Two Giants-49ers Matchups to Watch

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

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Sep 20, 2023 7:31 PM EDT

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New York Giants

The New York Giants will face the San Francisco 49ers in their second road game of the 2023 season, hoping to pull off a massive upset.

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

The 49ers have a solid secondary, but an argument could be made that their talented abilities in pass coverage stems from two-time All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner. Warner is considered the best linebacker in the NFL and the best in pass coverage, as he consistently takes away the middle of the field.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will need to find a way to target pass-catchers outside of Warner's zone but should also sprinkle a few challenges toward the middle linebacker. If that can't be done and he has to use his legs more, he's shown that he's capable. However, pass-catchers like 2020 Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller and receiver Isaiah Hodgins need to get open much quicker than usual due to the 49ers' pass rush.

The Giants also need another receiver to defy expectations when crossing near Warner, as running back Saquon Barkley, who was declared out this week due to a sprained ankle, was tied with Waller for the most targets last week (6).

Receivers Darius Slayton and Parris Campbell could be those players. But if he plays some more snaps, rookie Jalin Hyatt, who finished last week with the team's most receiving yards (89 on just two receptions), is another solid option.

Despite leading a historic second-half comeback last week against the Cardinals, Jones' numbers when combining his first two games of the season have been less than impressive. If he can't find open receivers and get the ball out quicker, Warner could take advantage.

Jones will need to be incredibly accurate when throwing near Warner, but other receivers must step up and get open when the play doesn't revolve around the middle of the field if they want to win.

Keep an eye on the Evan Neal-Nick Bosa matchup in this one. Neal had a rebound type of performance last week against the Cardinals, but this week, he's facing a competitor who arguably is on par with what he faced against the Cowboys in Week 1.

When the 49ers Have the Ball

Two years ago, 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel broke out by racking up 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns but also logged 365 rushing yards and eight more scores. He earned his first All-Pro honors but suffered multiple injuries last season, and he wasn't used in the same ways.

Two weeks into the 2023 season, it seems like Samuel is on the way back to his electric "wide-back" ways and could be trouble for either of the Giants' two rookie cornerbacks (Tre Hawkins III or Deonte Banks) if they draw Samuel as their assignment.

Samuel often motions and receives quick bubble screens in the 49ers' unique offense, which could catch an inexperienced rookie at the NFL level off-guard.

It is uncertain at this time if 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, listed as questionable, will play on Thursday night due to a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 2. If he's sidelined, Samuel's target shares will likely skyrocket.

That being said, Hawkins and Banks have done a solid job in their respective rookie campaign thus far. If they can continue to eliminate the quarterback—this week being Brock Purdy—from targeting his side of the field, Samuel could be in for a rough day.