Giants At Vikings: What To Watch

by Ed Valentine on Dec 11, 2010 7:00 AM EST in New York Giants News

Our New York Giants are in Minnesota Sunday for a game against the Vikings that the Giants have to win to keep pace in the crowded NFC playoff picture. Here are the key things I will be watching on Sunday.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. the Giants front seven (or eight ... or nine): No matter whether Brett Favre or Tarvaris Jackson plays quarterback for the Vikings (and do you have any doubt it will be Favre?) Minnesota will feature a heavy dose of Peterson, the game's best running back. Can the Giants handle him?

The Giants are seventh in the league against the run (98 yards per game), but they have been gashed on occasion. Can they get away with the three-safety package defensive coordinator Perry Fewell loves so much? Probably not in a game where they will have to stuff the line of scrimmage. That means more snaps for Keith Bulluck, and more importance for middle linebacker Jonathan Goff and outside linebacker Michael Boley.

It means the Giants will have to control the line of scrimmage, and it means that Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant and the Giants' corners can't miss tackles on the edges.

2. David Diehl vs. Jared Allen: It seems pretty certain that Diehl is going to return to the left tackle spot after missing the last four games. He will face a stern test in Allen, a three-time Pro Bowler who has 8.5 sacks this season. The Giants, of course, have not given up a sack in five games. I doubt they leave Diehl out there alone very often. They have been doing a lot of chipping with backs and tight ends, and using an extra tackle to help in pass protection. I don't think that is going to change with Diehl back in the lineup.

3. Brett Favre: Of course he has to be on this list. Will he play? How effective will he be? If he plays, can the Giants get to him and knock him around -- or back to the sidelines?

4. The Giants' passing attack: It is great to have Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith back as the starting wide receivers. How sharp will they be? How much more varied will the passing attack look? Specifically, can they hit a couple of shots down the field with all of their primary weapons back in action?

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Im in particular gonna watch Boley

He was monstered be MJD, so hopefully he picks up his game for this one

Bring back FreeBradshaw!

by ChuckyofNorris on Dec 11, 2010 7:17 AM EST reply actions

Boley is known for being poor against the run

vikings attacked him last year with a lot of misdirection taking advantage of the way he always over pursues.

by Nfpdawg on Dec 11, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

All I ask is that we wrap when blocking.

It is great to have Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith back as the starting wide receivers. How sharp will they be?

I see your point Ed. Smith and Nicks will more than likely need some time to adjust; namely, getting back in to sync with real-game conditions. I have no doubt that they will come ready to play but they may be a little off-balance at first, therefore, it may be a while before we see their “A” game.

It means the Giants will have to control the line of scrimmage, and it means that Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant and the Giants’ corners can’t miss tackles on the edges.

Minnesota will feature a heavy dose of Peterson, the game’s best running back. Can the Giants handle him?

I am sure that you guys have talked about this dynamic at length. Everyone who watches NFL football on a regular basis knows that AP is a running-machine. In the Giants/Jacksonville; Giants/Cowboys, and some of the Eagle/Giants, our defense struggled against the run. Yes, we have been able to hold some of the best runners in the league but that was earlier in the season but this ability appears to have deteriorated somewhat. I am a little concerned.

You could save a bunch of money on child support by switching to condoms.

by LoNJDTechnology on Dec 11, 2010 7:49 AM EST reply actions

Its ridiculous

There is not one “expert” who thinks we can win this game.i dont understand how a team gets THAT much credit for beating buffalo and barely beating washington

"bELIeve in the Giants"

by SeJo8 on Dec 11, 2010 8:20 AM EST reply actions

Its funny that they think history plays in the game.

Giants are gonna lose given they haven’t beaten Minny since they destroyed them in the 2000 playoffs that were canceled due to locusts.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Dec 11, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions

locusts?

I thought they were called off due to Y2K…huh…I learn something everyday.

I'm gonna buy a HDTV with 3D technology so I can intercept an Eli Manning pass before the season is over.

by nywins42 on Dec 11, 2010 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

That was one of the worst game I've ever seen.

From a VIkes standpoint at least…

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Dec 11, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

Actually

The “Coach” and Schlereth picked the G-Men.

