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For the second straight season, the Giants began the year with a crushing loss at home. On Sunday, they will be eager to get back to winning ways as they look to avoid the same type of start that saw them lose five of their first six and eight of their first 10 games in 2023.
Here are the biggest storylines to watch as the Giants look to turn things around…
Can Daniel Jones bounce…and how long will your leash last if you can’t?
Jones had a nightmare start to the season, highlighted by his interception for a touchdown. Andrew Van Ginkel In the second half of the loss to the Vikings, just a week into the season, people are already wondering if he’ll lose his job, and we all know how impatient fans can be.
Jones will likely be helped by the fact that this week’s game is on the road. The home fans booed the offense with regularity last week, which doesn’t exactly make it easier for Jones to regain confidence after his serious injury.
With drawn lock and Tommy De Vito Jones isn’t going to get too many second chances, so he needs to play better than he did last week at the very least. As long as he can continue to improve as he gets back to health, he has a chance to keep his job, but he can’t afford any more bumps in the road.
How will Jayden Daniels fare in his first NFC East matchup?
If Daniels proves to be a real player, this will be the first of many times he gets a chance to face the Giants. So far, he’s looked pretty solid for the Commanders.
Of the three rookies who played in Week 1, Daniels posted the best numbers, as he completed 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards and also ran for two touchdowns. Additionally, Daniels did not fumble, although he did lose the ball three times.
New York will look to put pressure on Daniels, but will have to be wary of his ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs.
Can you take advantage of the Commanders’ pass defense?
Baker Mayfield Mayfield fell just shy of 300 yards in Week 1 against Washington, as the Bucs scored 37 points and only needed to punt once. Mayfield completed eight passes of 15-plus yards, including a 32-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter to end the Commanders’ hopes of winning.
Washington, whose secondary also looked outmatched during joint practices with the Jets in the preseason, had four different players allow more than 50 yards in coverage. This included Benjamin Saint-Justewho was outnumbered by two touchdowns. In addition, his fellow corner Emmanuel Forbes will be out for a while due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb. In theory, this could be a blockbuster game for the rookie receiver. Former Malik Nabers president Abdullah Abdullah stands in the city center.
Will Isaiah Simmons be involved this week?
Simmons was a frustrated figure in the locker room this week after not seeing any defensive snaps in Sunday’s game.
Simmons has always been a player whose best role in the NFL has been a matter of debate, dating back to when he was a draft prospect. However, he is a versatile player who can do a lot of things, so it is disappointing that the Giants can’t find a way for him to contribute.
One idea might be to give him some opportunities to rush the quarterback in specific situations. That could refresh a unit that underperformed against Minnesota, especially if Simmons uses his attitude to boost his effort.
Can New York force turnovers like the last time they were in Washington?
Perhaps the only bright spot from last season for the Giants was that they tied for the NFL lead in defensive turnovers with 31. They forced multiple turnovers in 10 of their 17 games, including a season-high six in a win over the Commanders in Washington in November.
In their opener, this was another rare bright spot for the Giants, as they forced two turnovers: one Bobby Okereke loose ball recovery and a Dario Muasau The importance of forcing turnovers is underscored by the fact that New York lost five of the six games in which it failed to force one in 2023, so it needs to remain opportunistic.
