Giants-Jets halftime score: Giants lead 19-13 as Eli Manning looks sharp

The first half of the New York Giants’ third preseason game against the New York Jets was a roller coaster for the Giants.

The game started on a rough note as Sam Darnold and the Jets’ offense drove the field on the Giants’ starting defense, largely moving the ball at will en route to a touchdown.

When the Giants got the ball for their first possession they showed some promise, but the running game simply spun its wheels and the defense was soon back on the field. This time the result was much better, with the Giant’s defense quickly forcing the Jets backwards and getting a quick three and out.

Hunter Sharp then got the Giants on the board with a great 55-yard punt return for a touchdown. It was an exciting play and could prove to be the difference in a roster spot for Sharp, but it remains to be seen whether or not it will be enough offset two drives killed by dropped passes by Sharp.

The Giants’ defense once again asserted its dominance, getting the ball back for the offense after four plays, including an intentional grounding by Darnold.

The Giants capitalized on their momentum with a big play-action bomb from Eli Manning that could have been a walk-in touchdown had the pass not been underthrown. The very next play Jonathan Stewart lost the ball, which the Jets recovered and eventually punched in to the endzone for their second score.

The Giants had a second special teams play when Ray-Ray Armstrong, who was on the field with the starting defense as a nickel linebacker, knocked the ball loose on a kick-off return, which was picked up by Jerell Adams. The Giants couldnt’ get the touchdown, but did Aldrick Rosas completed his third field goal to go ahead 16-13. He finished four for four in the first half.

Overall, we are seeing a much more aggressive offense than we have become used to seeing from the Giants. Eli Manning consistently attacked downfield, largely placing the ball well and consistently finding open receivers. Manning finished the half going 17 for 23 (73.9 percent), for 188 yards (8.2 yards per attempt).

On the defensive side of the ball, Dalvin Tomlinson proved to be a difference maker, consistently stuffing the run and creating havoc in the backfield. Meanwhile, preseason monster Kerry Wynn nearly came up with an interception in the Jets’ 2-minute drill.

Evan Engram left the game in the second half and is OUT with a concussion.

The Giants will get the ball to start the second half after the Jets chose to receive the opening kickoff.