Opponent perspective on the Ravens’ upcoming matchup.
In preparing for Sunday’s matchup, Big Blue View’s Ed Valentine and I sat down for a Q&A for one another’s publications.
To read my answers to Valentine’s questions, please check out Big Blue View.
1. This feels insulting to start with but I must ask. How has the MetLife Stadium turf treated players this season? The sentiment this week has mostly been getting a win and getting out healthy. Have there been notable injuries in MetLife?
The Giants have a ton of injuries, as you probably know. The turf, though, is not an issue. I know the reputation, and I know fans still complain about it, but it was replaced a year ago and isn’t an issue.
2. The Giants are starting Tommy DeVito on Sunday against the Ravens, Head Coach Brian Daboll announced. What should we look for in DeVito’s playstyle?
Not much. The fans love the guy because of the three-game winning streak a year ago. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, but he also doesn’t push the ball down the field much. He plays hard, but he’s a QB3.
3. The Giants’ offense appears as a decent running game and they’re a top 10 team in time of possession. However, they’re last in the NFL in red zone touchdown scoring and points per game. What are the issues when they’re attempting to close out drives?
Well, for much of the year most of the blame would fall on quarterback play. Drops, penalties are also a big part of it. Bad teams shoot themselves in the foot a lot.
4. Who are two Giants players (one offense, one defense) Ravens fans should watch for that could be the difference in this game?
On offense rookie running back Tyrone Tracy is terrific. The question is whether the giants can stay in the game long enough that the running game will matter. If they were a better team he would be seeing a lot more touches, and would have much better numbers. On defense, I am very curious whether CB Tae Banks plays. He’s missed two games with a rib injury, and the Giants could use him.
5. How do you expect the Giants to navigate this offseason? What happens to the coaching staff and what do you believe they must do to become a successful organization once more?
I honestly don’t know what is going to happen. There are arguments for patience with the head coach and GM, and arguments for starting over. They have to get quarterback right, and I think they will take a swing at that this offseason. To me, the roster (if reasonably healthy, which it is not right now) isn’t as bad as 2-11 makes it look. The right quarterback and I think a Washington Commanders-like turnaround isn’t out of the question.