The New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills, 17-13, Sunday night in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Now that we have dispensed with that part, let's get to the important stuff for an Aug. 3 preseason game that comes five weeks before the regular-season begins. What did the Giants show in their first preseason action?
Well, first of all if you were looking for a high-flying super-charged offensive performance from the Giants you didn't get one. A three-and-out on their first possession. A fumble on their second. Finally, a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive on their third with the first-team offense playing against Buffalo's second-team defense.
There were some good signs from the offense, but is obviously still a work in progress. Let's touch on some individual performances.
Quarterback Eli Manning went 6-of-7 for 43 yards. Manning did have a turnover on a fumble, but engineered a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive.
"I thought it went well. We found completions," Manning told NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya during the second half.
Ryan Nassib had some good moments, and a couple of bad ones. Nassib looked more comfortable than a year ago, finishing 7-of-12 for 139 yards and a touchdown. He had an interception negated by a roughing the passer penalty, and an intentional grounding.
Andre Williams looked like the real deal. The fourth-round pick from Boston College carried seven times for 48 yards and one touchdown. His longest run was 21 yards.
Several wide receivers fighting for roster spots made cases for themselves:
- Marcus Harris had four catches for 49 yards.
- Preston Parker got opportunities to return kickoffs and punts, a sure sign with Tom Coughlin that Parker has a chance to stick. Parker averaged 11.0 yards on three returns, including a long return of 15 yards.
- Undrafted free agent Corey Washington had a 73-yard touchdown catch. He put his 6-foot-4 frame to good use, on the play, pulling a Ryan Nassib pass away from the cornerback and taking it in for a score.
- Mario Manningham made a surprise appearance and had a 17-yard reception.
Cornerback Jayron Hosley had a miserable night. He gave up a touchdown pass, had one pass interference, had a second declined and gave up a number of completions.
Defensive end Damontre Moore showed promise with a sack.
Cooper Taylor had an interception, but he won't like watching the special teams film on Monday. His weak blocking effort led to a Steve Weatherford punt being blocked.
Placekicker Brandon McManus made a 47-yard field goal, continuing his bid to oust Josh Brown as the Giants' placekicker.
What did you think of what you saw, Giants fans?