Here is an update on the World Champion Giants several days after their 1^st preseason game against the Lions. The Giants played 1^st stringers during the first quarter and got a long look at the youngsters for the remainder of the game. Big Blue lost the game 13-10 but there were some positives throughout.

QB – Eli Manning needs to prove he has taken his game to the next level. Unfortunately, some key receivers were banged up and he wasn’t able to show much in one quarter of action. Anthony Wright looked good afterward while David Carr was spotty. I expect those two to stick and rookie Andre Woodson will be a practice squadder.

RB – Brandon Jacobs only had two carries but looked very impressive. If he stays healthy, he will have a very solid year. Derrick Ward got some work and showed some power and speed. Ahmad Bradshaw looked OK but I wonder if his 30 days in jail have affected his focus somewhat. Ruben Droughns fumbled and did not look overly impressive. The other young running backs did not stand out during the game and probably will not make the regular squad.

WR – This group is very banged up. Plax sat the game out with a bad ankle and has not been able to hammer out a new contract with his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Toomer played and looked OK. Steve Smith sat the game out with an injury as did rookie Mario Manningham. Sinorice Moss made a nice catch on a long bomb from Anthony Wright and needs to impress during the preseason if he wants to stick with the team. Domenik Hixon has taken advantage of the opportunity and flashed his speed. Hixon is the young man who had the unfortunate collision last year with Kevin Everett of the Bills.

TE – The Shockey era is over. This is Kevin Boss’s time to shine. He looked impressive, especially when Anthony Wright targeted him for several catches. Conversely, Mike Matthews and Darcy Johnson were invisible during the game.

OL – Not much to report here. Starters played and looked solid. No injuries of note after the game.

DL – Starters did not flash much but Tuck and Osi will be very solid. Cofield looked good at DT as did Robbins. Veteran Renaldo Wynn looked good later in the game.

LB – Pierce and Danny Clark are known commodities. The backer who really impressed me was Mathias Kiwanuka returning from a broken fibula. If he stays healthy, he will be a disruptive force, especially rushing the passer. The young depth here is very good as well.

DB – This group is extremely deep. GM Jerry Reese has done a great job here. Corners Ross, Webster, Madison, McQuarters and rookie Terrell Thomas will push one another. Safeties Johnson and Butler will get competition from veteran Sammy Knight and 1^st round pick Kenny Phillips who has looked very good thus far.

That’s it for now! Stay tuned for an update later in the month….