Giant Keys- Week 6

In the wake of the New York Giants‘ 44-6 destruction of the Seattle Seahawks in week 5, their biggest strength was revealed: depth. Not many people doubted the Giants would beat Seattle. Some even thought Dominik Hixon, Plaxico Burress one game replacement, would play well. However, not many predicted that Sinorice Moss would look like a viable wide receiver. Or that starting right tackle Kareem McKenzie would leave with an injury and the offensive line would not miss a beat. Other teams may have more talented starting line-ups, but no team in the NFL has a better 53 man roster than the Giants. On both sides of the ball, Big Blue has viable reserves that can step in and contribute. Many people have heard of Justin Tuck. But have you heard of Dave Tollefson? He’s a back-up defensive end in his second year in the league out of Northwest Missouri State. He has 2 sacks this season while playing primarily in the Giants nickel and dime defensive packages. This is just one example of the depth and versatility the Giants have. They’ve already survived Michael Strahan’s retirement and Osi Umenyiora’s season-ending knee injury as well as Plaxico Burress’ one game suspension.  Of course all NFL teams need to stay relatively healthy to have a successful season, and all bets are off if Eli Manning goes down. But the Giants are better prepared than any other team in the league to deal with the unexpected situations that come up during the season.

Key Matchups New York Giants vs. the Cleveland Browns

The Giants Secondary vs. The Browns Offensive Speed

While the Browns offense has been inept this season, they have playmakers on offense than can score from anywhere on the field.  Braylon Edwards, Joshua Cribbs and Syndric Steptoe can all get deep and give the Browns a punchers chance against the Giants dominate defense.

Kevin Boss and Steve Smith vs. The Browns Zone Defense

With the mismatches the Giants have offensively on the perimeter the Browns will probably be conservative in their pass coverages, playing mostly two-deep and three deep defenses.  Tight End Kevin Boss and slot receiver Steve Smith will be key in moving the chains and creating opportunities for Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer on the outside.

The Giants will methodically wear down an over matched Browns team.  The defense will pressure Derek Anderson all night while Eli Manning spreads the ball out in the passing game.  The Giants continue to roll 26-13.