Recapping the New York Giants Pre-Season Opener

Added by Nathaniel Mathison on August 11, 2012.

In one of the more exciting preseason games you will probably ever see, the New York Giants lost in a nail biter against the Jacksonville Jaguars to the tune of 31-32.

Eli Manning and the first team offense played two series which produced a field goal. Manning on the night went 4/8 for 70 yards including a 28-yard catch and run by Victor Cruz, who looks to be taking up right where he left off last season. The Giants were forced to punt on their opening series, but answered an early Jacksonville 89 yard TD drive with a score of their own.

The starting defense for the G-men looked a little lackluster, putting very little pressure on Jaguars quarterback, Blane Gabbert, and just looking lost out on coverage as he continually torched the secondary, but picked it up late in the first and into the second quarter.

Gabbert converted on multiple third and long situations, picking on cornerback Prince Amukamara who got caught peeking in the backfield. Prince, however, did spark consecutive turnovers forced by the Giants ‘D’ ripping Jaguars wideout Cecil Short after a reception, which quickly turned into Giants points. The Giants forced three turnovers on the evening, leading to a total of 14 points.

New York, however, did not have a shortage of giving up free plays either, as rookies Jerrel Jernigan and Jeyron Hosley both almost identically muffed punts, one on the nine yard line and the other on the 32 yard line which set up the eventual go-ahead score of the Jaguars.

Rookies, David Wilson and Rueben Randle had their fair share of highlight reel material that Giants fans will love to see in the very near future. Wilson ripped off  a nice run of 26 yards showing his blazing speed and why the Giants took him in the first round. He finished with 43 yards rushing on seven late carries in the second half. Randle had a pedestrian two catches for 27 yards, but his final catch was a sweet jump ball thrown by backup quarterback Ryan Perriloux early in the fourth quarter. Randle demonstrated his jump ball ability as another red zone threat added to the high powered offense.

Next up for the G-men are their co-tenants, the New York Jets, on August 18th at Met-Life Stadium. The Giants will get a look at Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow as they deal with their media driven quarterback controversy up close and personal. Although its just an exhibition game, one would have to believe there will be more at stake between the two bitter rivals, especially after all the attention the Jets have received in the offseason opposed to the current Super Bowl Champion Giants.

“Yeah, it’s crazy that the defending Super Bowl champs don’t really have a lot of pressure on them,” Quarterback David Carr said. ” It’s weird to say that, but we don’t get much attention. Like I said, that’s our personality… All the other stuff is great for other teams, but we kind of relish the role we’re in.”