New York Giants - New York Jets Matchups to Watch

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

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Oct 27, 2023 12:52 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

New York Jets

The New York Giants will face the New York Jets in their eighth game of the 2023 season, hoping to start a winning streak.

The battle of MetLife Stadium has several talented players matched against one another, making for some great entertainment. Still, these two particular matchups are among the key ones that could influence Sunday afternoon's outcome.

When the Giants Have the Ball

The Jets secondary is among the best in the league, and it is unlikely that the Giants pass-catchers will be able to break out often, especially with All-Pro Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner coming back.

However, the Jets have allowed the NFL's seventh-most rushing yards per game this season, and Giants two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley has the skills to take advantage.

As previously stated, the Jets secondary is to be feared, but quick check-downs to Barkley won't have the cornerbacks involved. This strategy worked against the Washington Commanders in last week's win, as Barkley hauled in three receptions for 41 yards, including the eventual game-winning 32-yard touchdown.

Nevertheless, this game probably won't be a walk in the park for Barkley, as Jets outside linebacker Quincy Williams will be hungry to attack No. 26 in the Giants backfield.

Williams, the brother and teammate of Jets All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, has been one of the league's biggest breakout players this season. He leads the Jets in tackles (60) and tackles for loss (6) and has logged five pass breakups, four quarterback hits, two sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Williams is easily on-pace to break/has already broken all his seasonal stat records.

Williams has proven to be a nightmare for opposing running backs and reaching behind the line of scrimmage. If Barkley can't evade him through both the run and receiving games, Williams and the Jets' chances of winning will skyrocket.

When the Jets Have the Ball

Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was limited in Wednesday and Thursday's practices due to a lingering knee injury, but he could be a major factor if he plays on Sunday.

The 2022 fifth overall pick had a solid rookie season after finishing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, but fans believed he still could have done better. He got off to a rough start this season after he didn't record a single pressure in the first two games.

However, something awoke in him against the San Francisco 49ers, and five games later, Thibodeaux now leads the Giants in sacks (5.5, tied for the ninth-most in the NFL). He is also tied for the team's most tackles for loss (5).

If Thibodeaux plays, the Giants' chances of winning through the defense should increase greatly. Thibodeaux would be lined up opposite of Jets left tackle Mekhi Becton.

Becton, who was also an early draft pick (in 2020), had expectations to become one of the league's best players at his position by now. Nevertheless, he allowed seven sacks and committed the same number of penalties in his rookie season. He suffered a knee injury in Week 1 of his sophomore campaign that sidelined him for the year, and the same unfortunate event happened in the 2022 preseason. In other words, this is the first season he's played at least one full game since 2020.

Becton hasn't caught the injury bug yet this year, but his numbers haven't been in his favor--seven penalties and four sacks allowed through six games. If Thibodeaux can continue his hot streak against Becton, Jets quarterback Zach Wilson and running back Breece Hall could be in for a rough day.