Here is the Giants update for the first half of August after their first preseason game. Big Blue beat the Patriots in New England 23-21. The Giants starters played a bit in the first quarter. It was primarily an opportunity for the 2^nd and 3^rd stringers to show their wares. New Giants HC Brian Daboll is 47 years old. Patriots HC Bill Belicheck has been a NFL coach for 48 years!

QB Daniel Jones played two series in the first quarter and looked decent. Veteran QB Tyrod Taylor played the rest of the first half and looked impressive. What a difference having a NFL caliber quarterback to back up your starter! Third string QB Davis Webb played the second half and did not look good. His work in the film room might be the only thing that keeps him on this team as he is like having another offensive coach.

RB Saquon Barkley looked good in limited work in the first quarter. He ran downhill and with authority. RB Matt Breida did not play due to injury. RB Antonio Williams and RB Gary Brightwell also looked good throughout the game. There will definitely be some competition here throughout the rest of training camp.

WR Kenny Golladay did not look impressive and has not lived up to his bloated contract. He needs to step up and play like a #1 wide receiver. WR Kadarius Toney did not play due to injury. WR Collin Johnson flashed as a big body receiver and looked very good. WR Wan'Dale Robinson showed off his speed and shiftiness.

Rookie TE Daniel Bellinger started and it will be his job to lose in my opinion. He has a good all-around skill set plus very reliable hands. None of the veteran tight end options in camp have been impressive and I wouldn't be surprised if the team goes with a group of hungry youngsters here.

New DC Wink Martindale's defense will be a problem. Even though it was their first preseason game, the G-Men blitzed 37% of the time. This did not make opposing HC Bill Belicheck very happy. It looks like prize rookie DE Kayvon Thibodeaux is as advertised. He immediately drew an offsides penalty on the first possession. His size and speed combination will be a handful for opposing offensive linemen. Several rookie linebackers looked good and should be good situational pieces for Wink going forward. I'm anxious to see how the first string secondary performs with more playing time under their belts.

That's it for now.

More to come in later in August...

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