"Yeah I am getting older, so is everybody else in this room.
I don't know anybody who is getting younger"... Derek Jeetah, #2

by Great Gatsby on Dec 11, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

Mayock and Billick picked NY as well

I'm gonna buy a HDTV with 3D technology so I can intercept an Eli Manning pass before the season is over.

by nywins42 on Dec 11, 2010 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

And that's okay...

Let’s not forget – this is a team that LIKES to be the underdog. When all of the “experts” pick us as a clear winner is when we lay an egg and loose the games. It actually makes me feel better that most of the analysts don’t think we can win.

by OleMissGal on Dec 11, 2010 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

STOP watching ESPN!!!!!

Brett Favre owns that channel

by rcnt123 on Dec 11, 2010 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

Vegas has us as 3-point favorites...

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 11, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

5.

The Giants running game, hello?

"Yeah I am getting older, so is everybody else in this room.
I don't know anybody who is getting younger"... Derek Jeetah, #2

by Great Gatsby on Dec 11, 2010 8:32 AM EST reply actions

I think Diehl starts at guard

The only way he starts at tackle is if O’hara starts. Otherwise, he plays guard and they give Beatty help at tackle. Bottom line, they like Beatty more than they like Keith “the tush” Booth.

Let's Go Giants!!!!

by maculis on Dec 11, 2010 8:57 AM EST reply actions

a prey that u r correct because this shit is starting to piss me off.

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

by Troy O on Dec 11, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Favre Touble

I think Favre starts the game but doesn’t make it through the second half. Or through the rest of the season. I mean this is the season we seem to enjoy sidelining quarterbacks, right?

Interesting game, i just hope Eli will stay focused and our running game picks up from what’s left from Redskins defense. If there is a time to beat the Vikings, it’s now. Irrelevant prediction: Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith score three TD’s in the second half.

So, what happens in Dallas?

by snakefinger on Dec 11, 2010 9:10 AM EST reply actions

I'd love to see your Giants predictions come true tomorrow.

Now Dallas and Philly…the question I ask myself is whether Philly can play at a high level now that the pressure is on. They are already gift-wrapping the MVP trophy for Vick (Bomar will have something to say about that) and are being handed the NFC East title.
The heat is on….Eagle wings with hot sauce…blue cheese…sounds good to me.

I'm gonna buy a HDTV with 3D technology so I can intercept an Eli Manning pass before the season is over.

by nywins42 on Dec 11, 2010 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

I'm afraid

i ‘m afraid Philly has what it takes to play well under pressure. And if Michael Vick continues to play like that i think they will win in Dallas. Still, these are not the early Cowboys. They look tough again. I mean they’ve beaten us alright at Meadowlands.

So, its the Eagles at Dallas, Sunday night, cold beer and smoke clouds? Yes, sir, as long as we do the job earlier in Minnesota…

by snakefinger on Dec 11, 2010 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

Don't think there's any question Eli will stay focused....

the only question is whether his brainfarts are kept to the minimum and also whether or not they actually hurt us.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Dec 11, 2010 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

Well, "We need to squeeze people" down there...

by snakefinger on Dec 11, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions

pause.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Dec 11, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

pause..

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

by Troy O on Dec 11, 2010 10:04 AM EST up reply actions

Bulluck

I don’t think the idea of relying on Bulluck for a lot; he hasn’t done much this year.
Is Andrews still out?

by jessie1 on Dec 11, 2010 9:43 AM EST reply actions

yes and you kinda have too

safeties are not good at filling gaps and taking on blockers

by Nfpdawg on Dec 11, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Eli will shine tomorrow.

He loves domes, and he’s getting his top two targets back. Even if Smith, and Nicks aren’t 100%, that only means Manningham, Boss, and Beckum will have room to get some work done.

I’m thinking a clean game for him, 290 yards two touchdowns, no picks.

Beat the Vikings.

by tito (eight and oh) on Dec 11, 2010 9:47 AM EST reply actions

+1

Sharper is gone. Eli is happy. Their new safeties are OK not great. Stay away from Winfield and they will be fine. Winfield is a playmaker.

Giants 24 – 20.

"Mr President, tear down that Williams wall."

by MSP Giant on Dec 11, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

I really can't see a reason to get overly concerned..

