PRESEASON OPENER
The Giants will officially kick off the 2022 NFL preseason when they travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night. The game will represent the first under head coach Brian Daboll and his staff, including offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey was retained from last year's coaching staff.
The game against the Patriots will serve as the first time the Giants showcase their new offensive and defensive systems. Daboll told the media earlier this week that he anticipates all of the team's healthy players will get on the field Thursday, although for how many snaps remains to be seen.
"I think it's an individual basis with the players," Daboll said about play counts. "Some guys have played a lot of football. Some have played less. Everybody's in new systems here. With our system on offense, our system on defense, the kicking game is similar. But I think that's important to play football: to have live reps. How many reps that's going to be, I can't tell you right now. I think it's going to be less for some and more for others, and each game will have a plan going into it. I anticipate all of our guys playing on Thursday."
ALL-TIME SERIES
Thursday's contest is the 31st preseason matchup between the Giants and Patriots, with the Giants leading the series, 19-11. It is just the ninth time that the two clubs meet in the preseason opener. The teams met in the preseason finale every year from 2005-2019. In last year's preseason matchup, which came in the final week of the preseason, the Patriots took home the win, 22-20. Daniel Jones completed 17 of 22 passes for 135 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and Sterling Shepard lead the team with five receptions for 42 yards. On defense, Blake Martinez intercepted a pass from Cam Newton, while Dexter Lawrence registered a sack of Mac Jones.
View photos of the Giants traveling to Foxborough ahead of their preseason opener against the New England Patriots Thursday.
Daniel Jones (8)
Blake Martinez (54)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Casey Kreiter (58), Jamie Gillan (17)
Tyrod Taylor (2)
Ryder Anderson (90)
Tyrod Taylor (2)
Daniel Jones (8)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Julian Love (20)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Darrian Beavers (41)
Darrian Beavers (41)
Sandro Platzgummer (34), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Tyrod Taylor (2)
Quincy Roche (95)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Tae Crowder (48)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Tae Crowder (48)
Tyrod Taylor (2)
Davis Webb (12)
Jashaun Corbin (25)
Davis Webb (12)
Jeremiah Hall (27)
Evan Neal (73)
David Moa (96)
Jeremiah Hall (27)
Jordan Akins (88)
Roy Mbaeteka (61)
Roy Mbaeteka (61)
Chris Myarick (85)
Collin Johnson (15)
Jalyn Holmes (91)
Antonio Williams (21)
Collin Johnson (15)
Richie James (80)
Antonio Williams (21)
Collin Johnson (15)
Nick Williams (93)
INJURY REPORT
While there are no official injury reports in the preseason, coach Brian Daboll announced the following players will likely not suit up against the Patriots: S Dane Belton, LB Carter Coughlin, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, WR David Sills, CB Rodarius Williams, TE Andre Miller, OL Nick Gates, OL Marcus McKethan, LB Azeez Ojulari, OT Matt Peart, WR Sterling Shepard. Additionally, Daboll said there is a high probability that RB Matt Breida is out, while G Joshua Ezeudu is questionable.
KAFKA TO CALL PLAYS VS. PATRIOTS
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will call the offense's plays in Thursday's preseason opener, Coach Daboll said earlier this week. Kafka, the first-time coordinator, came to the Giants from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator the previous two seasons. The former quarterback learned under Chiefs head coach Andy Reid over the last five years and is excited to call plays for the first time Thursday.
"I look at it as an opportunity," Kafka told the media about the opportunity to call plays Thursday. "An opportunity not only for myself, but for the players. Everyone out there is, those guys are, you know, everyone on there is working hard to make the team and show what they can do and show that they can build themselves a role. So, I'm looking to go out and do my job to the best of my ability and put the guys in the best position to be successful and show what they can do."
Coach Daboll has yet to determine who will call plays in the regular season.
FIRST LOOK AT DJ IN NEW OFFENSE
The arrivals of Daboll and Kafka earlier this year brought a new offense to the Giants. The two coaches come from successful systems, with Daboll helping lead Buffalo to one of the NFL's top offenses over the last few years and Kafka doing the same in Kansas City. For Daniel Jones, the offense is the third new system he's had to learn in his four NFL seasons.
"I think Daniel's doing a phenomenal job," Kafka stated this week. "He's working. He's operating the offense. I like what he's doing as far as being a leader and trying to get these guys up and push the tempo of the offense. So, I like where Daniel's at."
We don't yet know how much Jones, or anyone else on the first team offense, will play in Thursday's game in Foxborough.
ROOKIES DEBUT
While a few players are likely to miss Thursday's contest, the game against the Patriots will serve as the NFL debut for most of the team's rookies. There are currently 24 rookies on the 90-man roster, many of whom are set to take the field at Gillette Stadium. Both S Dane Belton and OL Marcus McKethan will be sitting out the preseason opener, while G Joshua Ezeudu is questionable. But all other members of the Giants' 11-man 2022 draft class are likely to take the field in some fashion on Thursday, in addition to the undrafted rookies.
For first-round picks Kavyon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal, it will be the first time the two get to take the field and go full contact in the NFL, something the latter told reporters he can't wait for.
