The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Giants vs. Jets is a rivalry
John Schmeelk: Fact – It is a rivalry on two different levels. The players live in the same area and do see each other at various events throughout the city, making bragging rights a real thing. But it is a bigger deal with fans through the lense of talk radio and social media. These two fan bases want their team to be getting the coverage and attention they deserve, and the result is sniping between the two groups over which team should have higher expectations and get more coverage. So even though they are in different conferences and only play once every four years, it matters more than any other random game against another AFC team.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Just ask Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brodney Pool, Rex Ryan … and Pat Hanlon.
Lance Medow: Fiction – When you play a team once every four years and aren't in the same conference, it's very hard to sell that as a rivalry. The Giants against the Cowboys, Eagles or Commanders is a rivalry. Those teams are within the NFC East and they meet twice a year with the reward of a division crown always on the line. An annual preseason game doesn't qualify as a rivalry, especially if there's absolutely nothing at stake. As far as bragging rights go, who exactly claims they won a preseason game to add substance to an argument?
Matt Citak: Fiction – The battle for MetLife Stadium feels more like a rivalry between fan bases than the actual teams. Although they meet every preseason, the Giants and Jets only go up against each other in the regular season once every four years - it hardly qualifies as a rivalry. But there is a caveat. The two teams have not been good simultaneously in a long time. With both teams seemingly on the rise, maybe that will spark a fire underneath this "rivalry." But until we actually see some rising tensions, Giants vs. Jets remains a tailgate rivalry more than an on-field rivalry.
View rare photos from the all-time series between the Giants and Jets.
New York Jets quarterback Kyle Mackey is sacked by New York Giants Carl Banks for a six-yard loss in the first quarter of play in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 26, 1989. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Both players were ejected after taking swings at each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants Joe Morrison (40) tugs away from New York Jets Steve Tannen to score the Giants first touchdown, Sunday, Aug. 23, 1970, New Haven, Conn. Morrison scored on a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton. (AP Photo)
New York Jets Al Woodall (62) during a game against the New York Giants on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Al Woodall played for 5 season, all with the New York Jets and was a 1-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Tucker Fredrickson lead blocks for New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Tucker Fredrickson played for 6 years all with the New York Giants and was a 1-time Pro Bowler. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Willie Young (69) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Willie Young played for 10 years all with the New York Giants.(David Durochik via AP)
.New York Giants Carl Lockhart (43) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Carl Lockhart played for 11 years all with the New York Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Jets cornerback Earlie Thomas (45) and Giants defensive back Ken Parker (26) square off in third quarter melee that developed after the Jets ended a 65-yard drive by stopping the Giants' Tucker Frederickson for no gain at the one-foot line, Nov. 1, 1970. Giants rolled to a 22-10 victory over the Jets, in their historic first meeting. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank bellows into microphone on sidelines during first quarter of game with the New York Giants at Shea Stadium, Nov. 1, 1970. Joe Namath, out with an injury, his bandaged hand in his pocket, is at left. Wayne Stewart (89) stands next to Ewbank. (AP Photo)
New York Jets coach Joe Walton, right, greets New York Giants coach Bill Parcells following their game Dec. 27, 1987, E. Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
New York Giants' fullback Rob Carpenter takes the ball for a two-yard gain before being tackled by Kirk Springs of the New York Jets during first quarter action at Giants' Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 2, 1984. Bobby Bell (58) of the home team Jets follows up on the play. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau (99) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants Dec. 2, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is congratulated on the sideline after scoring on a 61-yard touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Head coach Jim Fassel, right, shakes Toomer's hand as quarterback Kent Graham (10) pats him on the back and receiver Brian Alford (80) pats him on the head. Toomer scored three touchdowns as the Giants won 41-28. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Mike Sherrard tries to outrun New York Jets Ronnie Lott during the first quarter of their pre-season game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 21, 1993. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor r(56) rushes against the New York Jets in an NFL game in 1993. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Joe Montgomery (25) carries for an eight-yard gain before being stopped by New York Jets' Steve At water, bottom left, in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Montgomery carried the ball 38 times for 111 yards in the Giants 41-28 victory. Jets Dorian Boose reaches for Montgomery. (AP Photo/ Ron Frehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) outruns New York Jets linebacker Marvin Jones (55) as he goes 61 yards for a touchdown on a pass by quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway kicks a 29-yard field goal with four seconds left in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Matthews(88) and David Diehl(66) block New York Jets as Giants Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, is congratulated by Rich Seubert after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Jets Leon Washington, left, is grabbed by New York Giants Justin Tuck as Michael Strahan (92) reaches out during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants Jeremy Shockey is congratulated by Michael Matthews after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass while playing the New York Jets during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey breaks free of a tackle attempt by New York Jets' Kerry Rhodes to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. The Giants won 35-24. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass from quarterback Kerry Collins for a touchdown as New York Jets' Aaron Beasley (21) defends in the first half at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway (9) is congratulated by holder Jeff Feagles (10) as teammates Wayne Lucier (62) and Visanthe Shiancoe (82) celebrate after Conway kIcked a 29-yard field goal in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants field goal kicker Brett Conway (9) watches his kick that won the game for the Giants against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday Nov. 2, 2003. Holding is punter Jeff Feagles. The Giants beat the Jets 31-28. (AP Photo/Bernie Nunez)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, right, shakes hands with New York Jets coach Eric Mangini after a preseason football game in this Aug. 25, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) talks with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during a preseason week 3 NFL football game on August 27, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, speaks with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after the Giants defeated the Jets 26-3 in a preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates the victory with quaterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs yells during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Cullen Jenkins (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants strong safety Deon Grant (34) tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) celebrates the win after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Michael Boley, left, and Justin Tuck celebrate a sack by Tuck during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford celebrates during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz (80) runs 99 yards for a touchdown as the New York Jets sideline watches during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Kenny Phillips intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw steps in to the end zone to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul, top, sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Darrelle Revis, right, looks over a New York Giants huddle during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants enter the field before an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz jumps over a New York Jets defender while scoring 99-yard touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
In this Dec. 24, 2011, photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in East Rutherford, N.J. With a running game that is last in the league, the Giants' offense must rely on the arm of Eli Manning in their playoff game scheduled for Jan. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Fans during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants huddle during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Plaxico Burress (17) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Both players were ejected after taking swings at each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz, left, celebrates with Brandon Jacobs during the fourth quarter after scoring his second touchdown of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants defeated the New York Jets 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Antrel Rolle runs with the ball after an interception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) looks to make a tackle during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates with teammates, including Wayne Gallman (22) and Rhett Ellison (85), after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates with Bennie Fowler (18) after they connected for a touchdown during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Michael Owens)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton, right, runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Jamal Adams (33) chases New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) directs the offense during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Blessuan Austin (31) tackles New York Giants' Darius Slayton (86) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston (21) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on theNew York Jets in a week 10 regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
RB Eric Gray (20)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
The Jets is the toughest interconference matchup on the Giants' schedule
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Playing at Buffalo, even in the middle of October is a bigger challenge than playing at MetLife Stadium in front of Giants fans against the Jets. The Jets are good and will be in the playoff, and perhaps even Super Bowl conversation, but the Bills are still one of the three best teams in the AFC with one of the NFL's three best quarterbacks at the peak of his powers. And the Bills do not share a potential debilitating weakness like the Jets have on the offensive line. Put the Jets slightly ahead of the Dolphins as the second-toughest matchup, only because the health of Tua Tagovailoa is always a question.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – The Bills have earned the benefit of the doubt on this one. There won't be many secrets heading into Orchard Park on Oct. 15.
Lance Medow: Fact – The AFC East showcases a lot of depth so you can make a strong case for several of those teams, but the Jets present the best case for a balanced attack with Aaron Rodgers now taking over under center. New York boasted the fourth-best scoring defense in the NFL last season and that unit is essentially returning with some reinforcements. Although the offensive line remains a question mark, Rodgers' presence alone upgrades that side of the ball as his decision making will go a long way in making that unit much more dangerous. We're talking about a future Hall of Famer, who has one of the best touchdown-to-interceptions ratios in league history. The Bills and Dolphins also have explosive offenses but you wouldn't put their defenses ahead of the Jets, which is why Robert Saleh's group gets the edge.
Matt Citak: Fiction – This one was close, but the Jets will be the second-toughest interconference contest behind Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. The Bills have won the AFC East in three consecutive seasons, while racking up 13 wins in two of those three years. Aaron Rodgers provides the Jets with a monumental boost and don't be shocked if they win their division. But traveling to Orchard Park for a primetime matchup, in what will be Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen's first time back, is easily the pick - the atmosphere at Highmark Stadium that night is going to be electric.
Victor Cruz's three-TD game against the Jets in 2010 is your most memorable preseason moment
John Schmeelk: Fact – I remember almost nothing from preseasons. I remember the Cruz game, and for some reason, I recall a Corey Washington performance (against the Colts?) and there was a tie at some point which included some kind of Justin Trattou play? Maybe? In other words, I don't remember much, if any, preseason stuff, so this is an easy one for me.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – Something else pretty memorable happened in that same game, which was the first one played in New Meadowlands Stadium (now MetLife Stadium). Eli Manning took a hit that left a gash in his forehead, producing an iconic image of the Giants' ironman. "Initially, we were all concerned and scared," Giants center Shaun O'Hara was quoted after the game. "When you see a quarterback bleeding like that, it was something out of a Friday The 13th movie."
