The Giants defeated the Panthers 21-19 on Friday, securing their first win of the 2023 preseason. Here are three takeaways from New York's performance.
The Daniel Jones-Darren Waller connection is already strong
New York’s signal-caller showed why he earned a $160M deal this offseason, orchestrating a sharp opening drive in his first outing of the preseason. Jones completed eight of his nine passes for 69 yards and one touchdown while adding six yards on the ground. And along the way, it became apparent that he has a new favorite target to throw to in the Pro Bowl tight end Waller.
Waller, who was acquired via trade from Las Vegas this offseason, has been arguably the biggest standout in training camp and proved the hype was warranted during his Giants debut. The 30-year-old hauled in three of his four targets for 30 yards and showcased his versatility, lining up all over the field.
It might not be a large sample size, but if the starters' one drive is any indication, Waller should be in for a resurgent season (assuming he stays healthy).
Daniel Jones 1st drive of preseason
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 18, 2023
8/9 69 yards 1 TD
Just flawless stuff from Daniel Jones and oh hey Darren Waller is sick pic.twitter.com/6KNzaDoU53
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux responded well to recent criticism
After being called out in front of the team by DC Wink Martindale and admitting that he must improve or he'll soon find himself out of the league, Thibodeaux put on a dominant performance.
The former fifth overall pick was simply too much for LT Ikem Ekwonu to handle, notching one sack on Carolina's Bryce Young, along with one QB hit.
Last season, Thibodeaux showed a lightning-quick first step despite being very productive, recording just four sacks. The natural talent is there, but if he is able to consistently perform as he did Friday, Thibodeaux could be in line for a massive leap in his second season.
If New York wants to take the next step from a fringe playoff team to a Super Bowl contender, Thibodeaux is on the shortlist of players that needs to be an X-factor.
Kayvon Thibodeaux sack & QB hit on back to back plays.
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 19, 2023
The QB hit is more impressive than the sack. Didn’t get many pass rush reps last night but made the most of them. pic.twitter.com/EAkFJ5R0Y6
GM Joe Schoen might've nailed the 2023 NFL Draft
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. may have given the Giants an "A-" grade in his post-draft report card, but his assessment might be too low based on the group's early results. The seven-man rookie class made an impression during the preseason, and several players are expected to be day-one starters, including first-round cornerback Deonte Banks and second-round center John Michael Schmitz.
While Banks and Schmitz have been solid in their first two appearances, the rest of the class looks promising as well. Third-round wideout Jalin Hyatt and fifth-round running back Eric Gray both scored their first professional touchdowns on Friday and seemed poised for sizable roles in the regular season.
Hyatt mixed in with the first-team offense and will continue to see time with the unit as the season progresses, whereas Gray appears to be the team's starting return man.
Though perhaps the greatest accomplishment made by the Giants' scouting department this offseason was the ability to identify talent toward the end of the draft.
Sixth-round cornerback Tre Hawkins III is an early contender for one of the draft's biggest steals, as the Old Dominion product is already starting on the first-team defense.
Additionally, seventh-round defensive tackle Jordon Riley seems destined for a rotational role behind Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence II after recording three tackles on Friday, one of which was for a loss.
Giants 7th round DT Jordon Riley had himself a game stopping the run last night
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 19, 2023
-Split a double team for a run stop
-4th & 1 drives OL back & makes turnover on downs run stop
-TFL swimming off the backside of a zone block pic.twitter.com/tiFpyVZaeB
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!