The New York Giants are off to a very rough start this season. Their 1-3 record is only a piece of the story as the team continues to fall apart both on and off the field.
This week, the Giants are on the road to face a hot Miami Dolphins team. The Dolphins beat the Denver Broncos, 70-20, at home earlier this season, and their sole loss was to the Buffalo Bills on the road last week.
Buy Giants TicketsThe Giants walk into Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday as the enemy. The one thing they have going for them is that their sole win this season came on the road.
It’s not going to be easy, especially if the Giants are down early, but it is possible.
Here are six keys to obtaining a victory on Sunday.
Show up and show out
Through the first four weeks of play, the only time the Giants have shown an ounce of effort was against the Cardinals. It’s not just about making tackles or route running, it’s about actually caring about the game and showing the rest of the team that you’re willing to do what it takes to win. Knowing what to do isn’t enough, you have to actually do it.
Be better prepared
Winning football games isn’t just about the players on the field, it’s about how prepared they are for their opponent. That’s where Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka and Wink Martindale come in. They have to do a better job of preparing their players for the task at hand. The whole team looks lost on the field at times, and the discombobulation is what leads to failed plays. The players need to know what is expected of them, set clear expectations and make sure they are ready.
For the love of all things, protect Daniel Jones!
Daniel Jones is a solid quarterback and knows how to take a hit, but 10 sacks in one game? C’mon, man. This is a two-fold problem. First, the line has to put forth some effort and block so Jones has more time to throw the ball. No deep passes are happening with less than two seconds to throw. Second, the coaching staff needs to remember that it’s not mandatory to keep Jones in the game when they are getting manhandled. Protect him. Sit him down and let Tyrod Taylor get some reps if things get out of hand again.
Jones needs a poker face
Jones is notoriously bad at looking off defenders. He tends to stare down his target, which makes completing passes difficult and often results in interceptions. Put on your poker face, Jones, don’t let them know where you want to go and maybe that target will be open when you’re ready.
Try something different: Score in the first half
The Giants have been outscored 74-3 in the first half. This team is clearly not built to come from behind. Does anything else need to be said? First-half scoring. Do it instead of punting.
Actually try tackling: Part II
The Giants defense has recorded 40 missed tackles this season. Tackling is a fundamental part of football, something these players have been doing for many years. The last few weeks, it seems like they don’t know what to do on the field, so they’re running around in chaos. Now they’re out of position and incapable of making the tackle that should have been a cinch. Preparation. Effort. Tackling. It all goes together.
