The New York Giants lost to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to a score of 17-13. While the Giants dropped to 0-2 on the preseason, there were a few more positives to take away from this game than the first matchup. Here are the winners and losers of the Giants second preseason game.
New York Giants Second Preseason Game Winners and Losers
Winner: Carter Coughlin is a Playmaker
Carter Coughlin made the switch from outside linebacker to the inside over the summer and has reportedly “flashed” over the course of training camp.
Last week, the former seventh-rounder had a stellar game against the New York Jets, recording one sack, one tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble. He definitely turned some heads, especially since it was his first game at inside linebacker.
This week, Carter again made a case for more playing time in 2021. In 23 defensive snaps, Carter recorded four tackles and another sack, which came from an inside rush and he obliterated Case Keenum.
Also this week, Carter dropped back into coverage more than usual, even running with rookie running back Demetric Felton. All in all, Carter is seriously playing well at his new position and is a playmaker all over the field, it will be fun to see how Patrick Graham implements him into this defense as the season opener draws near.
Loser: Sam Beal and Devante Downs Cannot Tackle
Sam Beal, the former 2018 supplemental draft pick, has played six games since the Giants took a chance on him. The lack of experience showed as Beal was targeted for most of the snaps he was in for. To show just how bad Beal was, wide receiver Matt Cole lined up opposite of him as a cornerback, and Kyle Lauletta still targeted Beal.
Devante Downs simply looks lost on the football field. His tackling miscues are evident as well, as he missed at least three tackles on Sunday.
Most fans expect Beal and Downs to be cut soon, as the team has to trim their roster to 80 players by Tuesday.
Winner: Mike Glennon and Devontae Booker Looked Significantly Better
The Giants second-team offense moved down the field significantly better this week. Mike Glennon went 10/13 for 86 yards and even took shots down the field which was nice to see.
Devontae Booker ran hard for the snaps he played in, carrying the ball six times for 27 yards and a leaping touchdown over the goal-line.
A better showing for the second-string quarterback and running back should have this coaching staff pleased.
Loser: Madre Harper Likely the Odd Man Out in Defensive Back Room
Cornerback Madre Harper simply did not play well against the Browns. He did have one pass breakup in the end zone but then gave up a touchdown the very next play. Now granted, it was a good throw to allow the receiver to high-point the ball over Harper, but he has to make that play.
Like Beal and Downs, Harper also could not tackle properly. He went up way too high on tackles and was outmatched in terms of strength. Harper is another candidate to be cut this Tuesday.
Winner: Rodarius Williams Improved From Last Game
Rodarius Williams had a rough outing in his first NFL game last week, allowing 99 passing yards. This week, he performed way better and added in another pass deflection.
When safety Quincy Wilson, who also had a solid performance, went out with an injury, Williams shifted to safety, showing off his versatility and is likely a good sign that shows he picked up the defense quickly.
Trending Upwards: Defensive Line Depth and Pass Rush Improved
David Moa and Raymond Johnson III both played solid, consistently in the backfield and putting pressure on the quarterback. Johnson added a sack, which was blown dead early but he had a great rush up the middle and a clear path to the quarterback. Moa added in a forced fumble and had four quarterback hurries. He is a defensive tackle who will likely either be stashed on the practice squad or kept for depth purposes.
Oshane Ximines showed out and provided consistent pressure off the edge, recording five pressures, one sack, and two quarterback hits. If Ximines can do this consistently in the regular season, along with Lorenzo Carter and Azeez Ojulari, the Giants may have generated a solid pass rush.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
