With most of their starters rested, the Giants opened their preseason with a solid performance that saw them defeat the Detroit Lions, 14-3.

After a slow start, starter Drew Lock appeared to suffer an injury to his side or hip and was removed from the game late in the first quarter with the Giants trailing 3-0. Lock had completed just four-of-10 passes for 17 yards with an interception.

With Tommy DeVito at the helm, two second-quarter touchdown runs by Eric Gray gave the Giants a 14-3 halftime lead as the Lions were held to just 87 yards on offense. Gray actually surpassed that on his own in just eight touches, with 98 yards from scrimmage. DeVito ended up with 92 passing yards as he completed 8-of-15 passes.

The Lions turned the ball over on downs four times, including twice after they drove down inside the Giants’ 10-yard line in a scoreless second half.

Here are the takeaways...

-Although nearly all of their starting offense didn’t play, stud rookie Malik Nabers did and there was plenty of anticipation every time the Giants looked like they were trying to dial up something for him. He looked like he was open or at least half-open down the field a few times, but Lock opted not to pull the trigger, much to the fans’ disappointment.

-Lock’s first-quarter interception came as Nabers ran a route toward the sideline, but Lock threw into traffic down the middle. With how impressive Nabers has been making contested catches in training camp, it’s surprising Lock didn’t at least try to throw it up to him once.

-Jalin Hyatt is another potential contributor who saw early action, catching a pass on the first series for a short gain. Neither Hyatt nor Nabers played after the first quarter.

-Preseason is always a good time for special teamers to make a case for themselves and wide receiver Miles Boykin did exactly that as he impressed in the primary punt gunner role. He got downfield to disrupt the return on each of Jamie Gillan’s first two punts, the first of which was muffed. Boykin made a big hit to blow up the second punt return, again jarring the ball loose, although the return man was ultimately ruled down.

-Other than Deonte Banks, it was all backups on defense – or players that have yet to secure a starting role. Banks made a physical play on third down when he lined up inside and made the tackle on a short pass. Shane Bowen’s defense was solid early, as they gave up just 15 yards and no first downs in the first quarter.

-There was also physicality on display from the Giants' rookie defensive backs as Dru Phillips blew up a run in the backfield and Tyler Nubin lit up a pulling lineman on a 3rd-and-2 run stuff. The latter play also featured good penetration from Jordon Riley and a clean-up tackle from Dyontae Johnson, who also had a sack and a tackle for loss in the first half.

-None of the Giants’ projected starters on the offensive line saw action and the Lions were able to generate plenty of pressure against the reserves. Josh Ezeudu and Austin Schlottman gave up first-quarter sacks. Their run blocking was not bad, though.

-Gray, who was so unimpressive as a rookie last season, looks set to make a leap this season based on the second-quarter drive which saw him catch a 24-yard pass on a wheel route and then burst into the clear for a 48-yard touchdown run. Gray is battling with rookie Tyrone Tracy for the number two backup role, and Tracy also had some good production with 26 yards on five carries, including first downs on each of his last three touches.

-Gray scored again on the next possession, after Tyree Jackson’s 18-yard catch and run to the goal line. The tight end redeemed himself with that play after a drop earlier on the drive.

-Other defensive players to make an impact in the first half included Boogie Basham and Elijah Chatman, who each recorded a sack, and Tre Herndon, who intercepted a pass just before halftime. Herndon fumbled the ball back to the Lions on the return, though.

-One player to make an impact in the second half was undrafted rookie running back Dante Miller, who showcased some good speed. He ended up with a game-high 63 rushing yards.

Here are the takeaways...

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