New York Giants News, 8/28: No Clarity At PK, Backup QB

The New York Giants have interesting, too-close-to-call, decisions to make at placekicker and backup quarterback. Teams must trim their rosters from 90 players to 53 on Sept. 2 — this Saturday. In his conference call with media on Sunday, coach Ben McAdoo gave no hints how those competitions will turn out.

Placekicker

Veteran Mike Nugent his field goals of 54 and 50 yards on Saturday vs. the New York Jets. He is 5-for-5 this preseason. Aldrick Rosas, trying to earn his first NFL job, is 4-for-4 with a 52-yarder to his credit.

“We’ll just keep on competing,” McAdoo said.

Valentine’s View: The guess here is that, unless he falters significantly on Thursday vs. the New England Patriots, the Giants will go with Rosas. Despite Nugent’s work Saturday, Rosas has the stronger leg. There is also the idea that the 22-year-old Rosas could be a long-term solution.

No. 2 Quarterback

Will it be Geno Smith or Josh Johnson as the primary backup to Eli Manning?

“We’re still not in a position to say who the number two is,” McAdoo said. “Thursday night we’re hoping it cleans itself up.”

Smith is 26-of-43 for 244 yards with two interceptions this preseason, a passer rating of 56.7. Johnson is 11-of-20 for 104 yards, a 69.6 passer rating. Rookie Davis Webb is 10-of-20 for 87 yards, and McAdoo fell back on his “never say never” cliche when asked if Webb was a consideration for the No. 2 job.

Valentine’s View: The backup job will eventually belong to Webb, maybe even by the end of this season. Just not right away. I continue to think the Giants give the No. 2 job to Smith. Johnson, who hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2011, seems hesitant in the pocket. Smith is mistake-prone, but offers more upside.

Upcoming Schedule

The Giants practice Monday and Tuesday, then finish their preseason in Massachusetts on Thursday night against the New England Patriots. NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Teams can form a practice squad after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Around The Inter-Google

Look out, NFL: Jason Pierre-Paul appears on the verge of a monster season for Giants | Newsday

“I’ve been here a few years,” said linebacker Jonathan Casillas, in his third season with the Giants. “When I got here, he wasn’t here; he was losing some fingers and getting that sorted out. When he came back, he was a good player. But now — I don’t know what he looked like before because I wasn’t with him, but he’s the best I’ve ever seen him. By far. Not even close. I mean, he’s one of the dominant players in the league and I think he’s fully back to where he was before the accident.”

It's time for Giants to pull trigger on offensive line change | Duggan | NJ.com

There's enough evidence to suggest that Jones can hold his own as a starter and there's a chance he'll be an upgrade. The worst that could happen is Jones struggles and he's replaced by Jerry.

The Giants declined to upgrade their offensive line in any meaningful way this offseason. They can't let that stubbornness seep into the season. It's time for a change and Jones has earned his shot.

Giants linebacker clears ‘major hurdle’ in return from injury | New York Post

Thomas got in a game for the first time in nearly a year, playing 10 snaps in the fourth quarter of the 32-31 preseason victory over the Jets.

“To have a game under my belt, you have no idea how big it is for me mentally,’’ Thomas said. “For me to be able to walk off the field after a game.’’

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