O'Hara was so concerned about his quarterback that he showed up to training camp the following week with a bandage on his head as an act of solidarity.
Lance Medow: Fact – I can reference some notable injuries that occurred in the preseason and debuts for players such as Eli Manning and Daniel Jones, but I don't see any of those topping Victor Cruz's trifecta against the Jets. He finished the preseason with an NFL-best 297 receiving yards and tied for the league lead with four touchdown receptions. An undrafted receiver out of UMass went from an unknown to a household name on the Giants' 53-man roster and caught the attention of opposing coaches, specifically the Jets' Rex Ryan. Even though he missed the entire 2010 campaign due to a hamstring injury and didn't post his breakout season until the following year, Cruz put his name on the map in that preseason game, setting the stage for what he produced in 2011.
Matt Citak: Fact – Cruz rocked a white No. 3 jersey and not only looked like an All-Pro receiver, but made backup quarterbacks Jim Sorgi and Rhett Bomar look like All-Pros that night. Despite not registering any stats during the 2010 season due to an injury, it was this preseason performance that led to Cruz making the team in 2011, when he caught 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns as a second-team All-Pro. The salsa-dancing, No. 80-wearing Super Bowl champion wide receiver Victor Cruz's legacy was born on this mid-August night.
The biggest story line to come out of training camp was the possibility of the Giants starting two rookie cornerbacks
John Schmeelk: Fact – This is a huge deal. Even though Tre Hawkins may not be on the field when the Giants are in base personal, he will be the third cornerback and play opposite Deonte Banks on a large majority of the team's defensive snaps. Playing two rookie cornerbacks is a bold plan that, historically speaking, doesn't have a high success rate. It doesn't mean it's the wrong move or that it won't work for these two players. Early returns have been excellent and Banks and Hawkins have earned those spots. But all rookies go through early season ups-and-downs and it will likely be no different for these two players. The key will be for them to keep their mistakes in front of them, and not let them fly over their heads when Wink Martindale puts them out there on an island.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Everyone was expecting one rookie to start back there after the Giants selected Deonte Banks in the first round. But two came out of nowhere. Tre Hawkins III has earned every rep he is getting with the first team, and if you can steal a starter at that position in the sixth round, it could have huge long-term benefits in Joe Schoen's roster-building process.
Lance Medow: Fact – Of all the developments in training camp regarding opportunities and playing time, most would say they didn't necessarily expect sixth-round pick Tre Hawkins to move up the depth chart so quickly and be in line for a potential starting role opposite fellow rookie Deonte Banks. Hawkins has capitalized on his practice reps and transferred his play into preseason games. The entire rookie class has been a significant story line, given John Michael Schmitz assuming the center role, Eric Gray as a return man and strong flashes from Jalin Hyatt and Jordon Riley.
Matt Citak: Fiction – You could go "fact" and extend the statement to the performance of the draft class as a whole, but let's go with the overall performance of Daniel Jones. Since practices began last month, Jones has had full command of the offense. It's clear the fifth-year quarterback is more confident going into Year 2 in the system, and that has translated to results on the field. Last weekend's game against the Panthers was the first time we saw Jones in action against another team, and the 26-year-old could not have looked better. Coming off his best campaign last year, Jones looks like he could take a big step in his development this season, which could take the offense to another level.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2023 roster as it currently stands.
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Deonte Banks
RB Saquon Barkley
OLB Boogie Basham
LB Darrian Beavers
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
OL Ben Bredeson
RB Matt Breida
ILB Cam Brown
WR Parris Campbell
RB Jashaun Corbin
ILB Carter Coughlin
DL D.J. Davidson
QB Tommy DeVito
QB Jacob Eason
CB Cor'Dale Flott
P Jamie Gillan
G Mark Glowinski
RB Eric Gray
OL Sean Harlow
CB Tre Hawkins III
WR Isaiah Hodgins
CB Darnay Holmes
DL Timmy Horne
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Adoree' Jackson
TE Tyree Jackson
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
CB Nick McCloud
ILB Micah McFadden
OL Marcus McKethan
S Xavier McKinney
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches
OLB Azeez Ojulari
ILB Bobby Okereke
WR Gunner Olszewski
S Gervarrius Owens
OL Justin Pugh
DL Jordon Riley
DL A'Shawn Robinson
OT Matt Peart
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
WR Sterling Shepard
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons
WR Darius Slayton
QB Tyrod Taylor
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Andrew Thomas
TE Darren Waller
OLB Jihad Ward
OLB Benton Whitley
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