Approach to the Game – New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens, September 3, 1999: The fourth preseason game is usually pretty boring. The starters only play about a quarter and teams keep things very vanilla so their opponents in the opener don’t see too much. The most important thing about the final preseason game is not to win, but to get out of the game healthy. Thus, don’t expect much fireworks and don’t get too disappointed with the results.
Probably the most interesting elements of this game will be (1) the play of Kerry Collins, who will receive the bulk of the playing time, and (2) some roster battles. There are also two starting jobs still open at strongside linebacker and free safety.
Next week, the nature of the previews will shift gear. As long-time BBI readers know, we will focus more on the game plan that Giants should use against their opponent.
Giants on Offense: Get the starters in and out. No need to risk injury. Only guys like Luke Petitigout (needs the work), Derek Engler (who will be starting in place of the injured Brian Williams), and Gary Brown (needs to get back into game shape) may see any extended time. After a disappointing game last Saturday, it is hoped that the starting unit can flash on a play or two before they leave. WR’s Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard were too quiet. The offensive line and backs did not handle the blitz or stunts well. Kent Graham was not as effective. A scoring drive or two would give the starting unit one last confidence burst before facing a very, very tough Bucs’ defensive team.
But that all being said, don’t expect many fireworks. The Giants will want to keep things close to the vest and not tip Tampa off.
To me, it will be more interesting to see Kerry Collins receive some extended playing time. I wasn’t that impressed with Kerry last week. The rush seemed to bother him. This was something that I noticed in Carolina with him a couple of years ago. He has to stand tougher in the pocket and make plays down the field.
It will also be interesting to see how much playing time Gary Brown receives. The Giants absolutely need him to be ready on September 12th. Due to him missing so much camp time, his feel for the line and stamina are big concerns. Of course, the biggest mystery that still needs to be solved is how many halfbacks will the Giants carry? If they carry four, who goes? HB Joe Montgomery practiced this week so it is doubtful that he is bound for Injured Reserve now. Can the Giants really afford to keep five? Will the Giants only carry one fullback and let Greg Comella go? Is LeShon on the bubble? I also do not have a sense or feel as to how much Sean Bennett will be a factor in this offense early on in the season. Will he actually see the field more than a very few plays?
At wide receiver, David Patten has had a big preseason and seems to be pressing even Joe Jurevicius for playing time. This is a big game for Brian Alford. He should play quite a bit and needs to stand up and be noticed. I don’t really want Pete Mitchell playing too much. We know what he can do – no need to risk him. I’d like to see Dan Campbell get a lot of playing time.
Then there is the offensive line. The success of the offense (and the team) largely rests on this unit in 1999. Rookie Luke Petitigout will receive his baptism by fire in week one. Opposing defenses will have no mercy. He has to get ready. OC Derek Engler should see a lot of action in the pivot on Friday. For depth purposes, the Giants need him to play at least at a satisfactory level. He needs to read the defense, make the correct line calls, and execute the play. There is no telling how long Lance Scott may be out. The Ravens have some very good front seven players (and players in the secondary). With guys like Mike McCrary, Peter Boulware , Tony Siragusa, Ray Lewis, and Jamie Sharper, the offensive line will be tested. The McCrary-Oben match-up will be fun to watch. Boulware is moved all over the place. Let’s see if Scott Gragg can get a helmet on him. Also, watch the blitz pick-ups by the line and backs. The Giants did not do a very good job in this department last weekend.
Giants on Defense: Same with the offense – get the starters in and out. There was some talk that DE Michael Strahan (groin) may not play. That’s fine with me. The run defense on his side may suffer against the Ravens, but who cares? Jessie Armstead doesn’t need the work either. If Strahan does not play, it will be interesting to see if Holsey is shifted over there or if the Giants go with rookie Rasheed Simmons. Having Simmons and Marcus Buckley defending the run on the left side could get ugly. Simmons may end up being a good player, but he needs to add some lead in his pants/strength before he becomes a better run defender. Robert Harris (ankle) won’t play so Christian Peter gets the start. BBI reporter David Oliver thought he played a heck of a game against the Jets. I will be keeping an eye on one of my favorites – DT George Williams.
Last week DE Cedric Jones faced off with LT Jumbo Elliott and was handled. Things get no easier this week with LT Jonathan Ogden, who is one of the best in the business. The Giants need Jones to adequately fill in for Chad Bratzke this year. You can bet your house that Defensive Coordinator John Fox has all kinds of blitz packages installed this year that we haven’t seen yet. Still, the Giants need to get a rush (and solid defense) out of Jones. I will also be keeping an eye on rookie DE Frank Ferrara. He didn’t play at all last week and that is not a good sign. I hope the G-Men can figure out a way to keep him around.
The Giants’ run defense last weekend was awful. The linebackers must step it up. Corey Widmer has to get to the ball carrier and make a play. Nickel backer Scott Galyon didn’t get off blocks well at all against the Jets. Then there is the competition between Buckley and Ryan Phillips. This is the last chance to impress before the games count. How many linebackers do the Giants keep? Who goes? This is a big game for Doug Colman, Pete Monty, and O.J. Childress.
It looks like we can’t count on Sehorn being back anytime soon. Conrad Hamilton is still gimpy as well. He also has the type of injury that can be re-injured fairly easily. For now, Jeremy Lincoln is the man on the spot. A lot of pressure will fall squarely on his shoulders, but this is also a great opportunity for him. The Ravens have a few speed demons in Jermaine Lewis, Pat Johnson, and Qadry Ismail. Depth is still a concern. Reggie Stephens (knee/leg) is out too. The Giants just picked Emmanuel McDaniel off of waivers. Is he just an insurance policy or do the Giants see something in him? Andre Weathers didn’t look real sharp to me last Saturday.
At safety, it finally looks like Shaun Williams is pressing Percy Ellsworth. Both have to start making some plays (Percy against the run and Shaun against the pass). Will the fourth safety be Lyle West or Tre Thomas?
Giants on Special Teams: P Brad Mayard pooched well last weekend, but his regular punting was atrocious. Some final roster spots may be won or lost by who is making plays tackling or blocking on special teams.