AT A GLANCE: As planned all along, Joe Judge treated the third and final preseason game as the dress rehearsal. Quarterback Daniel Jones and other starters made their 2021 debut on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium after returning from New England, where the Giants held two joint practices with the Patriots. In the end, the Patriots came away with a 22-20 victory over the Giants in the final tune-up before the regular season.
UP NEXT: Now they count. The Giants will be back at MetLife Stadium in two weeks for their season opener against the Denver Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET kickoff). In between, clubs must reduce their rosters to the regular-season limit of 53 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Check out the best photos from the Giants' preseason finale against the New England Patriots.
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez, left, intercepts a pass to New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez, left, intercepts a pass to New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is stopped short of the goal line during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) rushes past New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (8) and Justin Bethel (29) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls out to his players during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs for yards after catch during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants offensive guard Kenny Wiggins (79) spikes the ball in front of New England Patriots' Adrian Colbert (30) and D'Angelo Ross (39) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Nakie Griffin-Stewart (47) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano celebrates after kicking the point after try during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is chased out of bounds during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge looks on against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a break in action against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) and D'Angelo Ross (39) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones calls out to his team during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs past New England Patriots' Mike Jackson (35) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) celebrates after a run during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) rushes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Corey Clement (30) rushes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (15) makes a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
The New York Giants line up across from the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Willie Henry sacks New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Leonard Williams (99)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Blake Martinez (54)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Logan Ryan (23)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Xavier McKinney (29), Oshane Ximines (53)
Blake Martinez (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Logan Ryan (23)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Willie Henry (90)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Trent Harris (93), David Moa (96)
Trent Harris (93)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Riley Dixon (9)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Willie Henry (90), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Madre Harper (45)
Willie Henry (90)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Jakob Johnson (47), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Jakob Johnson (47)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Logan Ryan (23)
Logan Ryan (23)
Jakob Johnson (47)
Willie Henry (90)
Casey Kreiter (58), James Ferentz (65), Carl Davis (98)
Tae Crowder (48), Cam Brown (47)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Blake Martinez (54)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Matt Cole (83)
Matt Cole (83)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Alex Bachman (15)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Leonard Williams (99), Cullen Gillaspia (36), Niko Lalos (57)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Logan Ryan (23)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Madre Harper (45)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dante Pettis (13)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Corey Clement (30)
Riley Dixon (9)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Corey Clement (30)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dante Pettis (13)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
James Bradberry (24)
Madre Harper (45)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Matt Cole (83)
Jordyn Peters
Damion Willis (87)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dante Pettis (13)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dante Pettis (13)
Kaden Smith (82)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Devante Downs (52)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Niko Lalos (57)
Austin Johnson (98)
Niko Lalos (57)
Austin Johnson (98)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Rodarius Williams (25), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Julian Love (20)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Chad Slade (62)
Graham Gano (5)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
James Bradberry (24)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Leonard Williams (99)
WHAT WE SAW FROM THE OFFENSE
*The Giants made a few changes up front. Nate Solder started for Matt Peart at right tackle, and Ted Larsen, an 11-year veteran who signed with the Giants earlier this month, started at left guard in place of Shane Lemieux, who was one of seven offensive players listed by the team before the game as not expected to play (see list below). Peart subbed in for the third series as the Giants rotated the line throughout the game.
*Quarterback Daniel Jones made his 2021 debut, completing his first pass attempt to wide receiver Darius Slayton for a gain of six yards. The first drive, however, ended in a three-and-out after Jones was sacked on third down. Jones had the offense on the move on the second series, which stalled with another sack that forced a third-and-13 that the Giants were unable to convert. The third drive ended in an interception as Jones tried to find tight end Evan Engram in the end zone. Patriots cornerback D'Angelo Ross came down with the ball for a touchback, leading to a New England field goal on the ensuing possession.
*Jones, however, goes into the regular season on a high note. His final throw was a 23-yard touchdown to tight end Kaden Smith, who made a spectacular catch in the end zone to give the Giants a 7-6 lead just before halftime. Jones finished 17 of 22 for 135 yards with the touchdown and interception. Backup Mike Glennon relieved him to start the second half and threw touchdowns to Alex Bachman and Damion Willis. The latter was a 43-yard Hail Mary with eight seconds left in the game. The Giants failed on the two-point conversion attempt, which would have tied the game.
*Eli Penny showed he can do more than the role of a traditional fullback and led the Giants with 35 yards on four carries (long of 15 yards). The Giants continued to get a look at their backfield depth as Saquon Barkley ramps up. Barkley participated in his first full-team reps at joint practice this week, but he has yet to play in a game – preseason or otherwise – since suffering a knee injury in Week 2 of last season.
WHAT WE SAW FROM THE DEFENSE
*You won't see many better plays on the ball – let alone from a middle linebacker – than the one Blake Martinez made late in the first quarter. With his back to starting quarterback Cam Newton, Martinez tracked Jakobi Meyers 35 yards down the middle of the field and wrestled the ball away from the wide receiver as they both came down near midfield.
*The Giants generated some pressure throughout the night as defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Trent Harris recorded sacks.
*Rookie cornerback Rodarius Williams is known for never backing down from a challenge, no matter how much the coaching staff throws at him. With fellow cornerback Adoree' Jackson dealing with an injury, the sixth-round draft pick was again thrown in the deep end and saw extensive action. He flashed in coverage and forced a few incompletions, including a touchdown-saving play from the red zone.
WHAT WE SAW FROM SPECIAL TEAMS
*Graham Gano, who set the Giants record with 30 consecutive makes last season, missed a 41-yard field goal attempt wide right in the third quarter. Earlier in the week, the Giants traded backup Ryan Santoso, who can both kick and punt, to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional 2022 seventh-round draft choice.
*Punter Riley Dixon pinned the Patriots at their own three-yard line early in the game.
DID NOT PLAY
- WR John Ross III
- WR Kenny Golladay
- CB Adoree' Jackson
- RB Saquon Barkley
- CB Josh Jackson
- LB Elerson Smith
- G Shane Lemieux
- DT Danny Shelton
- TE Kyle Rudolph
- WR Austin Mack
- WR Kadarius Toney
LINEUP CHANGES
- Nate Solder for Matt Peart at RT
- Ted Larsen for Shane Lemieux at LG
- C.J. Board for John Ross III at KOR
INJURY REPORT
- TE Evan Engram (calf) – Did not return
- WR C.J. Board (elbow) – Returned to game
- WR Darius Slayton (ankle/foot) – Did not return
- OL Ted Larsen (knee) – Did not return
GAME CAPTAINS
S Jabrill Peppers (Army), LB Blake Martinez (Navy), and C Nick Gates (Marines) wore hats representing the military during the opening coin toss.
Single Game Tickets
A limited number of Giants 2021 single game tickets are on sale now
