David Wilson's success in kickoff return will translate to more reps at running back this week against the Browns.
JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact -But only if you mean two or three as opposed to zero. The Giants backfield is very crowded with Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown and it is tough to get enough touches for a third back. Bradshaw and Brown need to get enough carries to get into a rhythm. Expect Wilson in plays where he can get it in space: screens, pitches, sweeps, shovel passes, draws etc.
MICHAEL EISEN: Fact -The running game needs a jolt after last week's 57-yard performance in Philadelphia. Wilson is the one player who can provide it. He demonstrated that on kickoff returns. Now it's time to give him a chance on offense.
DAN SALOMONE: Fact -Wilson looked like he was going to take it to the house on each kick return last week. If he could add just a portion of that to the backfield, it's worth the chance as Wilson has a few games of experience under his belt.
The Giants defensive line will have at least two sacks this week.
JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact -Despite two Pro Bowl caliber offensive linemen, the Browns have a rookie quarterback that won't read everything the Giants throw at him properly. They Giants should be able to catch him with a few sacks. But more important is constant pressure and hits that will make him skittish and force him into mistakes.
MICHAEL EISEN: Fact -Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck essentially said this week they're not satisfied with their performances thus far. Look for them to take out their frustrations on the Browns.
DAN SALOMONE: Fact -Sacks come in bunches, and Jason Pierre-Paul wants a bunch on Sunday. But wanting and doing are two separate things against a talented Browns offensive line, which includes perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas at left tackle. However, Weeden has thrown 167 times this season, including 52 attempts against Baltimore last week. If those numbers hold up, there will be plenty of opportunities to get to the quarterback.* *
The Giants will have a 100-yard receiver for the fourth straight week.
JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact -The Browns secondary is a mess with all their injuries and the suspension of Joe Hayden. Starters have been rotating in and out and they give up 286 yards a game through the air, fifth worst in the league. It should be a big day for Eli Manning.
MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction -Cleveland's secondary is depleted, but I have a hunch the Giants are going to focus on getting the running game jump-started. With some key defensive players sidelined or less than 100 percent, they want to hold onto the ball as long as they can.
DAN SALOMONE: Fact -Having Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden ruled out could either mean the passing game will struggle or there are just fewer receivers to share Eli Manning's usual yards. I'm going to say it's more of the latter, especially against a Browns secondary that is struggling with personnel.
*The fact that the Browns and Giants don't often play each other benefits a young Cleveland team more.
*JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction -Generally speaking veterans can get more out of tape study, so this might actually tip the Giants way. I don't think it's substantial either way.
MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction -I think it benefits a veteran Giants team that has experienced coaches and knows how to prepare for teams it seldom sees.
DAN SALOMONE: Fiction -In baseball, a new pitcher can often find success because the scouting report on him is limited. But it's a little different in football. Even though Tom Coughlin is facing Pat Shurmur, a second-year head coach, for the first time, he knows his tree, which includes 10 seasons in Philadelphia. Tie goes to the veterans.* *
