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'TNF' preview: Danger warnings flashing for Giants
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

'TNF' preview: Danger warnings flashing in red and gold for Giants

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated 9/20/23

In a game that could get out of hand, the New York Giants will play at San Francisco on "Thursday Night Football." Per OddsChecker, as of Wednesday, the 49ers are a 10-point favorite. Based on what we've seen this season, it's easy to understand why. Here's what to watch for:

When the Giants are on offense

Daniel Jones takes center stage: The Giants (1-1) need more from Jones early. He is 14-of-29 (48.3 percent) for 108 yards (3.7 yards per attempt), no touchdowns and three interceptions in the first half. He emerged from halftime against Arizona a completely different quarterback, leading the offense to 31 points in five second-half possessions. Those final two quarters don't erase the ugly six quarters that preceded them, but they give the Giants hope that Jones can be the quarterback they paid him to be.

Scary hours for Giants offensive line: San Francisco's defensive front could quickly turn this game into a repeat of New York's 40-0 loss in Week 1 at home against the Cowboys. Led by DE Nick Bosa and DT Javon Hargrave, 49ers defenders have already generated 56 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Jones was pressured on 66.7 percent of his dropbacks against Dallas and 41 times in two games (h/t PFF).

Saquon Barkley's injury: He has been ruled out against the 49ers with a sprained ankle. Barkley's role in the offense can't be overstated. He played 97 percent of the team's snaps in Week 2 and had 17 of the team's 18 running back carries. Matt Breida will start in his place, but the team will also rely on Jones (22 carries, 102 yards) to jump-start the rushing attack.

Offseason additions Darren Waller and Jalin Hyatt: New York traded a third-round pick to Las Vegas for Waller, who leads all tight ends with 112 receiving yards. Per RotoWire, Waller has gained half of his yards out of the slot. It's up to Daboll to scheme the 6-foot-6 target open against a dominant defense.

Hyatt, drafted 73rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, hauled in a 58-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage in the second half to kick-start the team's comeback win against Arizona. He should get more targets.

When the 49ers are on offense

Brock Purdy rebound game: After a couple of bad overthrows in Week 2's 30-23 win over the Rams, Purdy admitted he must improve. Per PFF, he's only 2-of-6 on 20-plus-yard throws and has made his living on intermediate shots, going 13-of-14 on attempts 10-19 yards downfield. The matchup against the Giants could be a get-right game for Purdy, with New York's defense reeling after two weeks. It ranks 28th in expected points added per play. Purdy, meanwhile, is fourth in EPA per play among quarterbacks.

Christian McCaffrey vs. stout Giants interior: New York's defense only allows 2.8 yards per carry on runs between the tackles (30 carries, 84 yards, h/t PFF). The defense has been gashed on the perimeter, allowing roughly six yards per attempt (27 carries, 161 yards). Per NFL Next Gen Stats, "McCaffrey has gained 200 yards after contact outside the tackles this season, 86 more than any other player." New York's front, led by DT Dexter Lawrence, must show up big to avoid plays like this 65-yard touchdown run from McCaffrey in Week 1.

Brandon Aiyuk's status: As deep as the 49ers (2-0) are at the skill positions, Aiyuk somewhat flies under the radar. He suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2, and his status is in question for Thursday night. Aiyuk led the team in receiving yards last season and is first on the team through two games (172 yards). He's Purdy's primary target on those intermediate routes on which he thrives (eight receptions on eight targets for 131 yards and a touchdown).

How Giants generate pressure: Defensive coordinator Don Martindale has a tall order against the numerous weapons on San Francisco's offense, no matter if Aiyuk plays or not. The Giants must create a pass rush to shock the world. It will be fascinating to see how Martindale dials it up. In Week 1, New York only blitzed Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott on 29.2 percent of his dropbacks. Martindale flipped the script against Arizona, blitzing Josh Dobbs 53.1 percent of the time.

Sending extra defenders against San Francisco risks exposing one-on-one matchups with McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and receiver Deebo Samuel. If the front four doesn't get to Purdy, Martindale must take that risk. 

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