New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins: What's the Game Plan for New York?
With wins by the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the New York Giants desperately need a victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
Quarterback Eli Manning will have a great opportunity to redeem his substandard play the last few weeks in a prime-time event, when he usually shines the brightest.
A loss would keep the Giants one game back in the division and a long shot in the wild card, making their postseason push that much more of an uphill battle.
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The Dolphins aren't exactly world-beaters, but the Giants can't afford to take anyone lightly, especially when they're on the road.
Here is what the Giants will likely plan to do in Monday Night's showdown.
Offensive Game Plan
Protect Eli
The Giants are essentially a two-player show. Their entire success is dependent on the play of quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and their success is dependent on each other.
It's a chain reaction. Manning needs Beckham to have a big game, but he can only do that if he has time to get downfield and make plays. Similarly, there's nothing Manning can do when he is on his back.
That's why, every single week, the most important game plan involves protecting Manning, who has been sacked three times in each of the last two games.
The Dolphins have a very solid defensive line that could make it a long night for Big Blue if their offensive line doesn't win the war in the trenches.
Throw on First Down
I think we're finally past the point of thinking the Giants can create some holes for their running backs to at least be decent. At least I have.
The running back corps are essentially a four-headed group of mediocrity and have been largely a disaster this season.
That's why the Giants need to throw more often on first down this week. They simply can't afford to lose yardage or gain just a couple of yards on every first down. A predictable run on first down will lead to a predictable 2nd-and-long pass.
It's a cycle the Giants can't afford to get roped into.
Defensive Game Plan
Contain Jarvis Landry
Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry leads the team in receptions (78), targets (99) and yards (821) this season. He also has over 100 rushing yards with a touchdown.
There's little doubt that he's quarterback Ryan Tannehill's favorite weapon, and it's hard to doubt his explosiveness and effectiveness.
The 23-year-old had 13 catches and 165 yards two weeks ago against a Jets secondary that outshines that of the Giants. If he's not the sole focus of Big Blue's game plan, he'll torch them on Monday night.
Take Lamar Miller Out of the Passing Game
Though running back Lamar Miller is averaging nearly five yards per carry, he's one of the most under-utilized backs in the league. He's supremely talented yet only totals 56.7 yards per game because of limited touches.
Unfortunately for the Giants, Miller impacts the game in more than one way and is a highly effective player in the passing game. The Giants have had huge issues stopping running backs through the air this season, as evidenced most recently by Jets RB Bilal Powell's explosion last week.
The Giants are going to need to pay close attention to Miller as he slips through blocks and out of the backfield.
Key Players and Matchups
DeVante Parker
Wide receiver Rishard Matthews has been ruled out for Monday night's game.
DeVante Parker has picked up his play in recent weeks and is now becoming more of a factor in the offense.
He now gets the perfect opportunity to fully break out and capitalize on more targets. He also gets to pick on a Giants secondary that has a penchant for being picked on.
Offensive Live vs. Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is a nightmare for teams with a good offensive line and running game, which makes him the scariest possible thing for the Giants, who have neither.
His ability to break through the line and create havoc in the backfield is why he got a huge payday, making him one of the most effective defensive tackles in the NFL.
He's hard to miss, but the Giants need to focus on stopping him Monday night.
Prediction
How can the Giants possibly be trusted? This team has become the girlfriend who keeps breaking your heart, but to whom you keep giving second chances anyway. They don't deserve another chance.
With at least some of the NFC East getting their act together on Sunday, the Giants are one step closer to clearing house and going through the rebuild that they desperately need.
Manning and Beckham Jr. are better than Tannehill and Landry, but the rest of the positions favor Miami. The Giants should win this game with so much at stake, but on the road against a team that is probably better as a whole, the G-Men can't be counted on.
Dolphins 22, Giants 20
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