Giants’ stout defense out to stifle Saquon Barkley, Eagles

The Giants’ version of the “New York Sack Exchange” will take aim at Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

The Giants (2-4) enter the NFC East divisional contest against the Eagles (3-2) with a league-leading 26 sacks, just eight fewer than they recorded in the entire 2023 season. It’s their highest total through six games since Lawrence Taylor and Co. had 30 in 1985.

A different Lawrence drives the Big Blue pass rush these days: Two-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence leads the way with seven sacks. Three teammates have three sacks apiece and 11 Giants have at least one.

The Giants sacked Joe Burrow four times in Sunday night’s 17-7 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, including two by linebacker Azeez Ojulari.

It was the fifth consecutive game New York’s defense has allowed 21 or fewer points, but also the fifth time this season that the New York offense has scored 21 or fewer points.

No NFC team is putting fewer points on the board this year than the Giants with 16.0 per game.

“There’s things that are improving in areas, but the ultimate goal is to score points and finish drives and take care of the ball,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said this week. “Our inability … to generate explosive plays, whether that’s through the run or through the air, is not where I want it to be right now.”

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will be facing a Philadelphia defense with two rookie starters in the secondary in first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell and second-rounder Cooper DeJean.

They were targeted a combined eight times in last weekend’s 20-16 home win against Cleveland and allowed just three completions for 23 yards and no first downs.

It was the fifth start for Mitchell at cornerback and the first start of his career for DeJean, who suited up at nickel corner. They helped to limit the Browns to just 144 yards through the air and combined for nine tackles, plus a half-sack by DeJean.

“I felt prepared,” DeJean said of his first NFL start. “There were no nerves — a little bit of butterflies and excitement building up to this. Once you get out there and make that first hit, it all slows down for you and it felt good.”

After finishing 31st in the league in passing defense last season (252.7 yards per game), Philadelphia has improved to 21st (218.4) through five games this season.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Giants, makes his return to MetLife Stadium, where he spent his first six seasons. He has 574 yards from scrimmage with five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) in five games this season.

“I don’t expect a great reaction,” Barkley said. “I don’t expect to be booed; I look at it like this: The Philadelphia Eagles and New York football Giants probably played in over 200 games. This rivalry was there before me, and it’s going to be there after me.”

The Eagles ruled out left tackle Jordan Mailata, tight end Dallas Goedert and defensive tackle Byron Young for Sunday’s game due to their respective hamstring injuries. Mailata was placed on injured reserve on Friday.

Darius Slay (knee) joined fellow cornerback Eli Ricks (groin) in being listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers did not carry an injury designation on Friday after missing the two previous games due to a concussion. He also was dealing with tightness in his groin.

Running back Devin Singletary also is expected to play despite missing two games with a groin injury. Singletary began the season as the Giants’ lead back, rushing for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 56 carries.

Rookie Tyrone Tracy is expected to maintain a regular presence in the backfield after rushing for 179 yards and a touchdown while adding seven catches for 58 yards in Singletary’s absence.

The Giants ruled out punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring) and defensive back Adoree’ Jackson (neck). Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (hip), linebacker Brian Burns (groin) and defensive back Dane Belton (illness) are listed as questionable.

Belton did not practice Friday, while the other two were limited participants.

Daboll was not ready to tip his hand with who will replace injured left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot surgery) in the lineup.

–Field Level Media

Streaking Texans expect challenge from Packers

The Houston Texans boast a two-game lead in the AFC South and the second-best record in the conference entering a Sunday road game against the Green Bay Packers.

Still, various injuries and inconsistency on offense have Houston wide receiver Tank Dell eager for the team to fire on all cylinders.

“Once we get everybody back and everyone clicking at once,” Dell said, “I feel like the sky’s the limit.”

Houston (5-1) still looked plenty potent last week during a 41-21 runaway win at New England that stretched the Texans’ winning streak to three games.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud sparked the attack once again, passing for three touchdowns, including one to Joe Mixon, who rushed for 102 yards and a TD.

Stefon Diggs and Dell also caught scoring passes from Stroud, who has 10 touchdown tosses against four interceptions this season to go with a 68.3 percent completion rate.

“I think he’s super talented,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “Obviously, he’s got the ability where the moment is not too big for him. He can process very fast, and he’s a very good anticipatory thrower, which I think is a bit of a lost art.”

Green Bay (4-2) figures to challenge that poise on Sunday.

