The Giants defense looked strong on the first series as they forced a three and out. Highlighted by rookie free safety Darian Thompson making a strong tackle in the backfield for a 7 yard loss on LeSean McCoy. Eli and the first team offense took the field and quickly attempted to establish the run. In the first series or any thereafter Rashad Jennings or any of the Giants’ running backs were not able to get going. The blame cannot be placed solely on them. Their inability to move the ball was a reflection of the offensive line’s lack of cohesion all afternoon. One of the few memorable moments for the offense was a 23 yard completion to Odell Beckham Jr. which kept the first drive going. Later in that same opening drive of the game the Giants attempted a 4th and 2 from the 35 yard line but came up short as Manning’s deep pass to Beckham went too long. With both teams still scoreless, and the Bills in a third down situation and looking to complete a pass the Giants blitzed hoping to return the ball to their offense. Unfortunately Tyrod Taylor escaped before Janoris Jenkins could tackle him. Taylor launched a deep pass that was caught by tight end, Charles Clay for 59 yards bringing the ball down to the Giants’ three yard line. The Giants’ defense recovered when safety Landon Collins’ strong hit on fullback Jerome Felton dislodged the ball and forced the fumble. Damon Harrison recovered the ball in the end zone for the touchback. As the quarter continued the Giants were not able to get the offense going in any facet of the game. The defense looked strong in the opening quarter as Olivier Vernon and the front four were able to get pressure and force Taylor out of the pocket on several occasions. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas was very active and quick to the ball, with 5 tackles in the opening quarter.
The Second quarter opened up with Tyrod Taylor completing a 32 yard pass to Reggie Bush but it was called back after a coach’s challenge from Ben McAdoo. Officials determined that Bush, who bobbled the ball, had never established possession. It was a beautiful pass and the Giants got lucky that Bush couldn’t haul it in. Though the Bills were disappointed to have that play called back they would have the last laugh. They’d go 7 plays for 52 yards finishing up the drive with a 13 yard touchdown pass to LeSean McCoy. The Giants offense continued to struggle in the second quarter and when Ryan Nassib entered the game things didn’t get any better. Nassib took the reins with just under 11 minutes remaining in the half and on first down running back Andre Williams fumbled the ball. The Bills took over on the Giants’ 49 yard line and EJ Manuel proceeded to drive the ball 49 yards down the field culminating in touchdown run by Jonathan Williams. The Bills extended their lead to 13-0, but missed the extra point. As the half was nearing its end, cornerback Donte Deayon made a terrific play defending against wide receiver Greg Little who appeared to make a touchdown catch. Due to Deayon continuing to grasp at the ball as they went out of bounds, Little let go of the ball and it was ruled an incomplete pass. Jordan Gay then missed a 37 yard field goal keeping the Giants deficit at 13-0. The turnover prone Giants would give the ball right back to the Bills as Nassib fumbled the ball when Bills’ cornerback Sterling Moore sacked him on a blindside hit. With 24 seconds left in the half, Manuel solidified the connection with Greg Little with a 19 yard touchdown pass on the first play. The Bills then converted the two point conversion extending their lead to 21-0.
The Giants offense looked totally out of sorts in the first half. The inability to get the running game going was the primary issue and Eli Manning didn’t look particularly sharp in the brief time that he played ( 4 for 9 with 44 yds ) . The offensive line didn’t seem to play with any rhythm together and were not able to create enough significant holes for the running backs to see the light of day. Both Giants’ fumbles (Andre Williams and Ryan Nassib ) led to Bills’ touchdowns in the first half.
One of the few highlights of the 3rd quarter was the play of Defensive End Romeo Okwara. The undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame hit quarterback Cardale Jones twice, one for a sack where he ripped off Jones’ helmet. With Kerry Wynn still out with a groin injury this a great opportunity for players like Okwara to prove they can make a real contribution. Okwara’s effort was definitely noticed and he should get some more opportunities when the Giants resume practice next week. The play of reserve offensive lineman, including Emmett Cleary, Brett Jones, Ryan Seymour and Dillon Farrell was hardly inspiring. It’s clear that the Giants are still a long way from determining which players can be relied on to come in and spell the first team.
The Bills took their commanding 21-0 lead into the fourth quarter. Following safety Cooper Taylor‘s Interception, the Giants took over at their own 3 yard line with 9 minutes remaining in the game. The Giants’ next series would provide their highlight of the day. The offensive line sprung a hole for running back Bobby Rainey, who busted up the middle for a 67 yard run. It would be the closest the Giants would come all day to scoring any points. After failing to get in the end zone, rookie kicker Tom Obarski came onto the field with his first opportunity to prove himself. Obarski’s 28 yard field goal attempt hooked left and missed. His chances will be limited and with the missed field goal he didn’t support his own cause. Third string quarterback Logan Thomas came in to the game with 3 minutes to go and promptly turned the ball over on his second snap. The interception was the Giants third turnover of the game. Thomas’ day wouldn’t get any better because on the next Giants series he threw his second interception of the day. Thomas’ stat line ( 2/4 for 17 yards with 2 interceptions).
Clearly coach Ben McAdoo will not be happy with 4 turnovers on the day but Logan Thomas will not make the 53 man roster so his play is less of an issue. On the other hand Ryan Nassib, who will be backing up Manning again this season was underwhelming yet again. His performance ( 2/12 for 25 yards and 1 fumble ) doesn’t make one think that he’s ready to fill in and be effective if called upon to do so. Thankfully for the Giants, Eli Manning is an ironman so the expectation is that Nassib will continue to do what he’s always done which is to watch from the sidelines. Next Saturday the Giants face off against the New York Jets at Metlife stadium. One of the many issues to be addressed this week is ball security. The Giants have turned the ball over 9 times in the first two preseason games. That’s a trend that needs to end soon if they want to be successful come the regular season.
Dan Evans is a Contributing Writer for PureSportsNY Follow him on Twitter @DanEvansPSNY