The New York Giants defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 25-23, in Week 3 of the 2019 NFL Preseason on Thursday night. Here are some players who helped themselves and others who did not.
Stock up: QB Kyle Lauletta
Had a strong outing in Cincy (4-of-7 for 77 yards) and looked much more poised than he did last season. Also exuding more confidence and is throwing the football with more authority. It might be a mistake to cut him.
Stock down: QB Alex Tanney
Apoor outing combined with Lauletta’s strong showing could mean Tanney get pushed to the bottom of the depth chart. With one more preseason game remaining, he needs to play lights out to make the roster.
Stock up: WR Brittan Golden
Even with the muffed punt, Golden showed he has a wide range of abilities both on offense and special teams. No youngster at 31, Golden could be one of those guys whose light goes on late. Need to see more, but I’m impressed.
Stock down: LG Will Hernandez
Several penalties and missed assignments and blocks were awfully noticeable for a player who is expected to take a leap into Pro Bowl terrain this season.
Stock up: TE Garrett Dickerson
Never thought he had a shot to make the roster until the Bengals game. Seems to have the offense down and has a little explosion to his game. The only drawback could be his blocking, but, again, we need to see more.
Stock down: RB Rod Smith
His groin injury couldn’t come at a worse time. With Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins healthy and the rookie Hilliman impressing, Smith could finds himself on the outside looking in.
Stock up: LB Josiah Tauaefa
A productive college player who can play laterally and north/south. He has the Troy Polamalu hair and motor and might just have what it takes to make the Giants’ roster, or their practice squad. Had seven tackles against the Bengals (five solo), including a sack.
Stock down: CB Sam Beal
Did not play again this week due to the hamstring which is bad news for him. The Giants won’t cut him without giving him a fair chance to play — I don’t think. But if he’s not ready to play by August 31, Beal could find himself either on IR again or out on the street.
Stock up: RB Jon Hilliman
Scored for the second straight game and is showing a nice goal line presence which could keep him on the roster, or at least the practice squad, this season.
Stock down: TE Scott Simonson
All it takes sometimes is a dropped pass to get yourself cut. Simonson is in a logjam at tight end behind Rhett Ellison and Evan Engram and barely ahead of C.J. Conrad and Dickerson.
Stock down: OT George Asafo-Adjei
The seventh-round pick has not played in a few weeks due to a concussion, missing valuable reps and experience. He is almost certain to to be placed on IR on Sept 1 unless he can put together a string of eye-opening practices and a big game next Thursday in Foxborough.
