pressure resting on Weeden against the Giants’ stalwart pass rush.
Louis Musto is a contributor for the Sports Journey Broadcasting Network covering the NFL and NBA. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.