Saturday night’s game will be the third preseason game for the New York Giants as they take on the New York Jets.
As starters typically play well into the third quarter, the third preseason game is usually a barometer for a team’s preparedness prior to the regular season.
It’s also a time to diagnose any problems with the defense or offense, get rookies involved to see what they can do, and evaluate the talent for players on the cusp of making the roster.
After losing in embarrassing fashion last week to the Chicago Bears, the Giants should start this game with something to prove and come out playing with better execution on both sides of the ball.
Against the Bears, the pass protection was poor and Eli Manning had barely any time to throw. Against the new look Jets defense with Rex Ryan, the Giants line has to protect Eli better. Ryan brings with him the attacking “Baltimore Ravens” style defense, using complex blitz packages, a lot of movement, and plenty of pressure from the front four.
On the defensive side last week, the line was gashed by the Bears runners. Of course, poor tackling was also a major culprit for the defense’s woes, but when the starters were in the game they looked out of place and took bad angles when trying to making tackles. Whether it be the players or the coaching, or both, the defense must play vastly better against the Jets who have a strong ground game of their own.
Everyone knows about the Giants injuries. For the past several weeks, the defensive line has been without prized free-agent acquisitions
Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty. Worse yet, Jay Alford’s season may now be finished due to the MCL injury he incurred last week.
Barry Cofield’s and Fred Robbins’s health are also question marks as both are recovering from offseason surgery.
Making The Cut
The Giants will begin the process of choosing the backup quarterbacks Saturday night. David Carr is the likely No. 2 man behind Manning.
After Carr, there’s Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar. Woodson has not impressed while Bomar hasn’t really played. This game should start the dress rehearsal for both players.
The backup offensive line will also be evaluated. If there has been one glaring weakness of the offense, it has been the backup offensive line.
They have played poorly in pass protection. Boothe, Reyes, Koets, Thompson, and Louis will be given chances to prove they belong.
Lastly, the wide receiver corps must start showing some identity.
In the absence of Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, no one has really stepped up and taken on the leading role.
Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden were drafted with the intention of eventually replacing the two former Giants, but neither has been deeply incorporated into the game plan up to this point.
That leaves Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham, David Tyree, and Derek Hagan.
Smith and Hixon are slated as the starting receivers, leaving Manningham and Moss to battle it out for the third spot. Either Hagan or Tyree will fill the final spot and contribute on special teams.
From among these players, someone must step up and become Eli’s “go to” guy and the others must show the ability to stretch the field and become reliable pass catchers.
While this is only the preseason, the Giants will be facing a test early because of so many unknowns now surrounding the roster. If they can pressure the Jets quarterbacks and contain their ground game, it will be a major victory. On offense, if the line can protect Eli and give him time to throw downfield, it will also represent progress.
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