The New York Giants (0-2) will still be searching for its first win when it hosts the San Francisco 49ers (1-1) on Sunday. The Giants are coming off a 17-13 loss to the Bears while the 49ers are coming off a 31-13 win over the Jets.
New York will be without its star running back Saquon Barkley for the remainder of the season. Also, starting wide receiver Sterling Shepard will miss at least three weeks due to a toe injury suffered in the loss to the Bears.
The Giants go into Sunday’s game with the 29th overall offense in NFL. It ranks last in the league in points per game (14.5) and rushing yards per game (52.0). Getting the run game going is a must for the Giants to have a chance at winning this game. Fortunately, the 49ers have struggled against the run so far, giving up 142 yards per game, which is the 27th worst in the NFL.
Big Blue’s defense has been a bright spot despite the 0-2 start. They rank 11th in the league in points allowed per game (21.5) and fourth in yards allowed (326.5). Also, they’re second in the league in passing yards allowed with just 188.5 per game. However, they have struggled against the run giving up 138 yards per game, which is the 25th worst in the league.
San Francisco heads into Sunday with the sixth best defense in points allowed, giving up just 18.5 points per game. Unfortunately, the defense will be without many of their key players on defense. Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas, Dee Ford and Richard Sherman will all miss Sunday’s game.
On offense, the 49ers are also hurting. Starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been ruled out due to a high ankle sprain, so backup QB Nick Mullens will get the start on Sunday. The seventh ranked rushing offense will also be without its top two options as well. Both Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman will be out due to injuries, giving Jerick McKinnon will get the start. Tight end George Kittle has also been ruled out.
How Can The Giants Win? If the Giants are to win this game, the team will have to take advantage of the many injuries on the 49ers. The run game must be established and often and the blocking must be better than it has been. While the Giants run defense hasn’t been good, most of their opponents’ success has come in the fourth quarter. They have given up 130 rushing yards in total in the fourth quarter this year. The team also has to limit the turnovers, with Daniel Jones already turning the ball over four times in two games.
(Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)