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4 unsung heroes for the NY Giants during the preseason

By Reese Nasser

New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants defeat the Bengals, 25-22, in a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2022, in East Rutherford.Nfl Ny Giants Preseason Game Vs Bengals Bengals At Giants
New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants defeat the Bengals, 25-22, in a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2022, in East Rutherford.Nfl Ny Giants Preseason Game Vs Bengals Bengals At Giants /
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Aug 28, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Austin Calitro (59) celebrates his interception return for a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Austin Calitro (59) celebrates his interception return for a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. LB Austin Calitro

While many of the preseason stars were found on the offensive side of the ball, there was one defender who stood out more than the rest. Linebacker Austin Calitro looked to be the best player on the field during the Giants’ final preseason game against the New York Jets.

Throughout the entire preseason, Calitro recorded 12 total tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. He also recorded a defensive PFF grade of 90.4.

His showing during the Jets game is what put people on notice. Along with his five total tackles, he returned an interception for a touchdown and recorded a fumble.

The Giants linebacker room recently suffered a major loss when rookie linebacker Darrian Beavers went down with a torn ACL. An already weak group lost what could have been a key component heading into the regular season. But with Calitro’s recent performance, the unit could have a potential playmaker in the mix.

Throughout his career, Calitro has played in just 47 regular season games. He has recorded 94 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 1.5 total sacks. The Giants are his fifth team already. Luckily for Calitro, though, he’s on the 53-man roster and he’ll hope to make a splash with the team this fall.

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