The Giants have already shown they can win close, gritty games. Their 12-7 victory over Tennessee last week was a low-scoring fight, the kind of game new coach John Harbaugh wants his team to enjoy. But Sunday at MetLife Stadium brings a different problem: Arizona tight end Trey McBride, a big target who has been almost impossible to slow down.

The Cardinals arrive at 1-2 after a six-point loss to San Francisco, while the Giants are 2-1 and trying to turn last season’s 4-13 finish into a fresh beginning. Both teams have young stars who can change a game in a hurry. Yet this Week 4 meeting may come down to which team handles its biggest challenge when the ball is in the air.

McBride has caught 26 passes in only three games, including two touchdowns. That huge total shows how often veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett looks his way. McBride is listed as a tight end, but Arizona can use him like a wide receiver because he is strong enough to battle defenders and quick enough to find open space. The Giants have allowed 329 yards per game, and their defense faces an even harder task without pass rusher Brian Burns, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Arizona also has rookie runner Jeremiyah Love, whose 160 rushing yards show he can give the Cardinals a needed spark. Love runs with power, catches short passes, and gives Brissett another safe choice. The Cardinals need more help from wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who has only four catches so far. A breakout afternoon from Harrison would make it much harder for New York to crowd McBride.

The Giants want to answer with their own physical attack. Cam Skattebo has carried the ball 50 times for 177 yards, and his bruising runs can wear down a defense one tackle at a time. He also has seven catches, so he can help the Giants in more than one way. New York averages only 15.3 points per game, however, and must find a way to finish drives with touchdowns instead of settling for short gains.

That task is tougher because quarterback Jaxson Dart is on injured reserve after knee surgery. Dart’s ability to throw and run had given New York’s offense its spark. Now the Giants must adjust at quarterback and protect whoever takes the snaps. Malik Nabers is also questionable with a shoulder injury. If he plays, his speed and quick cuts could help unlock the passing game, but New York cannot rely on one player alone.

Arizona has allowed 27 points per game, so the Giants will have chances if Skattebo controls the pace and the defense creates short fields. Still, the Cardinals bring the stronger passing attack, scoring 21 points per game and gaining more than 300 yards per outing. With McBride in the middle of the action and New York missing key players, the prediction is that the Cardinals will win a close, hard-fought game.

Trey McBride Brings a Tough Matchup to MetLife Stadium