The New York Giants scored more than 40 points Thursday, defeating the New England Patriots, 42-10. Sure, it’s preseason, but this is still noteworthy and should get Giants’ fans excited. It’s indicative of a healthy offense and team, overall. New York scored over 30-points in all three of their preseason games. For once, it appears like they’ll likely cut players who have value; players who may not sneak onto the practice squad.
This third preseason game was not only exciting, but it also allowed a lot of fringe roster players to have an opportunity to earn their keep or put good film out that represents their skill-sets. Some players rose to the occasion, others probably wish they had another chance. Still, it was fun to watch, nonetheless.
Here are five plays, or five situations, from New York’s 42-10 victory over the Patriots that were important to the Giants’ final 53-man roster decisions.
The tight end “problem”
It’s not a problem at all – the Giants have a decision to make, though! Both Greg Dulcich and Thomas Fidone II secured touchdowns:
Fidone II almost scored again on a seam-dart by Tommy DeVito in the fourth quarter. Dulcich scored two plays later:
Dulcich has done more than enough to earn a roster spot but the Giants have a crowded room with Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, and Daniel Bellinger, as well as Fidone, a seventh-round pick.
New York could try to squeeze Fidone to the practice squad, hoping another team would not burn a roster spot on the rookie, or that Fidone would not look to leave for a better situation on another team’s practice squad.
Or the Giants could surprise cut Daniel Bellinger, who is in the final year of his contract. New York could save $3.4 million on the cap with minimal dead cap if they release Bellinger. However, Bellinger is a much better blocker than the other two players and he is a quality asset who, I believe, has been underutilized. The Giants have decisions to make; at least the options are favorable.
Beaux Collins disappoints
The Beaux Collins train was steadily gaining steam despite him missing time in training camp. The Giants gave him plenty of opportunity with the first team, due to their injuries at wide receiver. Through practice, Collins rose to the occasion – that wasn’t the case against the Patriots.
Collins dropped a deep corner that was well-placed away from leverage by Jaxson Dart, as the rookie quarterback stood tall in the pocket and absorbed a massive hit. Collins then dropped a second-and-long in pattern over the middle of the field that would have made the third down attempt a more manageable situation.
Collins was also the Jameis Winston target on fourth-and-4 interception deep into Patriots territory. Winston did throw into double coverage, but the ball placement suggests that Winston and Collins were not on the same page. Collins was also the target on Russell Wilson’s interception against the Jets. The Giants have big decisions with the final 53-man roster. A quality outing may have secured a spot, but it remains unclear now. New York may try to see if he passes through waivers and can start on the practice squad.
Trace Ford or Tomon Fox?
The Giants have one of the strongest edge rooms in the NFL. Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Chauncy Golston – that’s exciting! Yet there’s still likely another spot to be had behind those four players and both veteran Tomon Fox and rookie UDFA Trace Ford have made several plays throughout preseason to help them earn a roster spot.
Fox followed this very impressive play by Ford with a sack through a hold (by a tight end). The Giants would likely be happy to stash whichever player doesn’t make the roster on the practice squad.
Safety depth
The Giants had two safeties dressed for this game against the Patriots: K’Von Wallace and Makari Paige. The latter had an impressive tackle for a loss in the first half against a power run to the outside:
Paige also secured an interception last week. He’ll likely be a practice squad player, but the former Michigan Wolverine could hear his number called up during the season. Raheem Layne tweaked his groin prior to the game and did not play; depth behind Dane Belton – who reportedly banged up his shoulder in Tuesday’s practice (not serious) – is thin. Paige made two notable plays in the last two preseason games. That must bode well for him.
Nic Jones also played safety in the second half of the game. Jones’ spot on the roster seems secure, for he has received the most first-team reps of all the back-up cornerbacks; plus, he’s on first-team specials. Both Paige and Jones did well at safety in the game.
Another note, O’Donnell Fortune had two forced incompletions that may have been deemed PBUs. There’s spots available on the roster in the secondary, and Fortune had two big plays in pass coverage. Here is one of the PBUs:
Jonathan Ward goes for 41 yards
Look, Jonathan Ward is not going to make the team. Dante “Turbo” Miller may not even make the team. Still, this touchdown play by Ward, along with the cut-back to the inside, may leave an impression to give Ward a chance later in the season if injuries afflict the Giants:
Ward displayed solid acceleration, ball-carrier vision, and intelligence to read the blocks and find the path to pay-dirt. Ward will likely start on the practice squad and he’ll have to earn his money there unless something happens to the other running backs on the roster.
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