Several New York Giants increased their chances of making the final roster in the victory over the Jets, while others saw their chances dim in one way or another.
The New York Giants will return to the practice field on Sunday while looking to improve on the positives from their 31-22 victory over the Jets on Thursday night.
Being that they’re entering their third week of training camp while preparing for their second preseason game Friday night against the Chicago Bears, expect an added level of intensity in camp this week. Livelihoods are firmly on the line as players compete to make the final roster.
Many players saw their chances of making the roster increase in the Giants victory over the Jets, while others, for one reason or another, saw their chances dim.
Here are three players that need to stand out this week in camp and Friday against the Bears to help their case for making the team.
Paul Perkins
Paul Perkins has been impressive throughout training camp and has shared reps with the second-team offense with Wayne Gallman and Rod Smith. He also showed flashes of his 2016 form when he averaged 4.1 yards per carry.
But against the Jets, Perkins fumbled in the second quarter and dropped a pass on the Giants final possession of the first half. For the night, Perkins gain just nine yards on four carries.
Coaches preach constantly on the importance of ball security and Perkins has to do a better job of it this week if he wants to be one of the running backs on the final roster.
B.J. Goodson
B.J. Goodson has started in 20 of the 22 games he appeared in over the last two seasons. But when the Giants released their unofficial depth last week it was Tae Davis that was listed as the starting inside linebacker next to Alec Ogletree.
Goodson logged 28 snaps against the Jets and played into the fourth quarter. Players who are on firm footing of making the roster don’t play into the fourth quarter of the first preseason game.
In addition to Davis being ahead of him on the depth chart, the Giants have been very impressed with fifth-round pick (143rd overall) Ryan Connelly out of Wisconsin. Connelly logged 29 snaps against the Jets and was tied for a team-high in tackles with five.
Goodson will have to make plays all over the field in practice and against the Bears if he’s going to be in Big Blue’s plans in 2019.
Sam Beal
Sam Beal didn’t play against the Jets, due to a hamstring injury which allowed other cornerbacks such as sixth-round pick Corey Ballentine to shine in his absence. A player’s best attribute can be his availability, and last week Shurmur spoke about Beal’s ability and the limited time he’s been able to practice.
“He hasn’t been out there a ton. He’s wrestling with his hamstring and all. But his movement skills are good. He’s able to move around. He hasn’t really been able to get involved with the physical part of practice yet. But he does move around really well.”
After acquiring Beal in the supplemental draft last season, he would miss all of last season due to a shoulder injury. Some felt prior to OTAs that Beal had a chance to be the starting corner opposite of Janoris Jenkins. But that job clearly belongs to first-round pick (30th overall) DeAndre Baker.
There are only so many corners that Giants are going to keep on their final roster, and with Jenkins, Baker, Ballentine, Julian Love and Grant Haley virtually locks to make the team, Beal is going to have to field a way to get back on the field this week if he hopes to make the roster.
