The Giants have a short week as they look to rebound from Monday's loss to the Seahawks when they travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins.
After three consecutive matchups against the NFC West, the Giants are now faced with back-to-back road games against 3-1 teams from the AFC East, first in Miami and then in Buffalo. The Dolphins picked up their first loss of the season against said Bills in Week 4.
Here are five players to watch in the Week 5 matchup.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Robinson made his 2023 debut in Week 3 when he caught four passes (on five targets) for 21 yards. The second-year receiver was on the field for just 11 offensive snaps against the 49ers, but with 11 days between their Week 3 and Week 4 games, Robinson saw his playing time increase significantly against the Seahawks. The 22-year-old played 48 offensive snaps (64 percent) Monday night and finished tied for the team-lead with five receptions, which he took for 40 yards, while his six targets led the offense. Robinson also added a seven-yard run.
The Dolphins enter this matchup with the No. 25 pass defense as they are allowing an average of 251.0 yards per game. Heading into Week 4, Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou had allowed the third-most yards in coverage (132) among slot cornerbacks in 2023, according to Next Gen Stats. Miami then went to Buffalo, where it fell to the division rival and allowed Josh Allen to throw for 320 yards and four touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Kohou was targeted in coverage five times and surrendered four receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, although most of that came with him lined up on the outside.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
S Xavier McKinney (29)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22), S Xavier McKinney (29)
OL Joshua Ezeudu (75), OL Justin Pugh (67)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
CB Nick McCloud (44), S Xavier McKinney (29)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22), S Xavier McKinney (29)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
RB Eric Gray (20)
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19)
WR Cam Sims (47)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Brian Daboll Head Coach
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Dennis Houston (88)
OL Ben Bredeson
The Giants' offensive line has been in flux throughout the first month of the season. After missing Week 3 due to a concussion, Bredeson was able to return for Monday's game against the Seahawks. The Giants surely needed him, as a first-quarter shoulder injury to rookie John Michael Schmitz led to Bredeson moving over to center for the remainder of the game. Bredeson surrendered just two total pressures on 52 pass block snaps, according to PFF.
"He's a smart guy, knows all our calls, had a bunch of reps in the summer so that was – it's good to have a guy that plays guard that can play center as well," head coach Brian Daboll said about Bredeson.
Schmitz, left tackle Andrew Thomas and guard Shane Lemieux were all sidelined for the first practice of the week. While coach Brian Daboll told the media Wednesday that the rookie center "could play (Sunday) but not ready today," he sounded less optimistic about Thomas.
"I don't know yet," Daboll said Wednesday about the left tackle's chances to suit up this weekend. "I'd probably say leaning towards no but not ready to make that determination."
"I think right now it's just part of being in the National Football League," offensive coordinator Mike Kafka added about the injuries along the O-line. "There's injuries everywhere, we have to be able to adjust and have the next man up mentality and our guys have been great. That's why we've kept them all through offseason, OTA's, training camp and building that foundation with the guys so the next guy who's up, he's ready to rock and roll and that's who we give our trust into."
Miami is tied at 19th in the NFL with 10 sacks on the season, led by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel's three. But the Dolphins have some talented pass rushers on their roster, including Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Emmanuel Ogbah and Christian Wilkins, who have combined for 3.5 sacks this year.
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
After going the first two games of the season without a sack, Thibodeaux has picked it up over the last two weeks. The second-year outside linebacker recorded a sack against the 49ers before registering another two against the Seahawks, along with a pass breakup. His three sacks through four games are just one shy of his total last year, a season that saw him finish fourth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
"I think that Kayvon wants to win, and Kayvon wants to get better every day," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said Thursday. "Kayvon will get better, he'll continue to get better every day, because that's his personality. I want to see Kayvon every day. He's a good dude. You know what I mean? So, yeah, that's one of the greatest things about coaching. That's why you've been at as long as we have, because you want your guys to have success, so you're excited to see that. I think that he knows what's expected of him. I just told him keep being himself and keep trying to get better. Do everything the best you can do it and as fast as you can do it, and I think that's what you saw against Seattle. I thought he played well."
Thibodeaux's four pressures against the Seahawks matched his pressures from the first three games combined, according to PFF. Lining up opposite Thibodeaux for the first time since Week 1 was Azeez Ojulari, who missed two games with a hamstring injury. While Ojulari did not show up much in the box score (one solo tackle), his five pressures Monday night led the Giants' defense. The third-year outside linebacker was limited at Wednesday's practice, but Daboll reassured the media that Ojulari did not suffer any setbacks.
The Dolphins have done a good job of protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this season. The fourth-year quarterback has only been sacked five times, which is tied for the third-fewest in the NFL. But four of those sacks came in last week's loss to the Bills, a game that saw Dolphins Pro Bowl left tackle Tarron Armstead leave in the second quarter with a knee injury. Earlier this week, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that the tackle will likely be out "weeks not days," putting his status for Sunday in serious doubt.
