New York Giants: 3 Keys to victory over Texans in Week 3
The winless New York Giants face a must-win scenario Sunday afternoon when they battle the 0-2 Houston Texans. Here are three keys to victory for Big Blue.
The New York Giants are in desperation mode. They’ve lost their first two games and are on the road again this Sunday facing another desperate team – the Houston Texans. It’s a must win game for Big Blue because an 0-3 start is virtually a death sentence in the NFL.
As of last year, only 2.9 percent of squads that open their season 0-3 have made the playoffs since 1980, per oddsshark.com. It will be the home opener for the Texans, who are listed as six-point point favorites according to oddsshark.com.
It’s now or never for Big Blue. They’ll be facing some of the most dynamic players in the league on both sides of the ball: J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and DeAndre Hopkins, just to name a few. This will be a very difficult game to win before a loud and raucous crowd at NRG Stadium. The Texans have to win this game as well if they are to retain any playoff aspirations in the AFC South.
Here are three keys to victory for the G-Men on Sunday.
1. Max protect quarterback Eli Manning
The offensive line of the New York Giants as been brutal so far this season. Plain and simple. They’ve allowed eight sacks already, including six last Sunday against Dallas. Quarterback Eli Manning, now 37, will not make it through the season if this keeps up.
Left tackle Nate Solder, their big free agent acquisition this Spring, has been a disaster. There is no surge at the point of attack on rushing attempts. Let’s face it — the entire line has been a major disappointment. Manning is past his prime but no quarterback, from Joe Montana to Tom Brady, can throw effectively when they are under constant duress.
The Texans pose a major test for New York’s beleaguered line. Watt, Clowney and Whitney Mercilus are three of the most talented pass rushers in the NFL. Watt is a four-time First Team All-Pro with 76 career sacks. He’s led the league in sacks twice during his stellar eight-year career. Clowney and Mercilus have combined for 58.5 sacks during their young careers.
Houston is going to throw everything at Manning — blitzes, stunts, etc. John Greco is expected to start at center in place of the injured Jon Halapio, who is out for the season (leg, ankle). There will create a period of adjustment. Houston is really going to dial-up the pressure on Manning. So what can Big Blue do to stop the tidal wave?
They have to go into max protect mode. Bring in a fullback or add another tight end to give Manning adequate time to throw. The Giants have wonderful offensive weapons in Odell Beckham, Jr., Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram. What good are they if Manning can’t get them the ball in space?
If the G-Men have to sacrifice a pair of receivers in a particular route just to protect Manning in the pocket, so be it. If the veteran signal-caller is running for his life, has happy feet and has to hurry his throws, the Giants aren’t going to win anyway. Max protection is their only recourse.