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Fact or Fiction: What to look for against Texans

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The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.

The offensive player you're most interested to see this Saturday against the Texans is quarterback Daniel Jones.

John Schmeelk: Fact - I thought about getting clever here with John Michael Schmitz or Greg Van Roten, but Daniel Jones will be the star of the show on Saturday afternoon. I would prefer to see him leading the entire starting offense, but there's a chance we might not see Malik Nabers coming off his ankle injury. I want to see Jones to be able to drop back with confidence in front of a stronger offensive line and find playmakers accurately and in rhythm. We have seen it in practice the last couple of weeks and I am ready to see it in a game situation against starters and a live pass rush.

Matt Citak: Fact – Jones is set to return to game action just over nine months out from tearing his ACL. That alone is an impressive feat. But the sixth-year quarterback has looked fully healthy since training camp opened, scrambling around the pocket with ease and using his legs to pick up yards when he can. However, this weekend's game will be the first time Jones actually gets hit by a defender, which represents perhaps the final big hurdle in his recovery. With how he's been throwing the ball at practice all summer, I'm excited to see how Jones looks under pressure in an actual game setting for the first time.

The defensive player you're most interested to see this Saturday against the Texans is rookie safety Tyler Nubin.

John Schmeelk: Fiction - I am excited to see Nubin as he continues to work into his role as a contributor in the secondary, but my focus is going to be up front. I want to see the progress of some of the young interior defensive linemen and how they play against a live opponent. With the trade of Jordan Phillips, does Jordon Riley continue to show he can be Dexter Lawrence's backup? The 3-technique battle is of even more interest. We know Rakeem Nunez-Roches is a reliable two-way player, but can youngsters Ryder Anderson and Elijah Chatman step up as pass rushers and cement a role on passing downs?

Matt Citak: Fiction – While I do want to see how Nubin, Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton perform against the Texans, the defensive player I'm most interested in watching Saturday is outside linebacker Brian Burns. To put it simply, Burns has dominated at practice just about every day this summer. When facing the Detroit Lions in two joint practices last week, the 26-year-old was able to get around All-Pro Penei Sewell and long-time veteran Taylor Decker often. While the Texans' O-line does not offer quite the same challenge as facing the Lions' unit, the group does consist of four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. It's unclear if Tunsil will suit up Saturday, but either way, I can't wait to see Burns get after the quarterback for the first time in a game.

View the best photos from training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

The biggest question remaining on offense is finding the starting five combination up front.

John Schmeelk: Fiction - I am interested in exactly what the starting five of the offensive line looks like, but I feel pretty good about my guess that the final version of the offensive line will look like this: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Jon Runyan Jr., C John Michael Schmitz, RG Greg Van Roten, RT Jermaine Eluemunor. Aaron Stinnie and Evan Neal might have something to say about this, and the coaches have made it clear evaluation is still taking place, but that's my best guess. I am more curious about what the tight end rotation is going to look like. I think Daniel Bellinger is going to start, but how big of a role does Theo Johnson take early in the season? He seems to be fairly advanced for a rookie tight end. Does Chris Manhertz' blocking earn him significant playing time? Can Lawrence Cager get healthy and impact the passing game or can Jack Stoll earn a spot? I'm looking forward to seeing how these players can carve out roles for themselves.

Matt Citak: Fiction – With Schmitz returning to team drills on Tuesday, it feels like we know the likely starting five up front. Since John already took my answer with the tight ends, I'll go with the wide receivers fighting for the final few roster spots. Gunner Olszewski and Isaiah McKenzie appear to be battling to be the team's punt and kickoff returner, but can one separate himself from the other on Saturday? Then there are guys like Miles Boykin, Isaiah Hodgins and Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who should also see playing time on punt and kickoff coverage as gunners. Which guys take a step towards earning the final few roster spots at wide receiver will be interesting to watch.

The biggest question remaining on defense is who will start opposite cornerback Deonte Banks.

John Schmeelk: Fact - This is a spot where coaches have said it is a wide-open competition and there's no reason to believe otherwise. Cor'Dale Flott has taken most of the first team reps but an injured quad has left the door open for Nick McCloud to step in and take reps with the first team this week. McCloud has played well no matter where the Giants coaches have decided to line him up. Or could there be a dark horse here? I wouldn't rule anything out. Let the best man win.

Matt Citak: Fact – This might be the biggest roster question remaining on the entire roster. Third-year corner Cor'Dale Flott was listed as the starting CB2 on the team's first two unofficial depth charts, but a quad injury has held him out of practice all week. This has led to Nick McCloud receiving more reps on the outside, and the veteran has taken advantage of the opportunity. With other players such as Tre Hawkins, David Long Jr. and Darnay Holmes also in the mix, how this position battle plays out will be something to watch.

View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Houston Texans.

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