The New York Giants beat the New York Jets 21-20 to get their first win of the preseason despite their first-team not scoring a single point for the second straight game.
It’s concerning because the offense has looked lackluster thus far in the preseason. They were shut-out in the first half and didn’t have a single possession in Jets territory when the starters were in the game. That’s very concerning.
Eli Manning hasn’t looked comfortable out there and part of it has to be put on the offensive line. The run game was nonexistent and will have to change before the season opener in a couple weeks.
Manning completed 10 of 15 passes for 65 yards and an interception before he was taken out after playing one series in the 3rd quarter. The starters only put up 61 yards against this Jets defense though it is probably more of a testament to how good the schemes Todd Bowles creates for his defense.
The backups really carried the team in the second half and even though the defense kept Big Blue in the game all night, it wasn’t until the Jets had a facemask penalty on Brandon Bostick during a punt return that put them at the Jets 47-yard line with the little under 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter that you saw the tide turn. Giants backup Ryan Nassib put the first points on the board for them in 9 quarters connecting with Tavarres King for a 27-yard touchdown which cut the Jets lead to 10-7. Early in the fourth
Giants backup Ryan Nassib put the first points on the board for them in 9 quarters connecting with Tavarres King for a 27-yard touchdown which cut the Jets lead to 10-7. Early in the fourth quarter, the defense put their stamp on the game with Giants backup defensive end Kerry Wynn returning an interception for a 73-yard touchdown, giving them their first lead this preseason.
The Jets second-round pick Christian Hackenberg looked real impressive in limited action in the 4th quarter. He drove the Jets down the field to connect with Robby Anderson for a 10-yard touchdown to give them a 17-14 lead. Hackenberg made his first mistake of the night throwing an interception that gave the Giants the ball deep in Jets territory. Nassib made him pay finding his go-to receiver King for another touchdown pass and Josh Brown hit the extra point to give them a 21-20 lead which ultimately decided the game.
This is New York’s first win in the preseason, now 1-2. Hopefully, this isn’t a sign of what’s to come during the regular season because the Giants plan to compete for the NFC East title this year. Something that just became more realistic, after seeing Tony Romo go down last week.