Despite the Giants’ unimpressive 1-4 record, they still have some talented players on both sides of the ball. The Rams are clearly the better team on paper and should win Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium, but there are a handful of matchups that could test Los Angeles.
Here are six of the biggest matchups to watch in Week 6 when the Rams and Giants square off, many of which favor L.A. But if the Giants can win some of these battles, they could make things interesting on Sunday.
1
Jalen Ramsey vs. Kadarius Toney
Ramsey has become a slot defender for the Rams this season, which means he’ll likely match up with Toney fairly often. Toney has become the Giants’ biggest playmaker, catching 16 passes for 287 yards in the last two games. He’s a shifty receiver capable of making defenders miss in the open field, which is why Ramsey’s sure tackling will be needed against him on Sunday.
Ramsey will move around throughout the game, lining up across from several different receivers, but Toney should be a player the Rams focus on stopping.
2
Robert Woods vs. James Bradberry
Bradberry was great last season, but his play has fallen off in Year 2 with the Giants. He’s already given up four touchdowns in coverage and has allowed 23 catches on 31 targets, totaling 301 yards. Bradberry primarily lines up outside so he won’t see much of Kupp in man coverage, but Woods could be in for a big game against the Giants’ No. 1 cornerback.
Woods has the speed to stretch Bradberry down the field, just as CeeDee Lamb did last week, but he’s also sharp out of his breaks in order to generate separation. Bradberry is talented, but Woods should have success.
3
David Edwards vs. Leonard Williams
Since Week 1, Williams only has seven total pressures after recording six in the opener. He’s been impactful against the run, but teams have found ways to slow him down as a pass rusher. Edwards will have his hands full with Williams, but Andrew Whitworth will also face him, as will Rob Havenstein. In other words, the Giants will move him around.
Edwards has had his share of struggles in pass protection, but he’ll have to step up against Williams on the interior. The offensive line has been great all year when it comes to protecting Matthew Stafford and that will need to continue this weekend.
4
Rob Havenstein vs. Azeez Ojulari
Ojulari has already made an impact as a rookie, ranking third on the team in pressures and recording three sacks in five games played. He lines up on both sides of the defensive front, but his primary spot is at left outside linebacker.
That will put him up against Rob Havenstein, which should be a fun matchup. Havenstein has been rock solid at right tackle in pass protection but Ojulari is a great athlete and could give Havenstein some trouble. Havenstein has allowed nine pressures this season and will try to keep that number down against Ojulari.
5
Leonard Floyd vs. Nate Solder
Solder has been nothing short of a mess this year. He’s allowed 19 pressures, more than double any other player on the Giants and just five off the league-high of 24 allowed by Austin Jackson. His pass-block grade is a paltry 37.8, according to Pro Football Focus, and things won’t get any easier against Floyd.
This is a golden opportunity for Floyd to add to his sack numbers this week against Solder, who will be lining up at right tackle. Floyd has three sacks and came close to about three more, so don’t be surprised if he gets to Daniel Jones or Mike Glennon a few times.
6
Taylor Rapp vs. Evan Engram
This will be Engram’s fourth game of the season and while he hasn’t been heavily involved on offense, his big catch radius can help fill the void with Kenny Golladay likely out. Rapp has given up far too many big plays in coverage and Engram isn’t your typical in-line tight end. He’s an athletic and fast tight end who can threaten a defense down the field, which is why the Rams are likely to deploy a safety on him instead of a linebacker.
Rapp won’t be on Engram every play, but when the two do match up, it’ll be a one-on-one battle that favors the tight end.