The Packers’ defense is tops in the NFL with a plus-9 turnover differential. Safety Xavier McKinney leads the league with five interceptions.

“Very good defensive back group. Very physical. We know that coming in,” Dell said. “They’re ready to make plays. (McKinney) is leading the NFL in interceptions, so we know he wants to make a play on the ball. It’s a very good group going in, and we’re feeling confident. I know they’re going to feel confident, so it’s going to be a good battle.”

Green Bay rolled to a season-high point total last week in a 34-13 home win against the Arizona Cardinals.

Jordan Love matched his career best of four touchdown passes in the rout. Romeo Doubs snagged a pair of TDs, his first two of the season, after serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Doubs said after the game that he “was able to get back to my regular self.”

That’s a standing to which new Packers kicker Brandon McManus aspires, as well.

Green Bay this week signed the veteran after releasing rookie Brayden Narveson, who missed five of 17 field-goal attempts this season.

McManus spent 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars after kicking for the Denver Broncos from 2014-22. He has connected on 81.4 percent of his career field-goal tries, with a long of 61 yards.

“Every single day you have to prove yourself,” McManus said. “Kicker is such a black-and-white position.”

Houston’s depth on the D-line is fluctuating. Mario Edwards Jr. this week was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, but Denico Autry is set to return from a six-game suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Green Bay leads the all-time series 4-1, including a 1-1 mark at home.

The Packers have won three straight against the Texans, with two of those games decided by at least 15 points.

LaFleur began his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Texans in 2008 and ‘09.

The Texans ruled out five players for Sunday: wide receiver Robert Woods (foot), linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and Henry To’oTo’o (concussion), cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin). Receiver Steven Sims (back) and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) are questionable.

The Packers won’t have defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle), while receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) and defensive lineman Colby Wooden (knee) are questionable. Starting left guard Elgton Jenkins (knee), who missed Wednesday’s practice and was limited Thursday, was a full participant Friday and carries no injury designation for the game.

–Field Level Media

Aiming for 4th straight win, Falcons welcome Seahawks

A pair of NFC teams trending in opposite directions will meet Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons host the Seattle Seahawks.

The Falcons (4-2) are riding a three-game winning streak, the team’s longest since winning the last four games of the 2019 season. Seattle (3-3) opened the season by winning its first three games before dropping three straight.

Atlanta is looking for its first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017, but thanks to a new-look roster that is loaded with offensive weapons, it is tied atop the NFC South. The Falcons are fresh off a three-game sweep of divisional opponents, most recently drubbing the host Carolina Panthers 38-20.

In the last two games, Atlanta has shown different facets of its potent offense.

Facing visiting Tampa Bay on Oct. 3, newcomer Kirk Cousins set the franchise’s single-game passing total with 509 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-30 win.

Then the run game took over against Carolina. Backup running back Tyler Allgeier led the team with 105 rushing yards and one score, while Bijan Robinson ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

First-year head coach Raheem Morris has been impressed with the work of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who is also in his first year.

“It’s been great for me to have a front-row seat to watch Zac develop into what he’s doing,” Morris said. “I really love the maturation of Zac Robinson from a play-calling standpoint. Obviously, this being his first year, really watching him mesh with Kirk and the other guys. … It’s gone really well for us.”

Zac Robinson, who spent the last two seasons as the pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams, has Atlanta averaging 24.8 points per game, up from 18.9 last season.

The Falcons will be facing a Seattle defense that has been gutted of late. The Seahawks defense allowed just 14.3 points per game through three weeks, but has surrendered just under 36 points per contest since then.

Most recently, Seattle fell at home to the San Francisco 49ers 36-24 on Oct. 10, and Mike Macdonald, who is in his first season as a head coach, wants his players to experience a sense of urgency.

“We’re six games into the season and there is a lot of football to be played,” said Macdonald, who is the youngest head coach in the league at age 37. “But just like the message was last week, we’ve got to get better in a hurry. We’re finding new ways to lose games right now, and that’s no good. But we’ve got the right guys for the job, guys that are in it.”

A problem through Seattle’s skid has been turnovers. The Seahawks have given the ball away six times, three to the 49ers, while forcing just one in the three games combined.

“When you play against good teams, well-coached teams, you can’t shoot yourself in the foot,” Seattle quarterback Geno Smith said. “Those are the things we’re doing right now. … Just getting in our own way. We’ve got to stop doing that.”

Smith’s inconsistency has been an issue. While his 1,778 passing yards lead the league, he has six interceptions, one shy of the NFL high.

