The New York Giants are coming off a win in the first preseason game against the Detroit Lions 14-3. Jared Goff and the rest of the key Lions offense threats didn’t see the field, while Daniel Jones was a spectator for the Giants as well. While Malik Nabers had a quiet debut for the Giants, Second-year running back Eric Gray led the way offensively for the Giants with his two touchdowns and 98 all-purpose yards. Gray averaged 13 yards a carry and added four receptions in the game. As a whole, the Giants’ running game looked good between Gray, Tyrone Tracy Jr, and Dante Miller, with 21 carries and 141 yards combined. While this came in a wet atmosphere and against a bunch of backups, it was still nice to see the Giants get things going on the ground. With the absence of Saquon Barkley, the running game has been a hot topic this offseason. While the team has suffered some injuries this past week to Jon Runyan, Tyrone Tracy Jr, and Malik Nabers, there are things I am hoping to see this Saturday against the Texans.
The Entire First Offensive Unit
I want to see the offensive line play, while they are without Jon Runyan most likely this week, they appear to be getting second round pick from a year ago John Michael Schmitz Jr back this week. I am eager to see the full unit at work under the coaching of new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who has a track record of success. Most recently, the work he did with the Oakland Raiders offensive line last year. I will be watch Greg Van Roten and Andrew Thomas especially, I want to she the pass pro, but more importantly I want to see how Head Coach directs the running game and if they will continue their sucess on the ground. I anticipate to see them running to the right side behind Van Roten and Right Tackle Jermaine Elumunor more than not, they already know what they have in All-Pro Andrew Thomas, but I think they want to see how these two gel and move defenders opening up running lanes for Devin Singletary and company.
While the Oline is the key to the sucess of this offense in my mind, it leads me to seeing how Daniel Jones plays without his new Offensive weapon Malik Nabers. I really want to see Jones get a pocket to work through his progressions and be successful in the passing game. The snaps will be limited, of course, but leading the offensive for a first possession scoring drive would be a terrific sign for the Giants and Daniel Jones.
LB – Darius Muasau
The Rookie Linebacker out of UCLA had two tackles both solo last week, but seemed to be around the ball often during his time in the game. With Dyontae Johnson likely to miss the game due to an ankle injury, I am interested in seeing how Muasau plays with the second unit this week. I like how this kid plays and think he has potential and, not only as a special teamer. I liked how Johnson played last week and think he could be an effective linebacker for the Giants, but I am rooting for the Rookie out of UCLA; he’s undersized and produced well for the Bruins in College. I genuinely think with time and experience this kid can be a NFL Linebacker in this league, I just hope to see it while he’s in New York Blue!
CB – Dru Phillips
Phillips had one tackle last week against the Lions, and in the limited action, he impressed me with his tackle, he’s quick and a solid tackler, not afraid to stick his nose into the action. Hopefully, this week, he will see some action in the passing game with CJ Stroud, Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell. I would anticipate Phillips to get some time matched up against Dell and, perhaps, in the right formation, Diggs, depending on the way the Texans come out of the huddle. This will be a true test for the Rookie Nickle back. New defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will hopefully give us a little bit of a glimpse of what to expect this year defensively and how he anticipates utilizing his talents like Phillips, Deonte Banks, and Cor’dale Flott this season. I want to see Phillips this Saturday show his grasp for the defensive scheme and flying around the football, the Giants needs good coverage and run support from the defensive backs this year. I think Phillips could be a huge value pick once the season is over.
Overview
I absolutely love preseason football, all these guys fighting to prove themselves to the their teams and potential suitors if they happen to be cut. Saturday’s game will be a good test for the Giants as the Texans have a very talented roster, and we should learn plenty about the defense this weekend. Evan Neal, can he make an impact this week during his time? Can he show why he was a first-round pick a few years ago? Can Dane Belton stick out this week, how about Tyler Nubin the rookie from this year draft? Can Eric Gray repeat his performance this week and prove he deserves the number two role? So many questions to be answered over the next weeks and these last two preseason games. Before you know it week one’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold will be the talk, but until then lets enjoy watching the Giants roster take shape, enjoy the game everyone!
