UNLOCK TYRONE TRACY JR.
Brian Daboll needs to establish a running game, and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. could be the player to elevate it in this NFC East showdown. Tracy had a strong camp. He is shifty and strong. And he falls forward for extra yardage. But Eric Gray still received a carry before him in Week 1. That must change against Washington so that Daniel Jones and the offense can try to take control early.
TAKE AN EARLY LEAD
Baker Mayfield’s 24-of-30 passing for 289 yards and four TDs for Tampa Bay against Washington’s defense in Week 1 bodes well for Jones to bounce back. But first, Jones and the Giants need to gain confidence with an early touchdown. The Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers (six field goals) were the only two NFL teams not to score a TD in Week 1. The Giants, Bears and Steelers were the only three teams not to score a TD on offense. The Steelers and Bears both won their games. The Giants, the lowest-scoring team in the NFL, need some juice.
CONFUSE THE ROOKIE
Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen prefers to rush four and play zone coverage, but he needs to send more pressure at Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels than he did at the Minnesota Vikings’ Sam Darnold in the season opener. Daniels struggled understandably at times in Week 1 when Bucs coach Todd Bowles switched up the defensive looks on him and sent pressure. Daniels is an excellent runner, so the Giants will have to pressure him smartly. But they can’t let the former LSU star get comfortable in the pocket as a passer. That would mean trouble for the secondary.