This is a huge week for the New York Giants. It is time to settle the lineups, get everyone on the practice field that is going to be healthy, and make a statement on offense. This third week of preseason has become the dress rehearsal for the season. The Baltimore Ravens are the next opponent, on the road, and they are very good. They will play their starting defense for 3 quarters if necessary, and they completely shut down and beat up the Washington Redskins last week. Not that I think the 'Skins are a talented team, but you need to be well prepared and work as a team to survive a game against the Ravens defense. The GIANTS offense has not even spent an entire practice together, let alone played any games together. The offensive line needs to become a unit, practice together with the guys that will start the season, and set the tone early Saturday night. The running game has shown some very encouraging signs the past two weeks, despite not having Brandon Jacobs, Rich Seubert, or pro bowler Chris Snee. All three will practice this week and play Saturday providing there are no setbacks. The offense will have a tough team to prepare for this week, but with Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Kevin Boss, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and a healthy Eli at the helm, the offense should show well this weekend. They need to play and practice as a unit from now until September 12th to ensure they will be ready for the season.
The defense is starting to gel. You can see how healthy Osi and Canty are this year. You can see Tuck has his strength back. You can see the impact Antrelle Rolle will have. You can see what Kenny Phillips and Keith Bulluck will bring when they are completely healthy. They do seem to be a bend and not break defense currently. They have been tremendous in the red zone. A complete turnaround from last year. They look very strong against the run, and good against the long ball. They look quick, stout, and smart. The question as always will be about the pass rush. We obviously have not and will not see the entire scheme until the season begins. Right now as a basic, vanilla defense, they look strong.
The special teams continue to improve. The kicking game of Tynes looks solid, from kickoffs to field goals, he has performed very well. The coverage units look fine. The two units that need more consistency are the return teams and the new rookie punter. The punt return team looked good with Aaron Ross last Saturday, however he know has a foot injury, and may be out of the running for the position. Victor Cruz must continue to work hard and learn on the job if he wants to be a player and contributor on this team. The punter needs to learn to relax, get his confidence back, or he might be looking for work sooner than later.
This week of practice, and Saturday's game, will be the first step towards learning what this team can accomplish this year.
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