In this week's edition of Cover 3, the Giants.com crew looks at the state of the team following the third and final preseason game.
John Schmeelk: We have come full circle. When the 2020 Giants season ended and the main areas of needed improvement were hashed out, much of the focus landed on the offense. It was understandable. The Giants ranked 31st in yards and points per game, and averaged only 17.5 points per contest. It is impossible to win games consistently with that offensive profile.
With the final preseason game in the books, we sit in much the same place. Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney, three players that the team was depending on giving the team a boost have not played in a preseason game due to injury or health issues. Even Engram and Darius Slayton got hurt against the Patriots. It is possible that some or all play in the first regular season game against the Broncos on Sept. 12th, but no one knows for sure.
In the team's final preseason game, the first team offense scored only seven points in a half of work. The ball moved in the preseason finale against the Patriots, but the points didn't come.
The final area of focus this off-season was the offensive line, which the Giants decided to address by committing to the team's youth and develop from within. In the final preseason game, Daniel Jones was pressured on 43% of his dropbacks. The right tackle position still appears to be unsettled. Shane Lemieux was unable to start at left guard due to a lingering knee injury.
Of course, none of this really matters. It is preseason. In two weeks, we could be talking about how the team's offensive tackles held up against Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, which allowed Daniel Jones to play turnover-free football. But right now, we still don't know.
Dan Salomone: The Giants have two weeks to get ready for Denver, and they have yet to see where they are at full strength. They entered Sunday's preseason finale against the Patriots without the likes of Saquon Barkley, Adoree' Jackson, Kyle Rudolph, and Kenny Golladay. They exited the tune-up with more injuries to tight end Evan Engram (calf), wide receiver Darius Slayton (ankle/foot), and veteran offensive lineman Ted Larsen (knee). Meanwhile, as they await the prognoses, this is a time for roster movement as all NFL clubs must reduce their current 80-man rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Additionally, the Giants acquired interior lineman Billy Price, a former first-round draft choice, from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for defensive lineman B.J. Hill and a 2022 conditional seventh round draft choice.
What the Giants look like now will not be what they look like on Sept. 12, which will not be what they look like on Oct. 12, Nov. 12, or Dec. 12. The question is just what direction they will be going.
"We've just got to get the guys who are available ready to play," Judge said. "In terms of that, one thing to focus on going into the season is you're never a finished product Week 1. You need to understand that, keep building, keep improving week to week from how you operate in September to keep improving as a team and build towards those long stretches of the season. Look, we're going to coach whoever is available, and it's our job to have the entire team ready and the entire team progressing, and that's what we're going to focus on."
View photos of new Giants offensive lineman Billy Price.
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 31-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) runs down the sideline during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 31-20. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) looks through his Oakley Salute to Service visor prior to an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat the Bengals 36-10. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) blocks during the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Browns defeated the Bengals 37-34. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 31-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Browns won 37-34. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) gets set prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 31-20. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) stands on the playing field during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Chargers defeated the Bengals 16-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) blocks during the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Browns defeated the Bengals 37-34. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) blocks during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia. The Eagles and Bengals tied 23-23. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Browns won 37-34. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) runs during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills defeated the Bengals 21-17. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 06, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Cardinals won 26-23. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Billy Price (53) prepares for the snap during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 23-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Ravens won 49-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Billy Price (53) blocks during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 23-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Billy Price (53) prepares for the snap during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 23-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Ravens won 49-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Patriots defeated Bengals 34-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) in action, during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) waits to enter the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Patriots won 34-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) pass blocks during a NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday October 13, 2019 in Baltimore. The Bengals were defeated by the Ravens 23-17. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Patriots won 34-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Billy Price (53) between plays during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 23-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Billy Price (53) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Ravens won 49-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prepares for the snap during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals rookie offensive center Billt Price (53) looks up from the sideline with this helmet off during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers won the game 26-21. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals rookie offensive center Billy Price (53) sets at the line during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers won the game 26-21. