After nearly eight months of waiting, the regular season is finally here.
The Giants open the 2022 season on the road as they will travel to Nashville, Tennessee to take on the Titans on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. Head Coach Brian Daboll met with the media prior to practice, while quarterback Daniel Jones, CB Adoree' Jackson and OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux spoke in the locker room afterward.
Here are five things we learned:
1. New offense 'very QB friendly'
Coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka were brought in from Buffalo and Kansas City, respectively, to provide a boost to an offense that finished near the bottom of the league in points and yards last season. Although Sunday's Week 1 matchup will provide the first real opportunity for the unit to put the changes they underwent on full display, Daniel Jones can already feel the differences from last season and is enjoying his time with in the system.
"I think it's a versatile system," Jones said. "I think it allows the quarterback to do a lot in the pocket, outside the pocket, in the run game. It allows us to get into advantageous looks depending on what the defense does, easily getting in and out of plays. I think from all those perspectives, it's very quarterback friendly for any quarterback. I've certainly enjoyed working with (Coach Daboll)…
"He's just always thinking, he's always thinking about a new way to run this play or a new way to motion something or shift something or set it up – and that's constant with him. It's in the cafeteria, it's through the hallways, obviously in meeting rooms. He's always thinking, coming up with new ideas. That's been fun, you learn a lot that way as I am learning the system, but also the way he thinks about football, how he sees offense and setting us up to be successful. It's been fun working with him."
The team went 2-1 in the preseason and averaged 25.0 points per game; and the offense already showed some early signs of big improvements. It finished the preseason ranked first in the NFL in total yards (382.7) and passing yards (279.0) per game. It also finished at the top of the NFC in passing attempts (143), completion percentage (71.3 percent) and fewest sacks allowed (three).
2. Jackson ready to face old team as No. 1 CB
Adoree' Jackson is facing a new challenge this year as he enters the regular season as the Giants' top corner and most experienced player in the DB room. Now entering his sixth season in the NFL, the veteran corner told the media he's been through a lot of adversity to get to the position he is now in.
"I feel like I had the most fun that I've had in a while," Jackson said about training camp. "Just going back and playing football like I was playing Pop Warner. I will say it made me feel like a kid again being out there playing, running around with the guys. Just doing what I love to do...
"I think it has more to do with just me being through what I've been through, understanding myself, overcoming some things and just honing back into myself and learning about myself over these past couple of years, going through life. I think that's what I give credit to."
Jackson was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) and spent his first four seasons with the Titans prior to joining the Giants. He played 46 games with 41 starts and registered two interceptions, 33 passes defensed and three forced fumbles. While he's grateful to the Titans for selecting him five years ago, Jackson is glad he ended up with the Giants.
"It's going to be cool," said the 26-year-old corner. "I get to see a couple of my guys. (Safety) Kevin Byard, (Safety) Amani Hooker, (Running Back) Derrick Henry, and (Wide Receiver) Robert Woods. That's what I'm most excited about, seeing some familiar faces. A couple of the coaches that I know, built some relationships with. It's just going to be fun seeing them, chopping it up with them. Probably get a jersey after the game or two so that's going to be nice...
"That's the organization that drafted me, so I'm forever thankful and grateful for the opportunity that they gave me. At the end of the day, it just didn't pan out the way they wanted, and I wanted. That's how life goes. God gives you second chances to open another door when one closes and I'm here and I'm appreciative."
3. Prepping for Derrick Henry
Titans running back Derrick Henry has been perhaps the best running back in the NFL over the last few seasons. He rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns, with an average of 5.1 yards per carry, in 2019. The following year, he put up a jaw-dropping 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, with averages of 5.4 yards per carry and 126.7 yards per game, on his way to being named Offensive Player of the Year.
A foot injury derailed Henry's 2021 campaign, but not before he picked up 937 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games. Coach Brian Daboll knows that slowing down the talented, bruising running back will be one of the biggest priorities for the defense.
"It's well documented what he's done so far. He's just a really good football player," the head coach told the media Tuesday. "I know him as a person, too. I met him down a few times in Alabama. Got a ton of respect for him as a man and certainly as a player. He's one heck of a player. You name it, he can do it…
"We're going to have to have all hands-on deck and do the best job we can of running to the football and gang tackling, and you even see him on plays, he might have three or four guys on him, and somehow, he squirts through. He's just a unique player. He's very, very good."