"I expect it to be fast, aggressive, up-tempo, and violent, just like any other football game would be," Neal said. "I'm excited for that."
Rare photos from the storied history between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) reacts after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the third quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
New York Giants Ron Johnson, center, is stopped for a 12-yard gain by Boston Patriots Mel Witt (71) in the first quarter at Harvard Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1970, Boston, Mass. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Boston Patriots quarterback Joe Kapp (11) is stopped by New York Giants Ken Parker (26), and Ralph Heck (55), as he tried to leap over Parker in first quarter at Harvard Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1970, Boston, Mass. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Charles Way (30) goes airborne after being tackled by New England Patriots Teddy Bruschi during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
New York Giants safety Curry Burns (29) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Bethel Johnson (81) during third quarter action of their pre-season game in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday night, Sept. 1, 2005. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) cuts through a hole in the line as he evades the grasp of New England Patriots corner back Randall Gay (21) during their pre-season game against in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday night, Sept. 1, 2005. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots number two quarterback Doug Flutie calls signals during the pre-season game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005. The Giants defeated the Patriots 27-3. (AP Photo/Robert E. Klein)
New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (82) goes head over heels after being tackled by New England Patriots Ty Law, left, second quarter at Gillette Stadium Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003 in Foxboro, Mass. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, in Foxboro, Mass. (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress pulls down a 52-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning against New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs III (27) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Amani Toomer on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is congratulated by Jared Lorenzen after throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Boss during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi (54) attempts to stop New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs as he scores on a 7-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Jacobs against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick., right, is congratulated by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan after the Patriots 38-35 victory over the Giants in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. The Patriots became the first team to go 16-0 in the regular season and the first since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to go through a full schedule without a loss. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Domenik Hixon points to fans after scoring on a 74-yard kick return against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (81), covered by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, misses a pass thrown in the end zone by quarterback Tom Brady during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) catches a 32 yard pass while in the clutches of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) and James Sanders (36) during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)
New England Patriots players and the New York Giants players take the field during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants fans celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, catches the game-winning touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots' Ellis Hobbs III during the final minute of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is doused by his player Madison Hedgecock after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy alongside Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, and Terry Bradshaw after the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, left, scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) runs for yardage as he is surrounded by New York Giants Antonio Pierce (58), Michael Johnson (43), and Gibril Wilson (28) during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree, front right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) dives on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Brady was sacked on the play. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) makes a 32-yard reception as New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) defends during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure and passes downfield against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) strips the football from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, admires the Vince Lombardi Trophy with broadcaster Terry Bradshaw after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) celebrates with quarterback Eli Manning after his 5-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after fumbling the ball in the second quarter against the New York Giants during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) celebrates his 5-yard touchdown catch with teammates, including Ahmad Bradshaw, left, during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to receiver David Tyree in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. At left is the Patriots' Mike Vrabel. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) jumps for the ball against New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs (27) and James Sanders during the first quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The pass fell incomplete. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to receiver David Tyree in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defenders Osi Umenyiora (72) and Justin Tuck (91) force New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) to fumble in the second quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants recovered he bal. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is alone as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Foxborough, Mass.. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Wes Welker is sandwiched by New York Giants' Kenny Phillips, right, and New York Giants' Spencer Paysinger during the second half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants prepare for the snap at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of New York's 24-20 win in a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, right, and wide receiver Mario Manningham celebrates a touchdown in front of New England Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington (24) during the fourth quarter of New York's 24-20 win in a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
The New England Patriots play against the New York Giants in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New York Giants' Eli Manning passes at the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NFL football game against New England Patriots' Andre Carter in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman flies through the air on a hit against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) catches and holds on to the winning touchdown against New England Patriots linebacker Tracy White, right, in the last minute of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots' Zoltan Mesko, left, kicks the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants' Devin Thomas, right, during the second half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants' Eli Manning reacts to a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) makes the reception in front of New England Patriots linebacker Tracy White (58) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. Ballard had a touchdown reception later on the drive, as the Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski fails to make the catch against New York Giants' Deon Grant during the second half of an NFL football in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley gets his hand on the wrist of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) to cause him to fumble in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants recovered the ball, setting up a subsequent touchdown. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ballard in the last minute of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 24-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, is congratulated by New England Patriots' Tom Brady after the Giants' 24-20 win in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is taken down by New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty (32)in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts after New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn intercepted Brady's pass intended for tight end Rob Gronkowski during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, hands the the Vince Lombardi Trophy over to New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
El quarterback Eli Manning (10) de los Giants de Nueva York festeja tras enviar un pase de touchdown durante la primera mitad del Super Bowl XLVI frente a los Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra, el domingo 5 de febrero de 2012, en Indianápolis. (Foto AP/David Duprey)
New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) intercepts a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) reacts after making a catch as New England Patriots middle linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) looks on during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz celebrates after catching a 2-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
FILE- In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after their 21-17 win against the new England Patrios in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. When Giants players look at the first-ever AP Pro32 rankings released by The Associated Press this week, they will have more ammunition for their inferiority complex. For those of you wondering why the NFL champions would feel that way, simply checking out the poll, which has the Giants third behind Green Bay and New England. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points out the defensive coverage against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores a first quarter touchdown during NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants dances the salsa during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012.(AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72), linebacker Michael Boley (59) and cornerback Corey Webster (23) take the field before playing the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants players including wide receiver Victor Cruz, left, and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrate their team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, MARCH 10-11 - FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass ahead of New England Patriots defensive back Sterling Moore, center, and safety Patrick Chung, left, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. A week after a record 21 players were given franchise tags, the NFL's free agency free-for-all begins. As the the No. 3 receiver in the Meadowlands behind Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manningham's contract situation is in a tenuous position despite his Super Bowl credentials. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) and kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants' 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie (51) celebrates after his team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts with defensive end Justin Tuck, right, after their team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy while celebrating his team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz holds the the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants' 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, turns away after greeting New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown as New England Patriots safety James Ihedigbo (44) defends during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts in the closing minutes of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) does a "ninja bow" after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
QB Daniel Jones (8)
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants line up for the snap at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants line up for the snap at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws a touchdown pass to Golden Tate in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) takes part a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Neal (73), Mark Glowinski (64)
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
Darrian Beavers (41)
WINK'S BLITZ-HEAVY DEFENSE
Perhaps the biggest addition the Giants made on defense this offseason was bringing on Wink Martindale as the unit's coordinator. Martindale spent the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens in the same position, where he led their defense to top 5 finishes in both points and yards allowed three times.