Seattle’s run game hasn’t been much help either; it’s averaging 96.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 29th in the league.

The Falcons will be thin at linebacker on Sunday, with Troy Andersen (knee) and Lorenzo Carter (concussion) both out. Safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton (back) are questionable.

Seattle will be missing three defensive backs, including Rayshawn Jenkins (hand), who landed on injured reserve Wednesday. Jenkins hasn’t missed a defensive snap this year, although he wore a club on his hand in the past two games. Corners Tre Brown and Riq Woolen are both out with ankle injuries,

Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II was a full participant in Friday’s practice but will sit on Sunday as he continues to recover from a torn ACL he sustained last season in Week 11.

–Field Level Media

Bills punch up offense with Amari Cooper trade, face Titans

Although they presently enjoy a comfortable 1 1/2-game lead in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills have shown a weakness at wide receiver in the first six games of the season.

They hope Amari Cooper, who was acquired Tuesday, can change that, perhaps starting with Sunday’s visit from the Tennessee Titans at Orchard Park, N.Y.

Coming off a career-high 1,250 yards last year for Cleveland, Cooper has experienced a frustrating start to his 2024 season. In six games, he has 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns. His per-catch average of 10.4 yards is on pace for a career low and seven yards under last year’s career-best average.

However, Cooper is looking forward to bigger and better things in his fourth NFL home. Not only did he gain three games in the standings, but he’s now the target of Josh Allen instead of Deshaun Watson.

Allen has thrown 156 passes this year without an interception and Watson has endured a poor season.

“As far as playing with Josh, I’ve always been (a) fan of his game,” Cooper said. “I’m sure to see it up close and personal and play alongside him. I’m sure it’s going to be great. I’m just excited to turn a new chapter and to be able to contribute.”

The Bills haven’t had a go-to receiver this season after trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in the offseason.

Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said Friday that he expects Cooper to play on Sunday. On top of that, the Bills (4-2) may once again have the services of running back James Cook, who missed Monday night’s 23-20 win at the New York Jets with a toe injury. Buffalo will also welcome back Ed Oliver after the defensive tackle missed the past two games with a hamstring issue.

Tennessee (1-4) squandered a 17-10 fourth-quarter lead last week in a 20-17 home loss to AFC South rival Indianapolis. The Titans’ sputtering offense managed only 239 total yards as quarterback Will Levis struggled again, completing only 16 of 27 passes for 93 yards.

Of more importance to Tennessee is Levis’ continued turnover troubles. His fourth-quarter interception last week was his seventh in five games and his 10th turnover overall. Levis has been playing with a shoulder injury that he sustained Sept. 30 at Miami.

None of Levis’ completions last week went to veteran receiver Calvin Ridley, who let his frustrations out with a profanity-laced postgame interview that hit social media quickly. Ridley apologized for his comments Wednesday and first-year coach Brian Callahan said he understood Ridley’s feelings.

“My message to him was simple,” said Callahan. “I’m doing everything I can to continue to keep you going and get you active early in games, late in games. … I sure as heck want him to be a huge part of what we’re doing.”

The Titans’ problems offensively are obscuring the solid work of their defense, which is ranked No. 1 in the league in total defense (248.8 yards per game) and against the pass (137.0).

Tennessee will be without running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) on Sunday along with wide receiver Treylon Burks (knee), defensive tackle Keondre Coburn (knee) and linebacker Cedric Gray (shoulder). Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quad) is questionable.

Running back Ray Davis is questionable for the Bills due to a calf injury. The rookie accumulated 152 total yards (97 rushing, 55 receiving) while filling in for Cook on Monday. Fellow running back Darrynton Evans (hamstring) is doubtful for Buffalo, while safety Mike Edwards missed Friday’s practice and is questionable due to an illness.

The Titans own a 30-20 lead in the all-time series, including the postseason, which dates back to the American Football League when they were known as the Houston Oilers. The Bills won the last matchup 41-7 at home two years ago.

–Field Level Media

On 4-game skid, Browns get Nick Chubb back vs. Bengals

Running back Nick Chubb will try to provide the Browns with an offensive spark when Cleveland faces the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon.

Chubb is expected to take the field for the first time since a Week 2 knee injury prematurely ended his 2023 season. He comes back in a time of need for Cleveland (1-5), which just traded wideout Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday and saw running back Jerome Ford sustain a hamstring injury during the first quarter of a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.

