Paul’s Pick
Some people schedule dental appointments more frequently than the Giants win games. Both are usually uncomfortable to sit through. The Dolphins allow 141 rushing yards per game. If Saquon Barkley does not break out in this one, there needs to be an investigation. No heavy lifting for Eli Manning as he gets a proper sendoff.
Giants 20, Dolphins 17
Marquee Matchup
Dolphins WR DeVante Parker vs. Giants CBs DeAndre Baker, Sam Beal and Corey Ballentine
Janoris Jenkins has been banished. That means the keys to the coverage in the secondary get passed to the kids. Baker is coming off a solid game in Philadelphia. Beal got off to a later start this season than Baker and is further behind. Beal was called for two penalties (one was declined) on the Eagles’ game-tying drive. He has the necessary physical skills but is inconsistent. Ballentine returns from the concussion protocol and will handle the slot. Since Week 6, Parker is first in the AFC with 681 receiving yards, and he already has career highs in yardage (882) and touchdowns (six). He is averaging 16 yards per catch, meaning Baker and Beal must be wary of getting beat deep. Parker was limited at times during the week while in the concussion protocol but is expected to play.
4 Downs
Job Well Done: To those on the outside, it is easy to shout “Fire him!’’ when it comes to a head coach, but it must be remembered that it is always more than one person affected by a terrible season. Pat Shurmur has an entire coaching staff and most, or all of them, will be sent packing if Shurmur does not make it back in 2020.
There is some work getting done that often goes unnoticed. The Giants are first in the NFL in kickoff coverage (17.3 yards), first in punt return (11.3 yards), sixth in net punting (42.9 yards) and 10th in kickoff return (22.9 yards). Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey is a charismatic, popular and effective assistant caught up in this wave of losing.
Head games: He is the face of the franchise, at least until Daniel Jones grows into the job and starts winning games. Saquon Barkley says he has talked to former Giants in the building — Jessie Armstead and David Tyree — about how to deal with the ups (too few) and downs (too many) of a losing season. He also speaks with family and friends to keep his mind right.
“But I’m a grown man,’’ Barkley said. “You’ve got to deal with it yourself and you’ve got to come out and figure it out. The greats figure it out and I want to be great. I want this team to be great and I’m going to help find a way, to do my job to help us turn this culture around and get back to a winning culture.’’
No Finishing Touch: There were long stretches Monday night when the Giants looked coherent and connected on defense, but when the Eagles needed to do some damage, they scored touchdowns on drives of 10, 14 and eight plays.
“Coming out of the game, that’s one of those gut-wrenching losses that you have,’’ defensive coordinator James Bettcher said.
There are signs of progress only if you squint and look real hard.
“Do I think we would be further along, I don’t really judge it that way,’’ Bettcher said. “Collectively, we’ve been a little bit better and a little bit better. We have not played a complete game, there’s no question about that.’’
More, Please: The Giants already have 10 starts worth of evaluation on Jones, a nice body of work to take out of his rookie year. There is no thought to shut him down, as his high ankle sprain is not that severe, and the more they can see of him, the better.
“For anybody, regardless of your age or experience, you just get better with experience,’’ offensive coordinator Mike Shula said. “He’s a fast learner. Unfortunately, we don’t have the results that we’d like to have.’’
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