Ravens vs. Giants: 5 biggest questions ahead of Week 15 matchup

New York Giants Head Coach, Brian Daboll, in the fourth quarter, just before his team beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10, Sunday, January 7, 2024.

RW: The Giants are 2-11, and although ownership has said GM Joe Schoen and HC Brian Daboll will return, the product on the field is severely lacking.  What are the expectations for the final four weeks, and what has to happen for both the GM and head coach to return in 2025?

GW: Mara didn’t necessarily say both would return just that he didn’t anticipate making changes. Obviously, much has changed since then. And truth be told, I’m not really confident there’s anything Schoen and Daboll can do to save their jobs at this point — at least not if Mara and Steve Tisch are being honest with themselves. They fear the constant change and impatience, but their hires have warranted that since the departure of Tom Coughlin. Over the next four weeks, I imagine we see more of the same — empty stands, angry fans, bad football, bad coaches, and terrible personnel decisions. Were Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge actually the better duo? Imagine being able to ask that question and have it validly up for debate.

Nov 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

RW: Malik Nabers and Shedeur Sanders have the NFL buzzing with their Friday night game of catch in the New York streets.  If the season ended today, the Raiders (2-11) would hold the No. 1 pick over the Giants (2-11).   It’s still really early but between Sanders and Cam Ward, which quarterback fits what the Giants want to do?   Is there any quarterback on the board that could be on the Giants radar?

GW: The current regime seems intent on finding a way to land Sanders but he’s not necessarily the one built for Daboll’s offensive system. He’s also more of a gamble — sky-high upside but some bust potential as well. And would he be a fit for the New York atmosphere? The Giants have learned (the hard way) in recent years that matters. Ward appears like a better overall fit for the current system and the pressure of New York but there are too many moving pieces to say anything definitively. If a new regime is ushered in, it may be more likely that the Giants sign a mid-tier veteran and then seek a quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft where the class is expected to be of higher quality.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

RW: The Giants’ defense will face a Baltimore offense that leads the league in yards-per-game (422.5) and per play (6.8), rushing yards-per-carry (5.7), yards per pass attempt (8.7) and is second in first downs (22.9) and rushing yards (179.l) a game.  What can Giants GM Shane Bowen do to slow down the Baltimore offense?  Which poison do you pick, Lamar Jackson or Derrick Henry?

GW: Reading this question made me literally laugh out loud. Again, all cards on the table, there’s nothing Shane Bowen can do to slow down Baltimore’s offense and even one of the two — Jackson or Henry — if he focused the entire defensive unit on them. The Giants have razor-thin depth due to injuries, are worst in the NFL in missed tackles, have managed just two interceptions, and suddenly can’t sack a bag of potatoes.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants calls out the play as John Michael Schmitz Jr. #61 and Jon Runyan #76 look on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

RW: Baltimore’s pass defense has struggled at times this season.  Zach Orr’s unit allows a league-high 264.9 passing yards per game, while their 23 passing touchdowns are tied for the seventh-most in the NFL.   Can Tommy DeVito make enough plays to keep the Giants in the game?   What does DeVito have to avoid?

GW: The field. I know it seems like I may be piling on with these answers, but the Giants will be playing undrafted rookies and busts along the offensive line, will struggle to get anything moving on the ground, and there won’t be enough time for DeVito to operate. As much as I hate saying it, I imagine we see Tim Boyle under center before things are done on Sunday. Ravens fans are going to be stunned when they see just how bad the Giants — and especially their offense — actually are.

NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 07: Helmets of the New York Giants rests on the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

RW: With so many injuries and uncertainty, give Ravens fans one under-the-radar player to watch on offense and one player to watch on defense?

GW: That’s a tough one given the injuries. On offense, tight end Daniel Bellinger is probably the only player who qualifies as “under the radar.” He’s a solid all-around player with sneaky good hands. He runs solid routes and is an above-average blocker. On defense, it’s undoubtedly tackle Elijah Chatman. The undersized undrafted rookie free agent is all motor and effort. He’s not dominant but he will make enough plays where the Ravens and their fans notice him.

Oct 16, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball against New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

RW: Who wins and why?

GW: The Giants will be a “get right” game for Baltimore after a frustrating pre-bye week loss to the Eagles. Derrick Henry should have an absolute field day against a poor run defense that struggles to tackle, allowing Lamar Jackson to casually carve things up from the pocket (should he ignore his Mother and stay there). Offensively, the banged-up Giants offer very little and it’s likely to be a very tough day for quarterback Tommy DeVito & Co. Ravens 31, Giants 10.