The Giants 24-17 victory had a pretty exciting finish, but admittedly I had one eye on my laptop and the other on the game. It’s really hard watching preseason, especially in the fourth quarter. I had previously wrote about a few players I would have both eyes on come Monday’s game, and here is my review on each of them:
Mario Manningham: Good to see with Steve Smith out, he was the starting wideout along with Hixon. Made a nice catch on a throw from Manning resulting in a first down (nixed by a penalty), but then quickly make a mistake on the very next play. Instead of “sitting down” against a zone defense, Mario continued to run thru the defense. The result was a throw that was behind him, but which would have been on target had he read the defense correctly. Also tried to get deep in the second quarter and made a decent attempt to bring in a pass from David Carr despite good coverage. Looked quick and decisive on his one punt return for 21 yards. Overall, Manningham impresses because he has very fluid moves and looks the part. He is definitely in the running for that #3 receiving spot behind Hixon and Smith, but by no means does he have it locked up.
Hakeem Nicks and Rames Barden: I’m combining these two because I felt the results were very similar. First, I was dissapointed that both didn’t make an appearance until the third quarter. At that point, third stringers are in the game and it makes the evaluation a bit more difficult. Barden made a nice 20 yard reception showing soft hands, and Nicks showed off good concentration and those big paws for his one catch where he was well covered. But Barden failed to come back on a ball which didn’t help on an interception by Andre Woodson. Nicks failed to sell a stop-and-go route in which he never really sold the stop part. I have to give an incomplete mainly on the fact they didn’t get any reps with the second stringers. Hopefully next week they do.
Derrek Hagan: Had only two throws his way, but was well covered on both and failed to come up with a catch. Not exactly a ringing endorsement after a terrific start to camp.
Danny Ware: Looked very impressive on a screen pass he took 36 yards for a touchdown. After making the catch, Ware had one objective – find an opening and run to it. Thing I like about Ware is he appears to have a nice combo of size and speed, and he’ll run better behind the regulars (he was met at the LOS on many of his runs). The Giants want him to be the third down back, so pass blocking and receiving ability are going to be key for him.
Some other thoughts about the game:
Ahmad Bradshaw looked fantastic. The kid is a human fire hydrant on wheels. Was also very happy to see him in the passing game (which appeared to be emphaised overall in the game plan).
Second round pick William Beatty accounted for himself nicely. Liked the fact he was in the game in just the second quarter. Showed good footwork and athleticism for a big man. Still a project, the Giants will add bulk and strength to him come the offseason.
Clint Sintim, the other second round pick, looked physically imposing. Billed as a speed rusher, he showed just that getting a sack and multiple pressures. Played against backups, but considering it was his first game and how other players can look lost, it was a real good sign.
Osi Umenyoria looked like his old self out there, quick and active, and that’s enough said.
Sinorice Moss is not a punt returner. Looking horrible on a handful of punts. His speed doesn’t translate to catching a punt and then acclerating. He also has zero strength, coming down way too easily. I’ve been one of Moss’ biggest detractors and will have more to say about him as a wide receiver after the next preseason game.
DE Maurice Evans appeared to have a good motor and plenty of upside. The free agent from Penn State had gotten nice reviews since mini camp and was credited with a sack and forced fumble. I think he’ll push Dave Tollefson for the final DE because Evans has much more upside, and the Giants will be able to carry him because of their tremendous depth and versatility on the DL.
