Raiders Opponent: Three Giants to Watch For

The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping to turn their season around, starting with a victory today against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.

The Giants are 2-6 and have the lowest scoring offense in the NFL at under 12 points per game. The Raiders defense has been playing well in the past few weeks, and will look to keep that going.

There are a few talented players on the Giants, and they have helped New York either win or stay close in games this season. Let’s take a closer look at three Giants the Raiders must account for if they want to get back into the win column.

Safety Jason Pinnock - Pinnock’s emergence has been crucial for Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale’s unit.

The Giants’ starting free safety already has a career-high 43 total tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception he returned for a touchdown. The Giants are getting high-level play out of both of their safeties.

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell must account for Pinnock’s ball-hawking abilities, or else he will make his impact felt on this game.

Wide Receiver Jalin Hyatt - The Giants’ third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Hyatt has game-breaking speed that he could soon show off as he gets more opportunities this season.

Hyatt has just nine receptions for 195 yards this season, but the Giants will be without former Raiders tight end Darren Waller for this game, so more targets will be available for Hyatt. He is not very technically refined as a receiver, but his speed is dangerous.

The rookie could earn more playing time in this game and show off some of that speed, so the Raiders’ secondary must be ready for what he can bring in the passing game.

Linebacker Isaiah Simmons - He didn’t work out for the Arizona Cardinals, but Simmons seems to be finding a role for himself in New York.

The former 2020 NFL Draft first-round selection has 23 total tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass defended this season, but what the Raiders must account for is Simmons’ ability to line up all over the field.

According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons has played snaps on the defensive line, in the box, at slot cornerback, and outside cornerback. He can impact the game in several different ways from all over the field.

The Raiders must know where Simmons is lined up on every snap, or he will use his top-tier athleticism to impact the game.

The Silver and Black will return to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.