Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: New York Giants

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Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) rushes against Detroit Lions middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

Paul Perkins has been ordained as the Giants starting running back in 2017. Perkins closed out the 2016 season strong, ending his rookie campaign with his first 100-yard game in the NFL. He carried the ball 112 times for 456 yards but never managed to reach the end zone last year. The Giants also retained passing game specialist Shane Vereen.

While he is most dangerous as a receiver, Vereen is also a capable runner. They are the two running backs most likely to impact the Lions. While they are skilled players, this is a below average backfield. The Lions front seven needs to be able to handle this group. Failing to do so will not be a good sign for the remainder of the season.

Rookie Wayne Gallman has potential in both aspects of the game but is unlikely to be up to speed in the passing game so early in his rookie season. Neither Shaun Draughn nor Orleans Darkwa is likely to have much impact on the game, even if they make the roster. The Giants offense does utilize a fullback, and Rhett Ellison is a very capable blocker they picked up from the Vikings this offseason.

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse (73) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Ricardo Mathews (90) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The Offensive Line

The Giants offensive line was not great last season. They have added D.J. Fluker to the mix, but right now there are some pretty serious questions facing the team. Fluker and Justin Pugh are best as Guards but can shift outside to the right tackle position. John Jerry was retained at a reasonable price tag but is a right guard only at the NFL level.

Left Tackle Ereck Flowers is being praised for having come into the offseason program in better shape than last year but has always projected better as a right tackle. All in this looks like it could be the weak point of the offense again, as it was last season.

The Giants were limited to 3.5 yards per carry and were 28th in the league in rushing yards. They only gave up 21 sacks on the year, but it was the quick thinking of Eli Manning more than great pass blocking that resulted in that relatively low number. If the Lions can limit the Giants ground game, and put their offensive linemen in a bad spot, this could be the key to a different result for Detroit in 2017.

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