Giants 2014: Preseason opener in Canton 5 weeks away
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Live action football is fast approaching, Big Blue Nation. Training camp commences at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 21st, with the Hall of Fame Game — an annual reminder that football is BACK — not far behind on August 3rd. Along with a Giant tribute to the greatness of Michael Strahan and his 141.5 career sacks:
Celebrating the HOF induction of sack-leader Michael Strahan, this will be the fourth time the Giants have played in Canton, and their first visit since 2002. It’s not hard to imagine why they’ve been a scant participant…
Not only does the Hall of Fame Game require its participants to open training camp earlier than the other 30 teams (approximately five days), but it adds a week to an already superfluous preseason schedule. The preseason/training camp provides a severe physical and mental challenge for all parties involved, from players to coaches to front office members actively involved in personnel. It’s a grind of epic proportions in the heat of the summer.
The good news for the Giants is three-fold:
1. They’re installing a new offensive system with stark differences to the vertical passing show they’ve put on in recent seasons. Ben McAdoo will have extra prep time with his quarterback clan, and Eli Manning will have a larger window to form a West Coast bond with his targets (old and new).
2. Supplementary practice time and an additional game should give the uncertain offensive line picture more clarity. First and foremost, who will occupy what spot… followed by the lengthy gelling process.
3. The Jints new faces looking for field time in 2014 will get plenty of exposure, as roster battles are alive and well at various positions: running back, fullback, wide receiver, tight end, left defensive end, middle linebacker and special teams.
Giants Nation — Do you believe an extra preseason tilt will be beneficial for the 2014 Giants? Or will the grind result in nagging injuries and a slow start out of the regular season gates?