5 Keys To Victory For New York Giants In Week 1

By Kenneth Teape

5 Keys To Victory For New York Giants Week 1

New York Giants Huddle — The New York Giants are facing seemingly an uphill battle against the Detroit Lions, opening their season in Detroit on Monday Night Football. With how things looked in the preseason, it could be a struggle to open the season. But the Giants did pull off an unexpected win there last season. Here are five keys to a Giants victory Week 1.

5. Battle In The Trenches

Nick Fairley and Ezekiel Ansah Lions

5. Battle In The Trenches

Nick Fairley and Ezekiel Ansah Lions — The Lions have what looks like the makings of a dominant defensive line. Ndamukong Suh leads the way with Nick Fairley next to him and Ezekiel Ansah at DE. The Lions plan to blitz more, which could open up one-on-one opportunities for their scary defensive line. They will be a handful for a Giants' offensive line that has been ravaged by injury. It will be imperative for the Giants' offensive line to contain them to the best of their abilities.

4. Take Advantage Of Lions' Secondary

Giants vs Lions Defensive Backs

4. Take Advantage Of Lions' Secondary

Giants vs Lions Defensive Backs — While the front of the Lions' defense looks dominant, the same cannot be said about their secondary. They have major question marks there, not adding much to help out Darius Slay, who is slated to start even after an underwhelming rookie campaign. They have a great player in Glover Quin, but there is not much else there. This may be the type of secondary that helps Eli Manning and the struggling Giants pass offense get on track.

3. WR Needs To Step Up

Jerrel Jernigan Giants

3. WR Needs To Step Up

Jerrel Jernigan Giants — The Giants know what they will be getting from Victor Cruz. The question is what will the others give them? Rueben Randle and Jerrel Jernigan are expected to be next in line with Odell Beckham Jr. sidelined with a hamstring injury. It will be imperative this week, and until Beckham Jr. returns, for someone to step up next to Cruz. Jernigan had a big game against the Lions last season; could he catch lightning in a bottle again?

2. Ride The Running Game

Eli Manning Handing Ball Off

2. Ride The Running Game

Eli Manning Handing Ball Off — The Giants' struggles in the passing game have been well documented in the preseason. One area offensively where they did not struggle was on the ground. Rashad Jennings showed that he was ready to be a lead back. He will have some help on early downs from rookie Andre Williams who was strong in the preseason as well. It would do the Giants well to ride the running game until the passing game comes around. Jennings and Williams look ready for it.

1. Contain Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson Lions

1. Contain Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson Lions — The plan coming into the season was for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to follow the No. 1 WR on other teams. He will be tested right out of the gate, facing off against arguably the best WR in the league in “Megatron,” Calvin Johnson. For the Giants to get the win in Detroit, not allowing Johnson to have a monster game would go a long way. Johnson will get his numbers; just limiting them to not being otherworldly will help.

Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network

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