3 keys to a Giants win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville
1. FORCE TURNOVERS
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has committed eight turnovers in five games. Five of his giveaways came in a Week 4 loss to the Eagles, but he’s prone to mistakes. The Giants lead the NFL in fumble recoveries (seven) and got two fourth-quarter takeaways on the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson last Sunday, including the defense’s first interception by Julian Love. Wink Martindale’s defense leads the NFL in blitz percentage (43.7%). The Giants need to keep bringing the pressure and turn this game’s momentum with huge turnovers.
2. FIND ANOTHER GAMEBREAKER
Saquon Barkley’s right shoulder injury is a concern, even though he downplayed its severity Thursday. Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka will need to get even more creative against Jacksonville to move the ball and score points. That should mean an increased role for wideout Wan’Dale Robinson as both a ball carrier and pass catcher. Barkley might not be able to play Superman anymore. Someone else has to be Daniel Jones’ wingman.
3. START FASTER
The Giants have outscored opponents, 87-49, in second halves this season, but they’ve been outscored, 40-64, in the first. They’ve overcome slow starts in part by outcoaching their opponents with solid in-game adjustments. Jacksonville’s Doug Pederson has won a Super Bowl, however, and he’s a good coach who won’t be fooled by scheme changes. Another slow start will be more difficult to overcome on the road in Florida.
