The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins have zero hope of making the playoffs this year, so when they face off this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, only pride is on the line.
The Dolphins have three wins under their belts, while the Giants are looking for their third.
Here are three keys to a Big Blue victory this weekend:
Try actually making adjustments
Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants took a 17-3 lead into the locker room at halftime. But instead of making adjustments knowing that the Eagles would make adjustments, Pat Shurmur and James Bettcher chose to stay the course. Except in the process of “staying the course,” they also go away from what was working (see: going to Darius Slayton).
The result was that the Giants lost in OT. So this week, maybe the two of them could try to make some adjustments during the game. And maybe those adjustments lead the team to a victory.
Stick with the hot hand
Darius Slayton leads the team in targets and only trails Evan Engram by two receptions. He has 659 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Last week he had five receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns before the Giants apparently forgot he was on the team.
Slayton is one of this team’s bright spots, and he needs to be utilized. He has a ton of potential, but it will remain potential until he’s given a chance to prove he can fuel the fodder.
Not only should the Giants stick with Slayton, but how about they get the ground game going? For whatever reason, last week the Giants turned away from Saquon Barkley. Barkley has not had 20 carries in a single game all season. No wonder they’re losing.
Don’t let Ryan Fitzpatrick beat you with his legs
Don’t let his age fool you, the Dolphins quarterback is their second leading rusher this season. Normally the Giants wouldn’t want a quarterback to throw the ball to it’s weak secondary. This week it’s different.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has the ability to beat the rush with his legs, so it is imperative that the Giants lock him in the pocket. His season QBR is 63.4, he’s been sacked 13 times and thrown 12 interceptions in 12 games. If the Giants can force him into passing the ball, guys like Janoris Jenkins or Julian Love could come up with a turnover.
