The Baltimore Ravens are about to play the New York Giants on Sunday. I thought I would ask the guys at GMENHQ some questions. Here is some perspective on the Giants from Curt Macysyn:
When we have a match up like this, there is much to ask. This game will be very interesting. So let’s get right down to it. My questions are in bold. Curt’s answers follow it.
Question 1: The Giants have lost three straight games. Are they a bad team or is this just a rough stretch?
The Giants are a franchise in a constant state of flux, so it is difficult to know what their true identity is. There appears to be more talent on the roster than previous years, but no one can accurately predict their final record right now.
Question 2: Obviously Odell Beckham is an amazing player. How have teams like the Vikings shut him down? What’s the best strategy?
It’s not like defensive coordinators have found the silver bullet to stop Beckham in his third year, they haven’t. OBJ’s own mental breakdowns have been his worst enemy this season. In addition, the struggles of the offensive line and quarterback Eli Manning have also affected Beckham’s production. But Beckham and the offense will have a break out game, so defenses should not be over confident.
Question 3: What is the biggest weakness of the Giants? How should the Ravens exploit this weakness?
The Achilles heel of the team is the offensive line. Ereck Flowers has taken a step back this season, and Bobby Hart at right tackle is a work in progress. Neither player has shown sound footwork or mechanics. I would pressure the edges and try to collapse the pocket on Manning.
Question 4: What is your take on first time head coach, Ben McAdoo?
I think McAdoo has struggled at times but nothing out of the ordinary for a rookie head coach. I also feel that McAdoo has been put in awkward situations by gm Jerry Reese and COO John Mara. First it was having to defend the signing of Josh Brown, then it was Odell Beckham’s behavior, followed by Ereck Flowers shoving a reporter last week. Mara and Reese should have taken some heat off of McAdoo by being available to the press to discuss these situations, but it’s been all McAdoo.
Next: Baltimore Ravens 3 Point Underdogs Against Giants
Question 5: Who is the X-Factor for the Giants?
The Giants have routinely ignored the tight end position under Reese. Rookie TE Jerrell Adams got a shot last week with Larry Donnell sidelined with a concussion. I liked his soft hands and yards after the catch. Hopefully oc Mike Sullivan saw the same
thing. That’s a hunch. I also like what I’ve seen out of Bobby Rainey lately too.
Question 6: Give me a prediction for this one:
I think home field wins out in a close game. Give me Giants 23-20.