NY Giants and Lions joint practices: 4 things for fans to keep an eye on

Soon enough, the NY Giants are going to take the field against the Detroit Lions for their preseason season-opener. Before the two meet at MetLife Stadium, some fun joint practices are going to be on the way for people to enjoy.

Of course, this is going to be the first time this new-look team faces an opposing offense and defense. There will be plenty to take away from these two joint sessions for head man Brian Daboll and the rest of his staff. Having said that, here are four areas in particular that Big Blue supporters should have their eyes on:

4. How is Daniel Jones going to perform against the Lions defense?

To get us going, you know countless people are going to have a close eye on Daniel Jones. Leading up to the preseason, Jones has been under a microscope, with every single throw being judged. He's been great at times, but throwing the ball deep downfield has been an issue for him at times too. The Detroit secondary will look to give him fits, while their defensive line will hope to put a ton of pressure on him as well. Speaking of that...

3. The Giants offensive line needs to start to gel

There's a different featured offensive line for the Giants, which is of course a good thing. Last season's group gave up an embarrassing 85 sacks, which is going to be cleaned up in 2024. Due to injuries, the projected Week 1 starting OL won't be out there vs. the Lions, which is unfortunate.

Evan Neal is still sidelined with an ankle injury, while center John Michael Schmitz is trying to work his way back from a bum shoulder. Because of that, the starting line should look like, from left to right, Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., Greg Van Roten, Aaron Stinnie and Jermaine Eluemunor. How will these guys hold up against Aidan Hutchinson and Co. during the practices? We'll find out soon.

2. It's time to see what the Giants secondary is made of

There are loads of question marks for the Giants secondary. Up front, the pass-rush has the potential to be one of the best in the league, but the guys defending the aerial attack have a lot to prove. Deonte Banks is a lock to be CB1, but Cor'Dale Flott has a lot to prove on the other side of the field as CB2. Can he take a step forward and hold his own vs. Detroit?

Elsewhere, rookie Dru Phillips is in a prime spot to capture the slot spot, while fellow rookie Tyler Nubin is hoping to push Dane Belton for one of the starting safety jobs. Jason Pinnock has looked sharp in camp, but we want to see consistency out of them. Against the Lions in practice and in the preseason meeting, we'll see if this young group can impress, or if Joe Schoen will need to use some of the remaining cap space on bringing in a veteran defensive back.

1. Can Malik Nabers keep turning heads?

Throughout OTAs, minicamp and now training camp, Malik Nabers has looked like a true first-round pick. Plenty of fans were depressed the Giants didn't trade up to land Drake Maye, but goodness, landing Nabers at No. 6 overall is now looking like a gift from the Football Gods. Nabers has been unreal this offseason going up against the NY defense. His buzz only grew after he cooked Flott on a sweet double move during a recent practice:

Against the Lions, Nabers and Jones are going to have a true opportunity to give everyone a preview of what they might be able to do in the regular season. The pressure is on for the offensive line to give Danny Dimes time to scan the field. If that proves to be the case, he can have the confidence to throw the ball up and see if his new WR1 can make a play. With the swagger Nabers plays with too, you know he's going to be jacked up to make some Detroit defenders look silly.