The Giants opened their preseason schedule with a 23-21 win against the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Here are some key takeaways…
- Prior to the game, the Giants announced a list of 12 inactive players, including Leonard Williams and Kadarius Toney.
- The Giants moved the ball down the field on their opening drive, converting a pair of third-down opportunities along the way. On a third-and-five early in the drive, Daniel Jones sprinted up the middle for six. Later, Jones found Saquon Barkley for a gain of eight yards on third-and-five.
Ultimately, though, the 12-play drive stalled out in the red zone, as a third-down pass to Kenny Golladay fell incomplete. Graham Gano drilled a 25-yard field goal to at least put three points on the board, but it was certainly a disappointing end to a strong drive.
- The Giants’ reconfigured offensive line looked strong in pass protection on the opening drive, with rookie right tackle Evan Neal holding his own while also getting out as a lead blocker on a wide receiver screen.
The strong play came at a bit of a cost though, as starting left guard Shane Lemieux left the game with a toe injury. He was seen wearing a walking boot on the sideline in the second half.
- Most of the starters came back out onto the field for the second offensive series, but it wasn’t nearly as impressive. Big Blue picked up one first down, but Neal got turned around on a first-down play for a sack, derailing the possession. That would be the final drive for most of the starters.
Jones finished 6-of-10 for 69 yards, adding six yards on the ground. Barkley carried the ball four times for 13 yards and added eight yards as a receiver.
- Aaron Robinson, competing for the starting corner job opposite of Adoree Jackson, had a rough night. After getting beat by Kristian Wilkerson for a 33-yard gain, Robinson was called for a taunting penalty in the end zone later in the drive. The Pats picked on Robinson all drive long, as Brian Hoyer eventually found Tyquan Thonton in the end zone. Robinson was beat on the play again, and was also called for a defensive holding penalty, which was declined.
- Kayvon Thibodeaux didn’t play a ton of snaps, but he still made his presence known. The fifth overall pick had one combined tackle, but he also helped draw a false start penalty on the Patriots’ right tackle, as Thibodeaux was ready to come blaring off the edge.
- The Giants' second-team offense, led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor, had some success Thursday night. Taylor, playing in rhythm, looked calm under pressure, leading the Giants on an 11-play, 86-yard drive late in the the second quarter, finding Richie James for a seven-yard touchdown to give the Giants a lead.
Taylor played two series, finishing 13-of-21 for 129 yards and a touchdown.
- As is the case in most preseason games, there was plenty of sloppy play in Foxborough. Collin Johnson, who was featured quite a bit with seven catches for 82 yards, coughed up a fumble in the first half. The Giants also had some struggles in the return coverage game and committed eight penalties for 65 yards on the night. The Patriots had 12 penalties for 89 yards.
- The Giants ran the ball well as a team, with all of their backs showing off a downhill running style. Barkley, Gary Brightwell, Jashaun Corbin, Antonio Williams, and others all had strong flashes at times, as Big Blue ran for 177 yards as a team.
- Another injury to keep an eye on: cornerback Cor'Dale Flott, a third-round pick in this year's draft, left the game with a groin injury.
- Late in the game, with the Giants trailing by a point, Davis Webb led the offense down the field on a 10-play, 69-yard drive, setting up Gano's 24-yard game-winning field goal.