Preseason Games: What To Look For

Preseason Week 1: Jacksonville

Finally preseason is among us. There are obviously fans out there that just like to watch the first few drives and maybe the first half, seeing all the starters and 2nd stringers. To me preseason games must be watched in their entirety. You not only get to see Eli and the gang, but you get to see the future, the ones who come in when players go down, the ones who complete Big Blue.

If you are a casual fan, not really wanting to watch the whole game (especially on a Friday night), I'll give you some things to look out for throughout the preseason games

1. The big name rookies. Wilson and Randle have had great camps, but how will they look when there are professional ball players flying at them, hitting them as hard as they can?

2. Ramses Barden. If this moron can't prove himself this preseason, he's gone. Coaches have made it clear that if he does not do anything in these 4 games. He's done.

3. Is Will Hill the next Victor Cruz? Obviously not as much of a no name, but same little expectations coming into camp. We need a 3rd safety, a "Bison Role", Will Hill has been playing this position with the first team in recent practices. Doesn't matter how you do in practice, it matters how you preform when pads start flying.

4. Keith Rivers and the rest of the linebackers. Keith Rivers needs to prove to the Giants and their fans that he is healthy and ready to play.  Also watch Jacquian Williams and Mark Herzlich. Chase is at MLB for now, but his job is definitely not secured.

5.  How good is cornerback Jayron Hosley? Third round pick, I didn't like him due to off field issues and what not. With T2 out, we need him, and need him badly. No fan wants Rolle coming down to the nickel corner spot. 

6. Marvin Austin. Kid hasn't played a meaningful game since December 2009. He seems to be completely recovered from a torn pectoral but how will the absence from the game itself hurt him?

7. How does Prince look at full speed? Coming off of that broken foot that never fully healed last year. Giants threw him out there a little prematurely and it showed. Hopefully is at full health.

8. The New TE's. Martellus Bennett has done nothing but talk all preseason, but will he bring the noise during the games? Giants say he is going to block more, but who knows, the kid can make plays down the field. Adrien Robinson is apparently the "JPP of tight ends" Yeah keep an eye out for this kid then, should be interesting to watch.

9. The Backup QBs. What if Eli goes down? Who steps up? (We're probably fucked)  David Carr, first round pick, went to Houston, got sacked 1000 times in a season and could never get his feet back under him. Ryan Perrilloux is from what I hear a project, if that. 

10. The health of the offensive line. Beatty's back issue is very up and down (out for tonight's game), We have to pray they all stay healthy for the season or it could be the downfall of this team.  

11. WR battle. Who gets that 3rd spot? Randle, Hixon, JJ? See if JJ can play as an outside receiver. See if Hixon's knee holds up throughout the games. 

12. Can special teams finally step up? Who will win the PR/KR positions? We have not had a big play maker returning kicks or punts in a very long time. Hopefully we have one on the squad.

There are 12 players out for the game tonight vs JAX: CB Terrell Thomas (knee), RB Da'Rel Scott (quad), LB Jake Muasau (hamstring), LB Jaquian Williams (hip), LB Michael Boley (hamstring), LT Will Beatty (back), DE Justin Trattou (ankle), DT Rocky Bernard (knee), TE Travis Beckum (knee), LB Clint Sintim (knee), WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) and DT Chris Canty (knee).