Kyle Lauletta struggled for the New York Giants, but Donte Deayon made a case for a roster spot with two picks in the preseason finale.
Super Bowl 42 or 46, it was not, and not only because the New England Patriots escaped with a victory. Punctuated by a long touchdown run by seventh-round rookie Danny Etling, the Patriots took home their annual summer exhibition from the New York Giants, winning by a 17-12 final on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.
Rather than an Eli Manning–Tom Brady showdown, the game was mostly a showcase of rookies under center, as Etling went up against Giants fourth-round pick Kyle Lauletta. The latter played into the third quarter for the Giants (2-2), going 8-for-19 for 118 yards. He also was forced into two turnovers on the evening, with Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson, a rookie of the undrafted variety, being the lucky recipient each time.
JC JACKSON STRIKES AGAIN! The undrafted rookie snags his 2nd interception #Patriots #NEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/uuPFOsMEac
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) August 31, 2018
On the brighter side, Lauletta did find Amba Etta-Tawo for a 41-yard score in the first half, one that gave the Giants the lead.
TOUCHDOWN #NYGIANTS Amba Etta-Tawo goes 41-yards! #NEvNYG pic.twitter.com/yAkmHlY1VI
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 30, 2018
Another Giant on the roster bubble who made his case was Donte Deayon, who earned a pair of interceptions of his own.
ICYMI: Just before halftime Donte Deayon with the INT #NEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/4HqNg1MWW2
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 31, 2018
New England (3-1) took the lead in the second half, with Etling finding fellow rookie Ralph Webb. The running back scored on a one-yard throw. In the fourth quarter, Etling took matters into his own hands in the form of an 86-yard run to glory that sealed the meaningless score.
Wait, what?!
Just your standard 86-yard rush TD for QB Danny Etling.#NEvsNYG | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/6aNijrpqc6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 31, 2018
New York was able to add a final score late, as Alonzo Russell took in an eight-yard Alex Tanney throw to create the final.
The Giants (2-2) will open their regular season on September 9, welcoming in the Jacksonville Jaguars to MetLife Stadium (1:00 p.m. ET, FOX).
Alonzo Russell with the late TD grab! ??? #NEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/kEml7gmusc
— NFL (@NFL) August 31, 2018
