Malik Nabers and Dexter Lawrence are the big names for the Giants versus the Browns
The Cleveland Browns are in the win column after getting a much-needed victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Now, the team will focus their attention to another foe, this time in the NFC East. Cleveland is looking for their first win against the NFC East this season as they will face off against the New York Giants.
The 2021 season in which the New York Giants made the postseason under then-first-year head coach Brian Daboll looks more and more like a fluke. Fast forward to now, the team has regressed, quarterback Daniel Jones is likely going to be gone after this year, and the same could be said for the head coach.
Offensively? We all know what quarterback Daniel Jones is at this point in his career. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is probably the best player on that side of the ball. Secnd best? Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas. Third? Running back Devin Singletary.
Overall, this unit has some talent but collectively it’s a below-average group being held back by the quarterback.
Defensively, the unit has one of the best front fours in the league with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, edge rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns (who they acquired via trade this offseason) but collectively the defense is below average. Their cornerback room has some talent in the room with cornerback Deonte Banks and rookie Dru Phillips, and rookie safety Tyler Nubin has upside.
Here are the 3 players to watch for in this upcoming tilt:
WR Malik Nabers
Obviously. The Giants wide receiver room doesn’t terrify anyone collectively as a whole, but Nabers is the threat in that room. Nabers was drafted high for a reason, he’s everything as advertised.
Oh my, Malik Nabers
: Stream #NYGvsHOU on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DtWCdOb7Sd
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024
Malik Nabers’ first NFL TD. pic.twitter.com/C5uL81UmzI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 15, 2024
Size? He has it. Speed? Yeah, that too. Game-breaker ability? Absolutely. His ability to create explosive plays is something the Giants have lacked since Odell Beckham Jr.
As for how the Browns will limit Nabers, expect the Browns to have Denzel Ward or Martin Emerson Jr to travel him the entire game. Daniel Jones will force-feed Nabers, considering how no one on the offense poses a threat so it will be key for the Browns to shut down Nabers.
DT Dexter Lawrence
If there is one player on the defensive side of the ball that can wreck a game, it’s Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence is one of the best interior defensive tackles in the league.
Dexter Lawrence is an absolute monster pic.twitter.com/fM4gK0hb5B
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) September 9, 2024
Re-watching their Week 1 game against the Vikings, the entire defensive line was virtually nonexistent except for Lawrence. Whether it was creating pressure, clogging rush lanes, or being an absolute menace, Lawrence is a stud.
The Browns interior offensive line hasn’t been as good as they have been in the past and going up against Lawrence will be no easy task. He’s powerful as a run defender and pass rusher so it will be key for the Browns to do their best to neutralize him.
CB Deonte Banks
If there is one player in the Giants secondary that Browns fans should be on the lookout for, it’s Deonte Banks. The secnd year pro out of Maryland is the de-facto CB1 in the cornerback room and he plays with an edge to him.
Similar to Cleveland’s cornerbacks, he’s sticky in coverage. He was able to shut down Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin last week and McLaurin is one of the better receivers in the league.
Cleveland’s passing offense is a work in progress for sure, but Banks is someone who can make an impact. Look for Cleveland to avoid him or put him in matchups that are favorable toward the Browns.
What one Giants player do you think could change the outcome of Sunday’s game for them? Share your thoughts in the comment section below