Tight end Daniel Bellinger’s return is welcomed because of what he brings and that his presence allows the Giants to lean more into the two-tight end sets that have had some success. Speaking of gut-checks, the Giants’ defense has allowed 35 points per game the past three weeks. They’re facing a Bears offense that scored 47 points last week.
I heard there was an emphasis on accountability this week (better late than never?), particularly with effort/physicality. I will be on the lookout for any quick hooks if that continues, with cornerback Deonte Banks the obvious player in the spotlight there.
The key to the Bears’ offensive success (sixth in the league in scoring) has been their overhauled offensive line. They traded for two veteran guards and signed a veteran center in free agency. The Giants’ offensive line has been better this season, but they can’t settle. Chicago’s aggressive offseason approach is a blueprint to follow as they build around Dart.
Right tackle Darnell Wright, the 10th pick in the 2023 draft, is taking a major leap in his third season. The weak link is left tackle, which has been manned by Theo Benedet, an undrafted free agent in his second season. The Giants need to exploit that matchup.
The 49ers were able to neutralize the Giants’ pass rush by getting the ball out lightning fast. Caleb Williams will give the pass rush the chance to get home by holding the ball, but the Bears are sixth in the NFL in sacks allowed (14 in eight games). Williams is adept at making plays when the pocket breaks down, so the Giants need to be disciplined.
It will be interesting to see what schematic tweaks the Giants make to their run defense. Will be they be as dramatic as their approach against the Saints last season when they sold out to stop the run and held the Saints to 2.8 yards per carry? Or will they be more subtle? Either way, something has to change there. Ben Johnson figures to dig into his back of trick plays at some point. Again, discipline will be key for the Giants’ defense today. Also, when is the last time the Giants ran a successful trick play? Not exactly ideal conditions for Koo. It doesn’t feel like there’s a ton of confidence in Koo based on Jude McAtamney winning the competition after Graham Gano went on IR and the team immediately turning back to Gano after McAtamney faltered. With that backdrop and the conditions, I would expect the Giants to be more aggressive than usual on fourth down today. Prediction: Bears 27, Giants 20. Not expecting this game in these conditions to be a work of art. Hard to pick the Giants to slow a rushing offense that has been rolling like Chicago’s.