The Giants.com crew breaks down the first preseason game against the New York Jets.
John Schmeelk: It is easy to draw a simple conclusion: Joe Judge was using this game as an evaluation tool. He said as much in his opening statement in his postgame press conference:
"Well, look, obviously we didn't do enough tonight to win the game," Judge said. "The objective tonight mainly was to evaluate our players. There were a lot of things we saw out there tonight that were positive on an individual basis."
It seemed like the coaching staff prioritized seeing certain players not just for a certain number of snaps but in certain roles. Ostensibly, if a player could succeed in that role for an extended workload, it would give them a better chance to either make the team or have a larger role.
Cam Brown didn't play any defensive snaps but played 13 special teams snaps, including a few chances to be a gunner in punt coverage. Rodarius Williams didn't play any special teams spare three snaps on field goal/extra point block, but he played 61 defensive snaps, including 28 snaps either in the slot or playing in the box. David Sills took 33 snaps at wide receiver but didn't play any special teams in the game. Carter Coughlin received 21 snaps at inside linebacker with another four on the defensive line.
With no fourth preseason game, this game served as a way for Joe Judge and his coaching staff to see players in different roles that they think will be important in determining whether they are on the final roster and how they can contribute when they are on the field. As the preseason continues they can then use those players in other places to see how well they operate in other roles.
Check out the best photos from the Giants' preseason opener against the New York Jets.
David Sills V (84)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Damion Willis (87), Alex Bachman (15)
Daniel Jones (8), Zach Wilson (2)
New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder (48) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Matt Peart (74), Will Hernandez (71)
C.J. Board (18)
Mike Glennon (2)
Madre Harper (45)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Mike Glennon (2)
Devontae Booker (28), Mike Glennon (2)
Julian Love (20), Reggie Ragland (55), Tae Crowder (48), B.J. Hill (95), Danny Shelton (75)
Julian Love (20)
Willie Henry Jr (90)
Madre Harper (45)
Madre Harper (45)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Niko Lalos (57)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Rysen John (44)
Cam Brown (47)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Rysen John (44)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Clayton Thorson (17)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)
Quincy Wilson (28)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Clayton Thorson (17), Alfred Morris (41)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
Carter Coughlin (49), Cullen Gillaspia (36), Trent Harris (93)
Rodarius Williams (25), Chris Johnson (43)
Rodarius Williams (25), Chris Johnson (43)
Joshua Kalu (39)
TJ Brunson (35), Cam Brown (47)
David Sills V (84)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
C.J. Board (18)
Niko Lalos (57)
Andrew Thomas (78), Corey Clement (30)
Austin Johnson (98)
Dante Pettis (13)
Corey Clement (30)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)
Madre Harper (45)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30), Julian Love (20),
Niko Lalos (57)
Kaden Smith (82)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Damion Willis (87), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Damion Willis (87), David Sills V (84)
Damion Willis (87), Jake Burton (70)
Damion Willis (87)
Damion Willis (87), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Damion Willis (87), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Damion Willis (87)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Damion Willis (87)
Damion Willis (87)
Damion Willis (87)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Riley Dixon (9)
David Sills V (84)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Riley Dixon (9)
David Sills V (84)
Clayton Thorson (17), Corey Clement (30)
Corey Clement (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Reggie Ragland (55), Isaac Yiadom (27)
during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Quincy Wilson (28) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Clayton Thorson (17) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) returns a fumble during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Rysen John (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) returns a fumble during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer (34) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Rysen John (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer (34) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer (34) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer (34) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Rysen John (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Clayton Thorson (17) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker TJ Brunson (35) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer (34) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Clayton Thorson (17) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Chad Slade (62) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Carter Coughlin (49) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Niko Lalos (57) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) talks with New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Niko Lalos (57) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) watches from the sideline during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Damion Willis (87) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Trent Harris (93) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Clayton Thorson (17) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Damion Willis (87) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Niko Lalos (57) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver David Sills V (84) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Jackson Barton (72) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge talks with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh following a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle David Moa (96) and linebacker Carter Coughlin (49) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Damion Willis (87) celebrates a touchdown catch with New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer (34) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle David Moa (96) attempts to block a field goal during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Carter Coughlin (49) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle David Moa (96) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Damion Willis (87) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Elerson Smith (58) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Damion Willis (87) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the New York Jets during a preseason game on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants long snapper Carson Tinker (46) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants fullback Cullen Gillaspia (36) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants long snapper Carson Tinker (46) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (44) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Trent Harris (93) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Trent Harris (93) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Clayton Thorson (17) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Niko Lalos (57) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Dante Pettis (13) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Clayton Thorson (17) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Devante Downs (52) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants center Brett Heggie (61) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
