Don't look now, but preseason games are just around the corner. After what feels like an eternity, football is so back. The New York Giants open their preseason in Buffalo on Saturday, August 9, at 1:00 pm.
When speaking to the media before Monday's practice, head coach Brian Daboll spoke briefly on the opener, when some of his comments stuck out like a sore thumb. Dabs was talking about who the team expects to play in the game, and he noticeably didn't rule out playing the starters. He said he and the rest of the coaching staff would discuss over the next couple of days to decide what's best.
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Let’s all pause and collectively throw up our red flags. Listen, it's understandable to get excited about the preseason and put in the starters after not seeing them take live reps for months. But let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. Yes, there are ongoing camp battles that need to get sorted, but throwing starters in a relatively meaningless game feels like tempting fate.
Brian Daboll leaves door open for risky preseason move vs. Bills
The Giants are no strangers to injuries. Just look at last season's grocery list: Andrew Thomas, Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Tyler Nubin, Bobby Okereke, and others all spent significant time on the sidelines due to injuries. Does Daboll really want to start the clock earlier than he has to?
Even in training camp, the G-Men haven't been averse to the injury bug. Bryce Ford-Wheaton is already out for the season with a torn Achilles. Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Malik Nabers have all battled some ailment during camp. And the latest injury development with rookie Cam Skattebo isn't all that wonderful either.
So why not rule the starters out? It's likely due to the ongoing camp battles at premier positions, but that feels like something that can be figured out... not Game 1 of the preseason.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay historically doesn't play his starters in preseason games. He opts to let them get some run in during joint practices. Well, it just so happens Big Blue has a joint practice with its little brother — the New York Jets — next week, making it the perfect opportunity to test some of the starters in a more-controlled environment.
Camp vibes are high in East Rutherford. It actually feels different this year. The defense looks scary (especially the pass rush), and the offense is clicking. Why risk Nabers' health to see if he can burn Bills backup cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram? What are we doing here?
It's important to note Dabs didn't commit to starting them either, but even still, it's a silly stance. This team needs a bounce-back season like a bike needs wheels. Why potentially hinder yourself before the season even starts?