In the NY Giants preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, we were treated to a 14-3 victory, a great way to start the new football year. It may not have been the most exhilarating game, but hey, a win is a win.
Despite this victory, there were a few Giants players who did not exactly impress with their level of play. Not only did they underperform, but they did so while mostly playing against second-string and third-string guys. Yup, it's safe to say these four Big Blue players were a major disappointment to start the summer:
4. QB Drew Lock
While his time on the field was short, Drew Lock somehow managed to look worse than undrafted Tommy DeVito in limited playing time. Not only is this unexpected, given Lock's prior level of play with the Seahawks, but he also managed to get injured and could miss multiple weeks.
Through the 18 snaps we saw from Lock, he completed just four passes on 10 attempts for 17 yards, throwing an interception in the process. Lock was slated to play the first quarter, but made an early exit following the aforementioned injury.
Lock's interception was not a good one either, as he rifled the ball right into double coverage to Brandon Joseph. This was not a good look for Lock at all and while he likely still has a roster spot thanks to his new contract, look out for Tommy DeVito to potentially push for his job as the Giants' backup.
3. WR Isaiah McKenzie
In his preseason debut, Isaiah McKenzie was used as both a pass catcher, and special teams returner. Unfortunately, he didn't really impress at either spot. Given the Giants' deep receiver core and the fact that they already have a returner in Gunner Olszewski, a game like this could cost McKenzie his spot on the roster.
As a receiver, McKenzie was targeted just twice through six snaps, failing to catch both passes thrown his way. It is hard to judge McKenzie for the lack of production, as the Giants had just 109 receiving yards as a team this game. However, it would have been nice to see a little more from him given his position with the team.
Where McKenzie really disappointed, though, was as a punt returner. He was given two opportunities to do so, and muffed one of his attempts, tallying just 14 return yards in the process. While Olszewski didn't do much better, we at least know he is consistent, as well as what he is capable of overall.
There's still plenty of time for McKenzie to make an impact, but as of right now, things are not looking too good for the veteran receiver. Hopefully, he picks up his level of play in the final two games in order to lock up a roster spot and extend his career.
2. EDGE Azeez Ojulari
In prior seasons, we have seen Azeez Ojulari be a legitimate threat on the outside when healthy. However, last season left much to be desired, leading the Giants to question his ceiling with the team, and ultimately trading for Brian Burns in order to put a big-time pass-rusher next to Kayvon Thibodeaux.
While Ojulari most definitely has a roster spot thanks to the lack of depth on the edge, he really didn't do much at all to show that he can still be productive. Through 34 snaps, again, mostly against backups, Ojulari racked up just two tackles, zero pressures, and zero sacks.
Given that his counterpart Boogie Basham tallied three combined tackles, three pressures, and a sack, it's certainly disappointing to see Ojulari get off to a slow start. The Giants could really use some edge depth in case one of Burns or Thibodeaux goes down with an injury, so Ojulari must pick up his game if he doesn't hope to be replaced by Basham or a potential free agent.
1. OL Joshua Ezeudu
One of the worst parts of the Giants' offense early on was the re-usage of Joshua Ezeudu at offensive tackle, a position he struggled with in the past, and one he was never really meant to play in the NFL. While this is something we've dived into in previous articles, the level of play Ezeudu showcased was unacceptable and it's time to put him back at guard.
The single thing Ezeudu did well was run-block, which is what he has always excelled at, as PFF gave him a run-blocking grade of 93.1. This is just another reason as to why Ezeudu should slide back to guard, but I digress.
As a pass-blocker, Ezeudu was atrocious, racking up three pressures, including a QB hit that likely led to Lock's injury. Typically, if a player is questionable as a pass protector, but great in the run, a team will keep them at guard. However, the Giants have done the opposite.
This isn't even throwing shade at Ezeudu. Sure, he didn't play well, but the Giants have yet to put him in a position to succeed since drafting him. His strengths and weaknesses are rather clear, yet the coaching staff has yet to accommodate things for him. He has no business playing left tackle.