4 predictions for NY Giants first preseason game vs New England
By Zach Wolpin
2. Xavier McKinney will impress as defensive signal-caller
Third-year pro Xavier McKinney had an outstanding 2021 season for the Giants, even if the team’s record was subpar. His success is something the team can build off of and it’s shown already before the season has started. McKinney is set to call defensive plays for this team, which is massive.
The loss of veterans Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers meant that McKinney was going to be first on the depth chart for safeties. If he continues to progress like he did from his first year to second, a Pro Bowl season is not out of reach for McKinney in his future. Starters do not play much in preseason games, but Thursday will be his first chance to be a signal-caller vs another live NFL offense.
We think that McKinney will rise to the occasion and turn heads for the Giants coaching staff. While Wink Martindale has said it’s not written in stone McKinney will be calling the plays for the long haul, look for McKinney to impress in doing so.