Defense: Cornerback Prince Amukamara
Amukamara played his home games in the Meadowlands for five seasons, but on Sunday, he’ll play at MetLife Stadium for the first time as a true visitor. Amukamara – who was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and won a Super Bowl there in his rookie season – said he’s not viewing the game as a homecoming of any sorts, but rather as just the next challenge on the schedule.
Amukamara has 22 tackles in his last three games, his most over a stretch of three games since the 2014 season. He’s also tallied three pass deflections and two forced fumbles during the span. Amukamara and the Bears defense will have an interesting challenge against the Giants, a team that boasts one of the most dynamic receiver and running back combos in the league in Beckham and Barkley. The duo has combined for 17 touchdowns and more than 2,440 yards this season.
Amukamara said he’ll focus on containing Beckham at the line and that the secondary will be critical in helping the defensive line take down Barkley on run plays. Given how good the Bears’ pass rush has been this season, and how the Giants offense has struggled at keeping quarterback Eli Manning’s jersey clean—he’s been sacked a league-high 38 times this year—it’s possible the Giants try to get the ball out of Manning’s hand fast and beat the Bears with short pass plays. If Amukamara can stick to Beckham off the snap and change course when New York does call a run, the Bears defense will be looking at another praise-worthy performance.
