The Giants are still in search for their first win of the season heading into Week 4 after falling to the Atlanta Falcons, 17-14, last week on a last-second field goal by Younghoe Koo.
Big Blue will look to avoid starting 0-4 for the second consecutive season when they travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints in Week 4. The team started 0-5 last year before winning five of seven games to catapult themselves back into the NFC East race.
The Saints are coming off an impressive 28-13 win against the New England Patriots in Foxboro. Jameis Winston threw for two touchdowns while the Saints' defense intercepted Patriots QB Mac Jones three times on their way to the win.
Here are five story lines to follow when the Giants travel to New Orleans:
Searching for that first win
The Giants fell just short of picking up their first win last week, losing on a last-second field goal for the second consecutive week. This was the first time the team has lost consecutive games on field goals as the clock reached all zeroes since Weeks 3-4 of the 2017 season.
The Saints enter this matchup at 2-1 after defeating New England. They also defeated the Green Bay Packers, 38-3, in Week 1 before falling on the road to the Carolina Panthers, 28-7, in Week 2.
Sunday's game will be the first with a full home crowd in New Orleans since their Wild Card Round loss against the Vikings during the 2019 playoffs. Last year's attendance was affected by COVID, while the Saints' first home game this season was played at TIAA Bank Stadium in Jacksonville due to damages caused by Hurricane Ida. The Superdome is set to be filled to capacity for the first time in almost two years, so coach Joe Judge knows the Giants will be walking into a raucous atmosphere.
"We expect one of the greatest atmospheres we've ever been in," Judge said about Sunday's game in the Superdome. "For those of us who are kind of historians of the game, you look back on that Katrina game, the first game back in the dome. I would expect this to be very, very similar. That town takes a lot of pride in New Orleans, a lot of pride in their team and the team takes a lot of pride in representing their city, so this is going to be a tough game for us."
Who steps up at receiver?
While the most significant injury suffered during last week's game was the loss of linebacker Blake Martinez for the season, the offense took a few hits as well. Wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton suffered hamstring injuries against the Falcons and were ruled out for the remainder of the game. Shepard leads the Giants with 18 receptions for 223 yards, and the two receivers have caught the team's only two receiving touchdowns this season.
"Those are two key parts of our offense that we don't want to be without, two leaders on our team and hard workers, but we have confidence in guys in the locker room and guys on the roster to turn around and use these guys to keep going forward," Judge said on Monday.
Reinforcements could be coming, as John Ross was designated for return from IR and practiced on Wednesday. Ross would provide a solid deep threat for Daniel Jones with his 4.22 40-time speed. Collin Johnson also played well filling in last week, pulling in five passes for 51 yards, while C.J. Board made a 37-yard catch against Atlanta. Of course, there is also Kenny Golladay who currently ranks second on the team in targets (19), receptions (11) and receiving yards (166).
One player that could be in line for more snaps and touches is first-round pick Kadarius Toney. Through the first three weeks, Toney has registered just four receptions for 14 yards. However, after being on the field for a total of 24 snaps in Weeks 1-2, the rookie receiver saw 46 snaps in Week 3 (66 percent of the team's offensive plays). If Shepard and/or Slayton can't go against the Saints, Toney has a great opportunity to make an impact in the passing game.
"He's working very hard and making progress every week," Judge said about Toney earlier this week. "I think obviously this guy has made some strides for us the more football he has played. If you're asking specifically (if) he's going to take over for Slayton and Shep, I think those are guys who (have) a lot more time in the league, so to say someone is going to just jump in and just replicate completely what we do with those guys, I don't think that's something we're going to look to do. It's going to be more about playing to his strengths, giving him the opportunity to get the ball in his hands and make some plays."
DJ's improved ball security
It is no secret that turnovers have been an issue for Daniel Jones in the past. But after three games, the 24-year-old has looked a lot better protecting the football.
Jones heads into Week 4 with just one turnover, a fumble lost at the end of a 7-yard run against the Broncos in the season opener. He has tossed 104 passes this season without throwing an interception, and enters Sunday's matchup with the fourth-highest PFF passing grade (84.1) in the league. His 782 passing yards has him on pace to shatter his previous high of 3,027 passing yards set during his rookie campaign.
The Saints are tied for the second-most turnovers in the NFL with seven, sharing the lead for INTs with six. The unit has registered at least one pick in every game, including two against Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, one against Panthers QB Sam Darnold and three against Patriots QB Mac Jones. The Saints' defense has given up the third-fewest points and sixth-fewest yards through three weeks, while its red zone defense ranks No. 1.
View photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints.
