Giants Preseason Opener: Observation and Analysis

The New York Giants kicked off their preseason at MetLife Stadium on Friday, Aug. 12th, losing to the Miami Dolphins 27-10.  The final score is of little consequence.  The focal points of the preseason are avoiding injuries, assessing the starters, and allowing rookies to get reps.  Here are some observations from the Giants’ preseason opener.

Preseason Offensive Highlights

Rookie receiver Sterling Shepard was the talk of training camp, entering Friday.  In a USA Today article posted on Aug. 5, 2016, Luke Easterling noted:

"“…the New York Giants need a reliable No. 2 receiver to take pressure off Odell Beckham and exploit opposing defenses who focus too much attention on him.  If training camp is any indication, rookie Sterling Shepard is more than ready to assume that role.”"

Good news for Giants fans:  Shepard looks as good as advertised.  He consistently beat his man off the line and created separation on most every route he ran.  Shepard also delivered an excellent block on the Giants’ opening drive; helping spring Shane Vereen for a 19-yard gain.  His numbers won’t reflect just how impressive he was, as quarterback Ryan Nassib was unable to reach the speedy receiver throughout the first half.  Shepard did make an amazing, Beckham-like, diving catch on a ball thrown short.

Preseason Defensive Highlights

The starting defense looked awesome in limited duty.  This is especially encouraging, as general manager Jerry Reese spent a lot of money in the off season to improve that side of the ball.

Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul got pressure off the edges on nearly every Ryan Tannehill drop back.  Vernon hit his former teammate twice on the opening drive.  On Miami’s second possession, Vernon and JPP both nearly caught up to Tannehill in the end zone for a safety.

Rookie cornerback Eli Apple continued to build on what has been a solid summer.  Apple was good in coverage; most notably stopping Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills short on third down and nine on Miami’s first drive.  Apple made plays all over the field, and he recovered a Bobby Rainey fumble on special teams.

In all, the Giants’ starting defense did not allow a first down and zero points.  After one quarter, the first and second team defense combined to give up just 18 total yards.

Preseason Offensive Lowlights

The Giants offensive line is still a work in progress.  They failed to get much push in their brief time on the field.  On their first play, Rashad Jennings ran left and was stuffed two yards behind the line of scrimmage.  Five plays later, Ereck Flowers was called for a hold.  On the second drive of the game, Andre Williams carried for a four yard loss after Marshall Newhouse was blown up in the backfield.  Zone runs, draws, and a great play by Vereen made the rushing numbers look better than they would have.

Ryan Nassib was bad, and that’s putting it mildly.  Nassib never looked settled in the pocket, often times taking off or rushing his throws.  He failed to hook up with an open Shepard several times.  Nassib finished the game seven of 15 passing, for 75 yards, two interceptions and a fumble.

While Eli Manning remains the starter at quarterback; it would have been nice to see Nassib perform much better than he did.  He’s in the final year of his rookie deal and, unless he plays well enough to become an attractive trade piece, the Giants will have a decision to make at the end of the season.

Fumbling Away His Preseason

Bobby Rainey didn’t do much to help his cause.  The veteran running back fumbled a kickoff, fumbled another punt and also bobbled another punt.  At this point, Rainey appears to be the odd man out in a crowded backfield.  Veterans Rashad Jennings and Vereen are entrenched in their roles, and Big Blue really likes rookie Paul Perkins.  That leaves Rainey, Andre Williams, and Orleans Darkwa to compete for one roster spot.  Williams appears to be ahead of Rainey, outpacing him nine to four in carries.  Rainey doesn’t figure to supplant Dwayne Harris for the lead return man job either.

Preseason Quick Hits

Rookies Sterling Shepard (groin) and Eli Apple (knee) left the contest with injuries.  In a post from Aug. 12, 2016 on NJ.com, James Kratch reports both players were “fine” after the game.

"“..lower leg strain. McAdoo said the injury “doesn’t look to be anything serious at this point,” – Coach McAdoo, speaking with James Kratch, on the status of Eli Apple"

Shepard has groin soreness, but he also warned fans not to “freak out.”

Eli Manning and Odell Beckham, Jr. dressed for the game, but neither played.

Both Ereck Flowers and Jonathan Casillas changed their numbers.  Flowers, who wore 76 last season, debuted number 74 last night.  Casillas switched his number from 54 to his familiar 52.

The Giants will travel to Orchard Park, N.Y. next weekend, and they play the Buffalo Bills in week two of the preseason.