A look down the line off scrimmage during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Corey Clement (30) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Corey Clement (30) takes a hand off during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Corey Clement (30) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Danny Shelton (75) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) tackles New York Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder (82) during a preseason game on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Matt Cole (83) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2)during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder (48) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Ragland (55) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) drops back to pass during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) during a preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday August 14th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Joshua Kalu (39), David Sills V (84)
Jake Burton (70), Kaden Smith (82)
Julian Love (20), Shane Lemieux (66)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Logan Ryan (23), Madre Harper (45), Isaac Yiadom (27)
Kenny Wiggins (79), Carson Tinker (46)
Logan Ryan (23), Madre Harper (45), Isaac Yiadom (27)
B.J. Hill (95), Tae Crowder (48)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Daniel Jones (8), Sterling Shepard (3)
Ryan Santoso (2)
Alex Bachman (15), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
C.J. Board (18), Jabrill Peppers (21), Dante Pettis (13)
Shane Lemieux (66)
Alex Bachman (15)
Ryan Santoso (2)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Clayton Thorson (17), Daniel Jones (8), Mike Glennon (2)
Corey Clement (30)
Alex Bachman (15)
Darius Slayton (86)
Logan Ryan (23), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Logan Ryan (23)
Ryan Santoso (2)
Ryan Santoso (2)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Corey Clement (30)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Logan Ryan (23)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Mike Glennon (2)
Dante Pettis (13), David Sills V (84)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Mike Glennon (2)
Darius Slayton (86)
Clayton Thorson (17)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Evan Engram (88), Daniel Jones (8)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darius Slayton (86)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Rysen John (44)
Alex Bachman (15), Sterling Shepard (3)
Darius Slayton (86), Nakia Griffin-Stewart (47)
Madre Harper (45)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Madre Harper (45)
Logan Ryan (23)
Logan Ryan (23)
Logan Ryan (23)
Julian Love (20)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Julian Love (20)
Logan Ryan (23)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Logan Ryan (23)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Dante Pettis (13)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)
Corey Clement (30)
Logan Ryan (23)
Alex Bachman (15)
Alex Bachman (15)
Alfred Morris (41)
Logan Ryan (23)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
Quincy Wilson (28)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Quincy Wilson (28)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Austin Johnson (98)
Leonard Williams (99)
Austin Johnson (98)
Darnay Holmes (30)
TJ Brunson (35)
TJ Brunson (35)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Carter Coughlin (49)
James Bradberry (24)
Carter Coughlin (49), Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Matt Peart (74)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Jackson Barton (72)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Niko Lalos (57)
Niko Lalos (57)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Ryan Santoso (2)
Carson Tinker (46)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Graham Gano (5)
Devante Downs (52)
Ryan Santoso (2)
Dante Pettis (13)
Graham Gano (5)
Shane Lemieux (66)
Kyle Murphy (60)
C.J. Board (18)
Mike Glennon (2), Clayton Thorson (17)
Danny Shelton (75)
Shane Lemieux (66)
Danny Shelton (75)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)
Dan Salomone: Joe Judge isn't one to single out players, but he did in his postgame press conference on Saturday night. While prefacing it by saying he wanted to reserve blanket statements until he watched the tape, he noted the performances of Carter Coughlin ("flashed positively" as he moves from outside to inside linebacker), Cam Brown ("a good job for us at the gunner position"), Matt Cole ("showed up" on punt coverage), and C.J. Board ("nice job" returning punts and kickoffs). As clubs start to make roster decisions over the next few weeks to get down to 53 players, these are things to keep in mind.
In terms of the state of the team, the biggest takeaway was the Giants getting a look at the first-team offensive line. In keeping with the first unofficial depth chart, which was released last week, the starters were left tackle Andrew Thomas, left guard Kenny Wiggins (in place of the injured Shane Lemieux), center Nick Gates, right guard Will Hernandez, and right tackle Matt Peart.
"There were enough positives right there to really get a look in terms of what we can do to keep helping these guys and put them in the right position, and maybe some things you want to stay away from in the future in terms of play calling or snaps," Judge said. "But this is the time of year you really find out about that. In practice, you find out about some things. When you see a foreign opponent, you find out a little bit more about it right there. In terms of how they worked, how they responded on the sideline, the adjustments they made, that was encouraging. We've got to keep making progress and moving forward."
Lance Medow: The goal of the Giants' first preseason game was to clearly evaluate the back end of the roster as the bulk of the starters, on both sides of the ball, were spectators. While team production is always the most important factor and you'd like to see better results on offense, for the sake of this game, individual development took priority and that was evident across the board. One of the most notable position battles moving forward will be for the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots, assuming they keep six. David Sills showed some flashes with a team-high three catches for 49 yards, highlighted by a 37-yard grab, C.J. Board had a strong performance on special teams as a return man and the same can be said for Matt Cole, who made a great hustle play by preventing the ball from going into the end zone on a punt. The fifth and sixth wide receivers have to be able to contribute on special teams to earn a spot on the 53-man roster and, most important, receive a jersey on game day.
With Saquon Barkley still working his way back from a torn ACL, depth at running back is key and Corey Clement took advantage of his 11 offensive snaps with five carries for 32 yards. Although his fumble in the red zone cost the Giants at least three points, he was extremely decisive when hitting the hole and showed some shiftiness and quickness when entering the open field. Much like last season, when Wayne Gallman emerged as a reliable option, the Giants will need a complementary back to Saquon.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Reggie Ragland and Carter Coughlin were active as they combined for nine tackles, a sack and a pass defensed. Coughlin is making the transition to inside linebacker and Ragland's size makes him an attractive option to help Blake Martinez clean up in the middle of the field. While those two players have the potential to contribute against the run, the same can be said for veteran defensive tackle Danny Shelton, who will be called on to replace Dalvin Tomlinson this season. At 6-2, 345, Shelton is quite the presence and he delivered with a key stop on fourth and one to stall a Jets drive early in the second quarter.
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