New York Giants: The top 3 takeaways from the first preseason game

The New York Giants enjoyed their first preseason game against the Jets on Thursday night. They walked away with a victory and showed their resiliency after a first possession touchdown on the back of Sam Darnold.

While the Jets second-year quarterback looked solid in his first action of the season, the real story is New York Giants rookie passer, Daniel Jones.

The top three takeaways for the New York Giants:

1.) Daniel Jones shines

After Eli Manning started the preseason with a three and out and missing a wide-open right Rhett Ellison on a play-action bootleg, Jones stepped in and stole the show.

Playing for just one drive, Jones completed 5-of-5 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown. He moved downfield smoothly, finishing the drive with a beautiful pass in the back of the endzone to Bennie Fowler.

There were concerns in regards to Jones coming out of the pre-draft screening process that his arm strength wasn’t up to par. However, he has shown great zip on the ball in small sample size and is giving us hope for the future. While the first drive was against mostly Jets second-stringers, it is suitable for him to start on a high note with an elevated sense of confidence.

2.) Tae Davis is a tackling machine

Some might call Tae Davis a linebacker, but defensive coordinator James Bettcher calls him the “money-backer.”

Davis was all over the field on Thursday night, recording four tackles and an assist in the first quarter. His speed and athleticism were on display, and he played well in coverage, stopping Jamison Crowder early on in the first possession on a crossing route.

He will be used in a dynamic fashion. The plan is to have him cover receivers on short crossing routes and running back’s coming out of the backfield.

3.)  Russell Shepard to the house

Russell Shepherd belongs on the New York Giants after a successful debut in the preseason against the Jets. Shepherd took an inside slant route to the house, breaking a tackle on initial contact and using his speed to beat the free safety. He finished the night with two receptions for 58 yards and a score.

It is clear that he belongs on the active roster and stands out amongst the backups. He can be a viable deep threat and middle slant option. However, it was interesting to see him in the slot, where Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate will be the frequent flyers.