Preview of the Giants vs. Chargers NFL Week 4 encounter this Sunday at MetLife Stadium:
Key Matchup
Giants’ Brian Burns vs. Chargers’ RT Tray Pipkins
Burns is currently second in the NFL with four sacks, only trailing Rashan Gary (4.5 sacks) while sharing the position with Myles Garrett and Byron Young.
This marks the beginning of his second season with the Giants.
Pipkins, now in his eighth year with the Chargers, has faced significant challenges, especially following the drafting of Joe Alto as a right guard earlier this year.
It’s worth noting that the Chargers suffered a setback when left tackle Rashawn Slater was sidelined for the season with a knee injury back in August.
Four Key Points
Timing is crucial: The Chargers remain undefeated at 3-0, which presents a tough challenge for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Historically, rookie quarterbacks facing undefeated teams in their first starts since 2000 haven’t fared well, going 0-4.
The last rookie to win under these circumstances was Phil Simms with the Giants way back in 1979.
Simms made his debut in Week 6, leading the Giants to a victory over the Buccaneers. It’s probably safe to say he’s relaying those feelings to Dart now.
“I was in that position too,” Simms shared on Sirius’s Mad Dog Sports Radio. “By week 4, I remember thinking, when will it be my turn?”
Speed it up: The coaching staff has a significant role in crafting the game plan for Dart.
This could lead to a quicker tempo on offense, featuring multiple run-pass options that allow Dart to either distribute to his running backs or take off running himself.
We did a lot of huddles back at Ole Miss. It’s something we’re hoping to channel for our current strategy,” noted offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
Support the rookie: The defensive squad must step up with turnovers in the Chargers’ zone to make it easier for Dart and the offense.
The Giants have forced only one turnover in their first three games, which was an interception by Dru Phillips against Dallas.
“We always emphasize the importance of generating turnovers to help set up our offense in better positions,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen explained.
Not the right choice then: Back in 2020, the Giants had the fourth pick in the draft.
They opted for Daniel Jones to bolster their offensive line by selecting left tackle Andrew Thomas.
In contrast, the Chargers picked Justin Herbert at number six, who has since emerged as a franchise quarterback.
Herbert, leading the league with 860 passing yards in three games, boasts six touchdowns and just one interception, with a passer rating of 105.5, placing him just behind Sam Darnold.
The Giants are currently struggling defensively, ranked 28th in pass defense, allowing an average of 252 yards per game.
Final Thought
Dart’s debut will certainly draw attention. He’ll need to deliver beyond just the home crowd’s support.
His performance, combined with Cam Scattebo’s presence, may be essential in reviving the Giants’ offense.
Conversely, Herbert has faced significant pressure, being sacked ten times over three games. It’s crucial for the Giants’ defense to step up and create disruption.
Chargers 24, Giants 20