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Archie Manning of the Houston Oilers loses the ball as he is sacked by George Martin of the New York Giants in the final minutes of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 5, 1982.
Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon is sacked for a five yard loss by New York Giants Leonard Marshall, left, and Corey Miller in the second quarter at Giants Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) takes a snap during the NFL football game against the Houston Oilers on Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram (82) runs upfield during a 20 to 24 Houston Oilers loss to the New York Giants on December 21, 1991 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass as he is defended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Dainon Sidney (37) in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Toomer gained 40 yards on the play. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Keith Hamilton #75 of the New York Giants fights off a block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jesse Armstead #98 of the New York Giants pursues on a play against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is hit by Tennessee Titans safety Perry Phenix (35) after Barber caught a pass for a 6-yard gain in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. At left is line judge Mike Spanier. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) is dropped for a 4-yard loss as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Also defending for the Giants are Cedric Jones (94) and Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) looks for running room as New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short (53) and defensive tackle Lance Legree (70) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. George gained 64 yards on 20 attempts and scored a touchdown as the Titans beat the Giants 32-29 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and looks to fend off cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) of the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants play against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) talks with teammate Kenny Phillips (21)during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) tries to block a field goal attempt by the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running backs Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrate Ahmad Bradshaws (44) 2nd quarter touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) points out the coverage against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Tennessee Titans, left, line up against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) tries to get through Tennessee Titans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, left, reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks a tackle from Tennessee Titans' Jamie Winborn (52), below, as Titans' Jason McCourty (30) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) evades a tackle by Tennessee Titans' Michael Griffin (33) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shakes hands with Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher after a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Titans' Jake Scott (73) looks on at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) gives a pass rush against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the football during a Week 14 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, December 7, 2014. The Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) tries to get past Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) during a week 14 football game against the on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) rushes in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps past Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) gets past Tennessee Titans defensive back Marqueston Huff (28) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) passes as he is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass ahead of Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans nose tackle Sammie Lee Hill (94) rushes in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) for a 10-yard loss in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jameel McClain (53) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) intercepts a pass during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is dragged down by Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) is sacked by New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Mettenberger was injured on the play and left the game. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is brought down by Tennessee Titans safety Lamont Thompson, center, and linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Brandon Harris (32) pushes New York Giants wide receiver Preston Parker (83) out of bounds in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) protects the ball from Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope (24) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants free safety Quintin Demps (35) intercepts a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker, left, in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
4. First unofficial depth chart of regular season released
The Giants released their first unofficial depth chart of the regular season, with a few changes in the starting lineup from the last depth chart announced ahead of the preseason finale. Ben Bredeson is listed as the starting left guard after Shane Lemieux was placed on injured reserve. Lemieux will miss at least the first four games of the season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the only differences are at the linebacker position. Tae Crowder was moved from the WILL position to MLB, replacing Blake Martinez who was released last week. And Austin Calitro was placed into the starting lineup at the WILL position.
Special teams saw a couple of changes, as well. WR Richie James is penciled in as the starting punt returner, while RB Gary Brightwell is in as the starting kick returner. They replace WR C.J. Board, who was previously listed as the starter at both positions before he was released from the practice squad Tuesday morning.
As a reminder, the unofficial depth chart is always subject to change. It simply serves as a guide, more so for the media than the coaches.
5. Injury updates
The status of outside linebackers Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) and Azeez Ojulari (leg) was a key topic at the media session. Daboll didn't have an update regarding their availability for the game, but said both would participate in individual drills on Tuesday.
"We'll see. We'll just keep rehabbing them."
"I've been rehabbing. It's day to day right now," Thibodeaux added. "I've just been working, trying to get better to get back in shape and get it going... I've just got to be able to practice. If you don't practice, you don't play. Me just being able to get out there, get some work and do everything that I need to do the time I need to get my job done."
Despite having Bredeson and Calitro listed as the starters on the unofficial Week 1 depth chart, Daboll was not ready to name them as starters against the Titans.
"I have an idea (of who they will be), but we're going to go out here and practice and let a few guys here compete at it. And by game time, we should be ready to go," Daboll explained.
