Brad Penner-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints will host the New York Giants this weekend in the first game of the year in which the Saints are favored. The Giants bring an element of the unknown along with them with a rookie quarterback and some big injuries that they will need to navigate. But their strongest and weakest areas could be the deciding factors in this matchup.
Here are five things you need to know about the Giants ahead of their Week 5 Big Easy bout with the Saints.
The rookie first-rounder will have a chance to lead the Giants to back-to-back wins for the first time since the 2023 season. New York pulled off a stunning victory in Dart’s first start against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Now, he faces his first NFL road test in New Orleans.
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New York will be without a top weapon
During their Week 4 victory, an unfortunate ACL injury ended the season of star wide receiver and former LSU Tiger Malik Nabers. The Giants may struggle to find his successor as the top pass-catcher in the offense but do have some options. Former third-round receiver Jaylin Hyatt is expected to contribute greatly alongside veteran receivers Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson from the slot. Tight end Theo Johnson caught a touchdown pass last week and will be another name to watch.
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Dart won’t be the only Giants rookie to make an impression
With starting running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. missing Wednesday’s practice with injury following his absence in last week’s win, rookie running back Cam Skattebo is the next man up. The former Arizona State Sun Devil was a fan-favorite in this year’s NFL Draft and has shown off some impressive abilities throughout the early portion of his rookie season. From rushing and catching to protection, Skattebo can do it all and is sure to be a factor in Sunday’s matchup against the Saints.
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The Giants’ defensive front has a lot of talent
While they may not top the charts in production just yet, the Giants’ defensive line definitely tops the chart in talent. With the Saints’ possibly down two starters on the interior, Trevor Penning and Cesar Ruiz, the defensive line of Dexter Lawrence II, Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux are sure to threaten quarterback Spencer Rattler.
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New York’s run defense and third down defense are its weak points
The Giants’ run defense ranks No. 29 in the NFL while their third down defense ranks No. 26. These will be the two areas that the Saints will have to exploit in order to capture their first win of the season. New Orleans effectively attacked the Buffalo Bills’ No. 32 ranked run defense last week to the tune of 189 rushing yards. This weekend, the team will have another chance against a weak unit and one that should give them some chances to stay on the field and extend drives.
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