The New York Giants are now 2-0 in the preseason after a dominant 31-12 win over the New York Jets in the battle of MetLife. Both teams played most of their starters for the majority of the first half, and the Giants were well in control during that time.
With the starters and second strings playing so much in this game, there are a lot of takeaways that give much-needed hope for the upcoming regular season.
Russell Wilson Leads Commanding Drive
Wilson played into the second quarter of this game, led a spectacular 93-yard touchdown drive, headlined by an 80-yard moonball to Beaux Collins. A one-yard touchdown run from Devin Singletary capitalized on the pass. If this drive is a flash of what’s on display for the regular season, with Malik Nabers in the lineup, the Giants could be in for an exciting season.
Although this was Wilson’s only scoring drive of the game, the offense was missing key starters, Nabers and Andrew Thomas, as well as other starting receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton, who received limited reps. Unfortunately for Wilson, his day ended on an interception that was caused by a miscommunication between him and Collins.
Overall, Wilson had a promising game. He gave a glimpse into what the offense can look like in the regular season with the starters.
Offensive Line Handles Business
Although not as superbly as the first preseason game, the offensive line, starters, and second-stringers performed well. The players who stood out on the line were rookie Marcus Mbow and newly transitioned guard Evan Neal.
In 60 dropbacks this preseason, Mbow has only allowed one pressure. He was drafted as a project — the Giants presumed he would develop into a guard or tackle after a few years. Instead, he’s competing to be the swing tackle over James Hudson III. Mbow has shown phenomenal finesse and speed all preseason and has been an early standout for the Giants.
This was Neal’s first game at right guard, and he was solid. He opened up multiple running lanes and mostly held his own in pass protection. A game like this is a significant improvement over anything he was doing at right tackle. If he continues to play like this, the Giants will have to make a tough decision on the starting right guard position.
“Big Three” Edge Rushers Show Their Potential
The Giants have high hopes for the edge rush group — Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux — who showed why in this game. They all had great rushes to the quarterback, forcing Justin Fields to make mistakes.
Kayvon was the standout edge rusher in this game, making multiple pressures and key tackles in the run game. These three will determine whether the Giants have one of the league’s top defenses or will be a major disappointment.
Jaxson Dart Continues to Impress
Following up on his performance against the Buffalo Bills, Dart continued to display his potential in this game. He was 14/16 for 137 yards and a touchdown, adding in a rushing touchdown. He once again showed his aggressiveness downfield and hit throws in tight windows.
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Dart has shown everything the Giants hoped for when they traded up for him — good mobility, fearlessness in the pocket, and the ability to throw to anywhere on the field. Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka have done an excellent job easing him into NFL speed, putting in plays he loved in college, and a lot of short plays to lessen his offensive load.
Cor’Dale Flott Takes Advantage of Deonte Banks‘ Absence
After missing the first preseason game, Flott returned and made an immediate impact. He and Banks are in a close competition for CB2, and with Banks out in this game, coupled with an underwhelming game last week, Flott seems to have taken a lead in the race.
Flott was great in coverage,. The biggest play of his was a textbook pass breakup against Garrett Wilson on third down. Throughout training camp and now into preseason, he has shown he is more capable at the boundary corner spot than Banks. Flott is the right decision for the Giants.
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