Big Blue Ups & Downs: Giants pre-season game one win over Pittsburgh
Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman (33) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Three Down
Giants run defense – Last season the Giants defense ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards allowed (2066 total yards / 129.1 per game). That type of run defense is unacceptable. Unfortunately, the Giants starters were getting gashed in the first quarter of last night’s game, giving up over 50 yards in that quarter alone. The starting linebackers were having trouble with their gap discipline. The second and third string performed better, especially when Dan Connor took over at middle linebacker for Mark Herzlich, but the starters need to do a better job at stopping the run in the next game.
Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (9) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Al Woods (65) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The New York Giants won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Nassib – Giants general manager, Jerry Reese, made a very unconventional move, for him, by trading up to draft Nassib in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Well, the first year quarterback didn’t make Reese look smart in his first NFL game action last night. His first series went a little like this: false start, 1-yd run, delay of game, snap over his head and recovered by Pittsburgh for a touchdown. Not exactly the way Nassib, or the Giants, wanted him to start his career. In his defense, the offensive line that was in with him was awful and not affording him much time. However, he looked confused out there and wasn’t doing himself any favors by holding the ball too long. While he didn’t look good, it’s still just his first ever NFL game action, so it’s not time to start panicking, but I was hoping to see a little more out of him. Hopefully he will look better as the pre-season goes along and he gets more comfortable with the playbook.
Jul 28, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Da
Da’Rel Scott – The third year running back out of the University of Maryland is battling for a roster spot and did not do himself any favors with his performance last night. Scott, who looks heavier and less explosive than he did in years past, had the most carries among Giants running backs last night (10) and the least yards (12). Not exactly an impressive feat. Rookie, Michael Cox, looked much more impressive in his duty and contributed on special teams. Scott will need to step up his performance if he wants to beat out Cox for a spot on the 53-man roster.
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