These Giants Week 2 Matchups Will be Key in Game's Outcome

The Giants need a strong showing across the board to even out their record, but in particular, they could use good wins in these two matchups.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Sep 14, 2023 8:41 PM EDT

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New York Giants

The New York Giants will face the Arizona Cardinals in their first road game of the 2023 season, hoping to shake off their 40-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1.

The two adversaries have several talented players matched against one another, making for some great entertainment. Still, these two particular matchups are among the key ones that can influence the game's outcome.

When the Giants Have the Ball

Although they aren't lining up a couple of inches apart, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and the offensive line will need to be aware of Cardinals outside linebacker Zaven Collins throughout the game.

Collins has been a relatively high-profile name in Arizona since he was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He only started in six games during his rookie season, but in Year 2, he started in 16 and logged 100 tackles (including 11 for loss), six pass breakups, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.

The up-and-comer hopes to be a leader for the Cardinals' defense again this season. He started on the right foot in the opener against the Washington Commanders by recording an interception, pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.

The 24-year-old is expected to continue to drop back into coverage and take over the middle-left side of Jones' throwing lane on Sunday. If Collins continues to emerge as a star in the making and play against the Giants as he did against the Commanders, Jones could be in for another rough outing.

Jones completed 15-of-28 attempts for 104 yards and two interceptions while being sacked seven times in the Week 1 loss to Dallas. The Giants offensive line was thrown around all night, as Jones was pressured on an absurd 66.7 percent of his dropbacks.

The Cardinals front seven were 26th in the NFL in team sacks last season (36). However, they obliterated Washington's offensive line last week, as they tallied six sacks.

Assuming that the Giants offensive line will face heavy pressure again, Jones must get the ball out sooner and make good decisions. Collins will be in his zone and ready for every ball Jones throws.

Collins isn't at the level where he takes away an entire part of the field just yet, but he's climbing toward that direction. If Jones struggles and is under pressure on Sunday, Collins may take advantage. However, if Jones is accurate and makes good reads, the first win of New York's 2023 season is all but inevitable.

When the Cardinals Have the Ball

Giants rookie cornerback Deonte Banks has stood out in New York's defensive backs room throughout OTA's, training camp, and the preseason. The 24th overall pick had a pretty solid outing against Dallas, as he broke up two passes, but he was penalized for illegal contact on a touchdown drive. This Sunday, he'll be challenged by Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown, among the fastest players in the league.

While at the University of Maryland, Banks showcased a lot of tools needed to become an immediate lockdown threat to any receiver in the NFL. His long, athletic frame and ability to stick with the receiver in man or zone could even ride him to a realistic Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Banks also excels at keeping the receiver by the sideline and rarely allows inside leverage, something many cornerbacks struggle with at every level.

Although his receiving numbers from the last few seasons aren't top-tier, Brown's speed across the field is something to marvel at. Banks must match up with many Pro Bowl receivers like Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, and Davante Adams in the season. However, despite not being in the same elite status, Brown is one of the fastest receivers Banks will face all season.

If Banks can't keep up with Brown in man coverage, Brown has the opportunity for a big day against the rookie. Nevertheless, if Banks can stay with Brown and not allow inside leverage across the field, the receiver won't have many balls thrown his way.