Drew Brees will test Giants new-look Defense

The New York Giants’ improved defense was solid in Dallas, but Drew Brees presents a huge challenge.

Three hundred-sixty nine. 363, 354 and 511. The answer is: “What are passing yards Drew Brees has thrown for against the Giants in the last four meetings?” James Kratch of NJ.com joked the Giants might consider Brees for their Ring of Honor, once his playing days are over.

The New Orleans Saints’ future Hall-of-Fame quarterback has been unreal against the G-Men. Brees has been unreal against most since joining New Orleans in 2006 – he’s never thrown for less than 4,300 yards in a season – but he seems to raise the bar against New York.

In his last four games against Big Blue, Brees has thrown for 1,597 yards with 16 TDs to 4 INTs. He’s completed 69.5 percent of his passes. The Saints won three of those four meetings, including last year’s record-setting 52-49 shootout.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants cornerback D. Rodgers-Cromartie (41) breaks up possible touchdown pass to Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

Brees vs. Giants’ Defense

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New York’s much maligned defense is coming off a strong showing in Dallas, depending upon whose narrative you believe. The Giants won the game, 20-19, but GMenHQ’s Evan Graziano feels the defense was on the field too long against the Cowboys. It’s a fair argument, but they didn’t break.

They shut down star receiver Dez Bryant and wreaked havoc on Dallas’ run game. Jason Pierre-Paul and company made Dallas settle for field goals all afternoon, barring one short-field TD after a turnover in the third quarter.

While the Cowboys boast one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive lines, the Saints are a different animal. Dak Prescott is a rookie; Brees has been here before. He knows how to get his team into the right formations and get the ball out of his hand quickly.

Brees’ Strengths

Brees is the most accurate QB in NFL history (66.4 percent). What makes that stat even more impressive is he doesn’t dink and dunk down the field. He challenges defenses deep. Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead, Brees’ top two receivers, had 143 and 172 yards, respectively, and combined for three TDs. NFL.com calls Brees a “great match-up” against the G-Men.

The Giants should be able to score against New Orleans, but how much will be enough to win? Last year, 49 points was not. For as well as the defensive line and cornerbacks performed last week, they need to be even better Sunday to keep the Giants in the win column.