The Giants won their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Monday night 24–17, but what was even better was the fact that the defense dominated early in the first quarter without six key players.
Out of the game with injury were defensive tackles Fred Robbins (knee), Chris Canty (hamstring), and Rocky Bernard (hamstring). Also missing were linebacker Michael Boley (hip) and cornerbacks Aaron Ross (leg), and Corey Webster (hip flexor).
Along the defensive line, Anthony Bryant, Jeremy Clark, and rookie free-agent Maurice Evans took the field and blended in well playing alongside Justin Tuck, Barry Cofield, Jay Alford, and Osi Umenyiora. The newcomers not only did an admirable job but contributed to two Panthers turnovers in the second quarter.
Defensive tackle Anthony Bryant got his hands up and deflected a pass that was picked off by cornerback Stoney Woodson. Woodson, a seventh-round draft choice, has shown good instincts and has some ball-hawking ability. He has played well when given the opportunity and shined during training camp with a pair of interceptions.
After Bryant’s tipped pass, Maurice Evans showed his speed and sacked the Panthers quarterback, forcing a turnover of his own. Evans plays with a high motor and doesn’t give up.
Added to the mix was rookie linebacker Clint Sintim, who also debuted with exciting pass-rushing skills. On one play, Sintim lined up at defensive-end, beat Carolina tight-end Dante Rosario, and had a sack and a forced fumble.
Sintim has excellent size and speed and can chase the ball from behind. He also has a lot of confidence for a rookie.
As Sintim improves his form and technique, there’s no doubt he could develop into an impact player.
During the game, the Giants backups also had five takeaways—Stoney Woodson (interception), DeAndre Wright (fumble recovery), C.C. Brown (fumble recovery), Jeremy Clark, (fumble recovery) and Tommie Hill (fumble recovery).
Considering who was out of the lineup for this game, an intriguing fact was that the Giants “starting” defense held Carolina without a score on offense.
As it stands, once the regular season begins the Giants’ starters will be Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Barry Cofield, and Osi Umenyiora. When you consider the Giants could rotate in Fred Robbins, Rocky Bernard, Mathias Kiwanuka, Jay Alford, Anthony Bryant, and Maurice Evans it could be the first time in many years that the team has had such depth along the defensive line to unleash against opposing offenses.
The Giants secondary is also getting extra help this year as starters Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are backed up by second-year man Terrell Thomas and Kevin Dockery.
Against Carolina, Thomas held his own against the quick Panthers receivers and made a great defensive move against his former teammate at USC, Dwayne Jarrett.
On the play, Thomas read veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme almost perfectly and jumped high in the air to bat down the ball before Jarrett had a chance for the reception. Thomas is another player who has really stepped it up during training camp and is a definite keeper.
While the Giants have some concerns at the kicking position and backup offensive line, the defense looks stout.
There is no doubt that Clint Sintim will make the team, but if other rookies like Maurice Evans and Stoney Woodson can also make the cut, the Giants could have some very exciting young players to showcase in their new look defense.
During the game, defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan called the plays from the Giants sideline. After he took over the reigns for Steve Spagnuolo, speculation was that Sheridan would sit upstairs in the coaches booth and call in the defensive plays from above.
Such a move would have afforded him a strategic view of the entire field, but it would have also prevented him from bonding with players during game time, something that is critical over the long haul of the regular season.
Out of the game with injury were defensive tackles Fred Robbins (knee), Chris Canty (hamstring), and Rocky Bernard (hamstring). Also missing were linebacker Michael Boley (hip) and cornerbacks Aaron Ross (leg), and Corey Webster (hip flexor).
Along the defensive line, Anthony Bryant, Jeremy Clark, and rookie free-agent Maurice Evans took the field and blended in well playing alongside Justin Tuck, Barry Cofield, Jay Alford, and Osi Umenyiora. The newcomers not only did an admirable job but contributed to two Panthers turnovers in the second quarter.
Defensive tackle Anthony Bryant got his hands up and deflected a pass that was picked off by cornerback Stoney Woodson. Woodson, a seventh-round draft choice, has shown good instincts and has some ball-hawking ability. He has played well when given the opportunity and shined during training camp with a pair of interceptions.
After Bryant’s tipped pass, Maurice Evans showed his speed and sacked the Panthers quarterback, forcing a turnover of his own. Evans plays with a high motor and doesn’t give up.
Backups Deliver
Added to the mix was rookie linebacker Clint Sintim, who also debuted with exciting pass-rushing skills. On one play, Sintim lined up at defensive-end, beat Carolina tight-end Dante Rosario, and had a sack and a forced fumble.
Sintim has excellent size and speed and can chase the ball from behind. He also has a lot of confidence for a rookie.
As Sintim improves his form and technique, there’s no doubt he could develop into an impact player.
During the game, the Giants backups also had five takeaways—Stoney Woodson (interception), DeAndre Wright (fumble recovery), C.C. Brown (fumble recovery), Jeremy Clark, (fumble recovery) and Tommie Hill (fumble recovery).
Considering who was out of the lineup for this game, an intriguing fact was that the Giants “starting” defense held Carolina without a score on offense.
As it stands, once the regular season begins the Giants’ starters will be Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Barry Cofield, and Osi Umenyiora. When you consider the Giants could rotate in Fred Robbins, Rocky Bernard, Mathias Kiwanuka, Jay Alford, Anthony Bryant, and Maurice Evans it could be the first time in many years that the team has had such depth along the defensive line to unleash against opposing offenses.
The Giants secondary is also getting extra help this year as starters Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are backed up by second-year man Terrell Thomas and Kevin Dockery.
Against Carolina, Thomas held his own against the quick Panthers receivers and made a great defensive move against his former teammate at USC, Dwayne Jarrett.
On the play, Thomas read veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme almost perfectly and jumped high in the air to bat down the ball before Jarrett had a chance for the reception. Thomas is another player who has really stepped it up during training camp and is a definite keeper.
While the Giants have some concerns at the kicking position and backup offensive line, the defense looks stout.
There is no doubt that Clint Sintim will make the team, but if other rookies like Maurice Evans and Stoney Woodson can also make the cut, the Giants could have some very exciting young players to showcase in their new look defense.
Down On the Sideline
During the game, defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan called the plays from the Giants sideline. After he took over the reigns for Steve Spagnuolo, speculation was that Sheridan would sit upstairs in the coaches booth and call in the defensive plays from above.
Such a move would have afforded him a strategic view of the entire field, but it would have also prevented him from bonding with players during game time, something that is critical over the long haul of the regular season.
