G-men conclude pre-season, beat New England 19-14
The last time that the New York Giants and New England Patriots played a football game it was the Super Bowl, but this time it was the fourth and fortunately last preseason game of 2008. While both resulted in a Giants victory, this time by the score of 19-14, there is no comparison in terms of the intensity and importance each had. In February it was Brady vs. Eli, this time the starting quarterback match-up featured Matt Cassell vs. David Carr. In the Super Bowl the Giants’ starters endured a grueling sixty minutes of football, and this time they played a series.
The main story behind the Thursday night game at the Meadowlands was the way in which Carr lead the Giants to two impressive touchdown drives, the first coming in the opening quarter which ended with a 26-yard catch and run by tight end Darcy Johnson. Carr managed the offense down the field, relying heavily on checking down to shorter routes and running backs out of the backfield. The second touchdown drive came towards the end of the first half, as Sinorice Moss made up for his first quarter drop by catching a TD pass over the middle thrown by Carr. The performance by the former first overall pick out of Fresno St. all but solidified his role as the back up to Eli Manning.
Mathius Kiwanuka started at right end, replacing Pro Bowler Osi Umeryiora who went down for the season during last weeks’ game against the Jets. “Kiwi” saw considerably more snaps than the other starters, including an impressive sack on Cassell late in the second quarter. During the opening series New England’s Matt Light provided Kiwanuka with a good challenge. He should have a smooth transition back to his original position from the weak side linebacker spot.
Other highlights included solid play from third string tight end Darcy Johnson, rookie receiver Mario Manningham, and running back Danny Ware, who will join the already crowded group in the Giants’ backfield. A large group of players didn’t dress for the game, including Manning, Plaxico Burress, Antonio Pierce and rookie corner Terrell Thomas, however all should be available when the Giants open their season this Thursday night against the Redskins.
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Other NY Giants Notes:
- The Giants trimmed their roster down to the mandatory 53 players Sunday. Among the roster casualties were line backer Tank Daniels, receiver Brandon London, and 6th round pick Andre Woodson.
- The Giants will begin the regular season with Manning and Carr as the only quarterbacks. A third could be added within a few weeks.
- Two veteran players were signed by the Giants Sunday: Seasoned kicker John Carney, who spent most of his career with the Saints, and defensive end Jerome McDougle, a former first round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles. Carney can fill in while Lawrence Tynes recovers from his knee injury, and McDougle can add depth to the somewhat depleted defensive line.
By Reed Kelley
ProFootball-fans.com New York Giants Correspondent