Life without Eli: Giants lose to Steelers 24-17

With Eli Manning on the sidelines and backup Jim Sorgi out as well, the Giants lost their home pre-season opener at the new Meadowlands 24-17 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They were also missing two starting guards, Chris Snee and Rich Seubert. Running back Brandon Jacobs did not play, as he was a late injury scratch from the lineup with a stiff neck. With third-string quarterback Rhett Bomar playing the entire game, the passing game was mediocre at best. Bomar completed 13 of 26 passes for 167 yards and one interception. In his defense, he did lose one of his starting receivers, Hakeem Nicks on the fourth play of the game. Nicks and Steelers defensive back Ike Taylor were both ejected for fighting. Bomar did flash some escapability, extending some plays with his legs.

The defense fared better as they held the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger to 10 points in the first half. The Steelers backup quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon combined for three touchdown drives to lead the Steelers, although it was mostly against

The Giants second and third string backups.

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Game notes:

Giant’s safety Kenny Phillips and middle linebacker Keith Bulluck both looked strong in their return to play, even though it was for only six plays.

Osi Umenyiora flashed some old quickness with a run stop in the backfield for a seven yard loss.

Defensive ends Tuck and Kiwanuka and safety Antrel Rolle each made good individual stops.

Defensive tackle Rock Bernard showed excellent power on a goal-line stand at the end of the first quarter.

DT Linval Joseph had some nice moves along the line.

DE Adrien Tracy was busy in the final minutes, finishing with nine tackles.

LB Phillip Dillard overpursues at times, but brings good energy to the field.

Corey Webster had a nice interception of a deep Roethlisberger underthrown pass.

Ahmad Bradshaw had a nice end around touchdown run.

Cornerback Aaron Ross came close to returning a punt for a touchdown, stopped only with a saving tackle by the Steelers punter, who should have been blocked better. Ross brought it back 44 yards.

Matt Dodge averaged 43.2 on six punts, including a sixty yarder. Most importantly his hang time improved but he still hits an ugly punt too often, some unexplainable line drives with no air underneath the kicks. Dodge has been doing ok so far as holder for Lawrence Tynes, who connected on a forty three yard field goal.

Running back D.J. Ware suffered another concussion, his second in less than a year.

He will undergo testing on Monday.

Next game Saturday, August 28th 7:30 PM ET @ the Baltimore Ravens.

By: Mitchell D. Schlau
ProFootball-fans.com New York Giants Correspondent