AT A GLANCE
Following two joint practices earlier in the week, it was time for the Giants and Lions to go full-contact on Friday at Ford Field.
Despite two interceptions from the safety position and a touchdown by a pair of former New Jersey high school teammates, the Giants fell to the Lions, 21-16.
Both sides rested most of their veteran starters for the preseason opener, so it was an opportunity for rookies to make their NFL debuts. For others, it was a chance to make their cases as the NFL nears the Aug. 29 deadline for clubs to reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players.
UP NEXT
The Giants return to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, where they will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before a visit from the Carolina Panthers on Friday (7 p.m. ET kickoff) at MetLife Stadium.
View photos from the Giants' preseason opener against the Lions in Detroit.
TE Tommy Sweeney (89)
ILB Micah McFadden (41), S Jason Pinnock (27), DT Brandin Bryant (69), OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
S Jason Pinnock (27), ILB Micah McFadden (41)
RB James Robinson (24)
T Korey Cunningham (70), TE Tommy Sweeney (89), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
CB Rodarius Williams (25)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
ILB Micah McFadden (41), S Dane Belton (24)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
RB James Robinson (24)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
OLB Tomon Fox (49)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
LS Casey Kreiter (59), CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
CB Rodarius Williams (25), OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
CB Rodarius Williams (25)
K Graham Gano (9)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
S Alex Cook (23)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
ILB Micah McFadden (41), S Jason Pinnock (27), DT Brandin Bryant (69), OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
K Graham Gano (9)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
K Graham Gano (9)
S Dane Belton (24)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
ILB Carter Coughlin (52)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Darren Evans (35)
S Dane Belton (24)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
ILB Cam Brown (47)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37), S Dane Belton (24)
G Ben Bredeson (68), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
G Ben Bredeson (68), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75), QB Tommy DeVito (5)
T Korey Cunningham (70), G Ben Bredeson (68), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75), QB Tommy DeVito (5),
T Korey Cunningham (70), G Ben Bredeson (68), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75), QB Tommy DeVito (5),
WR Cole Beasley (9)
RB James Robinson (24)
G Ben Bredeson (68)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
S Bobby McCain (21)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
RB James Robinson (24), T Korey Cunningham (70)
S Bobby McCain (21)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53), ILB Micah McFadden (41), TE OLB Tomon Fox (49)
CB Gemon Green (34), CB Zyon Gilbert (38)
CB Gemon Green (34), CB Zyon Gilbert (38)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
OLB Oshane Ximines (53), ILB Micah McFadden (41)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
T Korey Cunningham (70)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
CB Rodarius Williams (25)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
S Dane Belton (24), CB Deonte Banks (36), ILB Micah McFadden (41)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
ILB Micah McFadden (41), S Dane Belton (24)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Dane Belton (24), CB Deonte Banks (36), ILB Micah McFadden (41)
T Korey Cunningham (70), RB Jashaun Corbin (25), TE Tommy Sweeney (89)
ILB Micah McFadden (41), S Dane Belton (24)
T Korey Cunningham (70), RB Jashaun Corbin (25), TE Tommy Sweeney (89)
S Dane Belton (24)
K Graham Gano (9)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
K Graham Gano (9)
RB Eric Gray (20)
G Wyatt Davis (67), G Jack Anderson (77), QB Tommy DeVito (5), G Shane Lemieux (66)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR David Sills V (13)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
WR David Sills V (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
S Alex Cook (23)
DT Kobe Smith (72)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94), S Gervarrius Owens (31)
S Alex Cook (23)
ILB Troy Brown (46)
S Gervarrius Owens (31)
ILB Troy Brown (46), S Gervarrius Owens (31), DT Jordon Riley (95), DT Kobe Smith (72)
WR David Sills V (13)
DT Kobe Smith (72)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94), S Gervarrius Owens (31)
OLB Tomon Fox (49)
Sean Harlow (65), QB Tommy DeVito (5), G Shane Lemieux (66)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
T Korey Cunningham (70)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
S Alex Cook (23)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
T Korey Cunningham (70)
S Gervarrius Owens (31)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94)
CB Zyon Gilbert (38), S Alex Cook (23)
CB Amani Oruwariye (20)
CB Zyon Gilbert (38)
CB Zyon Gilbert (38), S Alex Cook (23)
CB Zyon Gilbert (38)
CB Darren Evans (35)
CB Amani Oruwariye (20)
CB Zyon Gilbert (38)
G Jack Anderson (77)
WR David Sills V (13)
G Wyatt Davis (67)
WR David Sills V (13)
G Jack Anderson (77)
G Wyatt Davis (67)
TE Ryan Jones (49)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
G Wyatt Davis (67), Sean Harlow
K Graham Gano (9)
K Graham Gano (9)
TE Ryan Jones (49)
CB Darren Evans (35)
TE Ryan Jones (49)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
WR David Sills V (13)
S Alex Cook (23)
G Jack Anderson (77)
S Alex Cook (23)
OLB Tashawn Bower (94), OLB Habakkuk Baldonado (45)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor throws during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (27) tackles Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants place-kicker Graham Gano (9) greets teammates after his field goal during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll looks towards New York Giants wide receiver Cole Beasley during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Cole Beasley runs during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) stiff arms Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is tackled by the New York Giants defense during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Cole Beasley (9) is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (84) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) looks to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (36) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (36) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) kicks off against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) rushes during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas, top, and cornerback Saivion Smith take down New York Giants wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito passes the ball during pregame of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants tight end Tommy Sweeney, defended by Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42), catches a 14-yard pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) passes during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) passes during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) defends as New York Giants wide receiver Cole Beasley waits on the throw during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) break up a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Dylan Drummond (83) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor scrambles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano kicks a 48-yard field goal during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
S Xavier McKinney, DL Dexter Lawrence, CB Adoree' Jackson
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches
DB Nick McCloud
OT Evan Neal
DL Dexter Lawrence
OT Andrew Thomas
S Xavier Mckinney, DL Dexter Lawrence, CB Adoree Jackson
DB Alex Cook
DT Kobe Smith
ILB Micah McFadden
S Bobby McCain
LS Cameron Lyons
Head Coach Brian Daboll
WR Cole Beasley
OT Korey Cunningham
DB Alex Cook
CB Deonte Banks
CB Rodarius Williams
TE Daniel Bellinger
QB Tyrod Taylor
RB Matt Breida
DT Kobe Smith
RB Jashaun Corbin
DT Kobe Smith
FB Chris Myarick
RB Eric Gray
G Ben Bredeson
OT Tyre Phillips
QB Tyrod Taylor
G Shane Lemieux
OL John Michael Schmitz Jr.
