Three things to watch in the Giants' preseason finale vs. the New England Patriots
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, right, congratulates Russell Wilson after a touchdown during the first half against the Jets on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Lee S. Weissman
The Giants aim to finish the preseason 3-0 when they host the Patriots Thursday. But the record is secondary to what really matters.
Will coach Brian Daboll rest his starters? Can Jaxson Dart deliver one more preseason moment? That leads the three things we’re looking for at MetLife Stadium.
It’s not goodbye Jaxson Dart, it’s see you later
Thursday is the last time Giants fans can see quarterback Jaxson Dart play meaningful football for a while. After the preseason, the talk shifts to Russell Wilson leading the team into the season opener Sept. 7.
So how long will Dart play against the Patriots? The past three seasons, Daboll didn’t play his starters in the final preseason game. That could mean a longer look at Dart and the rookie needs it since he’ll likely be riding the bench through September unless things go horribly wrong.
“I'm in a really unique and cool situation right now,” Dart said last week. “So I'm just trying to learn from [the other quarterbacks], learn from all my coaches. Whenever my number is called, I think that I'm just going to try to do my best.”
In practice Tuesday, Dart completed passes to Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton. Dart also had one series with the first team in last Saturday’s preseason win along with his one-play substitution for Wilson that led to a 30-yard completion.
If Daboll sticks to his history, Wilson and the starters might take the night off. If Daboll holds to recent form this preseason, the starters might play just so Wilson can build chemistry and left tackle James Hudson gets more starting reps in case Andrew Thomas isn’t ready.
It all means keep an eye on Dart and how he builds on two strong preseason games. He’s done enough to show his potential so he’ll get one more chance for a last impression until he gets that first taste of regular-season football.
What position battles to watch?
Greg Van Roten started at right guard the first two preseason games and took the lion’s share of first-team reps in training camp. But Evan Neal made his in-game debut at right guard last week and he could get more time Thursday.
Neal played 32 reps against the Jets with mixed results. His whiff on a pass block led to a Dart incompletion but he showed promise in the run game. Expect Neal to be on the field more so he can either get comfortable or convince the Giants he’s ready to be in that role.
At cornerback, Deonte Banks didn’t practice Tuesday so Cor’Dale Flott took most of the reps opposite Paulson Adebo. The battle between Banks and Flott has been ongoing since the spring so this is the last game-speed audition for that role.
Since Banks was out Tuesday, Flott could start Thursday if Banks can’t play. It’s worth monitoring how long Flott goes or if Banks plays, how long he’ll play. That’s the one defensive spot that’s up for grabs and Flott looked fine last Saturday with Banks out.
Who’s fighting for a roster spot?
Whether the starters play or not, whoever logs heavy snaps is making their last claims for roster spots ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to cut the team to 53 players.
"We've got some guys we still want to take a look at and that'll be important,” Daboll said. "This week leading up to the cuts is an important week for a lot of people.”
Receivers Beaux Collins and Montrell Washington have impressed throughout camp. While the receiver room is crowded, another game of solid play could lead to a roster spot on special teams
Running back Dante Miller has taken advantage of his high number of snaps the first two preseason games. He’s turned third-down plays into first-down gains, he’s gotten better as a pass catcher and could be another option in the return game. One more solid night should help him find a roster spot.
Thursday could also be the last ride for Tommy DeVito. If he’s the last quarterback to play, it’ll give Giants fans one last look at the player who provided a brief spark in 2023 with a three-game winning streak.
The Giants have four quarterbacks on the roster. Teams typically carry three. So whatever DeVito does Thursday, it could be his final moments as a Giant.
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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