James Robinson set to explode
The New York Jets quickly went to the trade market after starting rookie running back, Breece Hall tore his ACL early on in week 7, acquiring James Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 35 career games with the Jaguars, Robinson rushed for 2,177 yards and eighteen touchdowns along with 612 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions.
Robinson started the year as the Jaguars starting running back and played well during the first three weeks amassing 230 yards with three touchdowns rushing and one receiving. As the season has progressed however, Robinson had ceded playing time and touches to Travis Etienne who is now in his first full NFL season. And after playing just twelve snaps and receiving zero touches this past Sunday in a loss against the New York Giants, enough was enough. The Jets sent a 2023 conditional sixth-round pick to the Jaguars, which will become a fifth-round pick if Robinson, who already has ran for 340 yards) rushes for 600 yards or more this season. And while I expect Michael Carter to handle most of the running back duties this week when the Patriots visit MetLife on Sunday, James Robinson will have a massive role on this team going forward. “It feels pretty good, I’ll say that.” Robinson said of his new team. “2-5 to 5-2. So it feels pretty good to be a part of this team.”
The rest of this season for Robinson will be an audition to the Jets and to other NFL teams to go out and prove that he is still a productive starting running back. Robinson will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. For the Jets who are in the middle of a playoff push at 5-2, this move provides security and stability for this season while also setting up a potential running back duo of Breece Hall and James Robinson. Looking for James Robinson to explode in the second half of this NFL season.
Game of the week preview
The New York Giants(6-1) travel to Seattle this week to take on the Seahawks(4-3). This was not the premier matchup people were expecting, but both the Giants and Seahawks have continued to impress and build on their respective hot starts this season.
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: SEA -3 (44.5)
What to watch for: The Quarterbacks
A game that could carry real significance in the NFC playoff picture. Both Daniel Jones and Geno Smith are getting it done for their teams, playing smart turnover free football. Whoever can stay turnover free on Sunday will have the best chance to win the game.
Daniel Jones is coming off a NFC offensive player of the week award, throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown as well as running for 107 and another score. Jones has gotten better and better every single game and if he continues to improve like this through season’s end, the Giants will have no choice but to franchise tag him.
Geno Smith has been balling out of his mind this season throwing for 1712 yards and eleven touchdowns. And yes, in case you were wondering those stats are better than Russell “DangeRUSS” Wilson. If Geno can continue to keep up this level of play the Seahawks make the playoffs.
Bold Prediction: Saquon Barkley, Tyler Lockett both go over 100 yards.
Even though Barkley and Lockett play different positions, I still expect both to go over 100 yards each on Sunday.
Barkley leads the league in yards from scrimmage and is second in the NFL in rushing with 726 yards. He has been the focal point of this Giants offense and the Giants have leaned on him, especially in the second halves of games. Over 50 percent of Saquon’s yards come after halftime. Look for Saquon to have a good game Sunday.
For Seattle, one of the main reasons Geno has been so successful this season has been his ability to create a connection with Tyler Lockett. Lockett has 41 catches on the year for 468 yards and two touchdowns. With the Giants having not allowed an 100 yard receiver yet this season, this looks like the prime game for Tyler Lockett to break that streak.
Stats to know:
Giants:
21.4 PPG(18th)
18.6 OPP PPG(5th)
176.3 Pass YDS/G(30th)
173.4 Rush YDS/G(2nd)
Seahawks:
26.1 PPG(5th)
26.6 OPP PPG(28th)
244.6 Pass YDS/G(15th)
137 Rush YDS/G(10th)
Game Prediction: Seahawks 24-21
Facing one of the best teams they've faced this season the Giants magic finally runs out. The Giants have mastered keeping games close and low scoring and I expect no different Sunday. The Giants haven’t surrendered over 23 points all season. That should change Sunday. The Giants have allowed the eighth-most yards per play (5.94) this season while only allowing 18.6 points per game. Facing a talented offensive team with a potent running game, this is the week the Giants’ defense has a rough outing.
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