It’s a short week for the New York Giants but given that they hosted the Dallas Cowboys on Monday and will host the Chicago Bears this Sunday, at least they didn’t have to worry about travel fatigue or playing in enemy territory.
After last week’s loss exposed some serious weaknesses across the board, the Giants are hosting a 2-1 team that doesn’t really look like a 2-1 team.
The Bears barely squeaked out a win over the Houston Texans last week, coming away with a 23-20 victory. Through the first three games, the Bears relied heavily on their ground game. Starting quarterback Justin Fields is in his second season but doesn’t seem all that comfortable in the pocket, which has led to a run-heavy offense.
David Montgomery isn’t the guy to watch, though. It’s Khalil Herbert who leads the Bears with 240 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
After falling apart against the Cowboys last week, the Giants must play better team defense this week or risk a similar fate.
“Whatever play call or defense that we call, that Wink (Martindale) calls, we expect them to perform what their responsibility is and do what’s asked of them. Whether that’s rush, whether that’s cover, whether that’s fit a gap. That’s team defense,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters.
Team defense is what the Giants need on Sunday if they want to contain Herbert and Montgomery. If they can do that and force Fields to throw the ball, the Giants have a better shot of winning.
