Preseason Wrap-Up

Eli Manning and the first team offense looked good as they diced up the Patriots defense through efficient running and precision passing. The drive started with a couple nice runs from Ahmad Bradshaw. Eli followed that up with a 22-yard dime to Kevin Boss down the middle of the field. The drive ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to the Boss.

On the Second drive the New York Giants went Boise St and ran a WR End Around with Hakeem Nicks for 15yds. Two plays later they attempted a flea flicker which ended with Eli displaying his hands of stone fumbling it and getting penalized for a forward tap. The drive ended in a punt.

The defense started its first drive in their territory thanks to terrible punt coverage by the suspect Giants special teams. Starting at the NY 45, the Patriots mixed run and pass to drive it down the short field and finished the drive with a 5 yd td pass from Tom Brady to Ron Gronkowski.

The second defensive drive ended with a sick one-handed interception by new addition Antrel Rolle, his second of the preseason,. Later the group of the 2’s and 3’s led by Jonathan Goff had a beautiful goal line stand, stopping the Pats 4 straight downs.
Overall the team finished on a positive note with a 20-17 Victory.

So what can we take from this preseason?

1. Look out for Hakeem Nicks
Nicks is poised for big year as he was one of the main focuses of our preseason offense. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride moved Nicks around the field and focused on putting him in position to gain yards after the catch with several bubble screens and short passes.

2. Ahmad Bradshaw will be the Giants primary runner
Ahmad had a good preseason showing great vision and that explosive burst now that he is healthy. With Brandon Jacobs not showing much, look for Bradshaw to have his first 1000-yard season.

3. Kenny Phillips is back!
Kenny Looked very explosive in the final preseason game after getting the most reps since he was injured in week 2 of last year. His range has looked excellent and he was laying wood on receivers coming through the middle. The tandem of Phillips and Rolle in the defensive secondary could be fun to see.

4. Eli will show last year was no fluke.
Eli had his best statistical season last year with his first 4000-yd passing year when he finished with 4,021 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. But with Ahmad Bradshaw getting the bulk of the running duties and his ability to be effective catching the ball out of the backfield, look for the Giants to be pass happy again this season.

5. Jonathan Goff is ready to go.
Jonathan Goff had his best game of the preseason in the last game finishing with 7 tackles and 2 pass deflections. He looked comfortable leading the defense and was flying around. This will put to rest the Giants linebacking order with Goff in the middle and Micheal Boley and Keith Bulluck(eventually) on the outsides.