Giants Get First Preseason Win Against Jets
Before their intra-stadium matchup on Saturday night, the New York Giants looked lost and uninspired during the preseason. Although their performance against the New York Jets was hardly spectacular, the Giants did secure their first preseason win, 21-20.
The first-team offenses for both teams didn’t do much in the final dress rehearsal before the season opener.
The Giants’ first-team offense only managed 61 total yards against the Jets. As a team, the Giants didn’t advance past the 50-yard line until a facemask penalty on Brandon Bostick during a punt return with 2:36 left in the third quarter.
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Eli Manning spent much of his evening running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Before being pulled early in the third quarter, he went 10-of-15 for 65 yards. In the second quarter, Darrelle Revis intercepted a pass that was intended for Odell Beckham, Jr. in Giants territory.
Revis’ interception led to a Jets touchdown three plays later when Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Eric Decker for a 22-yard reception. Fitzpatrick went 9-of-16 for 76 yards and the touchdown. He also lost a fumble in the red zone before being relieved by Geno Smith just before the intermission.
Backup quarterback Ryan Nassib, who had two forgettable outings in the preseason, took advantage of the facemask penalty that put the Giants on the Jets’ side of the field for the first time.
Nassib hit Tavarres King for a 27-yard touchdown, the Giants’ first touchdown since late in the first quarter of the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. The score cut the Jets’ lead to 10-7.
Early in the fourth quarter, Jets backup quarterback Bryce Petty threw a pass that was tipped by J.T. Thomas before being intercepted by Kerry Wynn. Wynn returned the pick 73 yards for a touchdown.
Then, Jets third-string quarterback Christian Hackenburg went 4-of-6 for 79 yards and a touchdown on his first NFL drive. On the Jets’ next possession, Hackenburg was intercepted by Andrew Adams, leading to the 11-yard go-ahead touchdown by Nassib to King.
Nassib went 6-of-19 for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
Saturday’s game marked the return of wide receiver Victor Cruz, who had his first taste of NFL action since Oct. 12, 2014. He had one reception for four yards.
In spite of the win, Manning was critical of the first-team offense’s performance.
“Well, we have to get better moving the ball, getting first downs, and just staying out the negative plays,” Manning said. “There is definitely some room for improvement, but we will go on from here.”
Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (ribs), linebacker B.J. Goodson (concussion), cornerback Leon Hall (concussion), and fullback Nikita Whitlock (foot) all left the game with injuries.
The Giants’ (1-2) final preseason game will be against the New England Patriots Thursday at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.
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