Preseason Game Preview: New York Giants at Carolina Panthers, August 19, 2004

Approach to the Game – New York Giants at Carolina Panthers, August 19, 2004: The preseason game that coaches take the most seriously is the third preseason game, but the second preseason game is pretty important too. Head Coach Tom Coughlin will definitely want to see his offense, defense, and special teams continue to improve in anticipation of the regular season opener that is rapidly approaching.

Again, the most important thing is not to suffer any significant injuries or get players re-injured unnecessarily.

In terms of action on the field, the Giants want to see much better pass defense than they saw last week, continued improvement and cohesion on the offensive line, and greater success in short-yardage situations.

The Panthers are a really good test. They have the best defensive line in football and physical running game. Also, look for Brandon Short and Jessie Armstead to be pretty fired up for obvious reasons.

Giants on Offense: Fan and media focus will remain on the quarterback duel between Kurt Warner and Eli Manning, but the most important area to watch will be the offensive line. As was to be expected, given the fact that he was just moved to right tackle the week before, David Diehl struggled somewhat on the open right flank, especially in pass protection. The competition gets dramatically tougher this week when Diehl squares off against DE Julius Peppers. But the match-ups across the board are not easy. Rookie RG Chris Snee faces DT Brentson Buckner and LG Wayne Lucier will battle DT Kris Jenkins (Barry Stokes will not play this week). Jenkins is one of the toughest defenders in the entire league and Lucier will have his hands full. LT Luke Petitgout will match up against DE Mike Rucker, a very good end. This is the best defensive line in football and things could get ugly for Eli Manning, who will start this week. Their strength is our weakness.

Carolina has very good depth on the defensive line too and the Giants’ back-up offensive line will be tested. The guy to watch is Gary Walker at right tackle. Does he have a future in this league? I’d like to see Drew Strojny get more playing time at left tackle than he did last week.

Also, watch the blocking effectiveness of the tight ends, especially Visanthe Shiancoe. He has the ability to be a very good blocker; he needs greater consistency. Personally, I am also interested to see how he continues to evolve as a pass receiver. If Shank can develop into a fine two-way tight end this season, it will really open things up for the Giants’ offense.

Was last week a fluke for Ron Dayne? Can he and the blocking improve in short-yardage situations? This is a tough defense to get positive answers against. But if the Giants want to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, they have to beat the best. It will be interesting to see if Coughlin gives Tiki Barber more touches this week.

I have no idea what the Giants are going to do at wide receiver after Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard. James McKnight, who many figured would be the third wide receiver, hasn’t practiced or played much due to a toe injury. The other guy supposed to vie for the third receiver job, Tim Carter, is missing a lot of time with a hamstring injury. It would seem that both may not be able to count on a roster spot. Many reports out of camp have said that Willie Ponder and David Tyree have not been sharp, but both played well on special teams last week and Tyree made a couple of plays in the passing game. JaJuan Dawson is really pushing for a roster spot. Ataveus Cash and Chris Davis have made a positive impression at camp with their hands and athleticism. Avion Black returns punts. And the big wild card is Jamaar Taylor, who is wowing everyone, but who is also still recovering from an ACL injury. The Giants will probably keep six wide receivers. But who? There are nine guys fighting for four roster spots. One would think that Tyree and Taylor have a good shot. The Giants may end up having to get rid of someone like Dawson and/or Cash in favor of a guy who can return kicks and punts (i.e., Ponder, Black, Carter, etc.). What do the coaches really think of McKnight?

Then there is Warner versus Manning – round two.

Giants on Defense: The Giants faced a very good rushing attack last week and will so again this week. This will be a good test for the entire front seven. I’d like to see Carolina challenge the two big defensive tackles in the middle, Norman Hand and Fred Robbins, in order to get a better read on them. Of course, the Giants need their depleted linebacking corps to make some plays. It’s more than a bit scary when you consider that the Giants are going to have to use guys like Quincy Monk, Kevin Lewis, Reggie Torbor, and Wes Mallard against the starters. It’s not that some of these guys don’t have ability, but they are not proven commodities and one would expect the Panthers to take advantage of their presence in the starting line-up.

What the Giants MUST do is improve their pass defense. Last week, both the linebackers and defensive backs got toasted by the Chiefs in the first half of the game. Will Allen, in particular, needs to elevate his game. The safeties need to make some plays. And the linebackers have to do a much better job of covering tight ends and running backs. The Giants open against the Eagles, and the Eagles love to throw to the underneath receivers against linebackers.

Who will start at free safety on opening day – Brent Alexander or Omar Stoutmire? Is Terry Cousin a good nickel corner? Is Frank Walker a good back-up corner? Who among the young defensive backs (Gibril Wilson, Jack Brewer, Jamaine Winborne, Curtis Deloatch, Dewitt Ellerbe) will stick? The Giants say that Wilson is the fastest defensive back on the team except for Allen and Will Peterson. Brewer is a good special teams player. Winborne made some excellent plays in run defense. Deloatch has return ability and size.

Among the back-ups up front, Martin Chase and Lance Legree formed the second team last week. But it seemed as if Mario Monds and Delbert Cowsette (the third teamers) played better than Chase. DE Khaleed Vaughn is an interesting prospect on the strongside. DE Osi Umenyiora had a monster game against the Panthers last year in the regular season. Is there a roster spot still for DE Lorenzo Bromell, who remains on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list?

Giants on Special Teams: Unless the Giants pick up another kicker (which is very possible), it looks like Bill Gramatica will likely be on the opening day roster. He needs to improve his kickoffs, if he can.

P Jeff Feagles looks ready to start the season now&hopefully the Giants won’t tire out his leg.

The Giants gave up a big kick-off return last week and they need to improve in that department.

The Giants came darn close to blocking a couple of punts last week with Tyree and Brewer flying off the edges.

Willie Ponder impressed as a kick returner last week. With Carter out, he doesn’t seem to have a serious challenger at present. Deloatch muffed a punt&has he lost the confidence of Tom Coughlin? Will the Giants be forced to spend a valuable roster spot on a guy like Avion Black?