Giants – Jets: Offense comes up small…again

The New York Giants’ offense is still 0 for the preseason. The first unit failed to score against the opposition, for the second consecutive week.

Hopes were high for the 2016 Giants’ offense. But once again the unit struggled to get on track against the New York Jets. They didn’t run an offensive play on the Jets’ side of the field in the first half. As mentioned previously, the offensive line remains a giant concern.

Offensive Notes

Eli Manning, under constant pressure, completed 10 of 15 passes, for just 65 yards and an interception. He did not complete a pass to his wideouts until just before halftime. This week, Manning was off the mark frequently, including one where he nearly led Odell Beckham, Jr. into a huge hit. That pass was intercepted by Darrelle Revis.

Later in the half, there was more miscommunication between Manning and his receivers. The Giants are in the third year of coach Ben McAdoo’s offense, but simply haven’t looked comfortable all preseason.

Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen combined for 10 yards on 12 carries. The offensive line has been unable to push opposing defenses off the line of scrimmage.

Victor Cruz returned to action but wasn’t a factor, as the offense never got going. He had one reception for four yards. The only true measure of success here is whether or not Cruz got through the game. He did. According to a post on USAToday.com, immediately after Cruz exited the game, he told Lorenzo Reyes he was fine.

"“It felt great, man, just to be with my teammates and put this 80 jersey back on and to get the love of the crowd and the people again and go out there and be in position to make a few plays as well. It was a great feeling,” said Cruz."

The Giants’ first team offense came out for the opening drive of the 2nd half and went three and out. This failure was against the Jets’ second-team defense. In all, Giants starters picked up just 61 yards and three first downs. The offensive line has continued to disappoint and one wonders if it’s time for general manager Jerry Reese to look outside for help.

Defensive Notes

The Giants’ defense was as good as the offense was bad against the Jets. Olivier Vernon continued to pressure the quarterback, forcing an errant Ryan Fitzpatrick throw to a wide open Robby Anderson for, what would have been, a big play.

Fortunately for Big Blue, the first team defense did not allow a score until late in the second quarter. Janoris Jenkins didn’t get his head turned around as Fitzpatrick found Eric Decker just over his outstretched arm. Even then, the Jets had a short field after a Manning interception.

The defense held Gang Green running back Matt Forte under three yards per carry. They  also limited quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to 76 yards passing. Former Jet, Damon “Snacks” Harrison, sacked Fitzpatrick and fumble on third and six from the Giants’ 11-yard line. The forced fumble was recovered by Johnathan Hankins.

The Giants’ defense has been a stronghold thus far. They’ll be asked to hold opposing offenses in check until the Giants’ offense can come around. That will be easier said than done, as the Giants start the season September 11, in Arlington, TX, against a strong Dallas Cowboy’s offensive line.

Injuries

Linebackers Jonathan Casillas and B.J. Goodson, cornerback Leon Hall, and fullback Nikita Whitlock all left the Jets game early with injuries.

In the first half, Casillas left with a rib injury, according to Giants beat writer James Kratch, of NJ.com. The New Jersey native has been fantastic for the Giants this preseason.

"“Casillas exited the Snoopy Bowl against the Jets early with a rib injury, and he is currently undergoing x-rays, according to the team.” – James Kratch, NJ.com"

Also on the defensive side, both Goodson and Hall suffered concussions.