The Giants face the Jets on Saturday: Here are three things to watch for with Big Blue
Giants cornerback Deonte Banks at training camp. Credit: Ed Murray
The Giants will make their first appearance of the summer at MetLife Stadium on Saturday to play the Jets. Here’s what we’re watching for in their second preseason game:
1. Which starters will play?
Coach Brian Daboll was vague when asked if he’ll play his starters. A closer reading of past statements suggests that fans should expect to see some play if they’re healthy.
Maybe the starting offense will get two drives after one last week in Buffalo? All the better for quarterback Russell Wilson to get into a rhythm with his new teammates. A better question: Who will join him?
Malik Nabers didn’t practice this week, and Daboll made it seem as if the receiver is still rehabbing his injuries. Fellow receiver Darius Slayton could play after practicing this week. Evan Neal returned to practice Wednesday, and it will be good for him to get game reps at guard to better evaluate his transition from tackle.
As for the defense, can the pass rush match how great they looked against the Jets in their joint practices this week? Also, keep an eye on cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott. Banks didn’t practice Wednesday, but if he plays, pay attention to how he and Flott rotate series and for how long. That starting battle is far from decided.
2. The Rookie MetLife challenge
Saturday will be the debut of Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter at MetLife Stadium. Both impressed in their first preseason game; how will they fare in front of Giants fans?
For Dart, how many drives will he get after playing four last week against the Bills? Can he build on last week’s solid play or will he struggle more after the Jets saw him in practice? He could take a step backward. The reps he gets are just as important as how he performs.
As for Carter, perhaps he’ll get more than six snaps so fans can enjoy his potential a bit more. Can he further impress fans against a Jets offensive line that he and his teammates dominated in practice? Will he get a sack and honor his promise to get a haircut once he tackles a quarterback?
One other rookie to watch is offensive lineman Marcus Mbow. He could get more reps at tackle with Jermaine Eluemunor away Wednesday for the birth of his daughter. No word if Eluemunor will be back Saturday, but if not, Mbow could get a longer look up front.
3. Other key positions
Don’t expect rookie running back Cam Skattebo to play; he hasn’t practiced since Aug. 1. Saturday could be another showcase for second-year running back Dante Miller, who’s fighting for a roster spot and impressed with his all-around ability last week.
Keep an eye on receivers Beaux Collins and Montrell Washington. Collins didn’t play last week but returned to practice and looked solid, as he’s been most of training camp. Washington had a up-and-down day Saturday, but he’ll get plenty of reps, as will receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who caught Dart’s touchdown pass.
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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