Approach to the Game – Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants, August 25, 2000: I hate the last preseason game. Who wins-loses never really matters as the starters leave after a quarter and usually only bad things (i.e., injuries) can happen. My main concern and focus tonight is to make sure that everyone gets out of the game healthy.
Giants on Offense: The Giants’ starters probably won’t look as sharp tonight because, in my opinion, the Ravens have the very best defense in the league. They make a lot of teams look bad and generally take the preseason very seriously. If I’m Head Coach Jim Fassel, I get my “big three” out of the game fast: QB Kerry Collins, HB Tiki Barber, and WR Amani Toomer. These three guys are ready to go and don’t need the added work. I would also be careful with TE Dan Campbell since his hamstring still isn’t 100 percent.
HB Ron Dayne finally got in some solid work with the first string line in the third quarter of the Jets game and he didn’t look bad at all – mainly because they finally had him running between the tackles. I’d like to see him get a lot of work in the first half in order for him to feel even more comfortable. FB Greg Comella is going to be a bigger part of this offense than most people realize – especially with the loss of Sean Bennett.
The main emphasis of this game will be to make some final roster decisions with the non-starters. How many wide receivers, fullbacks, and tight ends will the Giants keep? Do guys like Brian Alford, Craig Walendy, and Adam Young make the team? How many offensive linemen do the Giants keep?
Giants on Defense: The press was all over the Giants pass rush last week, but I’m not as worried. I just didn’t see the intensity in that game that will be there once the real games start. My big concern is with CB Dave Thomas, who was simply abused by the Jets. If Thomas continues to struggle, the Giants must bench him. Hopefully, a guy like Reggie Stephens (who has been very quiet this preseason) can step it up. The coaching staff seems to like Emmanuel McDaniel more as a nickel back. Are Ralph Brown and Andre Weathers on the bubble?
Lyle West continues to see a lot of work, but I’m not comfortable with any other of the back-up safeties. I wouldn’t be shocked if none of them made the team and the Giants picked up some cast-offs from other teams here.
DE/DT Cornelius Griffin is the chief reserve on the defensive line, but who else will make it? Do the Giants keep George Williams or Ryan Hale? This is probably Frank Ferrara’s last hurrah.
The rookie linebackers have looked like…well…rookies this preseason. Brandon Short has not impressed. Jack Golden makes a nice play, then screws up. O.J. Childress flashed for one game. All have been very vulnerable to misdirection. MLB Mike Barrow is a very strong blitzer.
Giants on Special Teams: The special teams play against the Jets was very much improved in all phases (except for field goal kicking). Coverage was very strong and the blockers even opened up a good return lane for McDaniel. Jack Golden and Thabiti Davis have the team made on their coverage ability alone. Ron Dixon finally got untracked as a kick returner too.