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the New Orleans Saints on October 6. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 38-31. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the New Orleans Saints on October 6. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 38-31. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
Jim Taylor of the New Orleans Saints reaches for the ball, thrown by quarterback Gary Cuozzo, as it falls incomplete in the third quarter of the Saints-Giants National Football League game in New York on Oct. 8, 1967. Defensive back Wendell Harris of the Giants, left, is set for the tackle. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) celebrates with defensive end George Martin (75) after recovering a fumble by New Orleans Saints running back Buford Jordan (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Dave Wilson (18) throws a pass despite pressure from leaping New York Giants defensive end George Martin (75) and Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) during the NFL football game on September 28, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Rob Carpenter (26) runs the ball during the NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants on December 15, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Dave Brown, left, running back Rodney Hampton, center, and center Brian Williams (59) celebrate Hampton's five-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 24, 1995. Hampton scored four touchdowns in the Giants 5-29 win over the Saints. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (30) scores the Giants' second touchdown with New Orleans safety Anthony Newman (30) in pursuit in the second quarter of their game Sunday, Sept. 28, 1997, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Saints 14-9 improving their record to 2-3.(AP Photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius catches a pass for a 46-yard touchdown as New Orleans Saints safety Joe Bellamy looks on during the fourth quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 21-13. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punt returner Tiki Barber (21) slips out of the grasp of New Orleans Saints linebacker Phil Clark, left, as he returns a punt for 20 yards during the first quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber pulled a hamstring while making a 14-yard touchdown run during the second quarter. The Giants won 21-13.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) is stopped by New York Giants safety Sam Garnes, left, linebackers Brandon Short, top, Jessie Armstead, right, and Mike Barrow, bottom right, during the first quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is congratulated by Greg Comella, left, and Amani Toomer after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 21-13 win over the New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001. (AP Photo/Jeff Zelevansky)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) gets away from New Orleans Saints defender Kenny Smith (90) as Giants Scott Peters (63) blocks in first half NFL action in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans Sunday Dec. 14, 2003. Barber had a short gain on the play. (AP Photo/Andrew Cohoon)
The New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, gets past the New Orleans Saints' Jay Bellamy, top right, and Mike McKenzie at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. The Giants won 27-10. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New Orleans Saints kicker John Carney, right, is consoled by teamate Todd Bouman as the New York Giants' Reggie Torbor, left, runs by after Carney missed a kick in the fourth quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Monday, Sept 19, 2005. The Giants won 27-10. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister moves upfield as the New York Giants' Carlos Emmons brings him down in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress picks up a first down against the New Orleans Saints Monday night, Sept. 19, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants take on the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, talks with the New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister after the Giants beat the Saints 27-10 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles for three yards before being tackled by New York Giants' Mathias Kiwanuka, right, and Fred Robbins during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber sweeps around the right side against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter during NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber rushed for 71 yards in the game. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Bell and safety Will Demps celebrate after stopping the New Orleans Saints during their football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, right, greets New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton after NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber rushed for 71 yards in the game. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) picks up yardage as Giants' Tim Carter blocks New Orleans Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie, left, during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New Orleans Saint, left, huddle before a play against the New York Giants, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) chats with New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, left, and Giants Justin Tuck, right, at the end of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) picks up good yardage on a pass play as New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) gives chase in the second half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs running back Brandon Jacobs (27) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. [(AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell (21) is tackled by New York Giants linebackers Danny Clark (55) and Chase Blackburn (57) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play as center Shaun O'Hara (60) looks on in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
The New York Giants huddle before a play against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) audibles at the line in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) slips into the end zone past New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper (42) in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee (76), tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) and corner Shaun O'Hara (60) line up against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, left, is hoisted up in celebration by teammate Shaun O'Hara as Madison Hedgecock (39) watches after Bradshaw scored a touchdown in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) races with a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) makes a catch over New Orleans Saints corner back Tracy Porter (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct.18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) shake hands after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) hands off to running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) scuffles with several New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) tries to block a field goal by New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) after releasing a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tries to block the pass of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) pats quarterback Eli Manning (10) on the head prior to an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks over his shoulder at New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter (22) as he runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talk after their NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011.(AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43)during the third quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) dances in the end zone to celebrate his 10-yard touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. At left is Saints cornerback Johnny Patrick (32). (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) does a summersault after scoring on a six-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) draws in the crowd after a short gain during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) chats with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning following their NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Saints 52-27. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is hoisted into the air by Martellus Bennett after scoring on a 52-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 52-27. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) flips after scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs for a 52-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Vilma during an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012 file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with David Diehl after his 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Domenik Hixonduring the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks w New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) following a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the New Orleans Saints during a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana ( Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 8 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries against New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the huddle in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) pulls in a touchdown reception in front of New Orleans Saints defensive back Kyle Wilson (24) in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints safety Jarius Byrd (31) slams into New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) during an NFL game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. Manning passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) fumbles as he is hit by New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The fumble resulted in a touchdown return for the Giants. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. Manning passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) stiff arms New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) greet each other after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The Saints won 52-49. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as New Orleans Saints' Paul Kruger (99) rushes him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 16-13. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) defends New Orleans Saints' Willie Snead (83) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Víctor Cruz, de los Giants de Nueva York, captura un pase frente a Ken Crawley, cornerback de los Saints de Nueva Orleáns, en el partido del domingo 18 de septiembre de 2016 (AP Foto/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison, center, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) fends off New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (20) during an NFL game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Tielemans via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New Orleans Saints take on the New York Giants during a week 4 NFL football game on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives into the end during a week 4 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks to get in the end zone during a week 4 NFL football game against the.New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, left, greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball while New Orleans Saints defensive back Vonn Bell (24) defends during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) greet each other following an NFL football game on Monday, Sept. 1, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints defeated the Giants 33-18. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, front, runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, front, makes a catch in front of New Orleans Saints' Ken Crawley during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley jumps over defenders for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, left, scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores the game winning touchdown during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
Finding continuity on the O-line
The Giants' offensive line has already gone through a lot of change, as two of the unit's original starters, Nick Gates and Shane Lemieux, have already been lost for the season. During last week's game against Atlanta, Billy Price (center) and Ben Bredeson (left guard) stepped into the starting lineup.
Price had his strongest performance as a Giant last week, earning a 76.2 overall grade from PFF. The new center played well in both areas, receiving a 73.5 pass block grade and 76.4 run block grade. Left tackle Andrew Thomas also put together a rather dominant performance, getting an 82.3 overall grade, an 84.2 pass block grade and 77.1 run block grade. His 73.9 pass block grade on the season ranks 20th among tackles. Jones was sacked just twice in this game, and the offense gained 100 yards on the ground for the second consecutive week.
The Giants made a move on the O-line this week, signing guard Wes Martin off the Washington Football Team practice squad. Martin, 6-3 and 315 pounds, played in 25 regular season games (10 starts) and one postseason game for Washington in 2019-20. He played in all 16 games last year, including five starts at left guard. Bredeson missed Wednesday's practice with a hand injury, putting his status for Sunday's game up in the air. If he is forced to miss the game, the Giants will trot out a new starting offensive line for the fourth consecutive contest. Martin is currently listed as the backup left guard on the team's unofficial depth chart.
Slowing down Saints offense
The Saints' offense has produced mixed results through the first three games of the season. In their two wins, Jameis Winston has thrown a combined seven touchdown passes with no interceptions, finishing with passer ratings of 130.8 and 110.8. However, in the Week 2 loss against the Panthers, Winston completed just 50 percent of his passes for 111 yards with two interceptions.
New Orleans' offense ranks 14th in points but 31st in yards after being held to under 255 total yards in two of their three games. A big reason for the unit's success in scoring points has been their efficiency in the red zone. The Saints have gotten into the red zone nine times, scoring a touchdown on eight of those trips (No. 2 in the league).
"I think when you talk about their offense the biggest thing is just aggressive – you know, fringe shot-type of team, gadget-type of team, not afraid to go ahead and really roll the dice and take a chance, do a lot of inventive things to keep you on your toes," Judge said about the Saints' offense. "We've got to be very sound as a team this week on defense and make sure we're accounting for who is on the field and what they do."
The Saints' most dangerous offensive playmaker is running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara leads the team with 177 yards on 52 carries, while also catching a team-high 10 passes for 62 yards. The fifth-year running back led the league with 21 total touchdowns last season, finishing with 1,688 yards from scrimmage. The Big Blue run defense enters this matchup ranked 13th in yards and 10th in touchdowns allowed, but Kamara presents the toughest challenge the unit has faced in 2021.
"Kamara is a guy you've got to account for," Judge explained. "This guy is one of the top players in the league. He's a guy that jumps out at you all the time – receiver, runner, screens, whatever it may be. This guy with the ball in his hands is an absolute weapon. We've got to make sure we account for him in everything that we do because of everything that they do with him."
With No. 1 wide receiver Michael Thomas still on PUP, Winston has spread the ball around in the passing game. Five different players have caught touchdown passes, including two from both Kamara and Juwan Johnson. Deonte Harris leads the way with 112 receiving yards on just six receptions, one of which went for a touchdown.
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