When the New York Giants took the field against the New England Patriots, it officially marked the start of a new era. You can say it was just a normal preseason game. But for Big Blue, it was a whole lot more. A new system, a relatively young head coach, and optimism? It felt like a breath of fresh air to see this year’s Giants get to work.
There were ups and downs all game long, but the New York Giants continue to have the upper hand over the Patriots. The ending was what we’ve seen before: a game-winning field by a Giants kicker. This time, Graham Gano hit an easy chip shot between the uprights to give the good guys a 23-21 win.
The win was the first for coach Brian Daboll, and Giants fans rejoiced to see their former coach Joe Judge be on the losing side.
Let’s dive into a few takeaways from Big Blue’s win.
The Offense Was Alright
Let’s face the facts. New York totaled 418 yards of offense, which includes 177 yards of rushing against New England’s 52. With the Giants playing their first strings for just the first quarter, Daniel Jones came out the gate looking better than expected.
He was able to lead the Giants down the field and almost threw a touchdown pass had Kenny Golladay put more effort into this play.
Kenny Golladay looking to repeat his 0 TD performance from last season. pic.twitter.com/PePeEVJrJ7
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) August 12, 2022
Regardless, the team did put up three points on the board. Saquon Barkley finished with a combined 21 receiving and rushing yards during his time on the field. It was only one drive, but it was a sign of optimism to see him get back to his old self.
Jones played the entire first quarter, finishing with six completions for 69 yards out of ten attempts. Wide receiver Collin Johnson, unlike Golladay, looked like he wants a roster spot. The former Texas Longhorn finished with seven catches for 83 yards and would’ve had a perfect game if he didn’t fumble the ball. Richie James Jr. had a touchdown in the red zone, doing it with a nice route against the defender.
Look at the route running from Richie James. Nasty ?
— ????? (@DanielJonesMVP) August 12, 2022
pic.twitter.com/j6V18VzBaV
With Jones’s injury history, Giants fans feel more comfortable should a backup quarterback needs to come in. Despite a few questionable throws that led to potential interceptions, he was pretty efficient. He had the touchdown throw to James Jr. and directed the offense comfortably when on the field.
Evan Neal had a few rough patches, but things will get cleaned up as he gets more comfortable. The running game feasted against the Patriots, and it helped the Giants move down the field for Gano’s game-winning field goal. Shout out to the Austrian Sandro Platzgummer for coming in and making this play.
Sandro Platzgummer is my hero! pic.twitter.com/coyx3xb3ax
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 12, 2022
Also, shoutout to Gary Brightwell and Antonio Williams. Brightwell has a few nice runs and finished with 40 yards on the ground. His burst of speed and ability to contribute in the passing game was impressive to see. As for Williams, he led the team with 61 yards rushing and a touchdown. A former Buffalo Bill, he definitely deserves to be on the 53-man roster by the end of the preseason.
Trapped In The Corner
Defensively, the Giants need help. It wasn’t as if there were already question marks at the cornerback position before this game took place. But, the play of Aaron Robinson reiterated the fact that GM Joe Schoen needs to explore the market and find a boundary cornerback.
Robinson was burnt twice early in the first quarter and had a holding call in the end zone. The funny part is, that he still allowed the touchdown despite that holding play.
It wasn’t all bad, as he made one particular play that stood out.
Aaron Robinson gets beat but still makes a play
— Evan Thibodeaux Enthusiast (@AzeezBurner) August 12, 2022
pic.twitter.com/t98IuNnffc
Robinson has plenty to clean up if he wants to be opposite Adoree’ Jackson during the regular season. Focusing on not getting beat one-on-one is a starting point.
Rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux didn’t make too much noise statistically. But, here’s a video of his performance against the Patriots. There were times when he almost got to the quarterback, but there’s no doubt he is going to be a problem in the league.
All of Kayvon Thibodeaux’s snaps from last night
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) August 12, 2022
Number 5 on the left side of screen pic.twitter.com/lhCNGlCm6g
Trenton Thompson recorded the team’s only sack of the game, but props to linebacker Austin Calitro for this interception against Bailey Zappe.
Mr. Worldwide ? – Austin Calitro – kind of looks like Pitbull, he’s from Florida, had 11 stops in the NFL…pretty well traveled
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) August 12, 2022
Calitro had a solid game. Was flying around the field and made impact plays in the run and this play tipping the ball to himself for the INT pic.twitter.com/1SPpfzZyn9
To grow up as a Giants fan and be able to make a crucial play like this was definitely a dream come true for him. Congratulations.
In all, the defense was pretty solid. They held New England to under 60 yards rushing and forced New England to be one-dimensional. It’s not perfect, but they did just enough to win.
Up Next For The New York Giants…
The New York Giants will return to MetLife Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on August 21st for their second preseason game.
For more on the New York Giants, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Nathan on Twitter. Also, check out the Big Blue Brothers podcast, where Nathan and Casey White cover all things Giants.
