Cardinals-Giants Week 2 Preview
The Arizona Cardinals host the New York Giants for their 2023 home opener in Week 2. The Cardinals, nearly upsetting the Washington Commanders last week, have been tabbed as a potential trap game for a Giants squad who were blown out in 40-0 fashion by the Dallas Cowboys.
For a preview of Sunday's action between the two NFC sides, All Cardinals sat down with Giants Country editor Patricia Traina to discuss the matchup:
1. How confident are you the Giants will rebound from their Week 1 loss?
Traina: I think they’ll play a lot better than they did last week, but despite any flaws the Cardinals might have, I’m not about to say this is a slam dunk win for the Giants. I still have questions about the offensive line. The Giants special teams is also good for one significant blunder per game which is frustrating. Do I think the Giants will win? Yes. Do I think it will be a lot closer than it needs to be? Yes.
2. Everybody knows the challenges Saquon Barkley and Darren Waller present. Could you talk about the WR’s and what they bring to the table?
Traina: A little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Seriously, the Giants don’t really have a No. 1 receiver, but what they’ve tried to do is assemble a basketball team where you have a little bit of everything you might need in a passing game. Isaiah Hodgins is a possession receiver. Darius Slayton is a deep threat. Parris Campbell is your “human joystick” who has speed but who can also work out of the backfield or the slot. Jalin Hyatt is your track star who can split coverage and separate. Sterling Shepard is the wily veteran that can find holes in zone coverage. So again, you have a little bit of everything based on what it is the passing game is looking to accomplish.
3. What’s been the reception to Isaiah Simmons’ arrival and how do you think he’s done thus far?
There's been plenty of talk about a potential revenge game for Isaiah Simmons against the Arizona Cardinals. He played 15 snaps in his debut for the New York Giants last week.
Traina: Giants fans tend to get excited when a “name” arrives on the scene, and Isaiah Simmons’ arrival is no different. Simmons was a guy who, when he was coming out in the draft in 2020, a lot of Giants fans wanted the team to draft. Now that said, so far his arrival has been kind of quiet as he tries to learn the defense and get up to speed. But I think they’re going to deploy him as a situational pass rusher.
4. The Giants are favorites in this game, but in what ways do you think Arizona could pull off an upset?
Traina: I’m concerned about a couple of things, namely the trenches. I’m not confident left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) plays, and that offensive line being still very much a question mark can’t afford to be without him. The Cardinals managed seven sacks last week, so kudos to them. If that Giants offensive line has another rocky showing, Arizona should be able to cruise to victory.
The other thing I’m concerned about is the pass rush. Azeez Ojulari is dealing with a hamstring issue and I’m not so sure how much he’ll be able to do if anything. The Giants pass rush was quiet last week. They need to start making noise.
5. Circle one matchup you believe can dictate the outcome of this game.
Traina: I’m going to say Darren Waller vs. the linebackers. Waller has been unguardable all summer long and I’m curious to see what the Cardinals come up with to neutralize him. If Waller draws a party of defenders in the middle of the field as he’s done in the summer and preseason, it could open things up for the rest of the receivers on the outside.
We answered our own set of questions to break down the Cardinals, which can be found here.
