Competitive football in New York is here, and the new-look Giants will get their first reps against another team on Saturday when they take on the Buffalo Bills in their preseason opener upstate.
Here are three things to keep an eye on:
Abdul Carter’s versatility
While it might only last a few snaps, Saturday will provide a first look at Abdul Carter in a full-tilt, no-holds-barred pass-rushing environment.
The edge rusher, taken No. 3 overall out of Penn State, will be used in a number of ways within defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s unit — mainly as an outside linebacker or on the end of the defensive line to support Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
“Been encouraged by him,” Bowen said of Carter. “Obviously, the talent shows up out there on the field. I think he’s a very instinctive player. Finds ways to get to the football. He’s got a natural feel to dip, to lean, to bend. You see those traits show up out there on the practice field. He’s continuing to work consistently day in and day out. With the effort, the technique, the fundamentals. But I like his versatility and what he’s going to be able to bring for our defense.”
While finding the best spot for him the pros is paramount, Bowen added that a priority will be “not overloading him.”
“Obviously being a rookie, continuing to focus on the techniques and fundamentals,” Bowen added. “But finding ways for him and all these guys to impact the game for us.”
The Wilson to Nabers connection
The Giants’ drab offense last season should, in theory, receive a boost after overhauling its quarterback room.
For now, it’s Russell Wilson’s team while Jameis Winston holds the clipboard and Jaxson Dart waits in the wings for his chance to take over as the franchise quarterback of the future.
It can’t get much worse than last year’s carousel of ineffective passing, whether it was Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock, or Tim Boyle.
Wilson is a future Hall of Famer, and at 36, will be keen on proving that he can still sling it at a high level. For that to happen, his relationship with star second-year receiver Malik Nabers is paramount.
So far, so good, at least during camp. Wilson gives Nabers the best quarterback he’s worked with yet after his standout rookie campaign.
“His timing, his arm angles, the way he can deliver the ball, whether it be sidearm or through a defender, he’s put the ball in some crazy spots that I thought would never get to me, but it made it there,” Nabers said of Wilson. “Or just the moonball. It’s easy to catch. It drops right in the bucket. He’s able to put the ball in a position where only his receiver can catch it. That’s been a great attribute of his for playing for so long.”
Evan Neal in open play
In hopes of salvaging his career, Evan Neal has been shifted from guard to tackle, and he has drawn rave reviews during training camp.
“Evan’s doing a really nice job,” offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said. “It’s not necessarily easy to go from outside and move inside. Evan’s doing it from a communication standpoint, you’ve got to be dialed into the calls, you’ve got to be dialed into double teams a little bit more, if we’re going silent cadence – all those things, they get added on, so he’s done a really nice job.
“I’m proud of him and I think we still got some more days in camp and some more work there but he’s doing a great job with the work he’s done.”
Neal is currently listed as Greg Van Roten’s backup on the team’s unofficial depth chart, but a strong preseason showing could quickly change that.
