3 keys to the Giants beating the Colts and clinching playoff berth
Tight end Daniel Bellinger was carrying a football around practice and the facility this week after his costly fumble as a reminder to not do it again. Daniel Jones has avoided bad giveaways most of the year but threw a pick in Minny. Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey said it himself: Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone is a good coach...
1. PROTECT THE BALL
The Giants basically lost the turnover battle to the Vikings, 3-0, on Christmas Eve, including their blocked punt. And Minnesota still needed a 61-yard field goal at the buzzer to beat them. Brian Daboll’s top key to victory every week is to not turn the ball over. Tight end Daniel Bellinger was carrying a football around practice and the facility this week after his costly fumble as a reminder to not do it again. Daniel Jones has avoided bad giveaways most of the year but threw a pick in Minny. Avoiding turnovers Sunday will get them into the playoffs.
2. PLAY CLEAN ON SPECIAL TEAMS
The Giants have some difference-makers on special teams, led by automatic kicker Graham Gano. But they’ve also had some costly miscues, whether it’s allowing a big return to the Eagles or having a punt blocked by the Vikings. Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey said it himself: Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone is a good coach who will have his side ready. The Giants might not have to win the game on special teams, but they can’t lose it.
3. GET TO FOLES
Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and the Giants’ pass rush needs to get to Colts quarterback Nick Foles, including with a four-man rush, to protect the back end and complete Daboll’s plan on Sunday. Daboll’s former Buffalo Bills running back, Zack Moss, is punishing in the ground game. That will probably give the Giants some problems. But if they can make splash plays in the pass rush, they should be able to force a couple turnovers, limit big plays and secure the victory.
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