Takeaways from the Giants Final Pre-Season Game
By Jesse Connor
The Giants and New EnglandPatriots played out a real barn burner to end the pre-season as 7 field goals created the only points in a 12-9 Giants victory.
The last dress rehearsal before the games matter is an opportunity for guys on the roster bubble to prove their final worth. Most starters saw limited, if any, playing time. Chris Boswell kicked 4 field goals and scored all 12 of the Giants points. His performance may have helped him win a roster spot, but most likely with another organization. Ryan Nassib played a decent game and the offensive line did a pretty good job of giving the running backs room to run.
Unai Unga continued his tackling clinic and Jerome Cunningham may have locked his roster spot with an excellent leaping catch over a defender. Jayron Hosley played all game but was beat twice in the 4th quarter by a rookie free agent on consecutive yards. Fullback Nikita Whitlock showed some serious versatility, but like Boswell he made have secured a spot with another team.
Offense
Orleans Darkwa carried the ball 10 times for 39 yards and Kenneth Harper carried it 10 times for 36 yards. I expect Darkwa to be the 4th running back. Ryan Nassib completed only 50% of his passes as he played all but the final drive at quarterback.
Sep 3, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (12) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
One of Nassib’s completions was a 33 yard reception by Jerome Cunningham who showed the ability to make a play with a defender in his face. Cunningham has emerged as the best option for the Giants last tight end spot and will most likely make the team. If he does it will end the Adrien Robinson project that has dissapointed Giant fans since 2012.
Geremy Davis hauled in a ball for a 40 yard gain and totaled 65 yards on 3 receptions. He did however come off the field limping on the last kickoff of the game. There was no contact involved it looked as it he either starting cramping or pulled something.
Defense
Unai Unga had 7 tackles. It will be tough for the Giants coaches to keep him off of the final 53 man roster. He has stood out all pre-season, totaling 24 tackles in his time on the field to go along with numerous pass deflections.
Kerry Wynn played a good all around game and I really think the Giants have a stud in the defensive linemen who can play inside and out.
Damontre Moore had a strip sack to put the nail in the Patriots coffin but he had 3 penalties for 45 yards, two roughing the passer calls and 1 unnecessary roughness. He must mature as a player as these kinds of mistakes can and will swing a game in the wrong direction for the Giants.
George Selvie had 2 sacks, Jay Bromley added one more and Stevie Brown made a good play on a tipped ball late in the 4th quarter. He flashed his ballhawking prowess that we saw in 2012.
Landon Collins played very well. He had some big hits and is clearly a very good tackler. His play is very promising.
Fullback Nikita Whitlock didn’t just carry the ball for a couple of yards and block fairly well but he also contributed on special teams and even defense. Whitlock played defensive tackle where he recorded a tackle and recovered a fumble. Whitlock is very undersized for a DT but his smaller size allowed him to slash through the line below the larger offensive linemen. There were also a few plays were he was driven back several yards off the ball. He proved he is a real football player, true definition. If he does not make the Giants 53 man roster I’m sure there is another team out there who would love a fullback/defensive tackle/special teamer. He’ll get his shot somewhere. There is a chance the Giants do keep Whitlock though and use him as the 4th running back over Orleans Darkwa.
Special Teams
Sep 3, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants kicker Chris Boswell (6) celebrates a field goal against the New England Patriots with tight end Daniel Fells (85) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Kicker Chris Boswell went 4 for 4 on field goal attempts giving the Giants all of their 12 points. Boswell was released a few days ago but was brought back to fill in for Josh Brown, who will be the Giants kicker. Boswell will most likely get a chance to play in the NFL this year. It just won’t likely be with the Giants.
Steve Weatherford punted the ball 6 times averaging 41 yards a punt.