While there was plenty to be happy about from the New York Giants in their victory over the Jets in the Snoop Bowl, there is also plenty of constructive criticism to go around on both sides of the ball.
The Jets and Sam Darnols began the game by marching 75 yards for a touchdown, finished off by a 10 yard TD run by Bilal Powell. The Giants’ defense looked absent, giving up completions on third down and allowing the Jets’ running game to run wild and free.
Luckily, the next two possessions for the Jets resulted in a punt returned for a touchdown and a punt. There was plenty of holes in the secondary for the Giants, and it puts a big questions mark on a defense that is very thin at the cornerback ans safety position.
Nonetheless, here are five takeaways from the game for the New York Giants:
1.) CUT JONATHAN STEWART
Three carries for -7 yards sums up last night’s performance for Jonathan Stewart. He has a total of -10 yards in the preseason and is struggling immensely to provide any sort of value on this team. Stewart is seemingly the most questionable signing that GM Dave Gettleman has made this year, with the exception of maybe Patrick Omameh who’s been a turnstile at right guard.
It was thought that Stewart would come in and provide value as a mentor for Barkley and as a short-yardage grinder. That narrative is changing quickly, as the $3.3 million he’s due this year makes him seem almost worthless.
2.) Davis Webb shows inconsistencies
One thing I have noticed with Davis Webb is that he plays far better when he’s with the first-team. Maybe it gives him more confidence or he needs better quality players around him to bring out his qualities – his second-string performances have been less than adequate.
He finished the night 5/11 for 73 yards. Nothing special – he got a few field goals out of his time on the field, but ultimately it was a waste opportunity to show out for a second week in a row.
3.) Eli Manning still has the goods!
Manning finished the night with a stellar 17 completions on 23 attempts, 188 yards, and a 97.7 QB rating. Reminder, this was against the Jets’ first team without his two best players – Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr.
The veteran QB seems to be comfortable in HC Pat Shurmur’s offensive scheme, resorting back to the play action and risk taking player he once was. Additionally, left tackle Nate Solder has been a rock on Manning’s blind side, giving him the confidence to sit back in the pocket and throw strikes to his receviers.
If the right side of the line can hold up, we could be in for a much-needed boost from Manning.
4.) Ray-Ray Armstrong is impressing
The Giants may have found a gem at linebacker in Ray-Ray Armstrong, who led the team with four solo tackles against the Jets.
After praising how good of a job LB Ray Ray Armstrong has done in camp & earning some 1st team reps today, #Giants HC Shurmur explains how his length and athleticism is a benefit to their defense pic.twitter.com/D8qqniDvHk
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) August 19, 2018
His height gives him the extra leverage in pass coverage, and given he’s a former safety his skills are going to use alongside Alec Ogletree. With B.J. Goodson and Ogletree manning the middle primarily, the opposing quarterback can pick on the linebackers by using tight ends and pass-catching running backs. Armstrong makes this a big more difficult. Expect to see him earn more reps in the weeks ahead.
5.) Cody Latimer looks legits
Despite only catching 1 pass for 54 yards, Cody Latimer seems to be exactly what the Giants needed in a big bodied receiver with the ability to get behind the defense. In fact, he’s exactly what Brandon Marshall wasn’t for Big Blue.
Of course, it’s only preseason, but it’s good to see Latimer getting some serious reps and catching a few balls prior to the regular season. Additionally, he’s a superb blocker, and when Saquon Barkley comes beaming around the edge, Latimer will be there to pave the way.