The New York Giants will take on the New York Jets in both teams’ final preseason game on Friday night. The Jets were given the home-team designation since both teams play in MetLife Stadium.
It is the final opportunity for both teams to see their players in action before final 53-man rosters are set on Sunday. With positional competitions across numerous units on each side, players need to take advantage of their last chance to fight for jobs.
What to watch with the Giants
It will be important to see how effectively the Giants’ offense, especially quarterback Jaxson Dart, if he plays, can operate within their new scheme after offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said the unit recently completed its install.
“I think the offense is going to be exciting, I think it’s going to be fun,” Nagy said. “We’re very optimistic of how this thing’s gonna go. We feel really good, but now you gotta be able to do it when it matters most.”
The Giants will also look to identify positional depth on the offensive line after trading two backup guards for late-round draft picks this offseason. Younger linemen such as Marcus Mbow and rookie J.C. Davis have stood out and now look to earn playing time.
The team will answer questions about the running back position as well after the team co-listed Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris and Devin Singletary as the backup. If one of the three stands out, it could lead to movement up the depth chart.
On defense, the Giants will look to finalize the rotation in their secondary. Cornerbacks Greg Newsome II, Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo have taken most of the first-team reps throughout camp and will look to claim their spots. Safety Tyler Nubin will have the same task as Jason Pinnock began to earn practice time with the starters.
What to watch with the Jets
On offense, much of the focus will be on how the Jets’ offensive line holds up against a talented Giants’ pass rush. With most of the Jets’ starters expected to play, there could be reason for optimism for a unit that allowed five sacks during practice on Tuesday.
If quarterbacks Geno Smith and Cade Klubnick both play, they will be tasked with running the offense effectively and managing the game plan at a high level. Both have had success during camp, so coaches will hope to see it translate in a live game setting.
“[I’m] very appreciative of the hard work that everyone’s put in and the amount of attention that guys are paying,” Smith said. “We’re getting better as an offense and as a team. But, like [I’ve] said, we’ve got a long ways to go, and we gotta keep working.”
On defense, the Jets also need to answer questions about reliability within their secondary. Defensive backs Azareye’h Thomas and rookie Denaglo Ponds have taken reps with the starters but are yet to find their rhythm within the defense.
With the Giants expected to experiment along the offensive line, the Jets will look to generate a consistent pass rush. The Jets’ front seven, including training camp stars Kingsley Enagbare and rookie David Bailey, has shown promise as well and the team will look for signs of reliable production.
Storylines to watch
As the Giants continue to finalize their wide receiver room, eyes will be on whether Odell Beckham Jr. can perform well enough to earn a roster spot. Beckham impressed throughout the offseason but struggled to separate from the team’s other receivers.
Giants undrafted rookie kicker Dominic Zvada will attempt to earn the starting job on Friday. Zvada made 70-of-74 attempts throughout the summer and impressed with his range.
“His progression has been tremendous,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “You think about when he first got here, where he first started, how he developed… He’s done a very good job. He’s done everything we’ve asked.”
Jets wide receiver AD Mitchell has shown flashes during the offseason but has yet to establish a consistent role within the offense. An explosive performance could earn him a better spot on the depth chart.
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