The New York Giants dominated a very scaled-down version of the Chicago Bears in Week 2 of the 2019 NFL Preseason, 32-13, on Friday night at MetLife Stadium.
It was a hollow and uninspiring night all around and further fueled the argument that preseason games either have to be eliminated, shortened or given less importance in the way of value and attention.
That aside, we still need to take the temperature of the team and these games are all we have to go on. Here’s some players whose stock rose and some whose stock fell on Friday.
Stock up: WR T.J. Jones
Again, Jones was the most-targeted receiver, catching three of the four passes thrown in his direction for 32 yards and a touchdown. He might have had four grabs had he not stumbled on a crossing pattern which caused him to miss Daniel Jones’ otherwise perfectly-timed delivery. Jones also ran back a kickoff for 43 yards.
Stock down: Pass rush
Against the Bears’ second- and third-string offensive lines, the Giants managed just three sacks and five QB hits. Markus Golden, Olsen Pierre and rookie Oshane Ximines got the sacks but overall, this was a stark reminder that the Giants’ base defense is still not getting enough pressure on the passer.
Stock up: Rushing game
With Saquon Barkley (load management) and Wayne Gallman (foot) watching from the sideline, the Giants rushed for 161 yards with their backups. Paul Perkins (six carries, 35 yards), Rod Smith (10 for 42) and rookie Jonathan Hilliman (16 for 56 and a touchdown) pushed the near-Bears all over the field. The three combined to catch all five running back targets in the passing game out of the backfield.
Stock down: CB Sam Beal and OT George Asafo-Adjei
Beal (hamstring) was fully dressed for the game, but inactive. With rookie Deandre Baker (knee) also out, it would have been the perfect night for Beal to get some valuable reps, sharpen his game and gain some capital in the coaches’ eyes. Instead, he’s still an unknown entity. Big George sat again with a concussion, and it’s getting to the point where he could end up on IR, ending his season.
Stock up: Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler, Alonzo Russell and Rhett Ellison
Latimer has been using his size and speed to make big plays. Fowler scored again and looked smooth in the process. Russell’s line doesn’t indicate his value as a special teamer or as a complete football player. Ellison is a premier blocker who can also catch. If the Giants were thinking of making him a cap casualty, they better look elsewhere.
On hold: Riley Dixon
Dixon’s prospects as the Giants’ long-term punter took a hit when they claimed Johnny Townsend off waivers this week. Townsend didn’t play in the game, but Dixon did, averaging 40.3 yards on three punts with one inside the 20. It’s obvious the team is looking for more, having Ryan Anderson in camp all summer before claiming Townsend. Dixon isn’t making all that much money ($720K), but is in the final year of his contract.
