1. PROTECT DANIEL JONES
Ferocious Broncos pass rusher Von Miller missed all of last season with an ankle injury. The Giants, whose offensive line is their Achilles heel, are the unlucky team to welcome Miller back to the NFL. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett must do whatever it takes to keep Jones clean, whether it’s giving help to his tackle with tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Kaden Smith or chipping with running back Devontae Booker. And the five up front need to do their jobs, led by left tackle Andrew Thomas and right tackle Nate Solder, with Solder seeing most of Miller.
2. STOP THE TURNOVERS
Jones’ red zone interception against the Patriots in the preseason finale was an extremely concerning repeat of the characteristic bad decisions that cost the Giants games the past two seasons. Last year, a red zone pick against the Steelers and two INTs against the Buccaneers led to losses. Jones almost got picked a second time by New England in the preseason finale, too. This team isn’t good enough to lose the turnover battle and win. The defense will have its hands full with Pat Shurmur’s offense, but the Giants’ ball security is a bigger concern.
3. OUT-COACH FANGIO
Denver head coach Vic Fangio is a revered defensive mind, but he isn’t a good game manager. That includes timeout usage, end-of-half management and situational football. Joe Judge is only a second-year head coach, but he’s detailed and creative in his preparation. In a close game, Judge could give the Giants a distinct advantage by out-coaching Fangio in key spots.