For the first time since New Year's Day, the Giants took the field at MetLife Stadium.
Coach Brian Daboll's squad hosted Frank Reich and the Carolina Panthers for the first preseason matchup between the two teams in more than a decade. Here are five things we learned:
1. Balanced win vs. Panthers
The Giants put together a balanced victory over Carolina on Friday night. With the exception of running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants played most of their starters, and they did not disappoint. The offense stormed down the field and got into the end zone in under five minutes, which was the first of three offensive touchdowns in the first half.
Giants quarterbacks Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito completed 26 of 33 pass attempts (78.8 percent) for 230 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions with an additional 29 yards on the ground. The three quarterbacks finished the night with a total passer rating of 118.1.
Not to be outdone, the defense was also strong in the first half. Aside from one drive that resulted in a field goal, the Giants held the Panthers to a total of 19 yards. While Carolina had a little more success in the second half, the Giants still held the Panthers to just 230 total yards on the night.
No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young was on the field for two offensive series. The rookie finished his night with 35 yards on 50 percent passing and a 68.1 passer rating. Young and the two other Panthers quarterbacks, Matt Corral and Jake Luton, threw for a total of 134 yards and one touchdown while completing 14 for 26 pass attempts (53.8 percent). Meanwhile, Carolina rushed the ball 28 times but for 101 yards, good for an average yards per carry of 3.6.
View photos from the home preseason opener between the Giants and Panthers at MetLife Stadium.
RB Eric Gray (20)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, TE Darren Waller (12)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18), TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
T Julién Davenport (71)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
S Dane Belton (24)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator
Brian Daboll Head Coach
OLB Jihad Ward (55)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54), DT Kobe Smith (72)
TE Chris Myarick (85)
S Bobby McCain (21)
G Shane Lemieux (66)
TE Chris Myarick (85)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
TE Chris Myarick (85)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
TE Chris Myarick (85)
T Korey Cunningham (70)
G Shane Lemieux (66)
G Jack Anderson (77), G Shane Lemieux (66)
QB Tommy DeVito (5), Sean Harlow, T Matt Peart (74)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
QB Tommy DeVito (5), Sean Harlow, T Matt Peart (74)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
S Alex Cook (23)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
DT Brandin Bryant (69)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Dane Belton (24)
OLB Tomon Fox (49), OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
OLB Tomon Fox (49), OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Amani Oruwariye (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
DT Jordon Riley (95), S Dane Belton (24)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
S Gervarrius Owens (31)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
S Gervarrius Owens (31)
OLB Tomon Fox (49)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
G Mark Glowinski (64), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Rodarius Williams (25)
S Dane Belton (24)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
S Dane Belton (24)
DT Kobe Smith (72)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
K Graham Gano (9)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18), TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18), TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18), TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18), TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
RB Eric Gray (20), T Matt Peart (74)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
G Ben Bredeson (68)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), QB Tyrod Taylor (2), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), S Xavier McKinney (29)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), S Xavier McKinney (29)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), S Xavier McKinney (29), S Jason Pinnock (27)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
S Jason Pinnock (27), LB Bobby Okereke (58)
S Jason Pinnock (27), LB Bobby Okereke (58)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
K Graham Gano (9)
K Graham Gano (9)
K Graham Gano (9)
K Graham Gano (9), P Jamie Gillan (6)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, TE Darren Waller (12)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, TE Darren Waller (12)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
G Mark Glowinski (64), QB Daniel Jones (8), TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
T Evan Neal (73)
G Mark Glowinski (64), QB Daniel Jones (8), TE Darren Waller (12)
T Evan Neal (73)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
TE Darren Waller (12)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
TE Darren Waller (12)
ILB Carter Coughlin (52)
TE Darren Waller (12)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
T Evan Neal (73), RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
New York Giants' Parris Campbell runs the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants running back Jashaun Corbin runs with the ball during an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones gestures at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones stands at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor passes the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt carries the ball during an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) attempts to avoid a tackle by Carolina Panthers cornerback Keith Taylor Jr. (28) during an NFL pre-season football game on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
New York Giants wide receiver Darren Waller (12) is tackled by Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) during an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Carolina Panthers' Adam Thielen, left, and New York Giants' Isaiah Hodgins talks after an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, left, greets New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones after an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton (81) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Brandon Smith (40) during an NFL pre-season football game on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, left, greets New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones after an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) cheers on the crowd during an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell, center, is tackled by Carolina Panthers safety Vonn Bell, left, and linebacker Shaq Thompson, right, during an NFL pre-season football game on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
