Titans vs. Giants preview with Big Blue View

Ed Valentine of Big Blue View was nice enough to answer 6 questions about his New York Giants ahead of this week’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

1 - How is morale with the news that Jaxson Dart is out for the season?
That depends on whether you are asking about the team or the fanbase. Some in the fanbase have already tossed in the towel on the season. The Giants themselves? As John Harbaugh said on Wednesday, the story of the season has yet to be written, and there are still 15 chapters to go. Players have a job to do, and on Sunday they will be fired up and ready to do it.

2 - What are the early impressions of former Titans DC Dennard Wilson?

I like Wilson. I like the aggressiveness he is trying to bring to the secondary. I think he is a very good defensive coordinator. I am less sure about the hand he has been dealt with the Giants’ defensive personnel.

3 - As you know, the Giants and Titans don’t play very often. Who are some of the under-the-radar players that we should keep an eye out for?

Under-the-radar guys are sort of difficult right now. I will, though, give you a few players to pay attention to.
Offense -- Marcus Mbow. If Andrew Thomas can’t go at left tackle (groin/adductor) Mbow will likely be there. He is a second-year swing tackle who did well enough in spot duty last season.
-- Defense -- I’m watching Abdul Carter and Arvell Reese. Both are top 5 picks in the draft, and I’m waiting for impactful, breakout games from both.
-- Special teams -- PK Dominic Zvada is a rookie who has a big leg and has been impressive.

4 - If the Giants could steal one player from the Titans’ roster, who would it be and why? (Bonus points if it isn’t Jeffery Simmons, but I’m not sure where else I’d go if I were you)

I love bonus points. Simmons would be the clear choice if I wasn’t playing for the bonus. Great player who would fill a massive need for the Giants on their defensive line.

My “bonus points” choice? I’m taking Carnell Tate. I did not want to see the Giants draft Tate at No. 5, and the Titans made sure that didn’t happen. The Giants, though, need more explosive plays, and they need a big-time wideout to pair with Malik Nabers. Thus, Tate.

5- What’s the biggest matchup in the Titans’ favor and the biggest matchup against their favor?

In the Titans’ favor is probably Jeffrey Simmons against the middle of the Giants’ offensive line. In the Giants’ favor -- the fact that John Harbaugh is the head coach and Brian Daboll isn’t.

6 - Who wins this game and why? With the Giants currently listed as 2.5-point favorites, what’s your score prediction?

The Giants win. The Dart loss is a blow, obviously. Thing is, even without Dart I think the Giants are closer to the good team they looked like Week 1 against Dallas than the bad one they looked like in Week 2 against the Rams. I think they play an inspired, determined, physical game and win a close one. Giants 20, Titans 17