After the Giants preseason victory over the Panthers, the G-Men were looking to end preseason with a winning record. Unfortunately this didn’t pan out as Big Blue dropped their third and final preseason game, 32-24, to the New York Jets.
It wasn’t a fair fight between the two teams for the first quarter of the game, as the Jets played their starting lineups on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Despite being mismatched talent wise, the Giants as a whole looked okay.
The offensive line was one of the biggest sore spots on the night, especially in the first half. The G-Men’s O-line allowed the Jets to gobble up the Giants' run game and allowed a ton of pass rush opportunities and QB hits.
Offensively, Jalin Hyatt continued to showcase his speed, but it was put to waste as Tyrod Taylor under threw a few passes to him. Jashaun Corbin and Eric Gray ran pretty good in the trenches later in the second half.
The biggest note for the defense during the whole game is that they need to limit penalties and finish the tackles they are making. Too many Jets receivers were able to break tackles or gain additional yards because the Giants couldn’t bring them to the turf.
Overall the secondary looked pretty good as they were able to break up a ton of contested passes and made crucial plays that prevented the Jets from getting on the board.
The Giants showed flashes of good and bad, but that is what preseason is all about. You dig up weak spots and you fill them with better talent/skill or educate and encourage what you have. Considering all that unfolded, Brian Daboll has to be happy with some of the players that showed out and stepped up as the 53-man roster cut line approaches.
Without further ado, lets breakdown five key takeaways for the New York Football Giants during their preseason loss to the Jets.
1. Graham Gano is Automatic
The 13-year veteran’s talent has not faded over the years. Gano’s kicks are just as consistent and just as “good” since his time in Washington. In the Giants third preseason game against the Jets, Gano showed just how powerful his leg can be as he buried a 40, 56 and 57 yard field goals for Big Blue.
Call him Graham "It's Good" Gano. He's hit 56 and 57-yard FGs in this game 🔥 @grahamgano | @giants
📺: #NYJvsNYG on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/624TrfDUF6 pic.twitter.com/OOJlRDKXSr— NFL (@NFL) August 27, 2023
With Gano looking like he’s in midseason form, the Giants have to be thrilled to know they got a good one, especially when it comes down to crucial extra points and field goals. The importance of Gano on the Giants roster should not be devalued as he brings the special element of consistency and greatness to special teams.
2. Sills V Makes Plays Under Pressure
With a spot on the roster on the line, Sills came to play and showed out. With two years of experience, Sills was 6/9 on the night, with 81 yards and one touchdown. When plays needed to be made, Sills was there. When catches needed to be made, Sills caught them.
In the second quarter, Sills made some great IQ catches, not waiting for the ball, and instead running through the catch. A simple skill that coaches, especially Daboll will be happy to see when they look at tape.
After several catches on the night Sills was finally able to cash in one for a touchdown.
Sills 💪
📺: NBC4/NFL Network pic.twitter.com/i1yNU3cuH9
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 27, 2023
A really great performance by Sills in the last preseason game of the year. The former West Virginia University standout is making the most of his opportunities as he tries to earn his way to the 53-man roster. Even though there are a lot of wide receivers for the Giants, Big Blue should definitely consider keeping Sills around.
3. Matt Peart is Inconsistent
With three years under his belt in the NFL, Matt Peart definitely doesn’t show it. Peart is extremely inconsistent and unreliable, two traits you don’t want to have in your O-line backup. The former UConn player got beat on several blocks and had an ugly false start in the second quarter of the Giants preseason game vs Jets.
Matt Peart got put on his ass on this 3rd down pic.twitter.com/Dnqi5Yulc6
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) August 26, 2023
As awful as he can be, Peart can make some really nice plays as we saw Saturday night. Peart had some nice blocks that allowed the run game to gain yards and give his QB more time in the passing game. As great as this is, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows when every other play you are making mistakes or not hurting your quarterback.
Peart has made notable progress this offseason, but unfortunately it isn’t a big enough jump to ensure he can be a second string offensive lineman. However, the Giants don’t have a ton of depth in that position, so if he makes the 53-man roster Daniel Jones better pray that no lineman gets hurt this season.
4. Carter Coughlin Stood Out
With a packed linebacker room there are not a lot of empty seats left at the table. Hence why the Jets-Giants preseason game was so crucial for players like Coughlin who are fighting and competing for one of those last spots.
With everything on the line, boy did Coughlin make the most of his opportunities. With three years of NFL experience, Coughlin used all of it in his performance Saturday night. Coughlin was all over the field with two solo tackles, both for loss.
Carter Coughlin TFL pic.twitter.com/7KPhYbNRl1
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 26, 2023
Another Carter Coughlin TFL pic.twitter.com/IDF8isbv3U
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 26, 2023
On top of that Coughlin also made some nice hits that slowed the ball down or interrupted the Jets offense. Thanks to his performance Coughlin has to be feeling good about himself as he most likely earned himself a spot on the roster with the linebackers and with special teams.
5. Tommy DeVito Looked Solid
With the rookie playing almost the full game Tommy DeVito certainly had his ups and downs, but overall stood his ground. DeVito was 12-for-29 on the night with 210 yards, one touchdown and one interception. On top of passing, DeVito used his legs a lot in the scramble, carrying six times for 33 yards.
Tommy DeVito has looked sharp this summer #NYGiants #NYG #Giants pic.twitter.com/EGEFfLWzrq
— Fireside Giants (@FiresideGiants) August 26, 2023
Despite his solid performance DeVito won’t get the nod to be QB2, as Tyrod Taylor has that job seemingly signed and sealed. However, many fans are questioning who is more talented and if Taylor is the right man for the backup job.
Regardless it doesn’t matter, DeVito has earned himself a spot on the practice squad and will most likely be there for the remainder of the year. When Taylor’s time comes to an end in New York, rest assured that DeVito will be ready to step up and back Daniel Jones.
Highlights From Giants vs Jets
For full game highlights for the Giants click here.
New York Giants Next Game
Giants open the season at home against the Dallas Cowboys
- Date: September 10th at 8:20 p.m. EST
- Watch: NBC (Primetime game), Fubo, NFL+ or Universo
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