New York Giants' Darren Waller, left, talks with Parris Campbell, right, and Daniel Jones (8) on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley watches the game from the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito looks to throw during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants' Darnay Holmes during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Eric Gray (20), second from left, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
QB Daniel Jones (8), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
TE Darren Waller (12), RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), S Xavier McKinney (29)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), S Xavier McKinney (29)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
TE Darren Waller (12)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Eric Gray (20)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
New York Giants' John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), center, prepares to snap the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard runs a route during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), right, gestures during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Daniel Bellinger scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Jalin Hyatt catches a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Parris Campbell, left, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
TE Darren Waller (12)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
OLB Tomon Fox (49)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
S Alex Cook (23)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
S Alex Cook (23)
CB Gemon Green (34)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
T Evan Neal (73)
CB Gemon Green (34)
G Mark Glowinski (64)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
OLB Jihad Ward (55)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
CB Amani Oruwariye (20), S Jason Pinnock (27)
OLB Tomon Fox (49)
CB Amani Oruwariye (20), S Jason Pinnock (27)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
S Gervarrius Owens (31), CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Gary Brightwell (23)
RB Gary Brightwell (23)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
TE Darren Waller (12)
RB James Robinson (24)
RB James Robinson (24)
T Matt Peart (74)
OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
LS Cameron Lyons (48)
K Graham Gano (9), LS Casey Kreiter (59)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
RB Matt Breida (31)
RB Matt Breida (31)
CB Zyon Gilbert (38)
T Korey Cunningham (70)
T Korey Cunningham (70)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
RB Jashaun Corbin (25)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
ILB Carter Coughlin (52)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
ILB Carter Coughlin (52)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
Sean Harlow
TE Chris Myarick (85)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
DT Kobe Smith (72)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR David Sills V (13)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
WR David Sills V (13)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
DL D.J. Davidson (98)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
CB Darren Evans (35)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
S Bobby McCain (21)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
S Bobby McCain (21)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
S Dane Belton (24)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
2. DJ sharp in first preseason action
Daniel Jones saw his first preseason action of the season on Friday and picked up where he left off at the end of the 2022 campaign. The fifth-year quarterback completed eight of nine passes for 69 yards and a touchdown while adding a six-yard rush.
"I thought we did some good things," the quarterback said after the game. "I thought we executed pretty well. A couple plays, could sharpen up a few things there, we'll look to do that. But overall, I thought we executed well."
"It's like there's nothing really different from a practice to a game – like he has to get more hype or more intense, it's like he's just himself and confident in what he brings to the table and his performance is consistent as well and that's why we love him," tight end Darren Waller said about his quarterback.
Jones led the offense on a 10-play, 75-yard drive to open the game that took just under five minutes off the clock. The drive was capped by Jones fooling the defense with a great play-fake, which led to tight end Daniel Bellinger being left open for a four-yard touchdown. The one drive was all the coaching staff needed to see, as Jones watched the remainder of the game from the sideline.
"I think it helps our confidence," Jones said about the opening touchdown drive. "I think, overall, we've been pretty confident in what we can do and our level of execution and yeah, it certainly helps that. But like I said, there's things we can sharpen up and clean up and we'll look to do that, for sure."
3. Waller, pass-catchers shine
Friday's outing against the Panthers was the first game action for the Giants' biggest offseason addition on offense - Darren Waller. After Jones and Waller had worked on developing their chemistry throughout training camp, the quarterback looked to his new tight end early and often on the opening drive. Waller was targeted four times on the first 10 plays, with the two connecting for three receptions for 30 yards.
"He's a big target," Jones said about the tight end. "He runs good routes, creates separation, he's an easy guy to find. So, yeah, he's a talented player, smart guy, understands defense, understands where we're trying to use him and how to get open... He's extremely versatile. I think that is something that's impressed me. He's got the vertical speed to run past people, but he's also got good feel and understanding of the underneath stuff also."
"They work at it," Daboll said about the connection between Jones and Waller. "They work at it, they work hard at it, probably got a long way to go still with it, but the offseason stuff, OTA's, we give them a lot of reps together. In the passing game, that's really what it's about as much chemistry as you can get. Still a way to go with it."
