This preseason we will be looking at the players that are on the #53 bubble. As a recap here were the players who we thought were on the bubble for the first preseason game: Matt Dodge, Darius Reynaud (WR), Andre Brown (RB), Gabe Watson (NT), and Brian Witherspoon (CB).
As we move into the second preseason game here are some of my thoughts. Matt Dodge and Brian Witherspoon have both been having very strong camps to this point. The GIANTS want Dodge to win the punting job and with another strong showing this week he will be in good shape. The coaching staff has been very impressed with Witherspoon on special teams and his “hand to hand” combat skills while defending receivers. Expect to see significantly more playing time for Witherspoon in this second preseason game. Reynaud has had some injury concerns during camp and has had an overall up and down camp. Finally, Gabe Watson was unimpressive in the first preseason game and has not been consistent in camp to this point. Pay careful attention to him in Monday’s game, as he needs a strong showing.
With all that being said, here are the five players I believe are fighting for the last few roster spots. Reynaud, Brown, and Watson are still on the list with two new additions:
1.) Gabe Watson (DL)-Osi having surgery might save his job but he has been a dud in camp so far
2.) Darius Reynaud (WR)- Kick returner? Wide recieiver? Special team player? Right now it seems like he is a player without a home. However, the GIANTS are lacking quality depth at wide-out…
3.) Victor Cruz (WR)- The GIANTS beat reporter for WFAN reports that Cruz has had the drops in camp and has not impressed the coaches. However, knowing the system might save his job because of the lack of depth at receiver.
4.) Brown (RB)- The GIANTS need a third down running back. Can Brown do the job? If not, he may not have a roster spot on the GIANTS.
5.) Aaron Ross (CB)- He looked lost last week. He allowed rookie wide-out Jernigan to beat him consistently this week in camp for big gainers. If he cannot rapidly improve his ability to cover in space, how can the GIANTS justify keeping him as their DIME (not nickle) corner?
Honorable Mention…
Ramses Barden (WR)- He is on the PUP list and is quickly closing in on being a bust. However, much like the case with Reynaud and Cruz the GIANTS are lacking depth at wide reciever. That may save Barden’s job. However, if the GIANTS can find a veteran wide-out (TJ Houshmandzadeh) then all three should be on notice.
Also, do not forget to vote in this weeks fan confidence poll.
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