As week two of the preseason for the New York Giants creeps up on us, several talking points must be discussed ahead of the game. Week one exposed several flaws on both sides of the ball, and those flaws will hopefully be strengthened by a competitive matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The Giants faced off against the Lions this week in practice, but a live game will bring a different type of atmosphere. Players like Davis Webb will be looking to rebound from a rough outing last week against Cleveland, and we should give them the benefit of the doubt considering the rust that must be shaken off.
The New York Giants’ offense:
On the offensive side of the ball, the quarterback play most be smoother and more efficient. We saw a few missed passes and what seemed to be rust last week, but we should see a cleaner showing this time around. Getting some live-action against Cleveland should have shaken loose the shackles a bit, but there will certainly be more growing pains for some of the younger players on the roster.
We shouldn’t expect to see running back Saquon Barkley after tweaking his hamstring in practice this week, nor will Odell Beckham Jr. be taking the field. Eli Manning might get a drive or two in the beginning of the game before Webb ultimately takes over the reigns. This will be his opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and show some serious potential after a poor outing in his first action in over a year.
Three exciting viewing points:
1.) Wayne Gallman
With Barkley sitting, it will open up the door for Gallman to show us what he’s got. I was impressed with the way he moved last week. He seemed to have more explosiveness with the ball in his hands, and has certainly put on a few pounds to add to his power.
Wayne Gallman showing lots of burst on an inside run, makes one cut and gets to the second level. Could be a nice change of pace back for the #Giants. #Giants #Lions
— Matt Lombardo ? (@MattLombardoNFL) August 14, 2018
While Jonathan Stewart was signed to be the veteran backup for Barkley, I think Gallman might see more playing time than previously thought. His speed and ability to shoot to the next level will be useful when resting the Giants’ first-round pick.
2.) The safeties
With Darian Thompson once again sidelined with an injury, the free safety position battle is open for the taking. Expect to see Curtis Riley and Andrew Adams get a fair share of snaps to show off their abilities. Riley has been taking first-team reps with Thompson out, so it will be interesting to see him compete in live-action with the first-string defense.
Curtis Riley the first-team FS again. Big opportunity to claim the starting job with Darian Thompson sidelined with a hamstring injury. William Gay the #2 FS.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 15, 2018
William Gay will be slotted in as the No.2, with his primary duty being slot corner.
3.) The quarterbacks
There’s a high-probability that Manning doesn’t even step on the field against the Lions, which would give Webb a crack with the first-team offense. Over the past few days he’s been up and down, but he seems to play well with Odell Beckham Jr. and Evan Engram. Then again, who wouldn’t. If he throws up another dud, the New York fan base will surely eat him alive.
For Kyle Lauletta, it’s possible he gets a few reps with the first-team as well, and after a promising performance last week, he just might have earned it. While 48 total yards isn’t mind-blowing, his tendencies and desire to avoid risky decision stood out.