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Good morning, New York Giants fans! It's game day. Here are some morning headlines to follow before tonight's action against the Washington Redskins.
Pass rush might be Giants' biggest problem
When it was reported that Jason Pierre-Paul suffered a gruesome hand injury following a fireworks incident on July 4, most suspected the pass rush effectiveness would take a hit. Despite bringing back defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, as well as the additions of defensive ends George Selvie and Owa Odighizuwa, the Giants have struggled much more noticeably against the pass rush. Even if Pierre-Paul, who could manage just five reps while benching 225 pounds and wore a towel on his right hand during the exercise, returns, the Big Blue defense has not seen results similar to last year, despite blitzing more often.
But while the team is blitzing more this season — on 36.6% of passing plays this year, up from 33.7% in 2014, according to Stats — they still haven’t been able to generate enough pressure... The key to confounding the Redskins is pressuring Cousins. The 27-year-old quarterback is having a good start to the season, completing 76% of his passes. But since the 2014 season, Cousins has completed 69% of his passes when he doesn’t face pressure, but only 51% when under pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.
In Case You Missed It
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is OUT for Thursday's game against the Redskins. Read more in the full injury report.
What are the good, bad and downright confusing numbers from Week 2? Check it out in this week's edition of Blue Data.
The Redskins will look to run the ball against the Giants on Thursday night, and New York will need to stop them to get the victory.
Kim Jones writes how Odell Beckham Jr. has become the Marquee Man.
After the release of Preston Parker, who might fill the void in the slot?
The Giants need Rueben Randle, who has just four catches for 28 receiving yards in two games, to be a weapon for them on offense.
How does the Cowboys' acquisition of Matt Cassel affect the Giants?
Around the NFL
There are several 0-2 teams in the NFL besides the Giants. Which of them has the best shot to make the playoffs?
Kam Chancellor is returning to the Seattle Seahawks' secondary this Sunday.
The Pope will be making his visit to Philadelphia this week, but the Philadelphia Eagles will be trying to avoid him and the ensuing traffic surrounding his arrival.