Outside of Waller, both Jones and Tyrod Taylor spread the ball around to other pass-catchers. Isaiah Hodgins caught two passes for a team-high 45 yards, with both resulting in first downs, and Parris Campbell brought in three passes for 23 yards. Sterling Shepard, the longest-tenured player on the roster, caught one pass for six yards in his first game back since he tore his ACL against the Cowboys in Week 3 last year.
"He's worked really hard to get back and yeah, he's been a big-time player for us these past few years when he's been healthy," Jones said about the veteran receiver. "He's worked hard to get back and made a lot of plays in practice and then looked good tonight, too. So, it's extremely impressive."
Thirteen different players registered at least one reception, and 15 total were targeted.
4. Defense steps up
The Giants defense saw several different players step up in a big way against Carolina. While Darren Waller had a good game on offense, the team's biggest offseason addition on the other side of the ball also stood out. Linebacker Bobby Okereke was signed in free agency to help anchor the middle of the Giants defense, which is exactly what he did on Friday. The veteran linebacker played the first two defensive series and racked up a team-high seven tackles (four solo).
Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was constantly in the face of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. Thibodeaux got a pressure on Young to start one drive, forcing the rookie to throw the ball away before picking up a sack a couple of plays later.
Safety Dane Belton picked up two tackles for loss, while outside linebacker Tomon Fox recorded the team's other sack. Inside linebacker Carter Coughlin broke up two passes while safety Jason Pinnock added another.
5. Rookies play well in MetLife Stadium debut
The Giants' rookies put together a strong overall performance in their MetLife Stadium debut. Let's start with wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who continued his encouraging summer by getting behind the defense for a 33-yard touchdown from Tyrod Taylor. Hyatt finished with four receptions.
"We ran him on a bunch of short routes, we got him on that big route and we're just trying to help him be a better receiver," Daboll said about the rookie receiver. "So, you know, we ask him to do quite a bit of stuff. He runs a variety of routes: short, intermediate, deep. But again, he's a young player like the other rookies we have that we just try to bring them along and try to put them in good positions."
On the play before the touchdown, Hyatt dropped the pass. But that didn't stop the coaching staff from going right back to the rookie on the very next play.
"I like when he had that drop and (offensive coordinator Mike) Kafka dialed it up the very next play where we thought the ball would go," said Daboll. "So, good next-play mentality, positive approach. Again, much like all the other rookies, we're still chopping the wood here."
The third-round pick wasn't the only rookie to score his first touchdown. Running back Eric Gray, the team's fifth-round selection, bulldozed over two Panthers defenders to get into the end zone on a nine-yard run at the end of the first half to extend the lead to 21-3.
Cornerbacks Deonte Banks (first round) and Tre Hawkins III (sixth round) have both been running with the first-team defense in practice recently, so it was not shocking to see the two of them start Friday night. However, it was a little unexpected to see defensive lineman Jordon Riley out there on the first defensive play of the game. The seventh-round pick picked up a key stop on a fourth and one, stuffing the running back at the line of scrimmage to force a turnover on downs.
"I saw him break through the one line, but he played about 40 snaps, somewhere around there, a little bit more last week," Daboll said about Riley. "He's played a lot of football here in two games, and he needs it."
Safety Gervarrius Owens (seventh round) finished tied for the team-lead with seven tackles (four solo) while also breaking up a pass. Wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton had two receptions for 24 yards in addition to solid coverage on special teams. Finally, quarterback Tommy DeVito completed nine of 11 passes for 88 yards.
Giants.com highlights some standouts from the team's preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
QB Daniel Jones completed 8 of 9 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, along with a six-yard run, on the opening drive before coming out of the game. He finished with a 135.6 passer rating.
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux picked up a sack and an additional pressure of Panthers QB Bryce Young.
TE Darren Waller played the opening drive and pulled in three receptions for 30 yards.
WR Jalin Hyatt caught four receptions for 35 yards, including a deep touchdown catch from Tyrod Taylor.
LB Bobby Okereke only played two defensive series but still recorded a team-high seven tackles (four solo).
WR Isaiah Hodgins had two receptions, both of which went for first downs, and finished with a team-high 45 yards.
QB Tyrod Taylor went 9 for 13 for 90 yards and a touchdown, adding an additional 21 yards on just three carries.
DT Jordon Riley had three tackles (two solo) and one tackle for loss in his MetLife Stadium debut.
RB Eric Gray scored on a nine-yard touchdown run in which he bulldozed through the Carolina defense to get into the end zone.
TE Daniel Bellinger caught just one pass for four yards but made it count as he got into the end zone for a touchdown.
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