The San Francisco 49ers look to get back into the win column with a trip to the Meadowlands to square off with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The last visit to MetLife was during 2020, and while
the 49ers left with a victory, it came at the expense of a season-ending injury to Nick Bosa. The two teams met in 2023 at Levi’s Stadium for the 49ers’ home opener, and the 49ers dispatched the Giants 30-12. Including the playoffs, the 49ers hold a 22-21 record over the Giants all-time.
Now, the 49ers and Giants turn the page on their history with a matchup of Mac Jones (?) and Jaxson Dart. Coming off a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants are reeling a bit with the unfortunate season-ending injury to promising rookie running back Cam Skattebo. As for the 49ers, where to start with the injury discussion?
The 49ers need this victory after the loss to Houston dropped them to third place in the NFC West. After the trade for Keion White, the front office shouldn’t be done adding in trades. It certainly shows the organization isn’t punting the season.
How do the 49ers leave New Jersey with a victory?
Here are three things to watch for on Sunday:
The 49ers’ rushing attack gets back on track
Last week, the 49ers’ game plan was thrown off by the time-of-possession discrepancy and the stingy Houston defense. This week, the 49ers can attack the Giants in some of the ways they did against Atlanta, running the football. The Giants’ defense has faced the lowest inside run percentage in the NFL at 40.3% and has the worst EPA against outside runs at 0.35. They sit dead last in EPA/rush at 0.22 on defense.
The Giants’ front is fierce, but as evidenced, it is still susceptible to big runs. Overall, their defense ranks 28th in the NFL at 0.12. If the 49ers can dictate the tempo of the game running the football, it could be a long day for the Giants.
Limiting Jaxson Dart’s rushing impact
In Dart’s first three starts, he totaled over 50 rushing yards against the Chargers, Saints, and Eagles. In his last two outings against Denver and Philadelphia, Dart finished with 28 rushing yards combined. The Giants’ offensive line has allowed 17 sacks in Dart’s five starts, which can be tied to the rookie’s ability to move and keep plays alive, but the 49ers must limit his rushing ability and force him to beat them from the pocket.
Dart’s completion percentage is under 60 percent on the season. With the lack of weapons on the outside for the Giants, the 49ers defensive line must keep contain and force the quarterback up into the pocket to make throws to beat them. The Giants have been blitzed at the 12th-highest rate in the NFL, leading to the ninth-worst EPA on blitzes at -0.08. Getting home for the defense is the goal, but remaining disciplined is a must on Sunday.
Take some shots downfield
Ok, so I outlined why the 49ers should control the clock running the football, but there will be opportunities to attack the Giants’ secondary, particularly deep down the field. Firstly, the Giants haven’t fared well facing play action. Last week, Jalen Hurts had six play-action drop-backs and finished 3/5 for 48 yards, 9.8 per attempt, a touchdown, and a passer rating of 131.7. Hurts also did damage in the intermediate hitting all four of his passes, regardless of direction, in the 10-20 yard area for 63 yards.
The big play was to Devonta Smith to the outside left for a 40-yard touchdown. Mac Jones can operate in the same places Hurts attacked, but running the football can back off the Giants’ pass rushers and allow big plays to form. The 49ers have to take advantage of these opportunities.
