![New York Giants v Dallas Cowboys](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-wGXDWfwIDBiHD1hS1ov5SO3u1Y=/0x1:4578x3053/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70003995/1345890922.0.jpg)
The Giants will likely pepper Kadarius Toney with targets if he is able to play against the Rams
The 1-4 New York Giants are likely going to host the 4-1 Los Angeles Rams while missing a few key contributors this Sunday. While RB Saquon Barkley and WR Kenny Golladay have already been ruled out, left tackle Andrew Thomas and receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are listed as questionable.
If quarterback Daniel Jones is able to suit up against the Rams one week after suffering a concussion in a 44-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who will he target on third down and in the red zone?
Giants offense on third down
So far this season, New York ranks 15th in third down conversions, moving the chains on 25 out of 62 attempts, good for 40.3 percent. Last week versus Dallas, Big Blue conversion rate dropped to 30.7 percent, certainly in part due to injuries.
Rookie speedster Kadarius Toney took full advantage of his expanded roll, racking up four targets on third down alone. Toney converted three of those targets for first downs. He added one rushing attempt on a third and goal direct snap, though he was unable to score on the play. This target share is likely to continue on against the Rams if Toney, who is dealing with an ankle injury, is able to go on Sunday.
Kadarius Toney is so shifty. Put the ball in his hands. pic.twitter.com/ZE5cjk4Pi2
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 10, 2021
The remaining third down targets were split up amongst Kenny Golladay, John Ross, Collin Johnson, and Evan Engram with minimal results.
Giants offense in the red zone
New York spread the ball around to five receivers in the red zone last week. Once again, Toney was heavily featured. Unfortunately for the Giants, he was unable to convert either of his two targets into points, or even catches for that matter. He did have the aforementioned direct snap, but did not get enough yards to score a touchdown.
Backup running back Devontae Booker also got a fair share of work inside of the Cowboys 20 yard line. He was actually the most productive of all Giants players in the red zone, scoring once on the ground and again through the air.
The hustle of DEVONTAE BOOKER on display
#TogetherBluepic.twitter.com/JeeXEdOtby— Giants Nation (@GiantsNationCP) October 10, 2021
On paper, this should be a relatively one sided matchup on Sunday. Most key metrics point to L.A. coming out on top. Available talent is most certainly on the Rams side, even with cornerback Darious Williams going on short term injured reserve. Even with this being the quintessential “trap game,” the Rams should be able to pull this one out, hopefully putting up a big number on the scoreboard.