Through the first few weeks of training camp, numerous defensive players have expressed their excitement about playing in Martindale's blitz-heavy defense. The system allows many of them to line up in multiple spots along the defense, which in turn helps keep the opposing offense on its toes. With the preseason opener finally here, Martindale likes what he's seen from his unit during the first two weeks of camp.
"I'm excited, I'm happy with where we are at right now defensively," the defensive coordinator exclaimed. "I think personnel and Dabs have done a great job of gathering some smart, tough, and dependable players. We're going to be on the process of the next three preseason games finding out who's the smartest, who's the toughest and who's the most dependable – because all three of those factors are what we're going to build on. I like where we are at."
REVAMPED O-LINE
It was clear after his hire that one of general manager Joe Schoen's biggest priorities of the offseason was to improve the offensive line. The Giants signed G Mark Glowinski and OL Jon Feliciano in free agency and then spent first-, third-, and fifth-round picks on Evan Neal, Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan, respectively, to help bolster the O-line. The only returning player that saw significant time last season is left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is now the longest-tenured starting O-lineman.
While the unit has been working on growing its chemistry during training camp, Thursday's game is the first chance for them to go up against real competition from another team. Their position coach has a few specific things he would like to see out of the O-line in the preseason opener.
"I always want to see improvements in the use of the techniques," offensive line coach Bobby Johnson told reporters Tuesday. "But, more importantly, I want to see improvements in the communication and always ramping up high level effort. So, for me, I just want to see the guys communicate, and I want to see them give max effort. And that won't every change. I'll always want to see that stay at a high level from practice to practice, game to game, year to year, I always want that to be as high as it can possibly be."
YOUNG SECONDARY
Since the conclusion of the 2021 season, the Giants parted ways with several members of last year's secondary, most notably CB James Bradberry and S Logan Ryan. The moves have paved the way for some of the Giants' young defensive backs to earn more playing time and a spot in the starting lineup. On the team's first unofficial depth chart of the season, Aaron Robinson was listed as the second starting corner opposite Adoree' Jackson, while Julian Love joined Xavier McKinney as the starting safeties. Meanwhile, third-year corner Darnay Holmes was listed as the team's starting nickel corner.
Wink Martindale shared with the media that he has "loved" the way the first-team secondary has competed at the start of training camp. Now the defensive coordinator wants to see the unit build on its depth, a message their position coach reiterated Tuesday.
"I think that the whole group is really working," said defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson. "You know, the first group has stayed together most of camp and have played at a pretty high level. We got to get the second group and third group to play up to the standard that the first group is playing with. And that's our, their growth and my challenge is to get that second group because we're going to have guys in that second and third group that are going to play meaningful snaps for us. And, got to get those guys ready to go and playing at that same level so when they play it's no drop-off…
"I can't wait to see them Thursday night and see how they do when the lights are on. You have what you think they're going to do. And sometimes, guys get in, and they play better. Sometimes, quite frankly, guys get in, and they shrink. I hope that this group will get in and play better when you look at your second and third group."
SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS
We don't know yet which Patriots will be suiting up for the preseason opener, but let's take a quick look at some of New England's key players.
On offense, it starts with Mac Jones, who completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record, in his rookie campaign last year. Damien Harris (202 rushes for 929 yards and 15 TDs last year) returns as their top rusher, while Jakobi Meyers and newcomer DeVante Parker are likely to serve as the Pats' top two receivers.
On defense, Matt Judon led New England with 12.5 sacks in 2021, and is joined up front by veteran Lawrence Guy and second-year lineman Christian Barmore. The Patriots' secondary consists of several experienced vets, including safeties Adrian Phillips (four INT in 2021), Devin McCourty and Kyle Dugger.
