Big Blue View
The New York Giants are 2-0 after Saturday’s 31-12 victory over the New York Jets! Granted, it is preseason but considering how the last two years have gone it’s cool to say. Let’s review in our unique ‘Kudos & Wet Willies’ style.
Extended work for starters — I still would have preferred to see Giants’ starters get Saturday night off and then play extended time in the preseason finale on Thursday against the New England Patriots. I was happy, though, to see front-line players work into the second quarter. Russell Wilson played four series at quarterback, and the starting offensive line (except for Greg Van Roten giving way to Evan Neal after a couple of series) played the full first half.
After getting beaten 68-6 in season openers the past two years, Daboll finally pushed his starters somewhat in the preseason. Let’s see if it pays off.
Tyrone Tracy — The second-year running back wasn’t spectacular, but he did average 5.6 yards per carry, getting 39 yards on seven rushers. Maybe the run-blocking should get ‘Kudos’ too.
Jaxson Dart — The rookie quarterback went an excellent 14 of 16 for 137 yards, threw for a touchdown, ran for a touchdown and had a 123.2 passer rating. Dart led two third-quarter drives and both went for touchdowns.
The first drive was nine plays, 71 yards and ended with a 20-yard touchdown to tight end Greg Dulcich. The second drive was 12 plays, 55 yards and ended with a 1-yard Dart run.
Dart’s preseason to date:
Everything this young man has done this summer should have Giants fans excited for the future at quarterback.
Dante Miller — ‘Turbo’ helped his case for a spot on the 53-man roster for a second straight week. The 26-year-old spent his 2024 rookie season on the practice squad. Right now, it is hard to see how he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.
Miller had a second straight highly productive game. He carried five times for a pedestrian 17 yards (3.4 yards per carry), but again excelled as a receiver and made a key special teams play.
Miller caught four passes for 43 yards, looking especially dangerous in the screen game. As a punt gunner, he also got downfield and downed a Jamie Gillan punt at the 5-yard line.
Pass protection — The Giants’ offensive line once again provided an excellent pocket for Wilson and Dart. There was one sack of Dart, but both quarterbacks had comfortable pockets to work from.
Look at this pocket for Wilson on his 80-yard strike to Beaux Collins:
Wilson, by the way, threw that ball more than 60 yards in the air. Not bad for a 37-year-old who some people believe has lost something off his fastball.
Offense — Well, well, look what can happen when you get good quarterback play, solid pass protection and just enough running game. The Giants, one of the worst offenses in the league the past two seasons, have scored more than...
