The New York Giants defense might not be ranked at or near the top in the main statistical categories, but don’t tell the Los Angeles Rams they’re in for a pushover this weekend when they visit MetLife Stadium to face the Giants.
“They’re a real challenge to prepare for, and they’ve got really good players,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay, who will look to match wits against Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
“You can see why in some of the stretches where they’ve played excellent football, they’re taking the football away, and that’s leading to winning games, and they’re very opportunistic. It seems like every time you flip it on, somebody’s making an impact-type of play for their defense, and it’s a real credit to their guys and then also Wink.”
Indeed, a key to the Giants’ limited success this season has been the play of their defense. In their five wins this season, New York’s defense created multiple turnovers in four (both Washington games, New England, and Green Bay).
“Yeah, obviously physically talented,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who hasn’t thrown an interception in his last four games. “They’ve got a bunch of good players, really kind of all levels. Again, D-line is talented, second level is talented, guys in the back end are first round picks, guys that can run, do all the stuff that you’d want to do from those guys.”
The Giants defense’s propensity to wreck a game for an opposing offense all starts with the 60-yard-old Martindale, who seems to come up with new twists and layers to an already complex-looking scheme aimed at creating confusion and, as he likes to say, “Breaking pipes with pressure.”
“He presents a variety of issues going back to when we played against them and when he was in Baltimore in ’21,” McVay said. “He does a great job of deploying his players. You can see he’s able to adjust and adapt to what he thinks they do best, and then he puts a lot of pressure on you situationally, and he understands some of the issues that he can present.”
“As challenging as a coordinator as there is to go against,” added Stafford. “I got a lot of respect for him, and what he’s done throughout his career calling plays on defense, so it’s a big challenge for us; we know that going on the road into their place.”
The Rams (8-7) offense is red hot and responsible for winning five of its last six games following its Week 10 bye. The Rams are trying to close in on a playoff berth and are favored by 5.5 according to FanDuel Sportsbook points in this game, a game in which they’ll come in well-rested following an inspiring 30-22 win on Thursday Night Football over the New Orleans Saints.
On the other hand, the Giants are coming off a late Monday game against the Eagles, which has forced them to adjust their practice schedule this week.
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