The New York Giants will face off against their MetLife Stadium co-tenants, the New York Jets, in their annual preseason matchup this Saturday night. The two teams engaged in joint practices this week and now will play a full-contact game that will have roster ramifications on both sides.
The Giants, however, still have much to decide before kickoff weekend, and this Saturday’s game should settle some of those position battles.
Here are five position battles to keep an eye on against the Jets.
No. 2 cornerback
With Paulson Adebo the clear No. 1 and Dru Phillips the starter in the slot, the Giants would like to get this thing settled. Deonte Banks has been working hard and has looked improved, but still isn’t getting his head around some plays. His spatial awareness has to get better. Cor’Dale Flott shook off some earlier nicks and is now practicing in full. The best man will get the job.
No. 4 wide receiver
This was Jalin Hyatt’s spot to lose, and he is in danger of losing it. The Giants have a lot of competition at the backup wideout positions with veterans such as Lil’Jordan Humphery, Ihmir Smith-Maresette, and Zach Pascal, and young players like Montrell Washington and Beaux Collins. Hyatt again is battling some nagging ailments, and his time could be running out here.
No. 2 running back
With top dog Tyrone Tracy Jr. not likely to see much action, and rookie Cam Skattebo still sidelined with a hamstring issue, the Giants will use Dante Miller, Jonathan Ward, and Devin Singletary in this game. Miller is the hot hand while the other two are more seasoned. Either way, the Giants’ post-Barkley era backfield is looking pretty good. It would be nice to see Skattebo get some reps, though.
Right guard
Greg Van Roten, the only Giant to play 100 percent of the offensive snaps last season, is the starter. But he’s 35 and the Giants are seeking longer-term solutions here. Enter a bunch of names, starting with Evan Neal and Jake Kubas. Other possibilities are rookie Marcus Mbow, who has primarily played tackle thus far, and even right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. This spot is in play.
Quarterback
It’s going to be a topic of conversation until it isn’t. Russell Wilson will be the starter in Washington come kickoff weekend. The Giants owe him that much, but if rookie Jaxson Dart continues to ball out, the fans will make their preference known. For Wilson to stave off Dart, he’ll have to show he can put up points. That’s the goal here. If he can’t, Dart will get his shot.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 5 New York Giants position battles to watch vs. New York Jets
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
