Winners and Losers from the Giants’ Preseason Games
In the Giants’ preseason victory over the Buffalo Bills and NY Jets, fans were able to catch their first glimpses of in-game action from the Giants’ new and improved roster. Even though it is only preseason, beating the second-best team in the AFC from last season and the thier stadium room mate is a solid showing for the Giants.
Winners:
- Abdul Carter
In our first look at Carter representing Big Blue, he excelled in his limited playing time. In only 6 snaps (3 of which were pass-rush), vs the Bills, Carter registered 3 pressures. Notably, he blew past perennial Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins, highlighting his stellar play. This is what the Giants have been craving for the past couple of years, and Darth Vader seems to fit the bill. This performance increased Carter’s odds for Defensive Rookie of the Year to +250 (second place Travis Hunter is at +750), proving that the NFL community is anticipating an outstanding rookie season from the third overall pick. Against the Jets, Carter received his welcome to the NFL moment as he was pancaked by Tight End Stone Smartt and then buried by offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.
- Jaxson Dart
In his first showing as the Giants’ quarterback, Dart exceeded expectations and delivered an exceptional performance. He completed 12 of 19 pass attempts for 154 yards and threw a great touchdown to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, earning him a 106.0 passer rating. He even displayed his agility, gaining 24 rushing yards on three attempts. He commanded the pocket with great presence and moved the ball with precision. This type of performance now leaves Giants fans wondering if they can expect more from Dart sooner rather than later during the season. Last night vs the Jets…Dart was 14 of 16 for 137 yards, delivering at home under the lights at MetLife Stadium. Dart relieved Wilson one play that had Theo Johnson rumbling for 30 yards and he capped a 71-yard second half-opening drive with a TD throw to back up Tight End Greg Dulcich. Dart also scored on a goal-line keeper after hitting 13 consecutive passes.
- Marcus Mbow
If the Giants’ O-line doesn’t give up a sack, that’s already an accomplishment in and of itself. If you’re a member of either of the units that played, you did something right. In his 35 snaps, Mbow only allowed one pressure, earning him an 81.2 pass block grade from PFF. In a time when the Giants have rarely hit on their late-round selections, the fifth-round tackle from Purdue might begin to change that. Former lineman turned analyst Brian Baldinger said that he believes Mbow put on the best showing of any Giants rookie during the game. That’s high praise from a very respected source. Giants drafted Mbow in the 5th round and he could be the steal of the draft he was moving Jets Defenders around the turf on Saturday night.
- Mike Kafka
When you think of a 30+ point performance and “watchable offense,” the New York Giants are usually the last team to come to mind. However, Mike Kafka accomplished that. During the game, there was a smooth consistency in the way the team handled the pigskin. The long pass from Dart to convert on Humphrey’s go route is something that hasn’t been seen since Eli and OBJ. With 396 yards of total offense and a dominant possession game (approximately 36 minutes), the Giants had full control of this game, leaving the Bills with no hope on defense. Against the Jets we saw the Giants put up 31 points with a good mix of the run game, the screen game and the down field vertical game. Something is clicking upstairs in the booth.
Losers:
- Kayvon Thibodeaux
With Abdul Carter shining during his limited snap count in the game, the pressure on Thibodeaux increases. Given that Brian Burns recently signed his massive extension, Thibodeaux is competing for the starting EDGE spot against Carter. While having the NASCAR package would be enticing, is that really the approach the Giants should take? Thibodeaux needs to perform well for the remainder of the preseason if he wants to solidify that starting role. This week #5 took some shots at the Jets QB and the Jets. He was very active last night and we can only hope it is a sign of things to come.
- James Hudson
An issue with the Giants’ O-line every season is their lack of depth. While the starters aren’t the best to begin with, as soon as they are injured, the backups are abysmal, to say the least. So when Schoen and Co. signed Hudson this past offseason, he was expected to be that backup/swing tackle. Hudson single-handedly derailed the offense’s opening drive with his two individual penalties: a false start and a holding call. While the team did convert for a field goal, that has been the Giants’ Achilles’ heel forever, it seems. If Hudson wants to get playing time, he needs to eliminate the mental mistakes.
- Darius Alexander
Yes, Alexander is a rookie, but it seems he was the only defensive lineman who didn’t contribute. D.J. Davidson and Jordan Riley each recorded a sack, Roy Robertson-Harris had two tackles and a quarterback hit, and Corey Durden and Jeremiah Ledbetter each made a tackle. He was constantly on the field but didn’t have any impact on the game. He may need to go back to the drawing board for the next game to see if he can have a greater impact. More tape research to come after the Jets game!