Chubb practiced all week and will play against Cincinnati despite officially being listed as questionable. Ford was ruled out.

“Super nice to be able to have his presence, his energy, his work ethic, and just to have Chubb in the backfield,” Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said. “He definitely means a lot, not just for this offense, but for this community and this organization.

“So definitely that excitement and hopefully that spark that we need to take it to another level.”

It might take a lot more than Chubb to get Cleveland on the right track, though, as the Browns are averaging the third-fewest points per game in the NFL (15.8) and have dropped their past four contests.

“I just think with where we are, we need to play sound offensive football to help our team,” Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Sound offensive football, we all know what it looks like. It’s taking care of the ball. It’s being efficient and explosive on first and second down, being good in those critical moments.”

Early-season struggles have plagued Cincinnati (2-4), too. The Bengals got off to an 0-3 start, but they have since won two of their past three games, most recently beating the New York Giants 17-7 in Week 6.

Cincinnati’s defense finally stepped up, holding an opponent under 24 points for the first time since a season-opening 16-10 setback against the New England Patriots.

However, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo knows that containing the Browns at home likely won’t be nearly as easy. Cincinnati has a six-game losing streak in Cleveland and has yielded an average of 27.5 points per contest during that skid.

“I made everybody aware of it (Wednesday) morning in our defensive meeting room that we have yet to get on the bus happy,” Anarumo said. “They are aware of what that building presents, what that team presents to us and the challenges. We have to step it up and do better.”

The Bengals should have nearly everyone available when they attempt to shed the losing streak. Cornerback DJ Turner II (ankle) was cleared to play after going from limited to full practice participation Friday. Cornerback D.J. Ivey (knee) is questionable.

The Browns ruled out safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (ankle) along with Ford. Running back Nyheim Hines (knee), center Ethan Pocic (knee), linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow, triceps) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf) are questionable.

Sunday marks Cleveland’s first division game of the season. The Browns went 3-3 against AFC North foes in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Pair of 1-5 teams seeks better fate as Pats, Jags meet in London

The Jacksonville Jaguars are desperate for a victory, while the New England Patriots are looking to end a losing streak while overseeing the continued development of their rookie quarterback.

Each team will look to further those goals in their matchup Sunday in London, England, at Wembley Stadium.

The rebuilding Patriots (1-5) have dropped five in a row since upsetting Cincinnati in Week 1. The Jaguars (1-5) are playing their second consecutive game in London after failing to put together back-to-back wins last week in a 35-16 loss to Chicago.

Rookie Drake Maye is expected to make his second career start for New England after getting the nod in last week’s 41-21 loss at home against Houston.

Maye, the Patriots’ No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina, completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and an 88.3 passer rating against the Texans.

“Excited. (We saw) a quick glimpse of what we can do,” Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas said this week. “When we put it all together, I feel like we can be scary.”

Maye’s performance injected life into the Patriots’ offense, which ranks 31st in yards per play (4.3) and yards per pass attempt (5.5).

The 21 points were a season high for New England.

Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said his team needs to get off to better starts and sees an opportunity to do just that in this week’s matchup.

New England has not scored on its first drive this season and has not picked up a first down in four of six opening drives.

Mayo hinted at starting lineup changes entering this week’s game as well.

“The common denominator is a lack of focus,” he said. “We’re in the middle of the season now and to have a penalty on the opening kickoff is unacceptable. It’s a lack of focus.”

Jacksonville is treating this as a must-win game.

After picking up their first win the prior week against the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars delivered a disappointing performance against another rookie quarterback. Bears starter Caleb Williams threw a career-best four touchdown passes against the Jaguars to break the game open in the second half.

Facing another promising rookie, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson hopes for more from his defense.

“He’s going to take what he did last week and he’s going to improve,” Pederson said of Maye. “… He’s got a big arm, he’s a smart kid, he’s athletic, he’s tough, he took some shots in that game against Houston the other day and came back.”

After a solid opening drive ended with a field goal, Jacksonville struggled to sustain any rhythm on offense. The Jaguars also remain one of the more generous defenses, allowing 6.0 yards per play (30th in NFL) and the second-most points (178).

“I mean, I think we’re scoring 18 or 19 points offensively,” Pederson said. “They’re looking at it the same way, if we can keep them under 20, first one to 20 might win the game. That’s the reality of it.”

The Jaguars could be without starting tailback Travis Etienne, whom Pederson considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury. Etienne is officially questionable for the game after practicing in limited fashion all week.

