Is it too soon for a must-win game? The New York Giants (2-2) host the Cleveland Browns (0-4) on Sunday, October 7 at MetLife Stadium (1:00 p.m. ET). This is one of the few soft spots on the G-Men's schedule, so they must take care of business. Here are five Giants who can help get the job done.
Corey Webster (WR) -- Cornerback Jayron Hosley (hamstring) has been ruled out, so there's pressure on Webster not only to play well, but to stay on the field against the Browns. Webster, who played last week with a cast on his hand, is listed as questionable, but I'll be shocked if he doesn't play.
David Wilson (KR) -- Wilson may have found his role with the Giants. Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, he returned six kicks for 217 yards, the third-highest single game total in team history. If Wilson shortens the field against the Browns, Eli Manning will take care of the rest.
Stevie Brown (S) -- Brown will get the call against Cleveland in place of Kenny Phillips, who may be out a few weeks with an MCL injury. It'll only be Brown's second career start, but he has appeared in every game this season. Brown has incentive to play well with Tyler Sash's suspension having ended.
Domenik Hixon (WR) -- Hakeem Nicks (foot) and Ramses Barden (concussion) have been ruled out, leaving Hixon as the Giants' best outside and deep option. Last week, Hixon burned the Eagles for 114 yards on six catches. Incidentally, the Browns rank No. 27 in the league in pass defense.
Michael Boley (LB) -- One of my keys to victory for the Giants is stopping Cleveland's rookie running back Trent Richardson, who has 222 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The Giants' run defense (ranked No. 21 in the NFL) left a lot to be desired last week in Philly. Boley has been solid against the run (and pass) and can help plug the gaps with defensive tackle Rocky Bernard out.
Adam Martini is a freelance sports writer who proudly wears his Rodney Hampton jersey on Sundays during the football season. He grew up in Queens, N.Y. rooting for the Giants despite being surrounded by Jets fans. Adam follows back Giants fans on Twitter @PegCitySports.
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