Giants-Rams Puts New York's New Identity to the Test

The Giants found a physical, possession-heavy formula against Dallas, but proving it is real means taking that identity on the road against Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and possibly Aaron Donald. Follow on Spotify and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy no-BS Giants debate. Was Dallas the beginning of the Giants’ offensive identity, or simply the right game plan for one opponent? Monday night against the Rams should tell us much more because New York is facing a defense that struggled against the run in Week 1 while its own offense brings a very different challenge than Dallas. Drew and Rob break down the Giants’ 165 rushing yards, 36:40 time of possession and 9-of-11 third-down performance, Patrick Ricard’s growing role in Greg Roman’s offense, and the next step for Jaxson Dart. The efficiency was excellent against Dallas, but the Giants produced only one play longer than 20 yards, so the question now is whether Dart and Malik Nabers can add explosives without losing the long-drive formula that worked. Aaron Donald becomes the wild card. The Giants are preparing as if he will play, but nobody knows what a 35-year-old Donald looks like after more than two full seasons away from NFL games. Drew and Rob debate whether even a 20–30 snap role could force Greg Roman to change protections and whether expecting the old Aaron Donald is realistic. The Rams offense also gets a full look. Stafford struggled statistically in Week 1, but the show pushes back on overreacting to one game from the defending MVP. Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Blake Corum and Kyren Williams give Los Angeles multiple ways to attack a Giants defense that was excellent against the run but still has to clean up third downs, penalties and ball security. Before the main preview, the guys debate Joey Porter Jr. and whether the Giants should even consider paying the draft-pick cost plus a potential $30M-plus-per-year extension. They also cover Josh Tupou joining the 53-man roster, Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s flu and the latest Giants backfield questions. The episode closes with Lions-Bills. Drew and Rob both picked Buffalo to win and both took the over, but they split the spread: Rob took Detroit +4.5 while Drew took Buffalo -4.5. Merch: https://2giantgoofballs-shop.fourthwall.com/ Support: https://buymeacoffee.com/2giantgoofballs All episodes: https://2giantgoofballs.buzzsprout.com/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show