The New York Giants lost their first preseason game since 2019 to the New York Jets. In an unexciting game, the Giants had some players flash potential while others did not seem to meet expectations. There is a lot to unpack before New York heads into joint practices with the Cleveland Browns ahead of their preseason matchup next week. As such, here are the winners and losers of the 2021 New York Giants preseason opener.
New York Giants Preseason Opener: The Winners and Losers
New York Giants Preseason Opener Winner: Azeez Ojulari
Rookie edge rusher Azeez Ojulari had a nice showing in limited snaps on Saturday night. Ojulari started the game with New York’s backups, as the team decided to rest most of the defensive starters. He only had one tackle, but that one tackle came on a nice play where the rookie disengaged on a block from New York Jets tackle Mekhi Becton to make the stop. Look for Ojulari’s play to increase as the weeks go on.
New York Giants Preseason Opener Loser: Backup Quarterbacks
The Giants may have a slight problem with their quarterback depth. Both Mike Glennon and especially Clayton Thorson did not look good at all running the offense. They missed throws, had consistent miscommunications, low pocket awareness— the list goes on.
Glennon ended the night completing a mere three of seven attempts for 20 yards. Thorson only completed five of his 16 attempts for 72 yards and one touchdown! This touchdown was the only score of the night for the Giants, going to Damion Willis. Head coach Joe Judge, however, mentioned Thorson is being examined for injury and they will sign another quarterback if he cannot go this week.
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New York Giants Preseason Opener Winner: Carter Coughlin
Arguably the biggest positive from last night was a second-year linebacker, Carter Coughlin. Coughlin, the former seventh-round pick from Minnesota, made the switch from outside linebacker to inside backer over the summer. He has had a great camp so far. His stellar camp production translated onto the field, as he recorded five tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a strip-sack. Carter looked quite comfortable playing off of the ball and looks to have made a seamless transition to his new position. He still needs to do some work in coverage, but he nonetheless had a very good showing for his first game at a new position.
New York Giants Preseason Opener Loser: Offensive Line Depth
Depth along the offensive line has been a problem for the Giants since training camp began. Zach Fulton and Joe Looney retiring did not help either, as the team is now paper thin behind their starting offensive linemen unit. The backup unit did not play well at all against the Jets. Even Kenny Wiggins, who filled in for Shane Lemieux with the starting group, looked bad. Joe Judge said there is a chance the team will add more depth to the offensive line soon and with cuts looming there will be more linemen available on the market.
New York Giants Preseason Opener Winner: Starting Offensive Line
On the other hand, the starting offensive line looked decent in the limited snaps they saw. The only starter not playing was left guard Shane Lemieux, with who the team is still being cautious. In 10 passing snaps, the starting line gave up just one pressure, which came on a sack given up by Matt Peart. Besides that, Will Hernandez was solid, Nick Gates looked fine, and most of all?
Andrew Thomas looked absolutely fantastic in his first action of year two. It looks like Thomas refined his technique and hand placement this off-season, and he even tossed a Jets defender at one point. There are still some questions about the starting group, but it was a strong start for one unit that needed it the most.
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Up and Down: Rodarius Williams
Rodarius Williams generated buzz in practice the last few weeks and fans were excited to see how the rookie cornerback would fare in his first NFL game. Williams had an average game, allowing eight catches for 99 yards. He had one pass breakup as well. The interesting part was in Williams lining up in the slot for 24 snaps, something previously unseen in practice. Madre Harper and Isaac Yiadom were the outside cornerbacks for most of the night, so it seems as if the team wanted to see Williams in there without taking the other two out.
Nevertheless, it was Williams’s first game and he was adjusting to the speed and competition of another NFL team. His most exciting play was a fumble recovery he almost ran back for a touchdown. TJ Brunson knocked the ball loose from Kenny Yeboah and Williams scooped it immediately— unfortunately for Williams, he tripped on his way back. Williams should improve as the season goes on and a lot of fans are rooting for him to do well.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