ILB Bobby Okereke
The inside linebacker has yet to miss a defensive snap and has seen his tackle numbers increase each week. Okereke recorded a season-high 10 total tackles (six solo) against the Seahawks while adding two tackles for loss, two pressures and a pass breakup.
Tackling has been an issue for the defense in the first month of the season. The unit has totaled 39 missed tackles in the first four games, according to PFF.
"I think that anytime that you go through what we've gone through, there's several things that stand out," Martindale said about the team's tackling. "But we put an emphasis on tackling the Seattle week, and you're still going to have missed tackles. It's not like people walk out of games that no one missed a tackle. This is pro football. Those guys get paid, too... We're just trying to get better every day. I think we're going down that path. You saw the way we played."
The defense is faced with another tough challenge this weekend, as the Dolphins enter this game with the league's No. 1 rushing attack. Running back Raheem Mostert has carried the ball 48 times for 249 yards, good for an average of 5.2 yards per carry, and six touchdowns. However, it's De'Von Achane that has truly burst onto the scene in recent weeks. After being inactive for the season opener, the rookie running back has totaled 27 rush attempts for 309 yards and four touchdowns over the last three games. The 21-year-old is averaging an incredible 11.4 yards per carry in his first three NFL outings. Mostert and Achane have also combined for 21 receptions for 168 yards and three additional touchdowns.
CB Deonte Banks
The rookie cornerback has registered three passes defensed, a tackle for loss and 12 total tackles (10 solo) this season, despite facing some tough matchups. Banks was tasked with shadowing Seattle's DK Metcalf on Monday, and while the veteran receiver did catch a touchdown, the rookie held him to just 34 receiving yards. Banks also added two stops in run defense against Seattle.
This weekend's matchup might be the toughest one yet for Banks and the entire Giants' pass defense. Similar to their run game, the Dolphins also currently sport the league's No. 1 aerial attack, as Tagovailoa leads the league with 1,306 passing yards. Tagovailoa's top target is All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, who is among the league leaders with his 28 receptions for 470 yards and four touchdowns. Hill and Jaylen Waddle make up what is likely the fastest starting wide receiver duo in the NFL. Banks ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at this year's combine, which should make Sunday's matchup with Hill and Waddle an interesting one to watch.
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins
Doug Kotar of the New York Giants goes flying as he is upended by Miami's Curtis Johnson in the third period at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 12, 1977. Kotar managed to advance the ball for a first down. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Mercury Morris (22) of the Miami Dolphins against New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 10, 1972. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Larry Csonka of the New York Giants is stopped after a two yard gain in the first quarter of NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, Sundays, Sept. 11, 1977 in East Rutherford. The tackle is made by Dolphins Vern Den Herder and Bob Baumhower (73), right. (AP Photo/RFS)
Miami Dolphins safety Mike Kezlowski takes to the air against New York Giants Tom Mullady in the fourth period of exhibition game. The Dolphins won the final exhibition game of the NFL pre-season 24-3 at Giants Stadium on August 26, 1983 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) reacts to a touchdown scored in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 24, 1990. (AP Photo/Bobeto Matthews)
Running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants becomes airborne as he runs over Bryan Cox (51) of the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Fla., Dec. 5, 1993. Also pictured is Jarrod Bunch (33) of the Giants. (AP Photo/Wayne Fleisher)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) unloads a pass during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Dec. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
Miami Dolphins Ricky Williams(34) in action against the New York Giants on October 5, 2003 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Miami Dolphins runningback Ricky Williams is upended by New York Giants' Omar Stoutmire, right, and Kenny Holmes during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Miami Dolphins Sam Madison(29) in action during a game against New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 5, 2003. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10 . Sam Madison played for 12 years with 2 different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning calls signals against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
FILE New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder (52 ) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28, 2007. Jacobs and his Giants teammates face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) scrambles against the New York Giants Kawika Mitchell (55) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Sam Madison (29) breaks up a pass intended for the Miami Dolphins Derek Hagan (82) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Michael Strahan (92) recovers a fumble by the Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for yardage against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) is hit by Miami Dolphins Michael Lehan (22) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Fred Robbins (98) bears down on Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) passes against the New York Giants during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Reuben Droughns (22) runs against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) pulls down Miami Dolphins' Jesse Chatman (28) during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Sam Madison (29) contests the ball with Miami Dolphins' Derek Hagan in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Fred Robbins (98) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon (17) in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, center, is sacked by New York Giants' Justin Tuck (91) and Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals to his offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Miami Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith, rear, tackles New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) talks with New York Giants defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (99)m during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) makes a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball ahead of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) and outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) winds to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs off the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball past Miami Dolphins defensive end Avery Moss (93) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) tries to stop New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) holds on to the ball as he gets past Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, Fle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Miami Dolphins free safety Adrian Colbert (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) and RB Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Elerson Smith (94)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
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