Third-year cornerback Donte Deayon helped his case for making the roster with two interceptions in the New York Giants 17-12 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY—The New York Giants concluded their preseason Thursday night as they were defeated by the New England Patriots, 17-12.
Of course, the preseason doesn’t count pertaining to the real standings, but it matters as players were trying to make one last impression in hopes of making the 53-man roster. One such player that helped his case for making the roster on Thursday night was third-year cornerback Donte Deayon.
Deayon intercepted Patriots third-string quarterback Danny Etling twice in the first half and also had three tackles.
The Giants have many talented cornerbacks on their roster and heading into Thursday night’s game with the Patriots, Deayon’s spot on the team was far from a lock.
ICYMI: Just before halftime Donte Deayon with the INT #NEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/4HqNg1MWW2
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 31, 2018
But after Thursday night’s performance, it will be hard for the Giants to release him.
After the game, Deayon spoke about how he came up with the two interceptions.
“Really just the film preparation that goes into it. Studying harder, studying longer, and just being out there taking it one day at a time. Making those plays comes from a lot of instincts, anticipation and things like that. A lot of it goes into that.”
Deayon will find his fate on if he made the 53-man roster Saturday afternoon. But his head coach Pat Shurmur was impressed with his performance.
“He did a really nice job. And, on the flip side, I thought he did a really good job when the ball was in the air, and he caught it. It was the first interception along the sideline and then the second interception he undercut the route and did a nice job. He also had some tackles. I would say he helped himself tonight. He had a good performance.”
Other news and notes
In a surprise move, Giants rookie quarterback Kyle Lauletta started the game in place of Davis Webb, who was informed the night before that he would not be playing.
Lauletta played up until the second drive of the third quarter and completed 8-of-19 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions.
TOUCHDOWN #NYGIANTS Amba Etta-Tawo goes 41-yards! #NEvNYG pic.twitter.com/yAkmHlY1VI
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 30, 2018
It wasn’t the ideal outing Lauletta would have like to have, but at least he got extensive game action that will help his progression as an NFL action.
Next up for the Giants is a date with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 9 when the games count for real.