WR Jaydon Mickens
WR Cole Beasley
QB Tyrod Taylor
G Ben Bredeson
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
RB Eric Gray
RB Eric Gray
OT Matt Peart
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Jalin Hyatt
ILB Carter Coughlin
WR Jalin Hyatt
ILB Carter Coughlin
DL Leonard Williams
DL Leonard Williams
QB Tyrod Taylor
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
🔵 Starting offense for the Giants:
- LT Korey Cunningham
- LG Joshua Ezeudu
- C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (rookie)
- RG Ben Bredeson
- RT Matt Peart
- QB Tyrod Taylor
- RB Matt Breida
- WR Isaiah Hodgins
- WR Cole Beasley
- WR Jalin Hyatt (rookie)
- TE Daniel Bellinger
🔵 With Daniel Jones getting the night off, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor started the game and played two drives, both of which began with advantageous field position thanks to the defense and ended in field goals.
🔵 Then it was The Tommy DeVito Show.
The undrafted rookie, who began his college career at Syracuse before transferring to Illinois last season, completed 15 of 24 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown with an interception on a last-ditch effort at the end of the game. He was sacked five times in the game.
🔵 On the receiving end of the 14-yard score was tight end and DeVito's former Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) teammate Tommy Sweeney.
🔵 Thirteen-year veteran Cole Beasley mixed it up with the young receivers, hauling in all four of his targets for 33 yards, including a long of 18 yards. Right behind him was another veteran, Jamison Crowder, who had 32 yards on two receptions, including a long of 17 yards. David Sills V led the team with 36 yards on two catches.
🔵 Running back Jashaun Corbin had a game-high 40 rushing yards, 33 of which came on one carry.
🔵 Running back Gary Brightwell and offensive lineman Devery Hamilton were injured in Tuesday's practice and held out on Wednesday. "I just think it might not be a day-to-day thing, it might be maybe a week," coach Brian Daboll said earlier in the week. "Nothing long term."
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
🔵 Starting defense for the Giants:
- NT Jordon Riley (rookie)
- DT Brandin Bryant
- DE Tashawn Bower
- LB Oshane Ximines
- LB Carter Coughlin
- LB Micah McFadden
- CB Tre Hawkins III (rookie)
- NICKEL Darnay Holmes
- S Jason Pinnock
- S Dane Belton
- CB Deonte Banks (rookie)
🔵 The Giants opened the offseason with a competition to start next to Xavier McKinney at safety, and when the first unofficial depth chart was released this week, it was Jason Pinnock's name with the first team. He did nothing but solidify his role on Friday night, intercepting Detroit's Nate Sudfeld on the first play of the game.
The second drive was just as spectacular as Pinnock tackled rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the 12th overall draft pick out of Alabama, for a loss of three yards. Pinnock then forced an incompletion on a fourth-down attempt by the Lions.
🔵 Right behind Pinnock on the depth chart is Dane Belton, who had an interception in two of his five starts (15 games played) last season as a rookie fourth-round pick. Belton once again proved he can be a key contributor and intercepted Sudfeld late in the first half. He returned it 42 yards deep into Lions territory, leading to a touchdown on the very next play of the ensuing possession.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
🔵 Aging like a fine Mano’s Wine inside a hand-painted, Giants-themed bottle, Graham Gano made all three of his field goal attempts from 48, 47, and 42 yards.
🔵 Before leaving with an abdominal injury, cornerback Cor'Dale Flott made a nice play on punt coverage, tackling Maurice Alexander for a minimal gain at the Lions 10-yard line.
🔵 That was the good. Now for the bad. Alexander led off the second half with a 95-yard punt return touchdown.
IN-GAME INJURY REPORT
🔵 WR Collin Johnson (knee)
🔵 CB Cor'Dale Flott (abdominal)
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