Hogs Haven
Bullock’s Film Room (subscription)
Regardless of who is in at quarterback, the Giants will likely be looking to lean on the run and try to support whichever quarterback is in the game. Last season, the Giants had plenty of success running the ball against the Commanders. Over the two games, the Giants totaled 53 carries for 293 yards and two touchdowns at an average of 5.5 yards per carry.
The Commanders run defense was poor last year and the team have made an effort to bring in bigger defensive lineman to try and help be more stout up front. The results in preseason were mixed but the starters hardly played. So this first game will be a good test of how well the Commanders can defend the run with their new personnel. Part of their issue last year against the Giants was that they played almost exclusively nickel sub-packages, meaning instead of playing their base 4-3 front with four defensive lineman and three linebackers, they would substitute out a linebacker for a defensive back. This was to help in coverage, but the Giants exploited that in the run game.
On this play from last season, you can see the Giants in their 21 personnel, with two running backs, one tight end and two receivers on the field. They use a run-heavy alignment with everyone bunched in tight to the formation. The Commanders are in their nickel defense with cornerback Mike Sainristil in the slot instead of using a third linebacker. In this defense, Sainristil has to become the third linebacker, as that’s the player he’s replacing on the field. You can see him lined up as a linebacker next to Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. The problem is, Sainristil is an undersized slot corner that has to try and take on offensive lineman that can have a huge size advantage over him.
As this play progresses, the left tackle climbs up to the second level and approaches Sainristil. Sainristil does his best to try and work around the tackle, but the tackle is able to get his hands on him and make the block. The running back cuts his run back into the gap where Sainristil should have been, but because Sainristil was being driven backwards by the tackle, the running back is able to hit the hole and pick up a 10-yard gain.
Heavy.com
Surrounded by a defense that values toughness and disruption, Kinlaw brings a unique skill set. At 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds, he can collapse pockets and disrupt rushing lanes. His versatility allows him to line up in multiple spots across the defensive front, giving the Commanders an edge in matchup situations.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has emphasized creating chaos up front, and Kinlaw’s blend of power and mobility fits perfectly into that approach. While other names on the line...
