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New York Jets vs. New York Giants: Full Preview

By Christian Kouroupakis

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The last two times the New York Giants and New York Jets squared off, the match-ups ended with the Giants moving on to win the Super Bowl and retain the title of “Kings of New York.” The Jets remained on the verge of mediocrity and have yet to break a title drought that has been around since 1968.

We’ve seen some great moments for the Giants. We all remember the 99 yard catch-and-run touchdown by Victor Cruz in 2011 and the fourth quarter comeback down 24-14 in the 2007 match-up. Big Blue is 8-4 against the Jets, and have won five straight games against Gang Green.

For Sunday’s match-up, it’s less about New York pride and more about keeping playoff hopes alive. The Giants (5-6) are tied for first place the NFC East, and the Jets (6-5) are competing with five teams for two AFC Wild Card spots.

“This is the next game and an important one, not just because it’s Giants versus Jets and both teams share a stadium in the same city and everything. It’s important because of what it means for our playoff hunt.” –Eli Manning

Throughout the 2015 campaign, the Giants have been middling at best. Last week was no different, a typical let down for Giants fans.

Eli Manning was unable to erase a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit in last Sunday’s 20-14 loss to the Redskins. Manning threw three interceptions for the third time in his career and was sacked three times to lose sole possession of first place.

The Giants once controlled their fate, but Big Blue always seems lose control once placed in the driver’s seat. However, they can grasp control of the wheel as opportunities approach. While they still have to face-off against the undefeated Panthers and surging Vikings, they’ll have very winnable games against the Dolphins, Eagles, and tomorrow’s game against the Jets.

If Tom Coughlin’s team can win three of the next five games, New York will most likely be crowned NFC East champs with an 8-8 record.

As for the Jets, being in the thick of the Wild Card race is nothing new due to the dominance of the New England Patriots.  A 38-20 rout of the Miami Dolphins last Sunday was a return to early season form for the sputtering Jets,  who gained traction in the AFC wild-card race. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw four touchdown passes, including two to Brandon Marshall. Despite the win, they are still on the outside looking in and need some help if they are going to make the playoffs for the first time in four years.

The Jets will have to finish with a better record than the Texans and Chiefs, who both own tiebreakers over the Jets. This dire situation gives the Jets a 22% chance at clinching a postseason spot (According to Football Perspective). The Jets can make the playoffs, but their room for error is very narrow and they can ill afford a loss to their city rivals.

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So it’s apparent that the narrative for tomorrow’s match up is all about staying relevant and within striking distance of a playoff berth. With that said, let’s dig into the match-ups.

After being crippled by injuries throughout the season, the Giants finally received good injury news this week, specifically regarding their offensive line. Guard Justin Pugh (concussion) and center Weston Richburg (ankle) were both limited in practice on Thursday, according to the Giants’ official injury report.

Big Blue averages 89.4 rushing yards per game (28th ranked) and now have to go up against a Jets’ run defense that has allowed a league-low 84.4 yards per game. Despite a match up that favors Gang Green, Richburg is confident in his unit.

“I could care less about what anybody says,” Richburg said, “It’s about what we do to make ourselves better. It’s going to be a good challenge. It’s something we’re ready for.”

Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) blocks Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle

Henry Melton

(90) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Between running backs Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen, and Orleans Darkwa, the Giants have yet to have a rusher with a 100-yard game. Getting that type of production from one of these backs while two offensive linemen are coming off significant injuries, and another with a questionable status (Marshall Newhouse) is a tall order.

Many are calling for a HUGE game by Sheldon Richardson and the Jets’ defensive line, which has 25 sacks this season. But with the return of vital pieces to the Giants’ offensive line, and Eli’s ability to release his passes quickly, Todd Bowles’ pass rush will have little time to create pressure on Manning.

Injuries could decide the fate of the Jets this week. Darrelle Revis was ruled out yesterday, delaying Odell Beckham JR’s arrival to Revis Island. This is a huge blow for the Jets defense. Expect Beckham to put on a show with Revis’ replacement, Marcus Williams, also ruled out.

Williams leads the team with five interceptions but sprained his left knee while filling in for Revis in the win over Miami. This means that either Antonio Cromartie or Buster Skrine will cover the star receiver. This is good news for Beckham fantasy owners as Cromartie has certainly lost some speed since coming back to New York, and without Revis and Williams the Jets allowed 165 yards to Miami’s Jarvis Landry last week.

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) is evaluated by medical staff during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the last three games, Beckham has been targeted 45 times by Manning, so don’t expect anything less this week with the favorable match up.

On the flip side, Marshall is proving to be the best offseason acquisition for the Jets. The 31-year-old wide-out has 9 touchdowns and 931 receiving yards this season and is once again, a red-zone threat.

Without a doubt, he’ll be targeted heavily by Fitzpatrick this Sunday.  He will most likely be defended by Giants corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who had an impressive game covering DeSean Jackson. He did score a 63 yard touchdown, but Rodgers-Cromartie was sidelined due to an ankle injury on the play.

The Giants allow 309.2 yards per game through the air, which is the worst in the league. The Jets don’t have the best aerial attack, but Fitzpatrick loves to take shots down field and Marshall and Eric Decker have become one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.

Rodgers-Cromartie has three interceptions on the season and has been a huge play maker for a bottom-feeding Giants defense, and will need to make some game changing plays if the Giants expect to beat the team they share MetLife with.

Another key for the Giants is to stop Chris Ivory. Ivory’s production halted before last week as he has battled a hamstring injury, but he is still fifth in the league with 76.6 rushing yards per game and the Jets will try to get him going early in the game.

In Week 12, the Giants improved against the run by having Landon Collins come down into the box on running plays. As a result, he made several stops against the run. Watch for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to continue to use safety pressure in the box to slow the Jets running game.

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In the end, the game will be decided by the play of X-Factor Eli Manning. While I’m worried about the Giants’ inability to get their run game going, I have more confidence in the quarterback play of Manning then I do in Fitzpatrick. Wouldn’t you?

In 2007, Manning threw 13-for-25 with 186 yards with two touchdowns in a 35-24 victory. The Jets finished 4-12, with their city rivals winning Super Bowl XLII with Eli as the MVP.

In 2011, Manning threw for 225 yards and one touchdown in a 29-14 Giants’ victory, sparked by that 99-yard catch-and-run by Cruz. The Jets finished 8-8, with big brother winning Super Bowl XLVI with Eli again the MVP.

What Eli gives Giants fans is hope. He has the experience and the ability to change the complexity of a ballgame with his selflessness and gun-slinger attitude. One big throw to Beckham Jr. can determine the outcome of not only the Giants vs Jets, but the fate of playoff football in New York.

The Giants can be exposed on defense, but can make big plays when they need to the most. They come into this matchup as underdogs, but will find a way to win the Battle of New York. Not to mention they’ll save their season.

By the end of the week, the Giants will win 30-24 and be in position to take control (yet again) of the NFC East.

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