The New York Giants kicked off their new era on Saturday with a 34-25 preseason win over the Buffalo Bills. While preseason can be largely inconsequential, the Giants have a lot of young players looking to prove themselves. Coming off arguably the worst season in franchise history, starting jobs are available all over the roster.
How did New York look in its first game since January, and what does it mean for the future? Here are the biggest takeaways from the Giants’ preseason victory.
It’s important to remember that this is just preseason, but don’t be afraid to get excited. Jaxson Dart looked terrific in his NFL debut. The 25th overall pick demonstrated everything Giants fans should be looking for.
In just under two quarters of action, Dart completed 12 out of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed three times for 24 yards, 19 of which came in one run. He showed poise and precision in the pocket and didn’t falter under pressure from defenders.
Dart was pressured on his lone touchdown pass and rocked as soon as the ball left his hands. It would’ve been easy to throw the ball away or take the sack, but he turned it into six points. His 19-yard run was due to a collapsed pocket; he had to rush out and pick up the first down with his legs.
It’s too early to sing Dart’s praises, but how can any Giants fan not be happy about his performance this weekend? Not every play was perfect, but making mistakes and learning is what the preseason is all about. The 22-year-old is decisive and not afraid to make big plays. He’s proven there’s something for Brian Daboll to work with in building his QB.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Giants’ fourth-string running back was lights out on Saturday. Dante “Turbo” Miller rushed 10 times for 22 yards, but caught seven passes for 80 yards, leading all receivers.
The Giants’ running back room is already full with Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and rookie Cam Skattebo. Could adding a fourth man be beneficial?
It’s too soon to declare Turbo a member of the 53-man roster, especially with a loaded group already. He’s a name to watch for the next three weeks. With Skatt nursing a hamstring issue, and Singletary’s 2024 injury combined with age, maybe having a fourth man isn’t a bad idea.
The Giants drafted edge rusher Abdul Carter third overall this year, and in his debut, he lived up to it. Carter played six downs, three of which were pass-rush. What did Darth Vader do on those three downs? He pressured the quarterback.
Two of Carter’s pressures came against the Bills’ starting Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins. The rookie is poised and lightning quick, just like in training camp. If he was able to blow past someone like Dawkins, imagine what he’ll do against a weaker line.
It’s worth noting that Carter wasn’t the only presence felt on the defensive line. Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Roy Robertson-Harris brought the pressure against Buffalo.
Without their strongest player, Dexter Lawrence, in the lineup, this is like watching the Avengers without Captain America. When the regular season kicks off, this line will haunt QBs.
It’s easy to overreact after the first week of preseason. When you haven’t seen your team play in eight months, and they come out with a strong performance, how could you contain your excitement?
Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter look great so far. Cam Skattebo is still awaiting his debut, so keep an eye on him this preseason. It’s fun to be a Giants fan again.
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