5 Under-the-radar Giants to watch against Cleveland Browns in Week 15

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball as safety Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants pursues the play in the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. Ex-Cleveland Brown strong safety Jabrill Peppers

When he played for the Browns, Jabrill Peppers was not the world’s defensive back versus wide receivers in coverage situations. Gregg Williams used to play him so deep that he was actually a few rows into the Dawg Pound sometimes, in order to keep the play in front of him.

What Peppers does well is rush the passer and act as a hybrid linebacker to cover pass-catching tight ends and stop the run. The Browns are unique because they can send two tight ends who are receiving threats in Hooper (expected to be active), rookie Harrison Bryant and David Njoku.

Even Stephen Carlson, the fourth-stringer, is underrated in terms of his route running and pass-catching ability. Njoku is hoping to leave Cleveland in the off-season but is keeping quiet and giving 100 percent in the meantime. Thank you, David, and many of us still hope that it will work out for you in Cleveland because you are a talented player and did not deserve all the silly negative criticism that came your way.

At any rate, the point is that Peppers matches up well in coverage situations against the Browns tight end corps, more so than against the wide receivers. Peppers was part of the trade that brought Odell Beckham, Jr. to the Browns. First-round draft pick Dexter Lawrence also was part of the Giants haul, plus whatever free agent they sign with the money they are not spending on OBJ.

Peppers also returns punts for the Giants, so his number will probably be called several times in Sunday’s contest.

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