3 reasons for optimism in Week 2

The New York Giants will travel for their first road game of the season as they take on their division rivals, the Washington Commanders, this Sunday.

With each team entering Week 2 after dropping their season opener, both sides are expected to display some urgency as they look to right their respective ships.

Despite the Giants dominating the Commanders in recent history, Washington enters the game as slight home favorites.

With both teams hoping to get in the win column on Sunday, here are three reasons for optimism for the Giants.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Giants have owned the day recently

The Giants have flat-out owned the Commanders in recent memory. In their last four meetings, the Giants have won three of them, and the other game ended in a tie.

Daniel Jones and Kayvon Thibodeaux, two players who desperately need a rebound game this week, just happen to play their best football when facing the Commanders.

Thibodeaux also made a comment this week downplaying the rivalry because of the Giants’ recent dominance. Thibodeaux better hope his play on the field backs up his words earlier this week.

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Turnovers incoming?

The Giants forced just one turnover in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. In 2023, they actually led the entire league in takeaways.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels could be just what the doctor ordered for the Giants defense this week. Although Daniels did not turn the ball over in Week 1, he did have three fumbles on the day. Rookie quarterbacks are also often susceptible to throwing interceptions.

Shane Bowen’s defense will hope to attack the rookie quarterback and create some turnover opportunities on Sunday.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

An opportunity to put points on the board

The Giants were the only team to fail to score 10 points in Week 1 and one of two teams to fail to score a touchdown.

This week should be different. The Commanders surrendered 37 points last week and had no answers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense led by Baker Mayfield.

Daniel Jones is in desperate need of a strong performance to quiet the noise. Given the Commanders’ defensive performance in Week 1 — getting just one sack on Baker Mayfield and no takeaways — this could be the perfect defense for Jones to have a rebound game against.