Big Blue plays its third preseason game tonight. With the team winless, a sputtering offense and injuries, the G-Men have much to prove against the New York Jets.
Quite frankly, there are many aspects of the New York Giants – New York Jets contest that are extremely relevant tonight. In past years, the Giants would prepare to pare down their roster after this game. This year, things have changed and only one cut will take place. NFL rosters will be reduced from 90 players to 53 by 4:00 p.m. (New York time) on Sept. 2nd.
For some players this change could be helpful to their chances to make an NFL team. There are several New York Giants players who can bolster their chances with additional snaps. Here are some things to keep an eye on tonight:
Quarterback Situation
Just when Geno Smith looked to be in command of his destiny, we were reminded of his Achilles heel. Smith turns the ball over with great frequency. Now, with his competition being journeyman Josh Johnson, Smith represents the lesser of two evils. Johnson has been in the New York Giants system for a while now, and nothing about his play says keeper.
Johnson is not in command of the huddle, and he does not run the offense with efficiency. Realistically, he has not thrown an NFL pass since 2011! Only in New York Giants-land can anyone think that his career is worth salvaging. The real question now becomes: Can Smith be a suitable back-up?
Tonight, Eli Manning may play an entire half of football, so the back-ups won’t get much work. Davis Webb may not see any action again this week. Tonight, hopefully, something gets clarified, but don’t hold your breath.
Offensive Line
The New York Giants face a big challenge with controlling Gang Green’s defensive front. Thus far, the o-line has not pulled their own weight on the offense. We can quibble about whether or not Ereck Flowers is improving, and that actually highlights the problem. Does anyone actually think he’s noticeably improved? Does anyone think the offensive line has taken a step forward? If you answer yes to either question, you’re in the minority of people.
New York Giants
For anyone keeping track, this unit has been together for a while now. So what’s the problem? Paul Schwartz of the New York Post tries to make sense of it.
"“For all the Giants seem to lack on their offensive line, continuity cannot be denied. They have got it, with all five starters back from 2016. There is no need to adjust to a newcomer or a returning player moving to a new position.”"
Realistically, the problem resolves itself one of two ways. The starters have to play better. Or the line-up needs to be shaken up. No, really shaken up.
A series for D.J. Fluker or Brett Jones with the first unit means nothing. It’s basically playing lip service to the issue.
We already know that upgrading the tackle positions with a late round draft pick and undrafted free agent was a non-starter. This I know. If the offensive line becomes the downfall of this New York Giants squad, there will be plenty of upset fans.
And rightfully so.
Wide Receivers
Unfortunately, injuries are robbing the team of its depth at wideout. Youngster Darius Powe had built up credibility as a practice squad player heading into training camp. He was a legitimate threat to make the roster. His hamstring injury had other ideas.
We all know that Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall will not see action tonight. Ditto for Dwayne Harris and Tavarres King. That leaves the first team in the hands of Roger Lewis and Sterling Shepard. We should see enough of Travis Rudolph and Jerome Lane tonight to see if they can play. Recent signees Ed Eagan and Caanan Severin will also get a look or two or three.
Right now, King is in the most jeopardy, but he will survive if no one steps up. Not to muddy the waters here, but much of the production here revolves around the success of the offensive line.
It should be interesting.