The New York Giants‘ third preseason game of the year offers plenty of value for fans looking to gauge just how successful the team can be this year. Luckily, it’s not just a chance to see a better product on the field, but it’s an opportunity to smack around the Jets before the regular season.
There are plenty of holes and missing pieces on the team, which is why we are going to name a few essential points that we need to watch out for tonight:
1.) New York Giants – Linebackers in coverage
In recent weeks, newly acquired linebacker Alec Ogletree has given up several big gains to opposing tight ends and running backs in coverage. This was a frequent topic last season as well – the Giants allowed a tight end to score on them in 14 consecutive games.
Improving in coverage in that facet is essential, and we reviewed how Ogletree can improve, and it isn’t a matter of him suddenly becoming a maestro in coverage, but rather having a good compliment next to him.
Inserting Ray-Ray Armstrong at the second middle linebacker position offers more value in stopping tight ends and running backs in the flat or post routes. Armstrong is a former safety with the ability to create balance in the middle of the field.
Expect to see B.J. Goodson and Armstrong split snaps with the first team on Friday night.
2.) Quarterback Davis Webb needs to be consistent
In his third preseason game of the season, quarterback Davis Webb needs to show he can carry over a solid performance in last week’s game into the Snoopy Bowl.
After a 140 yard performance with a touchdown, Webb quieted doubters for a few days, but he needs to show even more improvement if he wants to elevate his confidence levels and instill hope in the fan-base.
As of now, the future at quarterback is one big question mark, and the passing of a signal caller in the draft has haunted some to the point of frustration. We need to see a two touchdown performance with no turnovers from Webb tonight, as it will get the ball rolling even further on his development.
3.)Â The right side of the offensive line
Over the course of the past two week, the Giants’ offensive line has looked far improved when compared to 2017’s unit. The left side of the line is sturdy and building chemsitry fast, the right side has seen its fair share of struggles.
Keep an eye out on right guard Patrick Omameh on Friday, as he as been a frequent flyer on the turnstile list. He’s fallen, tripped, missed his assignments, but he has also shown some decent snaps in between. There’s potential from Omameh but it will take some more time for the line to gel.
Ereck Flowers on the other hand has also been a liability at right tackle. Making the change from LT to RT is incredibly difficult – a different technique is required. It forces one to erase the muscle memory of one position to play another; it’s not as simple as just switching sides.
It will take time for Flowers to adapt to his new position, but my gut feeling is he will be better suited there – at least Eli Manning can see who’s about to hit him. Watch the right side to see if there’s any improvement against a solid Jets front four.