By Jeff Knapp
The 3rd and final preseason game is over for the New York Giants, who fell 22-20 to the New England patriots in a back and forth game.
There were a few things that I loved and a few things that I did not love. I will start off with what bothered me.
What bothered me was the fact that the Giants won in time of possession and still lost. A stat I saw from 2017 showed that 7 of the 10 teams that win time of possession made the playoffs. Some people don’t care about that since this is a passing league, and certain offenses are designed to score quickly. I’ve always gone with running the ball, and defense wins championships.
Speaking of running the ball, the Giants only rushed the ball 22 times and averaged 4.4 yards per attempt. If it wasn’t for Elijhaa Penny and Corey Clement bolstering that average, it would have been right around two yards per carry. The o-line gave up four sacks, and although the Patriots also gave up four sacks, you aren’t going to win ball games that way.
Although Daniel Jones looked pretty good, he was sacked twice and threw a crucial interception in the endzone.
On to a few things that didn’t make me happy. The four sacks and interception were a treat to see, and although the Patriots had a few big runs for over 15 yards and three big pass plays, the first team secondary looked pretty good. I was pleased with Damion Willis and Sterling Shepard, who I hope will have an amazing season, as long as Jones stays upright and doesn’t fumble the ball.
I’m wondering how the team will look come opening day with all the starters hopefully on the field, but as Alexander Pope once said, “Hope Springs Eternal.”
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