EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants played their first preseason game Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was our first look of how the Giants would perform in a live game situation. Training camp practices are always productive, but nothing can simulate game speed. The Steelers were able to defeat New York 20-12, at MetLife Stadium. Even though wins and losses don’t count, we learned a lot about this Giant team. Here are four of the biggest takeaways from Friday night’s loss to Pittsburgh.
[wpdevart_youtube width=”640″ height=”385″ autoplay=”0″ theme=”dark” loop_video=”0″ enable_fullscreen=”1″ show_related=”1″ show_popup=”0″ thumb_popup_width=”213″ thumb_popup_height=”128″ show_title=”1″ show_youtube_icon=”1″ show_annotations=”1″ show_progress_bar_color=”red” autohide_parameters=”1″ set_initial_volume=”false” initial_volume=”100″ disable_keyboard=”0″]YO4TaB_ovYg[/wpdevart_youtube]1) Offensive Line Issues Rear Its Head
- The Giants as a team gave up SEVEN sacks and NINE quarterback hits. Coach Ben McAdoo talked in his post game press conference, saying that all ownership couldn’t be thrown on the offensive line. However, it’s hard to overlook blown assignments where defenders get free shots at the quarterback. The offensive line also struggled to make lanes for the running backs to shoot. The Giants as a team combined for just 73 total rushing yards, with no back recording over 20 yards rushing.
2) Red Zone Inefficiency
- New York created two red zone opportunities, yet failed to punch either in for touchdowns. This was an issue last season, and one that is crucial to the Giants’ success this season. One touchdown got called back, when Roger Lewis Jr. went out of bounds prior to making a catch in the end-zone. The run game wasn’t effective down in the red-zone, and the receivers struggled to get separation. The Giants should find a way to utilize Evan Engram in the red zone. Engram has the potential to be the red zone answer that the Giants are looking for.
3) Kickers Look Solid
- Looking at the positive side of things, we can see that the Giants have two quality kicking options. Friday night both Giant kickers hit both of their opportunities. Both Mike Nugent and Aldrick Rosas, nailed field goal opportunities over 40+ yards. Rosas had a very impressive 52 yard field goal, that was drilled in rainy conditions. If the Giants are going to settle for field goals this season, it’s good to know they have a quality kicker with confidence. Both kickers showed confidence and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the starter.
4) Collins Hasn’t Skipped A Beat
- When we spoke to Landon Collins in the locker room, he spoke about how his confidence sets the tone for the entire team. Quickly, Collins has emerged as the leader of the Giant defense. Collins also spoke about how he wants to show that “last year was not a fluke”. Friday night, Collins was all over the field in the limited time he was on the field. Collins finished with five tackles (four solo), and one tackle for loss. This season, will definitely not be a fluke for Collins and fans should be excited with just how good Collins’ can be.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732
(Featured Photo Credit: Barry Holmes/PureSportsNY)