THE GOOD

The Giants running game. Talk about depth, the Giants have their choice of about 4 quality RB’s that bring a unique flavor to every snap. And while Andre Brown did well enough to give Danny Ware cause for concern, both of these guys better watch out for the next guy in the good column.

DaRel Scott. Dude had a night. After thinking Andre Brown was going to supplant Scott for the final roster spot – DaRel made the absolute most out of every opportunity he had. Every single snap. He went for 114 yards over 12 carries and a TD coming off a brilliant fake punt. Talk about break away speed! But to me he moment I knew he made the roster was when he took a typical draw play up he gut for a first down and about 20 yards. He was into the secondary before I had a chance to blink… I mean his quickness was unbelievable. God am I glad the Giants took a flyer on this guy. Welcome to the final 53 DaRel.

Special Teams. How about taking a page right out of Belichick handbook and winning that third facet of the game… And in doing so the Giants gave themselves a chance to beat the Patriots outright. A combination of good returns, utilizing a great fake punt, and at the same time providing good coverage gave the Giants the advantage they needed to win that battle. Extremely exciting momentum builder heading into week 1 of the regular season.

Defense. After rattling off a quick 10 points following offensive turnovers, the Giants defense held firm for the rest of the game and I would say took over he second half of the game. Particularly when the game was on the line. Giants front 7 swarmed and overwhelmed the Patriots and got much needed pressure to deliver the win for the Giants. While injuries continue to be a concern, the Reserves showed some backbone last night and some pride. Created opportunities with turnovers, got pressure – I’m excited.

THE BAD

Offense continues to struggle. 2 turnovers back to back did not give anyone confidence that the Giants are committed to eliminating mistakes this season. It’s preseason, but avoidable fumbles and INTs deep in your own territory are a recipe for disaster. Good thing the defense didn’t roll over.

Jernigan’s first half. Dropped balls, muffed punts, bobbles. Very shaky and could very well be this years Matt Dodge. Great upside, no experience or confidence – and jitters out the wazoo. His redemption for his 42 yard return and game winning 2 point conversion cannot go unnoticed though. Coughlin will likely be patient and hope Jernigan turned the corner last night.

David Carr had an off night. Turnovers aren’t just reserved for Eli I guess. His best asset is clearly his legs and scrambling for first downs is something I wish Eli could do more of. But you can’t teach that — which is why Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick are so highly regarded as passers. If Eli ever goes out and he line breaks down, Carr needs to think run first, throw second.

THE UGLY

Clint Sintim. 9 months after tearing an ACL he does it all over again. Coughlin was right, this is going to be devastating for him. For the Giants – we’ll see more of Greg Jones hopefully now.

1. Tom Brady obviously wants to get some time this week against the Giants, and Bill Belichick played your #1′s for a couple series last year in the finale. How much time are the Patriots going to give to their starters tonight?

I think the starters will play, but likely only for a series or two. If Tom Brady drives the offense down for a touchdown on the first drive, his night will likely be done. There will be some starters that could see extended time, like safeties Brandon Meriweather and Patrick Chung.

2. Are Patriots fans over Superbowl 42, or is this game still pretty meaningful?

Well I was until you brought it up! I don’t think it is in Patriots fans’ minds unless they have to relive the experience. It does come up at times when talking about how the Patriots haven’t won in the playoffs since then, but other than that I think most are over it. At least I’m over it, but my best friend in college was a Giants fan so I grew to not dislike the Giants.

3. Patriots and Jets — who wins the division this year between these two teams?

I still think that the division is the Patriots’ to lose. If the Pats can at least split the two games against the Jets, they stand a good chance at winning the division. I see the Patriots as a much improved team this year over last year, at least on paper, whereas the Jets are about where they were last year.

4. What more than anything has been the Patriots offseason focus this year? Have they accomplished their goals?

The Patriots definitely wanted to improve their defense, which was last in the NFL at getting off the field on third down. It’s evident that it was the main focus of Bill Belichick, as the scheme has changed from three to four down linemen and has been much more attacking, at least in the preseason. It’s tough to say if they accomplished their goals until the regular season gets underway, but the preseason has shown a better pass rush and a defense that can get off the field on third down.

5. Prediction for the Patriots season?

I’m thinking the Patriots go 12-4 this season. They have a tough schedule, so expecting a repeat of last year’s 14-2 is a stretch. I think the team will be better while its record may not reflect that.

6. Prediction for tonights game, what can we look to see from the Patriots?

This is the final shot at making the team, or any NFL team for that matter, for a lot of players. I expect to see more spirited play from both sides as jobs are on the line. The final score doesn’t really matter, but I think after last week’s abysmal performance, the Pats will pull out a late victory tonight, 24-21 to end on a positive note.

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1. The Giants haven’t had much luck with injuries, especially at corner. Are there any trade rumors floating around or are they going to try and weather the storm until Prince Amukamara returns?
No trades, just hopes that 3rd year nickel corner Aaron Ross finally steps it up in place of Terrell Thomas which is a huge loss any way you slice it.  It looks like he’s much better on the outside than on the inside, and he was always a liability if offenses ran on that package.  Contract year coming up, my bet is Aaron Ross plays better than he ever has.  Antrel Rolle may play corner is certain situations as well, with Deon Grant having been resigned to safety. The Giants like the 3 safety package and used it with much success last year.

2. What are the chances we see the Giants’ starters in the preseason finale?

50%.  I think one series will do it, but I doubt the Giants are going to risk anymore injuries to their #1′s.  That’s not to say they don’t need the work, reps, and momentum if they can put up a good showing.

3. The Eagles seem to be the team to beat in the NFC East according to the national media. Are Giants fans believing the hype?

Giants fans and the team itself wont let themselves believe the hype.  They look stacked, no doubt.  But I think the Giants are up to the challenge, defensively especially.  Remember last year, the Giants were 8 minutes away from a very decisive victory over the birds and they basically stopped playing.  24 points later, the Giants are out of the playoffs and once again have that bitter taste in their mouth at the start of this season.   They hopefully won’t forget it come week 3.

4. Do Giants fans feel that Eli Manning is taking a step back or is his slow start to the preseason nothing to be worried about?

It’s certainly debate-worthy.  People point to a change in QB coach, but that’s probably not it.  He just needs to throw it away and take sacks more than he does currently. In general I think he’s been trying to force things into his receivers and got off the “minimize mistake” track since 2008. In 2009 he had a great offensive season with marginal turnovers, but the defense took such a step back that they had nothing to show for it.  Last year, again another explosive season offensively but implosively with bad luck with tipped balls, bad decisions, and just bad injuries to his best receivers.   This year I think he checks it down more and gets back to minimizing the turnovers. Last weeks game just underscores the need for him to focus on that more than anything. I think he’ll have a better year in 2011.

5. What’s your prediction for the Giants’ record this season?

I think they go 10-6 and make the playoffs.

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