EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Daniel Jones wasn't perfect, but he passed his first and only test of the preseason Sunday evening.
The Giants' starting quarterback played all five first-half series against New England in his first game action of the summer. And though the offense didn't put as many points on the board under his command as he would have liked, Jones was accurate (17 completions in 22 attempts for 135 yards), spread the ball around (eight different receivers caught his passes) and lofted a pinpoint throw to tight end Kaden Smith for the Giants' first touchdown. He also threw an interception in the end zone on a play that began at the one-yard line. In addition, Jones was sacked twice and absorbed several other hits from the Patriots' defense.
"I think I played alright," Jones said. "I thought we did a good job moving the ball and making some plays. I think, obviously, you've got to finish drives and finish with touchdowns. So overall, I thought we did alright moving the ball, but I gotta shore some things up."
"I thought he did a lot of positive things," coach Joe Judge said. "I have some things that we want to go ahead and make sure we improve on. For his first time in game action, right now in preseason, it's important for him to get out there with a lot of guys and get some chemistry going. Saw a lot of improvement throughout the last couple of weeks, the competitive practices, it would've been nice to get him on the field last week. I made my decision (not to play him last week) for the reason I did. I think it was the right decision for what we had to do going forward. Today was a good opportunity for him to get out there, had a lot of situational work, did some good things to build on."
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)
Jones helped give the Giants a 7-6 halftime lead, but the reserves were outscored by three points in the second half and the result was a preseason-ending 22-20 loss to the Patriots in MetLife Stadium. The Giants completed their preseason with an 0-3 record.
Mike Glennon, who started the first two games, played the second half and threw touchdown passes of 12 yards to Alex Bachman and 43 yards to Damion Williams. But Glennon's pass to Dante Pettis fell incomplete on the potential game-tying two-point conversion try.
Jones and the offense have something to build on as they turn their attention to the regular season, which begins Sept. 12 at home against the Denver Broncos. His performance was even more impressive considering his supporting cast was missing several key components. Running back Saquon Barkley, wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney, and tight end Kyle Rudolph didn't play. Two more of his weapons, tight end Evam Engram (calf) and wideout Darius Slayton (ankle/foot) left the game early.
Jones' shining moment occurred late in the half. On third-and-two, his only rushing attempt gained four yards around right end and gave the Giants a first down at the New England 23. On the next play, Jones threw to the end zone for Smith, who caught the ball despite tight coverage from defensive back Adrian Colbert.
"That was perfect placement – over the safety," Smith said. "And I'm just happy I got to make a play on it."
Did Smith say anything to Colbert, who was his teammate on the Giants last year?
"No, no, no," Smith said, laughing. "I miss my guy. I talked to him a little bit this week at practice, but, no, I didn't get the chance."
Jones completed seven of eight passes on the nine-play, 58-yard touchdown drive.
Earlier in the quarter, Jones threw a pass he'd like to have back. On third-and-goal from the one, Jones threw behind Engram and the ball was intercepted in the end zone by cornerback D'Angelo Ross.
"Obviously, a bad decision there," Jones said. "I gotta be smarter and throw the ball away in that situation, third-and-goal at the one. So, I look at each play independently and learn something from each of them."
Jones was asked if Engram was supposed to stop when he found an opening in the coverage.
"No, he did a good job there and I've got to make a better decision," Jones said.
How would Jones assess his growth from the beginning of training camp through this game?
"I felt like it went pretty well," he said. "I think I've improved and made progress. Certainly, things I'll look to work on and continue to improve here going into Week One."
Except for brief appearances by four offensive linemen and Slayton in the opener vs. the Jets, the Giants' starters did not play in the first two preseason games. Against New England, left guard Shane Lemieux sat out and was replaced by Ted Larsen, and veteran Nate Solder started at right tackle for Matt Peart.
Sterling Shepard led the Giants with five receptions and Engram caught three passes in their first action of the summer. Eli Penny led the Giants with 35 rushing yards on four carries.
"I'm happy everyone got the chance to get out there and really get those first game nerves out of the way," Smith said. "But obviously, a lot of things to fix and we'll watch the film and get to fixing them."
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