Giants vs Jaguars Preseason Game Thoughts

The New York Giants traveled to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. Here are my thoughts from the game.

Jaguars-

Blaine Gabbert looked very sharp in his first drive, but it went down hill from there. He showed some skiddish behavior in the pocket as the game progressed. The tools are obvious, but unless he can stand tall in the pocket and deliver the ball down the field when the rush in closing in, he’ll never be a franchise quarterback.

Bryan Anger is an impressive young punter. I’ll still never believe a punter is worth drafting in the third round, however.

Justin Blackmon did not play in tonight’s game, though he did dress.

Reshad Jennings and Montel Owens both did well against the Giants. The Jaguars are not bad up front and have some good young running backs if MJD doesn’t get on the field this year.

Former Cleveland Browns’ second round pick Brian Robiskie is trying to resurrect his career and had a nice showing tonight. He could be the final receiver to make the roster.
New York Giants-

The Giants have some very intriguing options as return man. David Wilson had an impressive kick off return. Jayron Hosley looked quick to get up the field and made good decisions as a punt returner tonight–he did however botch one punt very badly that lead to a Jaguars touchdown.

It’s tough to tell who the Giants will use as the #3 WR. Domenik Hixon was out tonight and he is the leader in the club-house based on the predictions of beat writers, but I thought Jerel Jernigan looked like he was creating separation well.

The Giants don’t just give playing time to rookies. Wilson and Rueben Randle did not see significant action until about the end of the third quarter. Randle had a nice 21 yard reception. David Wilson was text-book pre-draft scouting report. 0 yards, 26 yards, -5 yards. In fairness to Wilson on the -5 yard run he was hit in the backfield almost simultaneously to receiving the hand-off.

Then 17 yards, -1 yard.

Mark Herzlich looks like he’s rounding back into his pre-cancer form. He looks much quicker than last year and I think he eventually wins the starting Middle Linebacker Job.

Adrian Tracy was exploding off the line of scrimmage and looked very impressive in limited time.

I think Jayron Hosley has more of an impact the first quarter of the season for the Giants than either David Wilson or Rueben Randle. Hosley looked good on defense. I think the Giants are hoping he can win the nickel job so they can keep Antrel Rolle at safety.Wilson eventually will play a lot.

Marvin Austin displayed his physical gifts, but he does not yet look like he could be counted on to start if the Giants ran into some injuries.

Definitely the deepest and most athletic linebacker corps the Giants have had in a long time.

I personally believe the replacement official stuff is over-blown. The refs have not ruined the game for me. In general they have been hesitant to call penalties, but that’s not a terrible thing. I think if the league had to go with replacement officials people would be over talking about it by mid-season (until they blew a big call in the playoffs).

Home/NFL Draft