The New York Giants built a new identity and culture under recently hired head coach John Harbaugh, who looks to improve a team that finished just 4-13 last year. Those changes will get their first test, albeit a minor one, this Saturday at MetLife Stadium, when they host the Minnesota Vikings for the first preseason game of the summer.
Although it is unclear which starters will suit up for Saturday’s game, here is what you should look for as Big Blue begins its season.
Quarterbacks
Quarterback Jaxson Dart showed promise as a rookie and led the Giants to multiple wins against playoff teams. The second-year quarterback had a rocky start to training camp but improved as the offense started to learn its new scheme.
“A lot of guys [were] trying to figure out everything [and] trying to learn the playbook,” wide receiver Darnell Mooney said about Dart’s slow start in camp. “Now everything’s running a little bit smoother… He’s not having to help everyone out, we can help him out.”
Coach Harbaugh intentionally “dodged” the question of whether Dart will play Saturday. It would be important to see how the young quarterback navigates the basics of a new offense and whether his commitment to improving his footwork has paid off.
Backup quarterback Jameis Winston has had an inconsistent camp and mixed long, highlight throws with stretches of inaccuracy and multiple turnovers. Winston will need to show that he can play in a more structured environment and limit his aggressiveness.
Skill positions
With Malik Nabers expected to miss Saturday’s game, the Giants may lean on tight end Isiah Likely. Likely has been one of Dart’s favorite targets in practice and is expected to have an important role in the offense.
Rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields looks to prove himself after a standout training camp. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver will need to be successful on a variety of routes and turn contested targets into completions to earn a bigger role before Week 1.
Odell Beckham Jr. will play as a New York Giant for the first time since December 2018. Beckham has impressed so far in camp with his leadership and will compete with Calvin Austin, Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton for playing time.
“[Odell] has looked good,” Coach Harbaugh said. “He’s in shape, he’s taken every rep he’s supposed to take in practice, I feel like he’s getting stronger every day… and I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
Given Cam Skattebo’s injury last season, it is unclear whether the second-year running back will play on Saturday. Tyrone Tracy Jr., who was listed as a co-starter with Skattebo, has displayed quickness and high-level receiving ability and will push for a more favorable split in the backfield.
Offensive line
After years of below-average play on the offensive line, the Giants showed notable improvement last season. The most notable addition this year is rookie offensive guard Francis Mauigoa, who will look to prove why he was worthy of the 10th overall pick,
The Giants may experiment with the second-string offensive line in Saturday’s game. Tackle Marcus Mbow and rookie J.C. Davis have moved around the offensive line during training camp as coaches determine what fits best.
The front seven
With the status of star edge rushers Abdul Carter and Brian Burns in question for Saturday’s game, the Giants look for production from their revamped interior defensive line. Darius Alexander has improved throughout camp and is expected to anchor the run defense alongside newly-signed veterans D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris.
Look out for where the Giants play rookie linebacker Arvell Reese. The fifth overall pick lined up in multiple spots at Ohio State and can be used in a variety of ways due to his elite strength and athleticism.
“[Reese] has a real chance to be special,” Reader said. “You never really get a chance to see a kid that size move around how he does at every different position… He’s smart [too].”
Secondary
The cornerback position has been incredibly competitive as five different players have attempted to earn starting roles. Greg Newsome II, Dru Phillips and Paulson Adebo have each dealt with minor injuries and may be held out of Saturday’s game.
Rookie Colton Hood looks to earn his playing time alongside fourth-year cornerback Deonte Banks. Banks displayed high-level press coverage in camp and may fit well into Coach Wilson’s system.
“I’m just going to take it day by day,” Hood said. “[I’ll] be the best version of myself and when it’s time for me to go and be out there, I’ll be out there and do what I need to do.”
Third-year safety Tyler Nubin is expected to start alongside Jevon Holland. However, Nubin has rotated in and out of first-team reps with veterans Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington in recent practices and will need to earn his starting job.
Special teams
The Giants have had an ongoing battle at the kicker position which will continue into the preseason. Rookie kicker Dominic Zvada will attempt to replicate his collegiate success as a professional and 24-year-old Ben Sauls will attempt to hold the job he earned last season.
“It’s been tremendous growth watching these guys go out and compete against each other,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “They know that they’re in a competition and they come out every day and they work hard.”
Wide receiver Braston Berrios was listed as the team’s starting punt returner. Although Berrios is certainly capable, don’t be surprised to see players such as Tracy, Austin or Banks get opportunities in the role.
Coaching
In Coach Harbaugh’s first game with the team and has his first opportunity to navigate substitutions and establish a pace of play. Key decisions on third downs and how long certain starters play will be indicators of what fans will see in the regular season.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will run the defense for his first time with the Giants. The offensive coaching staff will attempt to mesh a group of three former head coaches together for the first time as offensive coordinator Matt Nagy works alongside run-game coordinator Greg Roman and pass-game coordinator Brian Callahan.
“I think that is a great example of the leadership that Coach Harbaugh [has shown],” Jameis Winston said. “He’s letting his coaches build a system that’s very unique to all of them… you’ve got this melting pot of greatness… They just want us to be our very best.”
Since all three coaches have previously held more prominent positions than they do now, one of Coach Harbaugh’s first tests will be to get the most out of his staff.
Sleepers
Wide receiver Dalen Cambre has earned the attention of coaches with an array of circus catches and by consistently working hard and finding small ways to contribute to the team. Dante “Turbo” Miller has taken on a similar mindset and will attempt to work his way up the depth chart as well.
Cornerback and former seventh-round pick Korie Black has an opportunity to earn playing time as a result of the team’s positional injuries. Bobby Jamison-Travis is an explosive 6-foot-4, 322-pound rookie defensive lineman to watch out for as well.
