The NY Giants must continue building on their victory over the Lions last week when they take on the Houston Texans on Saturday. These preseason games are critical for head coach Brian Daboll and the coaching staff to evaluate each positional battle, finalize their 53-man roster, and establish their Week 1 starters with the regular season just three weeks away.
This week, we expect to see more projected starters open the game against the Texans. So, fans will get their first taste of what to expect from this year's starting players during in-game action. With a different look on offense, an improved offensive line, and added weapons on defense, there's a lot to be excited about. Against Houston, though, plenty of eyes will be on these four players:
QB Daniel Jones
The first player who needs to perform well is Daniel Jones. While there won't be any competition for the Week 1 starting quarterback, Jones must have a good game because he has had a long road to recovery from a torn ACL last season and must have a bounce-back year to help lead the G-Men back to the playoffs. Danny Dimes will play with a chip on his shoulder this year, as he is finally healthy with the head coach he has had the most success with in the NFL, an improved offensive line, and a true WR1 in rookie Malik Nabers. This will be a make-or-break season for Jones, which could alter his and the Giant's future. Let's hope he can show a sign of great things to come vs. the Texans.
RB Devin Singletary
The Giants expect Devin 'Motor' Singletary to perform well because he fits this offense overall. Replacing Saquon Barkley is challenging, but the new No. 26 will be the team's Week 1 starter and has a history working with Daboll from their time together in Buffalo. Last season, Singletary played with the Houston Texans, so there isn't a better first opportunity for Motor to prove he belongs in New York than this week against his former team. Singletary is an experienced running back who helps this new-look offense, but a good performance in Preseason Week 2 will prove he deserves to have the featured role out of the backfield for the Giants this season.
S Tyler Nubin
The Giants drafted safety Tyler Nubin in the second round of this year's NFL Draft to replace Xavier McKinney, who joined the Green Bay Packers in free agency. Many believed Nubin was the best safety prospect in this year's draft class. After setting a school record for 13 interceptions at Minnesota, Nubin now has the opportunity to win the starting job and fill the void left by McKinney. The team initially signed veteran Jalen Mills, but after being on the PUP list for most of training camp this summer, they released him to make room for other safeties competing for a spot on the team. Nubin has been in a battle with Dane Belton this summer for the starting job alongside Jason Pinnock. A strong showing vs. Houston could give him another edge in trying to win the spot.
DT Elijah Chatman
The last player who must step up and play well against the Texans is rookie defensive tackle Elijah Chatman, who has had an impressive camp and has gotten reps with the first team. The undrafted rookie out of SMU looks like he will make the Giants' 53-man roster, and it seems Big Blue has long-term plans for him, even if it means he will play behind Dexter Lawrence and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. The Giants recently traded veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to the Dallas Cowboys, which means they value Chatman more, and there's a significant chance he will make the team. The rookie DT is making a case for fans to remember his name, as he has played well this summer and was extremely impressive vs. Detroit, leading the Giants in total quarterback pressures against the Lions.