With the NY Giants preseason opener against the Patriots right around the corner, several of the guys getting ready to suit up know there’s some pressure for them to start delivering.
NY Giants head coach Brian Daboll made it known that the starters will be playing some amount of time during their preseason opener. While it is unlikely that they play more than one quarter, we could see flashes of potential from some of the younger, more unknown playmakers.
Regardless of how long the starters play, the team as a whole has some players further down in the depth chart who could make some big plays during the preseason opener. And these players could really use a strong showing. Here’s four in particular who really are in need of a big preseason game.
4. RB Gary Brightwell
After not playing much during his rookie year following his sixth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, it seems as if this might be a make or break season for the second-year running back. A player selected so low, who hasn’t shown much, will likely not get many other chances in the league.
Entering the preseason, Gary Brightwell was listed as the RB3 on the depth chart, meaning he is likely to see carries once Saquon Barkley is done playing.
If Brightwell is able to start out the preseason hot, it could secure his spot on the roster to start the regular season, beating out Antonio Williams and others. While he may not see many snaps in the regular season, his potential to move his way up the depth chart depending on his play could be exciting.
This will be Brightwell’s best chance to impress the new coaching staff. If he can perform well, he could potentially move up on the depth chart in the future.