Takeways from Week 2 of the Giants Pre-Season
By Jesse Connor
The Giants won a real stinker on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 22-12. Only 1 touchdown was scored all game as field goals were flying. Most importantly, and just as concerning, the Giants added 4 more players to their injury list. Two of them will be out for the year while the other two will miss at least a week. Eli Manning had a poor showing . The defense did not allow a touchdown but did let Jags move the ball down the field for 4 scoring drives.
I said it last week and I will say it until the regular season starts. Do not put much stock into pre-season football. It is a very bland time of year and is for the most part a padded walk through of teams strategies.
Offense
The Giants passing game suffered without Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle as Eli Manning connected on only 4 of 14 pass attempts. The first team offensive line however did look better then it did last week in Cincinnati as the primary running backs ( Jennings, Williams, Vereen) carried the ball 7 times for 30 yards.
Rookie Ereck Flowers is not blowing anyone off the ball at this point but for a rookie protecting the blind side of a franchise quarterback I think he is doing a good job. Obviously he needs time to develop his foot work a bit and pick up some details of the NFL but I have been pleased with his performance thus far. The line still needs work, particularly on the right side. Marshall Newhouse played better then last week, but he is still a backup in my mind.
New York Giants
John Jerry and Geoff Schwartz both got time at right tackle and right guard, this tells me the Giants are still trying to figure out which lineup is best for them. Schwartz played better then Jerry at both positions but I would say he played better as a guard. That being said I would prefer Jerry over Newhouse. Rookie Bobby Hart impressed me again. He did give up some pressure but for a 7th round pick he has showed some real promise. Brett Jones saw time at both guard positions and was underwhelming.
James Jones caught 5 passes for 83 and showed why he should make this roster. Larry Donnell coughed up a football that was ruled incomplete but could very well have been called a fumble. His ball security remains an issue, as it was last year.
Running back Orleans Darkwa had another good game picking up 25 yards on 6 carriers. Just as last week, Darkwa ran hard and kept his legs churning through contact.
Kicker Josh Brown had an excellent night going 5 for 5 on his FG attempts. His long being 53 yards to go along with field goals of 51, 43, 37, and 28.
Defense
The hits keep on coming for the defense. The Giants lost 2 more safeties for the season as Bennett Jackson tore his ACL and Justin Currie broke an ankle. Going down with them were linebacker Jon Beason and Mark Herzlich, though neither will be out for the whole season. Beason sprained his knee and will be week to week as Herzlich will undergo concussion protocol to determine his return.
Linebacker J.T Thomas played an outstanding game and showed why the Giants brought him in over the off season. Thomas had 5 tackles to go along with a sack, forced fumble combo. Thomas has good speed and showed it against his former team.
Unai Unga played another good game recording 6 tackles and a pass defelction. With the injuries to Herzlich and Beason Unga may force his way onto the roster if he continues to play at this level.
Damontre Moore had a couple of sacks. The second of which came late in the game. Though it was not against the best competition Moore showed good endurance by being able to go full steam late in the game.
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dominique Rodgers – Cromartie was challenged with some deep balls but none of them were caught by the receivers. I can’t really get a read on Trevin Wade. He looks good on deeper thrown passes but gives up alot underneath. I cant tell if he is playing off the receiver to bait the quarterback, because hes comfortable doing so, or he’s simply lost. Bennett Jackson played well until his injury. The corners in general look to be playing much more aggressive then in years past. I’m a big fan of that.
Overall the defense played well since it did not allow a touchdown. The pass rush must get better as does the open field tackling but all in all they looked a little better then last week. They must continue to get better.