Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Ratings
Among the regular defensive linemen, Mathias Kiwanuka made the greatest impact. “Kiwi”played to a 2.5 overall rating on 16 snaps, with a QB hurry, a batted pass and a stop (failed offensive play) on his preseason game one ledger. Damontre Moore recorded a sack and QB hurry on the same drive (1.0), but he struggled to hold the edge against the run. UDFA defensive end Jordan Stanton produced a speed rush strip sack and QB hurry en route to a 1.8 overall rating.
Horseshoe Heroes
Rookie Jay Bromley showed out in the middle. In 27 snaps, the Syracuse alum notched one QB hit, two QB hurries and two stops. He was active and engaged in both aspects. His 2.9 overall rating was tied for the team-high with Spencer Adkins. Johnathan Hankins played a hefty 36 snaps and finished up with two solo tackles and two stops.
Speaking of Spencer Adkins… who would have thunk it? Adkins played to a 2.5 pass coverage rating in 25 pass snaps. You can tell he takes pride in special teams by his tackling form. Adkins is off to a great start in securing a roster spot.
The starting linebacker crew was solid. Devon Kennard (1.0) and Jameel McClain (1.2) combined for five solo tackles and three stops. Like Adkins above, Jacquian Williams was superb in coverage with a 1.8 rating. Not much to nitpick here.
Prince Amukamara graded out at -1.2 in pass coverage, and I’m befuddled. The Prince was step for step when challenged early with vertical shots. He did miss a tackle on a WR screen, but that’s not related to coverage. Jayron Hosley, on the other hand, deserved his shabby -3.0 overall rating. Hosley committed two penalties, doesn’t understand slot percentages and is quite frankly just a step behind.
On the backline, second-year safety Cooper Taylor was extremely active as buttressed by his 1.3 overall grade. He led the Giants with five solo tackles and he was in the right place at the right time for a batted ball interception in the redzone. At 6’4 228 lbs with bundles of energy, it’s no surprise that secondary coach Peter Giunta is fond of his potential. However, it should be noted that Taylor missed a blocking assignment in punt formation that resulted in a blocked Weatherford kick.