Approach to the Game – New York Jets at New York Giants, August 28, 1999: Around the league, the third preseason game has pretty much become the main dress rehearsal for the regular season. Starters usually play into the third quarter and (pardon the Fassel-esque rhetoric) there is a greater sense of urgency in overall play. This game will be a far better indicator of where the Giants are than the first two preseason games.
Those vying for roster spots and on the bubble are starting to get a little nervous too. The first cuts were made recently and more are soon to come. Each play could prove decisive.
Vikings, Jaguars, and now Jets. Each team is tough; each is favored by many to reach the Superbowl. The Jets will provide yet another serious litmus test. But keep in mind one important thing – it is far better to come out of the game with no injuries than it is to win.
Giants on Offense: HB Gary Brown returns and that is good news for the Giants’ running game – a running game that has struggled this preseason between the tackles. Make no mistake about it – Gary Brown is the Giants’ running game. It won’t be Sean Bennett or LeShon Johnson, but Brown. He will get quite a few carries, but Head Coach Jim Fassel will be careful not to push him too hard in his first game back. It will be interesting to see how rusty he will be.
The other major story this week on offense is that first rounder Luke Petitgout is now entrenched as the starting left guard. How will he respond? He has to get ready for the likes of Warren Sapp, Brad Culpepper, and Anthony McFarland on opening day.
The Jets’ defense will provide an excellent test for the G-Men – far better than the defenses of the Vikings and Jaguars. The Jets’ defense is extremely well-coached and benefits from a plethora of talented linebackers and tough run-defending defensive linemen. Like most of the Giants’ 1999 opponents, Jets’ Head Coach Bill Parcells will probably dare Kent Graham and the Giants’ receivers to burn them in the passing game. Look for the Jets to stack the line of scrimmage against Brown and FB Charles Way.
Will the Kent Graham renaissance continue or will he come back to Earth a bit? Last week he did a very good job of moving around in the pocket and finding the open man again. Accuracy continues to be a focus, especially on short throws. His long ball, thus far, looks real sharp.
Kerry Collins will once again take the field and should receive the bulk of the remaining playing time. On the second team offensive line (LT Toby Myles, LG Jason Whittle, OC Derek Engler, RG Mike Rosenthal, and RT Nate Miller), the Giants have to make some tough decisions on how many to keep and who?
In the receiving department, barring injury, the wide receivers and tight ends look set. It would be nice to see Brian Alford make a play.
Still a big question at halfback. Do the Giants place Joe Montgomery on injured reserve? Or do they waive HB LeShon Johnson or FB Greg Comella? Needless to say, this may be a big game for both. Also keep in mind that the Giants lost seven fumbles last week – that bears watching against the Jets.
Giants on Defense: The situation at cornerback is starting to get worrisome. Conrad Hamilton (ankle) may practice next week. Who knows when Jason Sehorn will return? How much rust will both have on them when the regular season starts? The Tampa game not that far away. CB Jeremy Lincoln played well against the Vikes, but got torched by the Jaguars. He needs to step it up. The Giants also desperately need one of the rookies to grow up fast – a guy like CB Andre Weathers or Reggie Stephens (who may not play). Keeping an eye on the waiver wire might not be a bad idea either just in case Lincoln can’t cut it. The Jets are loaded with three very talented receivers in Wayne Chrebet, Keyshawn Johnson, and Dedric Ward. QB Vinny Testerverde will take his shots.
At safety, Percy needs to start tackling as well as he runs his mouth. Shaun Williams is an important, versatile defender, but I expected more from him this preseason. Sam Garnes looks poised for a big year if he can stay healthy (something that has been a problem for him in the past). Who has the fourth safety spot locked up? Lyle West or Tre Thomas. Probably the former, though there was some talk today that the Giants may want to re-sign Brandon Sanders.
As I expected, it looks like the Marcus Buckley-Ryan Phillips situation on the strongside has developed into a platoon system. If either one regresses, then that person is bound to lose playing time. Watching Marcus play the run and Phillips the pass will be key in this game. As for the reserves, if Pete Monty continues to play well, he is sure to have saved his roster spot. Does that mean Doug Colman is on the way out? He is one of the better special teams guys on the team. Rookie linebackers O.J. Childress and Jesse Tarplin need to make plays on specials if they are to survive.
The man to really watch on defense will be Cedric Jones – who did not play last week. You know Parcells will test his run defense with Jumbo Elliott. Inside, the Jets have a top-notch center, but questions at guard. Either Robert Harris or Keith Hamilton should do well if they bring their “A” game to the contest. The reserves inside seem set with Christian Peter and George Williams (look for Ryan Hale on the Practice Squad maybe). Outside, we know Bernard Hosley makes the team. You have to feel for Charles Estes. He finally gets a real chance to make the team, and a toe injury keeps him sidelined for most of camp. Can the Giants find room to keep both Frank Ferrara and Rasheed Simmons? If not, who goes?
Giants on Special Teams: Again my focus will be on kick and punt coverage. I’d also like to see the Giants set up the returns better. It’s time for Tiki Barber to start doing some damage on punt returns. This may be Bashir Levingston’s last shot to make the team as a kick returner this year.