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

5 of 5

Oct 16, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) and linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) and safety Landon Collins (21) break up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) on the final play of the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerbacks

The Giants cornerback group is loaded. The Lions are likely to get a steady diet of Janoris Jenkins, Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, and Eli Apple. This depth at corner puts the Giants in a great spot, as they have three corners that they can match up against any of the Lions’ wide receivers. The Giants are able to supplement their pass rush with blitzes, largely on the strength of their corner group.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Alfred Morris (46) is tackled by New York Giants free safety Landon Collins (21) and linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (91) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Safeties

Landon Collins is among the best strong safeties in the NFL, adding even more strength to the Giants secondary. He notched 100 tackles and five interceptions for the team last season. He was also the primary beneficiary of the Giants blitzing, with four sacks. The Giants drafted Darian Thompson who played in only two games in 2016.

Fellow rookie Andrew Adams played well enough as Thompson’s replacement to make the matter of who will start questionable in 2017. The Giants Free Safety job is a bit easier than most with the other talent they have in the secondary. Whether it’s Thompson taking his baby steps in the league, or Adams however, Free Safety is definitely the weak point in the secondary group if there is one.

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Specialists

Brad Wing appears to be the Giants Punter in 2017, and Aldrick Rosas will be the Kicker. Wing has held down the Giants Punting duties for the last two seasons and is neither a plus or minus. Rosas is an unknown, the 22-year-old has not put up any statistics in the NFL. Neither appears to be major factors in the Lions week two matchup.

Dwayne Harris had a down year as the punt returner last season, making it possible that the Giants could utilize their all-pro wide receiver Odell Beckham in that role. If they do Sam Martin will likely be called upon to punt directionally. This will keep the ball out of Beckham’s hands by putting it out of bounds, making a return impossible. Harris was a well above average kick returner last season, and will likely continue in that role. Martin’s kickoffs are rarely returnable so Harris is not likely to have much impact.

Conclusion

The Lions will match up better than they did in 2016. The game will be highly contested, unlike the last time these teams met. Assuming both rosters are healthy, which is never a good assumption in the NFL, the Lions have certainly not lost this game before it is even played.

Next: Early look at Lions' week one opponent

Both of these teams were in the playoffs last year. There are few reasons to think that either will take a step back. The matter will be whether either team has taken a major step forward. Both have made moves to plug many of the holes in their roster. The effectiveness of those moves will be tested in the Lions week two matchup with the Giants.

Home/Detroit Lions