Personnel-wise, particularly on offense, these teams are identical – loaded with pass-catchers, but lacking a capable every-down back. How the two squads fared in Week 1, however, is a total opposite, as the Giants were absolutely pounded by the Dallas Cowboys, 19-3, while the Lions stood tall against the favored Arizona Cardinals, 35-23.
The Game
The Lions have a very dangerous offense. Matthew Stafford has gunslinger tendencies and head coach Jim Caldwell is aggressive and offensive-minded every given week, which fits perfectly with the athletic receiving corps they have built. Golden Tate, who just had a 10-catch, 107-yard performance, will draw big expectations, so it’s nice that he has an intriguing new partner in the core – Kenny Golladay. Nicknamed “Kenny G,” the rookie began his pro career on a high note, as he hauled in four catches for 69 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
On defense, although Week 1 was encouraging – courtesy of three picks, eight QB hits, and only allowing 2.5 yards per carry – the Lions may be a couple of notches down the Giants. This past season, when they did fairly well for most of the year, all they had were middle-of-the-pack numbers – 13th in points allowed and 18th in total yards allowed. Further, their pass defense had opposing quarterbacks compile a 72.7 completion percentage, which was the worst in the league in 2016.
The Injuries
Receiver Golden Tate (finger) and defensive end Ziggy Ansah (knee) are on the injury report, but only the latter is listed as questionable.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and guard TJ Lang are also on the list, and they have never appeared in any of the practice reports this week. However, it has been indicated that their absence were not injury-related.
Will “Kenny G” make sweet music again?
The trending rookie is getting eyed by many for Week 2. He will be entering an interesting matchup with the Giants’ scrappy secondary – Golladay will be imposing size, speed, and hands, against a pass defense that was tied for second in interceptions last season, and only allowed QBs to complete 58.6 of their throws (third in the league).