If Etienne is out, Jacksonville would lean on Tank Bigsby primarily and D’Ernest Johnson mostly on passing downs. Bigsby ran for only 24 yards on seven carries against the Bears with the team behind for most of the second half but rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns vs. Indianapolis in Week 5.

Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is also questionable. Wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee), tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) and defensive end Arik Armstead (shoulder) were all full practice participants Friday and cleared to play.

No. 1 New England running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) returned to practice Friday but is one of six Patriots players listed as questionable. The list also includes receiver Javon Baker (illness), guard Mike Jordan (ankle), linebackers Curtis Jacobs (knee) and Sione Takitaki (knee) and cornerback Marco Wilson (groin).

Patriots offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (ankle) was ruled out.

–Field Level Media

With Davante Adams in fold, Jets battle Russell Wilson, Steelers

Last week, the New York Jets got a new head coach. This week, they obtained a new receiver.

Now the Jets (2-4) need to figure out how to add victories as they enter their road showdown Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2), who are expected to pivot to Russell Wilson at starting quarterback.

New York fired coach Robert Saleh after the team’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 6. Then, after falling 23-20 to the visiting Buffalo Bills on Monday night, the Jets acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders one day later to reunite him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their successful run with the Green Bay Packers.

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Wednesday that Adams will play on Sunday when New York attempts to end a three-game slide.

“I’ll be able to roll,” Adams said. “I’m feeling good right now. I was running around today. We had a walk-through practice, and it felt good running around.”

During Adams’ past six seasons in Green Bay, he caught 581 passes for 7,192 yards and 69 touchdown receptions as Rodgers’ go-to wideout. Adams was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his last five years with the Packers.

After being traded to the Raiders, he had two more big campaigns. This season, he had 18 catches for 209 yards and one touchdown in three games for the Raiders before missing the last three with a hamstring injury.

“He infuses a lot of energy into the team right away,” Rodgers said of Adams. “He is a proven star player, he’s an asset, he’s an incredible locker room presence.”

Despite having Rodgers, the Jets average just 18.8 points per game (tied for 22nd in the NFL) and 304.3 yards per game (also 22nd). Rodgers has passed for 1,387 yards and nine touchdowns, with five interceptions.

Running back Breece Hall broke out against the Bills with 169 yards from scrimmage (113 rushing, 56 receiving) for his top outing of the season.

“In my opinion, probably the best game Breece has had here as a Jet,” Ulbrich said of the third-year pro.

The Steelers likely will turn to Wilson as the starting quarterback after the veteran took first-team practice repetitions ahead of Justin Fields this week. Wide receiver George Pickens said Friday that he has been working on getting on the same page with Wilson, “because, you know, this is his first start.”

Wilson hasn’t played this season due to a calf injury, but this was his second full week of practice.

“Now it’s about knocking the rust off,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He did some of that last week. He is in consideration this week. We’ll see where that leads us.”

Tomlin didn’t want to discuss why Wilson received the first-team reps over Fields, who started the first six games.

However, he indicated earlier this week that Wilson wouldn’t need a lot of time to be ready to go once he’s physically cleared.

“There’s also a totality of his resume as well that makes you more comfortable than guys with shorter resumes in that regard, in terms of the ability to play ball on a limited amount of exposure,” Tomlin said of Wilson, who will be starting his 13th NFL season. “I have that mentality about guys across positions, and we’ve had that discussion before — with veteran players, that comfort that comes with experience in some of those really sometimes uncomfortable discussions.”

Fields has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns, with one interception. He also has rushed for 231 yards and five scores.

Both players were acquired in the offseason — Wilson from the Denver Broncos and Fields from the Chicago Bears.

Wilson is no longer on Pittsburgh’s injury report, but the Steelers will be without four players Sunday: running back/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), tackle Dylan Cook (foot), center Zach Frazier (ankle) and linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring). Receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) and defensive tackle Montravius Adams (knee) are questionable.

The Jets are ailing in the secondary. Cornerback Michael Carter II (back) was ruled out, while fellow corner D.J. Reed (groin) is questionable along with linebacker Chazz Surratt (heel) and tight end Tyler Conklin (hip). In addition, safety Chuck Clark (ankle) was injured against Buffalo and placed on injured reserve.

Rodgers (ankle) missed Wednesday’s walk-through but practiced the rest of the week. Adams was a full-go as well.

New York has won three of the past four meetings between the teams.

–Field Level Media