MetLife, NJ—The New York Giants were content to let the starters rest to see what a few players on the fringe making the roster. It was clear to see that G-Men needed to see some players get more reps in this game, the final roster have to be finalize on Tuesday, when all NFL teams must reduce from 90 to 53 players.
The starting offensive line was Matt Peart, Joshua Ezeudu, Ben Bredeson, Mark Glowinski, and Korey Cunningham. Backup Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback and the Giants had a tough time in moving the ball against the Jets starting lineup.
Taylor played two series and rookie Tommy DeVito took the helm after that, who gave up a 67-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Brandin Echols while he was getting tackled. DeVito finished the game completing 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown to wide receiver David Sills V late in the fourth quarter. DeVito looked good except for the ill-advised pass for a interception.
The Jets and Giants have played each other 14 times. The G-Men have won 8 games and the Gang Green have won 6 times. The rivalry has diminished because the teams don’t play often in the regular season but this year they will play week 8 on the schedule.
The New York Giants lost to the New York Jets 32-24 in their preseason finale but for the G-Men it’s more about evaluations and who can step it up in game situations. The Giants lost several players to injury during the contest.
Aaron Rodgers made his New York Jets debut against the Giants. Rodgers completed 5 of 8 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson in the left corner of the end zone.
Rodgers played two series. On his first drive, he completed three passes, but penalties derailed the drive. The Jets were forced to punt. On his second series, Rodgers threw a dime to Wilson to give the Gang Green a 7-0 lead. Zach Wilson relieved Rodgers on the Jets’ third offensive series.
“I used to enjoy playing in the preseason back in my younger years,” the 19- year veteran Rodgers said Tuesday. “Just to kind of maybe take that first hit or feel the nerves on the first drive, so I look forward to being out there.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh mentioned earlier in the week the Rodgers would likely see a few series in the team’s final exhibition game for their regular-season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 11.
Saleh opted to put his starting offensive and defensive units on the field for a few series in the first few series.
David Sills V led the Giants with six catches for 81 yards and the touchdown and looked good running the route tree.
Newly-signed Isaiah Simmons, who arrived on Friday in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, not only was in uniform but he started at inside linebacker and gave Rodgers fits in the first couple of series.
Simmons on the first third down on defense rushed Rodgers and was on his heels, forced an overthrow pass.
Simmons, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft — did not have enough time to learn the full compliment in coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense but he didn’t stop Wink from sending Simmons after the crafty veteran.
“It’s good to give some information to a player that comes in that quick and see how they handle it,’’ Daboll said. “We only gave him a limited role. Wanted to get him out there just to get his feet wet in the defense. He studied hard and he was ready to go.’’
Sterling Shepard fielded a punt for the first time since his final collegiate season at Oklahoma in 2015. Veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder also returned one for six yards on Saturday night.
GAMEDAY CAPTAINS
WR Sterling Shepard, OLB Jihad Ward
IN-GAME INJURY REPORT
NYG: S Bobby McCain (evaluated for a concussion), CB Zyon Gilbert (hamstring), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (knee), TE Chris Myarick (hand), OL Wyatt Davis (ankle), CB Gemon Green (shoulder), S Gervarrius Owens (hamstring)
NYJ: DL Tanzel Smart (shoulder)
