Approach to the Game – New York Giants at New England Patriots, August 10, 2001: It’s important not to take the preseason too seriously. Last year the Giants went 0-4 in the preseason, yet made it to the Super Bowl. The most important aspect of the game, if you ask me, is to come out healthy. Any other positive after that is simply icing on the cake.
The purpose of the preseason is to work out the kinks and get into football shape. The first preseason game is usually ugly and boring. The starters will only play about a quarter, the second team a quarter and a half, and the third team will go the rest of the way. Most third teamers won’t even make the team. Since teams normally do not like to advertize their best plays in the preseason, both offensive and defensively, look for very vanilla game plans. The Giants will not do a lot of attacking on offense and defense. The tempo of the game and resulting production will likely be disappointing to many viewers.
My advice? Use this time to take a look at the young players. Don’t read too much into the performance of the starters. Pray for no injuries.
Giants on Specials: This is the biggest worry the Giants have so I have placed this first, instead of last, as I usually do. John Markham and Jaret Holmes have not impressed thus far in the kicking game. This will be the first time we get to see them in a real game situation this year. If both continue to struggle, the Giants will have to go out and find a new kicker. Keep an eye not only on their field goal attempts, but the height and distance they get on kick-offs.
Rodney Williams is clearly ahead of Tony Umholtz in the punting department. But the lack of consistency could be troubling.
The Giants need some players to step forward on the kick and punt coverage units. Damon Washington did so last year. Thabiti Davis, Omar Stoutmire, and Jack Golden flashed at times. Gone are Pete Monty, Lyle West, and Reggie Stephens. The Giants need some headhunters to step up. This is where rookies and first year players can really shine.
With Tiki Barber out, a few players may get a shot at returning punts, including Ron Dixon.
Giants on Offense: The big area of interest will obviously be Ron Dayne. He’s lost a ton of weight and he has looked sharper at camp. Now we get to see him in a real game situation. Please keep in mind, however, that rushing attacks usually look pretty bad early on in the preseason as it takes time for the backs to get in sync with the line again and for the line to get in sync with itself. If Dayne doesn’t pick up much yardage, ask yourself if the blocking was there.
Another guy to watch is HB Damon Washington. With Joe Montgomery out for the year and Tiki Barber out of the preseason, Damon has a real opportunity to see some serious playing time and make an impression. He really impressed me at camp with his speed and toughness.
It will also be interesting to see how Joe Jurevicius and Ron Dixon perform as it is looking increasingly unlikely that Ike Hilliard will be able to play early in the season. Jurevicius will get the start and has an edge due to his experience. But Dixon is the better athlete. Thabiti Davis also looks like a lock to make the team. Behind him, Jonathan Carter, Quinton Spotwood, Pat Woodcock, and Anthony Tucker are all looking to stick. At most, only one will.
Then there is the offensive line. We know whom the starters will be. But it is the back-ups who could play a critical role this year if someone gets hurt. Specifically, keep an eye on Chris Bober at left tackle, Jason Whittle at guard and center (he probably will start at center for the injured Dusty Zeigler), Mike Rosenthal at guard, and Chris Ziemann at right tackle.
The tight end position is in bit of a flux. Howard Cross will most likely start when the season begins, but the Giants really need someone like Dan Campbell, Adam Young, Marcellus Rivers, or Taman Bryant to step it up. Don’t look just at the ability to catch the ball, but the ability to block as well.
At quarterback, rookie Jesse Palmer will see a lot of action.
Giants on Defense: The Giants will keep it very vanilla so don’t expect the same type of production and intensity that you will see when the games really count. The players I will be most curious to see are the new starters: DE Kenny Holmes, DT Cornelius Griffin, and SLB Brandon Short. In particular, watch to see if Short is improving in coverage – an area he had some problems with last year.
It is also important for some back-ups to provide depth on the defensive line. The Giants need guys such as DT Ryan Hale, DT Ross Kolodziej, DE Cedric Scott, and DE Cedric Pittman to show something. Same story at linebacker with SLB Jack Golden, MLB Kevin Lewis, and WLB Dhani Jones.
In the secondary, all eyes will be on Will Allen – especially with Will Peterson (knee) out. He’s a rookie – so expect mistakes despite his superior speed and quickness. The guys with a real opportunity to make a statement are the back-up safeties. Omar Stoutmire is the only sure thing. DeWayne Pattmon, Clarence LeBlanc, and Emile White are the other candidates.