Approach to the Game – Carolina Panthers at New York Giants, August 15, 2003: The second preseason game is taken far more seriously than the first one. The starters will play about a half of football, rather than a quarter. And coaches expect to see fewer mental mistakes at this point and for their team to start to round into shape. The third preseason game is still the most important, but the second game is not far behind.
Time is also starting to run out for those players on the cusp of either making the team or not. The first cut down date is August 26th to get the roster to 65 players. As I said, the starters will play two quarters on Friday night against the Panthers. Next week against the Jets, they will play about three quarters. That only leaves about three quarters of game action for the back-ups to impress before the first cut down.
Most important items to watch in the this game? Obviously, the offensive line is first and foremost. But it will also be interesting to see DT William Joseph in action for the first time as well as DE Keith Washington.
Giants on Offense: Let’s get one thing straight, it is most likely that RT Ian Allen is going to have another rough game this week. No, it’s not necessarily because the guy “stinks” or hasn’t improved, but he will be facing one of the most dangerous – and perhaps the most dangerous – pass rusher in football: Julius Peppers. This is a scary match-up for the Giants.
But the entire offensive line will be challenged. I watched the Redskins-Panthers game last week and the Panthers’ front seven (which blitzed a lot as well) really dominated the line of scrimmage against a Redskins’ offensive line that is considered around the league to be stronger than the Giants. DE Mike Rucker and DT Kris Jenkins are very good players. And John Fox will blitz linebackers and defensive backs – just like the Patriots last week. This is good for the Giants as this is what they will see a lot of in the regular season. But the growing pains could be ugly.
What will be very interesting to watch too is how rookie David Diehl will do as the new starting right guard. The Giants are very high on him, but he is still an inexperienced rookie.
At running back, Dorsey Levens was bothered somewhat this week with a muscle strain in his leg. He is supposed to play and this is his chance to impress the coaches and steal playing time away from Ron Dayne. Fullbacks Jim Finn and Charles Stackhouse continue to battle it out against each other – only one will make the team.
At tight end, it would seem tough for the Giants to keep more than three on the roster. Shockey is a lock obviously. Visanthe Shiancoe is raw, but the coaches keep talking about his tremendous potential. That leaves Marcellus Rivers versus Darnell Dinkins. Look at the receiving, but also watch the in-line blocking as well.
How many receivers will the Giants keep? Five or six? Amani Toomer, Ike Hilliard, and Tim Carter are the locks. It seems as David Tyree’s special teams ability gives him a leg up on the rest. Willie Ponder is a deep threat and Kevin Walter is similar in style to Joe Jurevicius. The coaching staff graded out Daryl Jones very highly after the Pats’ game. Is there enough talent here to push Ron Dixon off of the roster? Will the second team offensive line give Jesse Palmer enough time this week to get the ball to these guys?
Giants on Defense: DE Michael Strahan (toe) is supposed to play; let’s hope he doesn’t aggravate the injury. The Giants will see their old nemesis HB Stephen Davis this week. Davis ran rampant all over the Skins’ last week. Let’s see how the defensive line and linebackers stack up against the power running game. This will be a real good test for DT Keith Hamilton and DE Kenny Holmes.
As for the back-up defensive linemen, I’m excited to see DT William Joseph and DE Keith Washington for the first time, as well as another chance to see DE Osi Umenyiora in action again. Don’t expect fireworks from Joseph. First, the nature of his position is not glamorous. It’s tough for veteran defensive tackles to pick up sacks, let alone rookies who have only had a week of practice. What I’m looking more closely at his is run defense and his ability to put heat on the passer. If he picks up a sack, that’s just extra gravy…but I don’t expect it. As for Washington, General Manager Ernie Accorsi said on the radio yesterday that he is pushing Kenny Holmes for the starting spot. Interesting.
The starters at linebacker are set with Dhani Jones, Mike Barrow, and Brandon Short. Nick Greisen and Kevin Lewis are the next in line. So far, I have been unimpressed with Wes Mallard, Quincy Monk, and Eddie Strong. Let’s see if someone steps it up.
In the secondary, Ryan Clark may start at strong safety with Shaun Williams (shoulder) and Johnnie Harris (hamstring) ailing. This is a great opportunity for him to impress and earn a roster spot. Ralph Brown appears to have put some distance between him and his competitors at nickel back, but nothing is assured. This is the first time we’ll get a chance to see Kato Serwanga play this year. And corners Ray Green and Rob Babers have not looked bad.
Giants on Special Teams: I would like to see the blocking on kick and punt returns provide more space for the returners. I would also like to see the cover men make some monster hits and tackles.
Matt Bryant versus Mike Hollis for the place kicking job…round two.