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 in Cincinnati. (Ryan Meyer via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cincinnati Bengals rookie center Billy Price (53) snaps the ball during the NFL week 11 regular season football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Baltimore. The Ravens won the game 24-21. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) and center Billy Price (53) prepare for the snap during a week 14 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 9 in Carson, Calif. Los Angeles won 26-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) and center Billy Price (53) prepare for the snap during a week 14 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 9 in Carson, Calif. Los Angeles won 26-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Cincinnati. (NFL Photos via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) pass blocks in action against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday November 18, 2018 in Baltimore. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prepares for the snap next to offensive guard Alex Redmond (62) during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) blocks during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) prepares to snap the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) gestures at the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) participates during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals' Billy Price during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals' center Billy Price (53) during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals' Billy Price (53) runs a drill during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals' Billy Price (53) runs a drill during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals' Billy Price (53) runs a drill during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price participates during NFL football practice, Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price participates during NFL football practice, Friday, July 27, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price participates during NFL football practice, Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price, center right, participates during NFL football practice, Monday, July 30, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) participates during organized team activities, Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals' Billy Price (53) runs a drill during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price participates during NFL football practice, Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) sets up for a play during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) participates in the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 11, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) participates in the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 11, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) participates in the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 11, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) runs a drill during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) participates in the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 11, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Ohio State Billy Price against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Madison, Wis. Ohio State won 30-23. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price plays against Illinois during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price plays against Illinois during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price plays against Illinois during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price (54) looks to make a block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price (54) looks to make a block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price (54) looks to make a block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price (54) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 55-24. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price (54) gets set to snap the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price plays against Maryland during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price plays in their NCAA college spring football game Saturday, April 15, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Lance Medow: Sunday night was our first opportunity to see the bulk of the starters in a game setting. While there were mixed results and not all the offensive weapons were on full display, the importance of Daniel Jones and Co. getting in some work before the start of the regular season can't be overlooked. You don't want to go into Week 1 with the only reps the first team received against an unfamiliar opponent coming in joint practices. Jones played five series, but the offense walked away with just seven points.
He helped orchestrate a nine-play, 58-yard drive in the final 2:30 of the first half, capped by a beautiful 23-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Smith. Jones completed seven of his eight attempts on that drive and his strike to Smith was perfectly placed where either his tight end would go up and get it or it would fall incomplete. Overall, Jones was efficient with the exception of his second-quarter interception in the end zone, where it appeared he threw behind Evan Engram. Turnovers and mishaps in the red zone were an issue last season as they scored touchdowns in that area of the field just 46% of the time (31st NFL).
Jones also had to deal with some consistent pressure as the young offensive line continues to develop and experience growing pains. Regardless of all the weapons on offense, play in the trenches will set the tone and help determine the production of the skill position players. There's only so much you can take away from one half of football but we're certainly going to learn a lot about that group right away with Denver and Washington's strong defensive fronts on the schedule in the first two weeks.
On the defensive side of the ball, while New England produced a few explosive plays, the Giants limited the Patriots to just a pair of field goals in the first half. Blake Martinez made an impressive interception by wrestling away the ball from receiver Jakobi Meyers.
View photos of the New York Giants' active 53-man roster as it currently stands.
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Devontae Booker
CB James Bradberry
G Ben Bredeson
RB Gary Brightwell
LB Lorenzo Carter
WR Pharoh Cooper
DB Keon Crossen
LB Tae Crowder
OT Korey Cunningham
P Riley Dixon
TE Evan Engram
QB Jake Fromm
K Graham Gano
FB Cullen Gillaspia
QB Mike Glennon
WR Kenny Golladay
G Will Hernandez
DT Austin Johnson
WR Collin Johnson
DL Raymond Johnson III
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
DB Julian Love
G Wes Martin
LB Benardrick McKinney
S Xavier McKinney
TE Chris Myarick
LB Azeez Ojulari
DB Steven Parker
OT Matt Peart
FB Elijhaa Penny
C Billy Price
LB Reggie Ragland
DB J.R. Reed
LB Quincy Roche
TE Kyle Rudolph
DB Logan Ryan
DT Danny Shelton
WR Sterling Shepard
OL Matt Skura
WR Darius Slayton
LB Elerson G. Smith
OT Nate Solder
OT Andrew Thomas
DT Leonard Williams
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