Giants vs. Rams Week 4 preview: Everything you need to know for gameday
Rams punter Johnny Hekker fakes a punt and throws a pass for a first down against the Saints during the first half of the NFC Championship Game in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 20, 2019. Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock/Dan Anderson
GIANTS (0-3) AT RAMS (2-1), Sofi Stadium, 4:05 p.m.
VITALS
Line: Rams by 13 1/2; O/U 48
TV: Ch. 5 (Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth)
Radio: WFAN-660 (Bob Papa, Carl Banks, Howard Cross); Sirius 83; XM 225.
INJURY IMPACT
Giants: DB Jabrill Peppers (ankle) out; DB Julian Love (knee.ankle) questionable.
Rams: RM Cam Kaers (ribs) out; S Jordan Fuller (shoulder) questionable.
FEATURED MATCHUP
Jared Goff isn’t the only quarterback the Giants have to prepare for. They’re also keeping a close eye on Johnny Hekker, the Rams’ punter. "You look at the history of this guy, their fake history is extensive," special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey said. "He’s a guy that can throw it, he can make all the throws at any point in time on the field." Since he came into the NFL in 2012, Hekker has thrown 22 passes. He has completed 13, including one for a touchdown. Last season, he threw his first interception. So far this year, the Rams haven’t used Hekker in that way. McGaughey seemed to think that only made it even more likely it will happen on Sunday. "I’m sure throughout the season it will show up because that guy is a weapon," he said. "I’m sure at some point in time it’s going to show up."
QUOTABLE
"When you think about it, I can’t believe they were crazy enough to hire me at 30 years old. That’s insane, right?"
— Sean McVay, who at age 34 still is the youngest head coach in the NFL and four years younger than Joe Judge.
INTANGIBLES
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said the biggest obstacle for his defenders right now is them trusting him. "It’s a process to learn that trust," he said. "I’m not saying the guys are out there like ‘I don’t trust Pat.’ Just that a young player, it’s natural that you’re thinking about all the variables. I’m saying ‘Listen, I’m anticipating this variable right here, you play for that. If something else happens, it’s on me.’ Once they figure that out, then they start looking for it then they start trusting themselves to identify that stuff. It works out pretty well."
NUMBER, PLEASE
58.14: Percent of third downs the Giants have allowed to be converted, worst rate in the NFL. The Rams have the second-best third down conversion rate at 56.41.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
