The New York Giants wrapped up Week 2 of their preseason with a commanding 32-13 win over the Chicago Bears. The win put them up to 2-0, as they previously beat in-town rivals New York Jets. From the game came a few big-time individual performances. Here are three, in no particular order.
3. Daniel Jones – QB
Yes, Daniel Jones turned the ball over twice via fumbles. Yes, those are inexcusable mistakes. But, they can be ironed out. What the Giants and their faithful were looking for was a competent quarterback worthy of the No. 6 overall pick, and that's what they got on Friday.
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Jones went 11-for-16 for 161 yards and a score in his limited action. On his final drive, he placed a beautifully thrown fade to the corner for a touchdown — that seriously couldn't have been placed better.
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What Jones showed was that (a) his arm is strong enough, (b) he can work through progressions, and (c) he can throw the ball with touch and accuracy alike. He also looked comfortable working from the pocket. Though his fumbles will need to be fixed, it was the second straight promising week for the rookie.
2. Grant Haley – CB
An undrafted free agent from Penn State in 2018, cornerback Grant Haley enjoyed a solid rookie season. He gave little doubts that he wouldn't continue doing so in the Giants' win over the Bears.
Though Haley's boxscore statistics don't scream outstanding performance (no tackles, no interceptions, nothing), Pro Football Focus was rather high on his game.
In fact, PFF graded him as New York's best player from the game no matter offense or defense. He posted a 76.2 grade, was targeted four times out of 20 coverage snaps, had a pass-breakup, and allowed one reception for six yards.
They said in their post-game ReFocused piece:
“Former Penn State cornerback Grant Haley picked up a forced incompletion and allowed very few yards on his way to a standout performance against the Bears Friday night.”
The Giants have spent considerable assets revamping their cornerback group, including selecting three in the 2019 NFL Draft. But an undrafted diamond in the rough may be a cornerstone.
1. The Run Game
I'm cheating. But, that's not a bad thing. All three running backs that played (Rod Smith, Jon Hilliman, and Paul Perkins) looked really good. They can credit their ability, but also the offensive line that opened holes for them all night long.
Rod Smith started the game. The 27-year-old burst through man-made holes en route to ten rushes for 42 yards. He recorded the game long rush with a 17-yard scamper where he evaded multiple tackles. But, he wasn't the star.
Paul Perkins graded as PFF‘s second-best offensive player of the game for the Giants. Perkins finished with six rushes for 35 yards. He looked electric and was hard to miss with his elusive footwork. Perkins also caught two balls for 30 yards, most of that coming off an improbable first-down gain on a screen.
Jon Hilliman was the bell-cow back to finish the game. He received the bulk of the rush attempts (16) and finished with 56 yards and a score. Hilliman's touchdown came on a run-up-the-gut where he cut to evade defenders, then smoothly juked and burst his way to the goal line.
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In totality, the Giants recorded 133 yards and a score with their backup running backs. Without Saquan Barkley and Wayne Gallman, the rushing attack didn't skip a beat, a testament to the bench members and an improved offensive line.
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