The New York Giants and New York Jets will meet in Week 8 and battle for Big Apple bragging rights on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants are coming off their first victory in a month, while the Jets are returning from their bye week. This game carries significant weight for both as playoff hopes hang in the balance.
With both defenses playing on an elite level, this may be a low-scoring game.
Here are three reasons for optimism heading into Week 8.
Giants getting healthy
The Giants are hoping to get some starters back on Sunday. And although some fans may disagree, head coach Brian Daboll would love to get quarterback Daniel Jones back this week. However, Jones still has not been cleared for contact.
The Giants did see Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz back on the practice field this week.
Getting Thomas back would be a massive boost to the offense and could be a big difference-maker in this game.
Big Blue’s defense played great last week against the Commanders and could get an additional boost if cornerback Adoree’ Jackson finds his way back.
More sacks coming for the Giants?
The defense has certainly picked up their game the last couple of weeks and they will need to come up big again if the Giants are going to win this one.
Wink Martindale’s group racked up six sacks last week.
The Jets’ offensive line has been a concern from the jump and headed into Week 8, they have allowed 20 sacks on the year — tied for fifth-most in the league.
Wink Martindale should be able to draw up some blitzes to make Zach Wilson uncomfortable.
Jets underuse their ground game
The Jets have one of the more underrated rushing attacks in the league. Breece Hall is a real weapon and someone the Giants should keep an eye on this Sunday.
The Giants’ defense has played well the last two weeks and a big reason why is that they have been able to focus on the opponents’ passing attack.
Enter the Jets, who are 28th in the league in rushing attempts per game.
The Giants would certainly prefer to keep the ball in the hands of Zach Wilson. The Jets’ passing attack ranks dead last in the league in yards per game.
Big Blue would love this trend to continue.
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