Our line will do just fine, Allen or not..Diehl will do fine..Hopefully we’ll loosen them up with some screens..Petersen is about the only big concern..We should be able to take advantage of their secondary..
Other than that I’ll just focus on seeing if I can spot a full set of teeth when they pan the crowd with the camera..

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Dec 11, 2010 9:56 AM EST reply actions

let's say Giants 31 - 16. Too optimistic?

by snakefinger on Dec 11, 2010 9:56 AM EST reply actions

Maybe

Think Giants will run a lot to control the pace of the game and that may mean fewer points

"Mr President, tear down that Williams wall."

by MSP Giant on Dec 11, 2010 10:00 AM EST up reply actions

A little

23-16 would be my guess…but that’s why they play…

"Yeah I am getting older, so is everybody else in this room.
I don't know anybody who is getting younger"... Derek Jeetah, #2

by Great Gatsby on Dec 11, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

Goff

I’m hopeful this guy can make some early recognitions and do some damage to the Vikes running game. Take a chance or two early and shoot gaps into the backfield. But more importantly diagnose the playcall pre-snap and have our backs in the right position to make plays

by Flynner on Dec 11, 2010 10:49 AM EST reply actions

Giants roll

Whatever the final score is, I say it’s at least a 14-point margin of victory for NY. Honestly, I don’t know why people are giving Minny so much credit.

- Harvin won’t play. Hutchinson isn’t expected to play. Edwards is a game-time decision.
- #2 CB Asher Allen hasn’t been great all year. He’s also small, Ellis Hobbs small. Not good against Nicks, Hagan, et al.
- Their safeties have been mostly bad.
- AP doesn’t break them off like he used to.
- Kevin Williams isn’t being as disruptive as he has been in years past.
- JPP is coming along in his development. Instead of the rookie second-half swoon, he’s getting stronger. Those are his own words.
- Smith and Nicks return, helping to bring back the big play in the passing game.
- Jacobs is running the ball the best he has done it in over a year.
- In six games against Ware, Peppers, Cole, Orakpo, and M. Williams, the Giants gave up 2.0 sacks combined. I’m not worried about Allen.

"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss

by GhostDini on Dec 11, 2010 12:15 PM EST reply actions

was essentially going to write this

the vikings are extremely banged up. dont forget about their best offensive lineman (hutchinson) is also out and lito sheppard is their 3rd corner. the giants should have this game easily

by Nfpdawg on Dec 11, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Early in the season Kiwi was used...

in the linebacker position to play the run. Any chance we’ll see Tuck or JPP there?

by AJ H on Dec 11, 2010 1:20 PM EST reply actions

I'd like to see JPP there

"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss

by GhostDini on Dec 11, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

gotta say I'd rather see Tuck there

He’s the smarter player that could more readily take advantage of the mismatches and opportunities created while standing up and “picking your spot”

JPP benefits more from overpowering a lineman, punching them in the chest with that wingspan before they can get a hand on him. He is a physically overpowering player that has yet to develop the knowhow to be useful in that LB/DE role.

by Flynner on Dec 11, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

I disagree

NJ.com:

DE Jason Pierre-Paul. What’s most impressive is the way he’s creating pressure and getting sacks with speed rushes, power moves and stunts. In other words, he’s not just a one-trick pony by any stretch. That has to be exciting for the Giants.

JPP has played DE, DT, MLB, and OLB at times this season. He seems to be growing into his role. I say keep it going. Don’t pull back. With his athleticism and speed, he can make O-lines pay for doubling Osi and Tuck on the outside.

"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss

by GhostDini on Dec 11, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

+1

Beat the Vikings.

by tito (eight and oh) on Dec 11, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

they've been using Tuck there

not as much as Kiwi of course, but they’ve been using him standing up

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Dec 11, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

does this mean Beatty will not be starting

and if so, can we use him in that early season Andrews role as the 6th lineman, or do we just have a pair of slow lineman on the left.

I know the battle tested arguement for Deihl but… that dude is too slow to handle Allen. He’ll need help all afternoon. thus leaving…

Boothe alone next to him. I hope I’m wrong but if I were the Vikes D Coordinator I would send a blitzer at that left side of the line (weak link) all day long. IMO that makes for a weaker line than putting Deihl in at Guard and keeping Beatty at tackle.

by Flynner on Dec 11, 2010 4:02 PM EST reply actions