We ask about Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers, where Cleveland should attack their defense, thoughts on QB Daniel Jones, and more.
This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns are back at home as they take on the New York Giants. To help preview a few topics from the Giants’ perspective, we reached out to Ed Valentine from Big Blue View and exchanged five questions with him.
Chris: “The Giants’ defense is off to another fairly rough start. If you were the Browns’ offense, what is the biggest weakness they should attack?”
Ed: “Honestly, if the pattern of the first two games continues it is the dealer’s choice. Do what you want. The Giants have been abysmal defending the run. They gave up 215 yards to the Commanders with poor tackling and poor run fits being the culprits. They have given up 7 passes of 20 yards or more, and the cornerback play opposite Tae Banks is a huge question.”
Chris: “WR Malik Nabers, the Giants’ first-round pick (6th overall) in this year’s draft, has had a solid start to the year statistically. Tell us how he’s done in his first two games from your perspective.”
Ed: “I would say Nabers’ start has been more than “solid.” He is tied for second in the league with 15 catches, and he is fourth in yards receiving with 193. The Giants targeted him 18 times last week against the Washington Commanders. The kid is a star.
More impressive, despite reservations about his personality or him being a diva, he has been accountable. He had a huge drop Sunday against the Commanders and did not hide from it or blame anyone or anything. He accepted the responsibility. Impressive for a 21-year-old kid.”
Chris: “What’s the fanbase opinion on Daniel Jones?”
Ed: “People have been dug in on their opinions about Jones for years. Some still give him the benefit of the doubt. Others have been done with him for years. Overall, though, I think people are just numb to it. We’ve been arguing about what Jones is or isn’t, and who should be blamed for his shortcomings, for years. It’s just become tired and I think that is one of the big reasons many are looking forward to the day the Giants finally move on.”
Chris: “Tell us about one player who Browns fans may not have heard of, but who could have an impact on this Sunday’s game.”
Ed: “I will give you one on each side of the ball.
Offense — Theo Johnson: A rookie tight end who was a fourth-round pick and has quickly become the primary tight end. Johnson was not targeted last week when the ball went to Nabers play after play, but he is an all-around TE the Giants are high on, and could be a factor Sunday.
Defense — Dru Phillips: A rookie third-round slot cornerback, Phillips has been impressive with his aggression and athleticism against the run. He has not been challenged a lot in coverage yet, but this kid looks like a player.”
Chris: “The Browns are early favorites to beat the Giants on Sunday (Browns -6.5 as of this question, per FanDuel Sportsbook). Who would you pick against the spread?”
Ed: “Until they show me they can stop getting out of their own way I’m not picking the Giants again against the spread or the moneyline.”
Thanks again to Ed for taking the time to answer my questions.