Summary:
The Giants fell to the Jets in the preseason finale with a score of 10-6.
The Giants were plagued by injuries, with notable absences including Evan Neal and John Michael Schmitz.
Brian Daboll continued to call the offensive plays, with a final decision on his role in the regular season to be made before Week 1.
John Jiles and Joshua Kelley stood out on offense, while Tomon Fox, Benton Whitley, and K.J. Cloyd made strong contributions on defense.
Special teams saw a promising kickoff return by Ayir Asante, but unfortunately, it was negated by a fumble.
The Giants must now trim their roster to 53 players before kicking off their 100th season in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Giants Fall to Jets in Preseason Finale: Key Injuries and Takeaways
The New York Giants closed out their preseason with a 10-6 loss to the Jets at MetLife Stadium. While the Giants finished with a 1-2 record, the Jets, who hosted a joint practice earlier in the week, went undefeated at 3-0.
Key Takeaways from the Game
Offense:
- Injuries: The Giants were plagued by injuries throughout the game, including key players like Evan Neal (ankle) and John Michael Schmitz (ankle). Schmitz, who missed time earlier in the summer due to a shoulder injury, left the game in the first half. Neal, who was making his return after an ankle injury, left the game in the second quarter. The Giants ultimately surrendered eight sacks, including a sequence of three straight sacks on Tommy DeVito in the middle of the second quarter.
- Offensive Playcalling: Brian Daboll continued to call the offensive plays, and while he stated that they are "moving in that direction," the final decision on whether he will continue to call plays during the regular season will be made before Week 1.
- Standout Performances: John Jiles had the Giants' longest reception of the game, a 21-yarder, showcasing his impressive hurdling ability. Joshua Kelley, who signed with the Giants just nine days ago, recorded the longest run of the game at 19 yards. DeVito led the Giants in rushing with 48 yards, including a 17-yard keeper.
Defense:
- Starting Lineup: The defensive starting lineup included key players like Boogie Basham and Timmy Horne.
- Strong Performances: Tomon Fox and Benton Whitley left a good final impression with three quarterback hits apiece, while K.J. Cloyd racked up a game-high 16 tackles, including two for loss.
Special Teams:
- Kickoff Return: Ayir Asante opened the game with a 42-yard kickoff return, but unfortunately, the play was negated when Tre Swilling stripped the ball and the Jets recovered. This marked another turnover for the Giants, after they turned the ball over five times in their previous game against Houston.
- Field Goals: Jude McAtamney handled kicking duties and successfully made both of his field goal attempts, from 43 and 23 yards.
Next Steps
With the preseason complete, the Giants must now trim their roster down to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET. They will then gear up for their Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 8, as they kick off their 100th season in franchise history.
Injury Report
Giants:
- DL Timmy Horne (Achilles)
- C John Michael Schmitz (ankle)
- T Evan Neal (ankle)
- OLB Ovie Oghoufo (hamstring)
- CB Mario Goodrich (hamstring)
- OL Jalen Mayfield (lower leg/ankle)
- CB Darnay Holmes (neck)
Jets:
- OL Xavier Newman (shoulder)
- TE Kenny Yeboah (groin)
- OL Max Mitchell (shoulder)
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