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At MetLife Stadium on Sunday, the New York Giants face their hometown rivals, the New York Jets. The Giants’ offense failed to show up until the fourth quarter last week against the Washington Redskins, so it’s crucial they get off to a quick start against the Jets. Tom Coughlin always stresses the importance of the running game, but this week, the only way the Giants will get a win against the Jets is through the air.
The Jets are one of only three teams in the NFL that have yet to allow 1,000 yards rushing. If that stat wasn’t intimidating enough for a struggling Giants offense, last week the Jets held the Miami Dolphins to just 12 yards on the ground, a franchise record. The four-man running back rotation for the Giants has been having little success in recent weeks and there’s no sign of focusing on one back to carry the load.
Ben McAdoo expressed his desire to keep running the football this week. “We need to play with some balance,” McAdoo said. “We don’t want to be a throwing team. We have to get our run game going, we know that.” With a hobbled offensive line, this week isn’t an opportune time to focus on rushing the ball, especially against the Jets.
The Giants should use their favorable matchups on the outside to move the ball down the field. Darrelle Revis has been ruled out with a concussion and backup Marcus Williams is a game-time decision. That leaves Buster Skrine as a potential starter against Odell Beckham Jr. Skrine allows 67 percent of passes against him and OBJ is coming off his fourth straight 100-yard game. The Giants would be foolish not to exploit that matchup.
Even the inconsistent Rueben Randle will likely be facing Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie has allowed seven touchdowns on his side, tied for the league worst. Eli Manning is coming off a three-interception game, but the matchups in the secondary may be the only way to move the ball down the field with the strength of the Jets front four.
While a strong running game is important, this week isn’t the time to try and revive a struggling ground game. The Giants should air the ball out this week if they hope to defeat the Jets and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Christopher Schwarz is a New York Giants beat writer and NFL Coverage writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter.
