Here are three things to watch as the Giants enter their final preseason game Sunday against the New England Patriots.
1. Press the handset
The reduction to 53 comes on Tuesday. Final impressions must be made in this game. The wide receiver room is affected by injuries at the top, but there is only so much work to go through. CJ Board, Dante Pettis and Davis Sills are likely vying for a place. Sills does not offer much value in special equipment. The board does, but other players in other positions (Keion Crossen, Cam Brown) can offer more.
2. Hold the line
It’s open season on the Giants ’offensive line, with critics shooting the group all summer. The headlines weren’t terrible (after an unstable first session) in joint practice with the Browns and better in two days of work with the Patriots. This is the final tune-up, and this young group, especially right-back Matt Peart, must keep Daniel Jones clean and look like he’ll be able to compete when the real action begins.
3. The real Beal
Since he was selected with the third-round pick in the 2018 draft supplement, it has been one misfortune after another for Sam Beal. This could be his last position. The competition on the corner isn’t exactly overflowing and the all-summer injury of debutant Aaron Robinson could open up a spot. Rookie Rodarius Williams (sixth round coach) is definitely ahead of Beal, who is not showing the aggressiveness needed to make his break on the ball.