Thursday, August 30, 2012

Giants Win Preseason Finale in Super Bowl Rematch


Wednesday, August 30th 2012
Final Score: New England Patriots: 3 New York Giants: 6
Giants Win Super Bowl Rematch in Preseason Finale

The New York Giants defense of their Super Bowl title is officially underway after closing out the preseason with a 6-3 victory over the New England Patriots Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium.  It was an ugly game for the night, as the Patriots sat all of their starters and the Giants ones played seldom. 

The offense for the Giants looked sluggish, but the main goal was to get through the game healthy heading into the regular season.  This was a more important game for the backups who are fighting for roster spots as the Giants will need to cut their roster down to 53 men Friday.

Hakeem Nicks made his preseason debut Wednesday night, making one catch for six yards.  Nicks has performed well in practice since being cleared from his broken foot in May.  The most important thing was that he made it through the game without any setbacks and looks ready for opening night next week. 

“It felt really good to be out there for the first time this preseason,” Nicks said.  “Went out there, got my feet wet, got a couple reps.  It was exactly what I needed to know that I’ll be ready for next week.”

Nicks continued, “It was pretty much what I expected. No problem with the foot.  It felt good and I’ll be ready to start the season.”

Nicks’ outlook is positive news for the Giants who aren’t without problems heading into the season opener next week against the Cowboys.  The offensive line struggled mightily, as Chris Snee, Will Beatty and James Brewer all sat on the sidelines with injuries.  The running game was unable to get going and three sacks were given up in the first half alone. 

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Andre Brown was able to put on a good performance in the second half behind good, hard running.  The offensive line still has some work to do if they are to keep Manning clean and have a successful running game.  Left tackle is one position to look at, as Beatty has returned to practice but Sean Locklear has been solid throughout his starts in the preseason. 

The competition in the Giants backfield at running back will go down to the last minute before roster cuts.  David Wilson struggled in his start for the injured Ahmad Bradshaw, gaining only 13 yards on eight carries.  Wilson should still open the season as the primary backup behind Bradshaw because of the work he has put in the rest of the preseason. 

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Brown had an impressive start to the second half, gaining 52 yards rushing and catching a nine-yard reception as well.  But Brown did show some exhaustion, fumbling the ball in the fourth quarter near the Giants goal line that was recovered by Bear Pascoe at the one-yard line. 

D.J Ware came in as the third-down back behind Wilson, but did not get extended playing time as the Giants know what they have in Ware and wanted to see more from Brown and Da’Rel Scott.

Coming up for the Giants is the last roster cut Friday and then the season opener next Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium against the rival Dallas Cowboys.

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