The New York Giants are set to begin their preseason schedule this weekend with a game against the Buffalo Bills. The matchup, which kicks off at 1 p.m., marks the first opportunity for fans and coaches to see new players in action.
Head coach Brian Daboll addressed his approach to playing starters during the preseason earlier in the week. “I think it’s different for every team,” Daboll said. “I’ve done a lot of research in terms of teams in the last few years, coaches, veteran coaches, what they’ve done. I worked for some people that have had pretty good success in how we did it. I don’t think there’s one right formula. Play them, not play them. I think you need to do what’s best for your football team.
“So, is it a series? Is it two series? Is it a half? You talk about that as a staff as we get going. Take a look at the practices that we’ve had. There’s no substitute for playing the game. You have to tackle. You don’t do a whole lot (in practice). Some people do some live tackling, but it’s not much. There’s no substitute for a quarterback when he knows he can get hit. There’s no substitute for an offensive guard cleaning the pocket or being very physical in the run game in gang tackling. That’s the game of football.”
Among those expected to draw attention is rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who will be making his NFL debut after showing mixed results during training camp sessions so far. Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka commented on Dart’s progress: “I’d say Jaxson is right on schedule from what we’d expect in terms of just understanding the offense, continuing to grow and learn every day,” Kafka told reporters Wednesday.
Kafka also described how Dart has been challenged with various situations throughout camp and walkthroughs: “Every day we’re presenting him – not just him but all the quarterbacks – with different situations and some situations you’ve probably never seen before. Those have been good to build off of, whether it’s in two-minute, whether it’s a third-down situation or a certain blitz look that we’re getting, he’s able to kind of grow and learn from those examples and now as he starts banking more and more looks, more and more reps – we do a lot of this throughout the walkthrough as well, he can kind of see – now he’s starting to put the picture together a little bit better and cleaner for a rookie.”
As for expectations heading into Saturday’s contest, Kafka emphasized confidence: “Like any position, just operating within the confines of the offense and going out there and playing confidently, being decisive, command the huddle… My biggest piece of advice is just go out there, enjoy it, play, have fun and go be aggressive.”
Wide receiver Montrell Washington has emerged as one of Dart’s primary targets through training camp after signing with New York earlier this year following time with Denver as both receiver and return specialist.
Daboll noted Washington’s performance: “I think the guys that are doing good work and making plays, Montrell, I would include him in there, they’re going to get more opportunity, they make plays, they’re going to get more opportunity to show what they can do,” Daboll said earlier in the week.
On defense, outside linebacker Abdul Carter—selected third overall by New York—will take part in his first NFL action after demonstrating consistent pass-rushing ability during offseason activities.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen spoke about Carter’s impact: “Been encouraged by him,” said Bowen. “Obviously, the talent shows up out there on the field. I think he’s a very instinctive player. Finds ways to get to the football. He’s got a natural feel to dip, to lean, to bend… But I like his versatility and what he’s going to be able to bring for our defense.”
Bowen added regarding Carter’s flexibility: “He’s got a history of playing off the ball so I think that helps him… It’s just a matter of making sure as a coaching staff we do a good job not overloading him.”
Another newcomer expected on defense is Darius Alexander—a defensive lineman drafted out of Toledo—who has shown athleticism during training camp.
Daboll described Alexander’s attributes: “There’s some flashes out there,” Daboll said about Alexander. “(He’s a) big body guy who’s got sneaky athleticism for a big man… He’s got quick feet; he’s got long arms; he’s got good get off; he’s got natural ability…”
The competition at cornerback will also be under scrutiny as Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott compete for starting roles opposite free agent acquisition Paulson Adebo.
Bowen assessed their performances so far: “I think they’re both doing a really good job,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said… “But you’re seeing Tae battle… He’s working… He’s competing for the job…”
“I thought Flott was doing a really good job… So just continue that competition…” Bowen added regarding roster decisions ahead.
No final decisions are expected after one preseason game but strong performances could influence future depth chart moves.
