Packers versus Giants: The official Week 5 prediction
By Tim Muma
Giants’ management spent a ton of money in the offseason to revamp the defense. Those additions have given mixed results thus far, and the Packers could exploit some areas.
New York signed one of the best defensive ends and top available cornerbacks prior to the 2016 season in Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins respectively. They also snagged a run-stuffer in defensive tackle Damon Harrison.
After the first four games, the jury is still out on how good this defense truly is or can be.
They’re giving up 21.2 points per contest which is 15th in the NFL. In terms of yards, the defense is a little better as they sit 11th at 346.2 yards a game.
The defense has also given up the 5th-highest percentage of 3rd-down conversions this year at 45 percent.
One of the issues lately has been the lack of health in their secondary, similar to the Packers. Corner Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie missed their last game with a groin injury. Reports are he will play Sunday, but his effectiveness could be limited overall.
The Giants have also been without safeties Darian Thompson (foot) and Nat Berhe (concussion) for much of the last few games. Neither are expected to be available in Week 5.
That means they’ll rely again on undrafted rookie Andrew Adams against a potentially potent Packers’ passing game. Aaron Rodgers may have a field day picking on the young safeties, as the other man back there, Landon Collins, is just a second-year pro at 22 years old.
Aside from injuries, the Giants haven’t done much to put fear into opposing offenses.
They have zero interceptions, one turnover and only four sacks – all of which rank them dead last in the NFL. The defense has also given up the 5th-highest percentage of 3rd-down conversions this year at 45 percent.
All of this screams for another strong offensive output by the Packers’ aerial attack. The Giants’ run defense has been solid, so it may be worth it to let Rodgers carry the load Sunday.
It’s not inconceivable to that the Giants would give up near 400 yards of total yardage Sunday, especially if they continue to fail in turnover department.