The Giants began preparing their defense for Sunday's game expecting to face a right-handed pocket passer with 169 games of NFL experience.
Instead, they'll be facing a left-handed rookie with great mobility but less organizational knowledge gained from throwing just five career passes.
When the Falcons changed quarterback from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr. on Tuesday, it meant the Giants threw out what they thought they knew, watched Penix's college tape at Washington and learned their own. This meant that the draft report needed to be reviewed.
The first-round pick will make his first NFL start against the Giants.
“He can throw,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “Go back and watch the accuracy of throwing the ball down the field. He puts it where the receiver can catch it. I think he's going to take advantage of the opportunity and set it up, so we're going to try to get him deep down the field.” We’re going to have to do a good job of defending.”
The Giants never strongly considered using their first-round pick on Penix, who was surprisingly drafted No. 8 overall, the second pick after taking Malik Nabors.
“Watch Washington, get a feel for him and understand his strengths,” Bowen said. “I hope I can find a weakness, but it’s difficult.”
The Giants have been at a disadvantage, allowing six plays of 20 yards or more to the Ravens as receivers get open in a patchwork secondary.
“We can't let our players go free,” Bowen said.
Penix isn't a true dual-threat, but he doesn't compare to Lamar Jackson's challenge last week, but that factor can't be ignored either.
“If there's space, he'll take off,” Bowen said. “You can't just give him a big rushing lane up the middle and make it attractive for him. He's obviously a little more mobile than he was before. [with Cousins]”
Thursday: LB Bobby Okereke (back), EDGE Brian Burns (ankle/neck), LB Patrick Johnson (knee), G Aaron Stinney (concussion), CB Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) ) were absent from Thursday's practice.
Barnes “should be ready for the game,” coach Brian Daboll said.
Six players who were limited in Wednesday's practice have been upgraded to full participation: QB Drew Lock (heel/left elbow), WR Malik Nabors (knee/foot), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (shoulder), and TE Chris. -Manhertz (ankle), DL Corey Darden (shoulder) and S. Dane Belton (knee).
Eight players remain limited: QB Tommy DeVito (concussion), RB Tyrone Tracy (ankle), C John Michael Schmitz (ankle), DL Rakeem Nunez-Rochus (neck/shoulder), CB. Tay Banks (ribs), CB Cordale Flott (quad/finger), CB Drew Phillips (shoulder), CB Art Green (shoulder).
Daboll said DeVito is “doing well (with protocols) and should be available.”
The Giants tried a new kick returner last week, replacing fumble-prone Eric Gray with recently acquired cornerback Dee Williams as the next option behind Ihimir Smith-Marsette. The undrafted rookie had one return for 23 yards and is expected to keep his spot Sunday.
“We just want to give young guys a chance in this league who have shown the skill set to be able to do that,” special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said. “He definitely has the right skill set to do it. A lot of energy, speed, elusiveness.”
