Approach to the Game – New York Giants at Jacksonville Jaguars, August 14, 1998: This preseason game will have a little more sense of urgency than the last one. For one, Jacksonville is a very talented, playoff-caliber team and the Giants will want to show well against them. Secondly, Jacksonville has humiliated the Giants the last two times these two teams have played. Thirdly, these two teams don’t like each other much. Lastly, Head Coach Jim Fassel intends to give his starters on offense a long look and play them the entire first half. But regardless, the big hope here is for the Giants to stay healthy. The Giants have already lost OLB Corey Miller and HB LeShon Johnson for the season.
Giants on Offense: QB Danny Kanell looked very poised and comfortable in the pocket last Saturday against the Bengals. He was a little wild on a couple of his throws, but that is to be expected in the first game of the year. We would like to see more of the same on Friday, plus even greater accuracy. We’d also like to see him get the ball more to his wide receivers, particularly Ike Hilliard, David Patten, and Amani Toomer. These three guys have had a very good training camp, but they didn’t do much on the field last week.
Much of our focus will be on the running game and on the halfbacks in particular. All three halfbacks should see some work with the first unit offensive line — though a key cog (Ron Stone) — will be missing. Fassel has singled out Wheatley in particular as a guy who he wants to see playing with the first unit. We don’t want to overstate the importance of one game, but this is probably a VERY critical game for Wheatley in determining his future with the team. The Giants undoubtably will be looking for him to run with good technique (shoulder pads low), power (something he has been inconsistent with), instincts (ditto), and explosiveness (it’s time for Tyrone to break the big one). We also want to see Tiki Barber do a MUCH better job in the receiving game and in terms of holding onto the ball. Round two of the Greg Comella versus Eric Lane battle begins.
On the line, this is Jerry Reynolds’ big chance to impress. He will fill in for the Giants’ best offensive lineman, Ron Stone, at right guard. The first team offensive line played well last week, but Jacksonville is a tougher foe. LT Roman Oben will once again be tested by DE Tony Brackens. The Jaguars also have a very talented linebacking corps with players such as Kevin Hardy, Bryan Schwartz, and Bryce Paup. A good showing by the Giants in terms of running and passing the ball will only help to elevate the line’s confidence. It’s tough to get a good read on the players on the second team line since they have little experience together and therefore continuity. Nevertheless, the Giants need some of these guys to step it up and provide quality depth.
At wide receiver, Ike Hilliard returns to the scene of his season-ending injury last year. It will be interesting to see how he responds. We also would like to see Kent Graham and Mike Cherry get the ball into the hands of WR’s Joe Jurevicius and Brian Alford. With Al Pupunu and Todd Pollack still out with sprained knees, Howard Cross, Andy Haase, and newcomer Grant Baynham will have to carry the load.
Giants on Defense: Jacksonville has as good an offense as there is in the league and quality depth. This game will be a great test for the entire defense — first team and second team. Up front, Jacksonville has a huge and talented offensive line. DE’s Chad Bratzke and Michael Strahan won’t face tackles better than Tony Boselli and Leon Searcy, respectively. Inside, Christian Peter and Bernard Holsey should see a lot of quality playing time with the first unit as Robert Harris (knee) is out this week. Continued focus remains on DE Cedric Jones (will that first sack ever come?), DE Hunter Adams (who had a good game last week), DT Nate Hobgood-Chittick, DT George Williams, and DT Brad Keeney.
The Giants defense against the run will be tested. Along with an outstanding offensive line, HB James Stewart has been playing very well this summer. The Jaguars also invested a very high number one in Fred Taylor. The Giants defensive line and linebackers will have to play physical football. This is an excellent game to get a good read on Marcus Buckley on the strongside.
But make no mistake about it, Jacksonville’s biggest strength is passing the ball. They combine good pass protection with a super quarterback (Mark Brunell) and Pro Bowl-quality receivers (Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith). The Giants need to get a good push up the middle from their inside men and Strahan will have to win his match-up against Searcy — because Bratzke isn’t likely to do it against Boselli. We may see some more blitzing from the Giants because of this — though Defensive Coordinator John Fox still most likely doesn’t want to tip his hand for opening day (see last week’s preview). The individual match-ups in the secondary versus the Jags’ wide outs will be fun to watch. SS Rodney Young also gets another start as Sam Garnes (shoulder) will be held out. Young is fighting for a roster spot, but has a good camp. Ideally, the Giants need to start seeing some good things out of reserve CB Jeremy Lincoln as well.
Giants on Specials: Same story as last week. Need to see the Giants consistently improve themselves in all facets of special teams. P Brad Maynard was outstanding last week — let’s hope that continues as the Giants need him to develop some consistency. Jason Sehorn will not return kicks this week and thus David Patten, Tyrone Wheatley, and Tiki Barber get another chance to prove themselves. Tiki and Amani Toomer will split the punt returns. Keep in mind that when it comes down to the final roster spots, those players who make themselves noticed on specials — not just as returners, but coverage men and blockers — have the advantage.