Some notable Giants snap counts from preseason opener
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese played 12 snaps on the first two drives. Besides his great tackle to stop Vikings running back Jordan Mason, he also assisted on another tackle with fellow rookie Colton Hood.
Speaking of Colton Hood, he played most of the first half at cornerback with 26 snaps, the same as Deonte Banks. Hood had three tackles and was flagged for an illegal contact penalty, although the Vikings declined.
Francis Mauigoa played 30 snaps in his preseason debut. The rookie right guard helped free up lanes for Devin Singletary's 40-yard catch-and-run with great blocking to carry his man forward. At one point, Mauigoa has his hands on two defenders while Singletary raced behind him.
Malachi Fields played 19 snaps. The rookie receiver caught the Giants' only touchdown and with three catches, he showed why he's pushing for more playing time. His 6-foot-4 frame brings a dimension the Giants lacked even with a healthy Malik Nabers.
Darius Alexander played 24 snaps and had the Giants' only sack. The second-year lineman also played well into the third quarter. Maybe that was a by-product of DJ Reader and Shelby Harris being held out, but it gave Alexander plenty of reps to show why he's pushing to be a starter.
Evan Neal played 20 snaps late in the second half at right guard. The Giants took a low-risk chance bringing Neal back on a one-year deal after he didn't play at all last season. However, Neal hasn't shown much to guarantee a roster spot. He's languished on third-team duty and barring any injuries, that's where he'll stay throughout camp and preseason.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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