Approach to the Game – New York Jets at New York Giants, August 23, 2003: I’m willing to make a prediction here. The Giants are going to go 0-4 in the preseason and the gloom-and-doomers will be out in full force for the next two weeks. Why don’t I like the Giants’ chances against the Jets? For one, the second-class Jets always take this game far more seriously given their inferiority complex. But most importantly, the Giants are going to play this game with three of their very best players either not playing (Michael Strahan, Jeremy Shockey) or not playing much (Tiki Barber). The starters are going to play three quarters in this game for both teams and when you take away from a team three of their “impact” ball players, it is going to have an effect on the outcome of the game. Also keep in mind that with Shaun Williams and Johnnie Harris both out, the third team safety (Ryan Clark) will be starting again. It now looks like DE Kenny Holmes (knee) will not play.
Why watch? Why play? Well, the Giants need to continue to gain experience on the right side of the offensive line. The team wants to see what it has in HB Dorsey Levens. The young tight ends continue the learning process and how to block. It’s important to start getting WR Tim Carter into the flow of things. There is a fullback battle to decide.
On defense, it will be interesting to see how DE Keith Washington does against a veteran tackle. Ralph Brown appears to have won the nickel job, but can he continue to do a solid job. Which other corners will the Giants keep? There are some tough decisions at safety too behind the top three guys (Williams, Harris, and Omar Stoutmire). How will the top two draft picks on the defensive line perform?
On specials, the place kicking battle continues.
Giants on Offense: Obviously, the big focus for the die hards will be on the right side of the offensive line (RG David Diehl and RT Ian Allen). Can these guys continue to improve both their pass blocking while at the same time generate some movement in the ground game? The Giants also need TE Marcellus Rivers to continue to improve his blocking in both rushing and passing situations. If he becomes a real blocking liability, the offense is going to suffer.
Personally, I want to see the Giants get Tim Carter into the flow of things as I think the 3-WR set may be one of their most productive this year. Carter is an explosive deep threat – take some shots with him. Or get him running in the open after a slant pass.
As for the other receivers, SOTI tells me that Daryl Jones won’t play much tonight as the team wants to get a good read on Willie Ponder, David Tyree, and Kevin Walter. It seems in effect that Jones’ future depends on how well or how poorly the three rookies do.
Jim Finn will start at fullback and reading between the lines from comments by the coaches and players, I think he has a foot up on winning the fullback job simply due to his consistency. But this game will have a huge impact on determining the winner.
Tiki Barber won’t play much as Fassel wants to see Dorsey Levens and Ron Dayne play with the first teamers. If Levens impresses, I bet you Dayne spends much of the season on the inactive list.
Giants on Defense: With Michael Strahan, Shaun Williams, Kenny Holmes, and Johnnie Harris out of the line-up, the defense will be nowhere near full strength once again.
The Giants will be without both starting defensive ends. Keith Washington starts for Hamilton again this week…but this time he is going against a quality veteran tackle. I want to see continued strong play from Keith Hamilton and Cornelius Griffin inside.
As for the back-ups, I’d like to see more consistent pass rush from Osi Umenyiora and William Joseph – though both are understandably at the very beginning of the learning curve. Osi will probably start for Kenny Holmes and will face a quality veteran opponent.
Dhani Jones has been playing well on the weakside…let’s see if that continues. Brandon Short may be on the verge of a big year as this is his third year starting now.
Ralph Brown needs to continue to prove himself capable. At the same time, the Giants are not going to be able to keep all their corners. Time is running out for Ray Green, Kato Serwanga, and Frank Walker to impress. Walker (dislocated elbow) may be a game-time decision.
The top three safeties are set. There are only one or two roster spots left for Clarence LeBlanc, Ryan Clark (who starts in this game), Charles Drake, and Calvin Spears. LeBlanc has been sabotaged with injury problems…does he have time to regain lost ground?
Giants on Specials: Matt Bryant or Mike Hollis? Every field goal attempt and every kickoff is crucial.
Can we please see some better blocking on punt and kick returns?
With Ryan Kuehl (tendinitis) out, long snapping in this game might be an issue with Chris Bober and Nick Greisen picking up that chore.