With the NY Giants set to kick off their preseason on Thursday, it is finally time to see this new, and hopefully improved team in action.
Obviously the preseason is more about seeing what the backups and rookies have than anything else. However, the Giants have a ton of “backups” and rookies full of potential to make an impact on the team. At the same time, it’s time for some of the veterans and guys like Daniel Jones to deliver as well.
The NY Giants play three games this preseason against the Patriots, Bengals and Jets – all winnable games. With that said, here are seven bold predictions for the upcoming showdowns this month.
7. NY Giants go undefeated in preseason
This is probably the boldest take on our list. However, we believe it is very possible. Obviously a preseason record is not indicative of how well the NY Giants will perform in the regular season, but it would be a very nice way to start the year.
The new front office of the Giants did a tremendous job at adding depth to important positions on the team -especially at QB, WR, the OL, and LB. If the depth added at these positions live up to their expectations, we could see the team have tremendous success in the preseason.
We could see some of the depth on the NY Giants, especially the rookies, emerge as highly productive players who could potentially win games for the Giants in the regular season.
If the players the NY Giants added to the roster step up in the ways we think they can, the Giants should win all three games and Brian Daboll will of course have added trust in those guys who stepped up. It should be an exciting three games leading up to Week 1 vs. the Titans.
6. Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers move up over Tae Crowder on the depth chart
We haven’t heard a ton on Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers during training camp. What we have seen is Tae Crowder performing rather poorly, showcasing his inability in coverage. Considering that McFadden and Beavers are likely to see a ton of snaps during the preseason, there is a very good chance that they perform well and make an argument to beat out Crowder on the depth chart.
Coming out of college, McFadden was seen as a great blitz first linebacker with potential to be a good run stopper. McFadden’s ability in the blitz will work tremendously in Wink Martindale’s defense.
As for Beavers, he’s considered to be a very solid coverage linebacker, something that Crowder is quite bad at. If he comes out and showcases his upside in coverage during the preseason, then we believe he should start alongside Blake Martinez.
If either of these players can come out and show the upside we know they have, then there is a very good chance we see them replace Crowder in the starting lineup. This will surely be something to keep a close eye on.
5. Wan’Dale Robinson finishes Top 5 in receiving yards for the preseason
Throughout training camp, we have seen that rookie second-round pick Wan’Dale Robinson has been used quite often as both a receiver, and in the backfield. The rate of Robinson’s usage in training camp has us hopeful that this will translate to success in the preseason and regular season.
If this happens to be the case, then there is a good chance we see an explosion from the rookie. Meaning that there is potential for Robinson to come close to leading the NFL in receiving yards for the preseason.
While this could be difficult, as the NY Giants could consider Robinson a “starter” and opt to only use him for a couple of possessions each game, there is a chance they allow Robinson to play a good portion of each game. This will open the door to a potential breakout preseason that will show the league just how good he is.
Regardless, NY Giants fans should be excited for the team’s receiving core this year. So far it seems as if they finally have the correct coaching staff to utilize their talents.
4. Evan Neal struggles (and that’s okay)
So far through training camp, we have seen No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal struggle somewhat against his teammates. However, this is something that should be expected, as not only is it somewhat common for rookie offensive tackles to struggle during their first season in the league, but Neal has also moved over to right tackle for NY.
During the 2020 season, we saw the struggles that Andrew Thomas went through as a rookie, as he allowed 10 sacks and had a PFF player grade of 62.4. Then, after putting in work during the offseason, Thomas broke out during his sophomore year, coming out as one of the best young tackles in the NFL.
If Neal comes out and struggles early out the gates during the preseason, NY Giants fans should not worry. There are few doubts about how great Neal will eventually become. There’s going to be some ups and downs for him, sure, but people shouldn’t hit the panic button.
3. Darnay Holmes solidifies his starting spot
One of the major takeaways this summer has been the fantastic play from young cornerback Darnay Holmes. Plain and simple, the defensive back has been a turnover machine for the G-Men, which has been awesome to see.
If Holmes can keep up his hot play from training camp into the preseason, he’ll lock down his starting slot cornerback spot. We saw flashes of potential from Holmes last season when he was forced to take a bigger role as the season went on.
While we still believe Aaron Robinson has what it takes to excel, Holmes could be moved to the outside down the road if Robinson doesn’t cut it. The play of Robinson will be watched closely by Martindale and Co.
The potential Holmes has shown since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 draft has been very exciting to see. If he is able to reach said potential than the NY Giants could have their next star CB for the future.
2. Nick Gates makes his return for the NY Giants
One guy fans have been rooting for consistently is former starting center Nick Gates. After suffering a very gruesome leg injury in a Week 2 matchup against Washington last year, it was unknown if Gates would be able to play for the G-Men again. Now, general manager Joe Schoen has said he believes Gates will be able to suit up for some preseason action.
While there is a chance that Gates struggles coming back from this injury, we believe there is potential for Gates to return to his prior form, which is something the NY Giants need expeditiously. This would make for a wonderful story too.
Before Gates’ injury, he was a pleasure to watch. He was one of the only consistent lineman on the NY Giants prior to Thomas’ breakout season in 2021. If he can return to what he used to be before his injury, it would be huge for the unit.
Jon Feliciano enters the season as the starting center, but Gates will look to make noise. On top of that, we could see him make a move over to guard if he’s needed there as well. Regardless of what happens, getting him back in action will be amazing to see for the NY faithful.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux will look better than advertised
NY Giants No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux has looked tremendous this summer, making the NY Giants offensive line look silly at times. The expectation is that Thibodeaux will keep things rocking in the preseason, with things starting on Thursday against the Patriots.
When you consider that Thibodeaux will likely be playing against backup offensive linemen during the preseason, the odds of his success increase dramatically. He really should put on a show from start to finish.
We have seen Thibodeaux look great against Neal and we can only imagine what he will be able to do against other starters on opposing teams, let alone some backups. If Thibodeaux can come out hot during the preseason, it will be huge for his confidence entering his rookie campaign for a team that desperately needs his talent.