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The Giants’ defense of their Super Bowl XLII title has gotten off to a rousing start. The strong “D” that helped carry them through the playoffs last season is now being complemented by the league’s most productive offense. The Giants pair a powerful running game with an efficient, explosive passing game. All of this could spell bad news for the 1-3 Browns if they are not sharp coming off the bye.
Giants offense vs. Browns defense: The Cleveland “D” hasn’t been all that bad this season, with NT Shaun Rogers, OLBs Alex Hall and Kamerion Wimbley and ILB D’Qwell Jackson distinguishing themselves in the first quarter of the ’08 campaign. But the Browns will have to play better than they have all season to have a chance vs. New York. In their only other matchup against a top offense, the Browns were undone by the lack of a pass rush. They must get after QB Eli Manning, whether it’s with Hall and Wimbley off the edges or with an extra rusher off the blitz.
Browns offense vs. Giants defense: The Browns’ offense showed some improvement in the Week Four win vs. Cincinnati, and perhaps offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski has found a winning combination after Cleveland’s struggles in the first month of the season. Giants DEs Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka are playing at a high level and are both capable of throwing the Browns’ offense off rhythm. It won’t be a surprise if Chudzinski relies on RB Jamal Lewis early to open things up for QB Derek Anderson later. TE Kellen Winslow was hospitalized late in the week with an undisclosed illness, and his availability for this game was uncertain.
Special teams: The Giants are sound in the kicking game. PK John Carney is off to an exceptional start to the season, hitting all 12 field goals and 13 extra points. P Jeff Feagles is a very good directional punter. The club also has a number of capable returners. The Browns’ special teams were a club strength in 2007 and have been solid this year, too. RS Joshua Cribbs played hurt early this season and could be much improved coming off the bye.
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