The New York Giants will fly to Cincinnati this week to face the Bengals in their third preseason game of 2019. Through two weeks, the team is 2-0 — fielding a roster that's made light work out of both the New York Jets and Chicago Bears. But, those preseason games don't matter compared to Thursday's in Ohio.
The third preseason game is often dubbed the “dress rehearsal” as key players see an uptick in snaps to solidify roster positions. In turn, there are several players to watch for the Giants faithful; here are three, in no particular order.
3. Edge rushers
After trading Olivier Vernon and accumulating the NFL's second-worst sack total in 2018 (30), the Giants are going to have to find production from a rebuilt group of edge rushers.
New York didn't rest on their laurels adding to their edge rush unit in 2019. Though not signing any “stars,” the team brought in former Arizona Cardinal Markus Golden and rookie Oshane Ximenes to highlight a new crop of pass-rushers in the Big Apple. Through two games, both have a sack to their name.
Second-year Lorenzo Carter may be the most intriguing name of the bunch. The former Georgia Bulldog tallied four sacks as a rookie and is now entrenched in a starting role. Current starting SAM linebacker Kareem Martin tallied 1.5 sacks while starting seven-games in 2018.
The third preseason game may indicate who between the four will see the most time. While Ximenes and Carter are promising, Golden comes with experience as a former double-digit sacker.
2. Daniel Jones – QB
Duh.
Daniel Jones — the No. 6 overall pick — is the presumed franchise quarterback, and starter at some point. He's shown that throughout the preseason, often looking the part of the best rookie quarterback of the crop.
Though Jones recorded two fumbles in his second preseason game, one would be hardpressed to say the former Duke Blue Devil hasn't been impressive. Jones has looked calm in the pocket, throws an accurate ball, and has far better arm strength than previously perceived.
In preseason ball, Jones has gone 16-for-19 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. His passer rating stands at a nearly perfect 151.75. His play on the field resembles that high score. But, the big question is: Is that enough to beat out incumbent starter Eli Manning?
Part of that answer will be found out in the dress rehearsal game, where Jones figures to see a fair amount of snaps. He'll need to impress mightily to win a job most thought he couldn't have day one.
1. Eli Manning – QB
Duh (x2).
While Jones is the highly touted — and much-maligned — rookie, Eli Manning is still here. Via comments made by ownership, the general manager, and coaches, he's expected to maintain the starting job, as he's done since 2004 (kind of, thanks to Ben McAdoo).
Manning has had a good preseason, considering he's thrown just five passes for five completions, 45 yards, and a touchdown. But, Jones is breathing down his back after to back-to-back inspiring performances.
If the Giants are unsure who the starter is, Thursday's game may answer that. Though Manning is the front runner by a large margin, if he somehow collapses against the Bengals, that may change. He'll have to prove that he can stave off Jones. Even if it doesn't matter to the Giants' plans, it does for the public perception on the position.
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