The New York Giants left Hard Rock Stadium with a decisive 26-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins and plenty of individual performances worth evaluating.
After dominating the Dolphins in a joint practice earlier in the week, New York carried that same physical edge into the game. The final score reflected total control, but the real value came in the opportunities given to depth players and younger contributors while several starters sat. Certain names took clear steps forward. Others raised new questions.
A stock report after a preseason game always carries some caveats, yet Saturday’s one-sided result still offered useful data points as the Giants continue shaping their roster under John Harbaugh.
Whose stock is up and whose is down after the Week 2 preseason victory? Let’s take a look.
Stock up: CB Deonte Banks
Don’t look now, but cornerback Deonte Banks is taking his practice dominance and applying it to the field in live games. Yes, it’s fair to say that the Dolphins lack game-breaking talent at the wide receiver position, but you can only play who you’re lined up across from. On Saturday, Banks not only shined in coverage but did something that has been a consistent Achilles’ heel — he made tackles, including a beauty at the line of scrimmage.
Stock down: QB Brandon Allen
If you were to look at Brandon Allen’s stat line (13-of-18 for 101 yards), you’d wonder why he’s listed under “stock down.” Well, it’s because he went out and did the exact opposite of what Harbaugh wanted. Allen took it upon himself to constantly check down, averaging just 5.6 yards per pass. He was told to let it fly so the team could evaluate some of the bubble wide receivers, but he simply missed them or opted not to unleash a throw, possibly feeling wary after his interception a week ago. If Allen gets cut this week, do not be surprised.
Stock up: OL J.C. Davis
Rookie offensive lineman J.C. Davis stepped in at left tackle and took every single offensive snap (81) on Saturday against Miami. The result? One pressure allowed and zero sacks. What more needs to be said? Well done, rook.
Stock down: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. may be getting inside of his own head. Last week against the Minnesota Vikings, he missed an assignment that left quarterback Jaxson Dart unprotected — and that was almost a nightmare scenario. Against Miami, Tracy fumbled the ball untouched deep in Dolphins territory, leading to a costly giveaway. Put all of his other production aside — there’s no way the new staff can trust him if he continues to make unforced errors.
Stock up: RB Devin Singletary
With Najee Harris signed earlier this week, Devin Singletary knew his hold on a roster spot was no longer guaranteed, and he made to make his presence felt. Mission accomplished. The veteran accounted for 44 yards and one touchdown on nine touches, including a nice 13-yard scamper into the end zone.
Stock down: DT Darius Alexander
It was a rough afternoon for second-year defensive tackle Darius Alexander, who drew the ire of Giants legend Carl Banks throughout the broadcast. One play truly exemplified why the Giants remain concerned about their DT depth.
Mixed stock:
More stock up:
More stock down:
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants stock report: Whose is up, down after preseason win over Miami?
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Benton, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
