Big Blue View
The New York Giants scored more than 40 points Thursday, defeating the New England Patriots, 42-10. Sure, it’s preseason, but this is still noteworthy and should get Giants’ fans excited. It’s indicative of a healthy offense and team, overall. New York scored over 30-points in all three of their preseason games. For once, it appears like they’ll likely cut players who have value; players who may not sneak onto the practice squad.
This third preseason game was not only exciting, but it also allowed a lot of fringe roster players to have an opportunity to earn their keep or put good film out that represents their skill-sets. Some players rose to the occasion, others probably wish they had another chance. Still, it was fun to watch, nonetheless.
Here are five plays, or five situations, from New York’s 42-10 victory over the Patriots that were important to the Giants’ final 53-man roster decisions.
It’s not a problem at all – the Giants have a decision to make, though! Both Greg Dulcich and Thomas Fidone II secured touchdowns:
Fidone II almost scored again on a seam-dart by Tommy DeVito in the fourth quarter. Dulcich scored two plays later:
Dulcich has done more than enough to earn a roster spot but the Giants have a crowded room with Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, and Daniel Bellinger, as well as Fidone, a seventh-round pick.
New York could try to squeeze Fidone to the practice squad, hoping another team would not burn a roster spot on the rookie, or that Fidone would not look to leave for a better situation on another team’s practice squad.
Or the Giants could surprise cut Daniel Bellinger, who is in the final year of his contract. New York could save $3.4 million on the cap with minimal dead cap if they release Bellinger. However, Bellinger is a much better blocker than the other two players and he is a quality asset who, I believe, has been underutilized. The Giants have decisions to make; at least the options are favorable.
The Beaux Collins train was steadily gaining steam despite him missing time in training camp. The Giants gave him plenty of opportunity with the first team, due to their injuries at wide receiver. Through practice, Collins rose to the occasion – that wasn’t the case against the Patriots.
Collins dropped a deep corner that was well-placed away from leverage by Jaxson Dart, as the rookie quarterback stood tall in the pocket and absorbed a massive hit. Collins then dropped a second-and-long in pattern over the middle of the field that would have made the third down attempt a more manageable situation.
Collins was also the Jameis Winston target on fourth-and-4 interception deep into Patriots territory. Winston did throw into double coverage, but the ball placement suggests that Winston and Collins were not on the same page. Collins was also the target on Russell Wilson’s interception against the Jets. The Giants have big...
