The Giants will look to shelve their recent publicized issues when they play the Broncos in Denver before a national televised audience Sunday night. Here is a quick look at some of the key points in the matchup:
DENVER’S DEFENSE: The Broncos have the league’s top defense allowing just over 268 total yards per game. They are especially frugal on the ground where they issue just 50 yards per game. In the secondary, the Broncos feature on the league’s most talented units, as they are 11th overall allowing 210 yards per contest. This also is a unit that had a week off and is fully healthy.
Von Miller, arguably the top or one of the top pass rushers in the league, has four sacks and nine quarterback hits through four games. Miller is not alone and he is the catalyst of their defense.
To combat him, the Giants likely will start D.J. Fluker at right guard again and move Justin Pugh to right tackle.
Keeping Miller away from Eli Manning will be a key to keep the Giants close.
MANNING: Reports out of Denver had the Broncos focusing on Manning’s constant threat in the game. Despite the team’s turmoil, Manning has been rather effective in his last two starts, throwing for a pair of touchdowns and 288 yards against Tampa Bay, and tossing for 225 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. He did throw a late pick against the Chargers.
With his three top receivers out, Manning faces a huge challenge. Running back Shane Vereen was a late-game passing option last week, and he and Evan Engram both could have busy nights.
Rumors continue to simmer that Manning will be dealt to Jacksonville to be reunited with former coach and current Jaguars VP Tom Coughlin. In spite of their 3-2 record, the Jaguars have major quarterback problems and will have 37 million in gap space next season, easily fitting Manning’s estimated 22 million neatly under it.
The NFL trading deadline is Oct. 31. The 36-year-old Manning wants to be a Giant for life. Stay tuned.
GIANTS DEFENSE: The Giants have another great opportunity as they will face an offense that should be able to contain for the third consecutive week. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay and Los Angeles didn’t look anything like that as the G-Men couldn’t shut them down.
Denver is ranked 13th overall, but they have the league’s third-best rushing attack. The Giants has trouble containing Los Angeles’ Melvin Gordon, who sliced and diced his way to 105 yards last week.
Denver’s C.J. Anderson ran for 95 yards in his team’s 16-10 win over Oakland last week.
The Giants will be missing Jonathan Casillas, Olivier Vernon, and Romeo Okwara along with suspended Dominque Rogers-Cromartie. Landon Collins likely will be a game-time decision to an already discombobulated secondary. If Eli Apple can have a solid game, it will be a huge boost.
As a result, Jason Pierre-Paul and his linemates will need to bring their game to corral the Broncos.
SPECIAL TEAMS: This could get very interesting in the Giants’ returns. Rookies Travis Rudolph and Ed Eagan, who were just brought off the practice squad, likely will handle the returns. Even though this will be their first action of the season, both looked good during the preseason.
Brad Wing has rebounded nicely from his punting struggles. This could be a good opportunity for kicker Aldrick Rosas, who has made four of five field goal attempts this season.