The New York Giants closed out their preseason on Saturday night with a 32-24 loss to the New York Jets, but that’s not the story of the night.
With reserves heavily featured and fighting for roster spots, the Giants saw seven players fall to injury. The vast majority of those didn’t return and a couple looked severe.
How that influences the team’s decisions on Tuesday remains to be seen but it will likely result in some waiver claims.
As far as the game itself, it was a typical late-preseason contest with more bad football than good.
Here is a look at several studs and duds (and studly duds) from Saturday night’s preseason loss.
STUD: LB Isaiah Simmons
After just two days with the team, linebacker Isaiah Simmons stepped in and started on Saturday night. He didn’t see a ton of playing time but made his presence felt while he was in the game, including a QB hurry on Aaron Rodgers, which forced him to flush outside of the pocket and throw an incomplete pass. It was a very small sample size but it was enough to provide some optimism.
DUD: CB Amani Oruwariye
When the Giants initially signed cornerback Amani Oruwariye, he seemed destined to take on a significant role. Following the 2023 NFL draft, those odds faded and then he underwhelmed in the preseason. That trend continued on Saturday night with a DPI, a surrendered touchdown and several big plays going in his direction.
STUD: WR Jalin Hyatt
Rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt had the highlight of the first quarter for the Giants even though it resulted in nothing. He did a little stutter-step and then completely burned Ahmad “Sauce” Garder, creating several yards of space. Tyrod Taylor couldn’t hit him but it showed once again what Hyatt brings to the table.
DUD: QB Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor is guaranteed to begin the season as New York’s backup but he didn’t look very good against the Jets’ first-team defense. He missed a few throws, including one to a wide-open Jalin Hyatt, and finished the night going 2-of-4 for five yards.
STUD: LB Carter Coughlin
If Carter Coughlin was still on the bubble entering the final preseason game, he isn’t anymore. In addition to his solid special teams play, he’s balled out as a linebacker throughout the preseason. He saved the best for last as dominated against the Jets, recording two tackles (two for a loss). It felt like he was all over the field.
DUD: OL Matt Peart
It was another rough night for Matt Peart. He did have some decent moments in the second half but largely, he underperformed and was pushed around by the Jets first-team, second-team and third-team. The Giants clearly have a need at swing tackle.
STUDLY DUD: WR David Sills
David Sills was entrenched in the “DUDS” column initially but started to turn things on as the game progressed. He hauled in six receptions (on nine targets) for 81 yards and one touchdown, and several of those required impressive hands and body control. He was credited with a drop but that was a somewhat questionable call.
More studly than dudly.
STUDLY DUD: RB James Robinson
If we’re being truthful, James Robinson should be under the “STUDS” category but he was a little slow to start the game. However, he quickly caught fire and had his best showing of the entire summer. It probably isn’t enough to earn him a spot on the 53-man roster but it may get him a look elsewhere.
Other STUDS:
- K Graham Gano
- OL Shane Lemieux
- P Jamie Gillan
- RB Eric Gray (studly dud)
Other DUDS:
- LB Oshane Ximines
- CB Darren Evans
- CB Danray Holmes
