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Game Review: New York Giants Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 8/10/13

The Giants kicked off their 2013-2014 NFL season Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 18-13 win. Although only the first game, it was a step in the right direction with some performances that left Giant fans begging for more, as well as raising a few eye brows.

Stand Out’s:

The young defensive showed glimpses of what they may be able to do this year. Without Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre Paul, the ends look like they could bring some serious pressure this year.

(DE)DeMontre Moore, the Giants 3rd round draft pick showed that he could be a specialist in certain parts of the game when the DE’s need a breather and contributing to the NASCAR package that we’ve seen in the past. He could be a serious headache for opposing offensive lines late in games. Moore also flashed on special teams having a blocked punt.

(DE)Adrian Tracey, the Giants back up defensive end provided pressure off the edge consistently. He looks much stronger and appears to have solidified a more important role.  In 2013 fans will get use to hearing his name.

(DE)Justin Trattou is also a player not to forget, as he is also very active.  Surprisingly, he could force the hand of the Giants brass to keep him on this team despite  the crowded defensive line unit.   This creates added pressure for “bubble players” such as Adawele Ojomo, Marvin Austin, Frank Okam, and Mike Patterson.

(DT) Cullen Jenkins – The new-found toughness flashed by Cullen Jenkins was refreshing.  No one would have faulted the veteran for wanting to take the rest of the night off after getting banged up early. The DE/DT took a play off, came back in and showed good burst up the middle scoring a sack on Ben Roethlisburger.

(LB) Jaquan Williams – Welcome Back!  The young LB finally was out on the field and moving around well.  His athleticism was on display after a deflection at the line.

(CB)Prince  – Although it was in a small piece of work, Prince Amukamara just looks more comfortable on the field.   He’s taking ownership of his side of the field,  showcasing his physicality and wrapping up well on tackles.

(LB)Spencer  Paysinger look comfortable in the defense.  Having built more muscle mass through the Giants weight program Paysinger has made huge physical strides.  His dedication to becoming better was noted on the broadcast and the game now comes more natural to him…”Less thinking and more play making.”  It’s evident that he has caught up with the speed of the pro game and will have a place on this defense.

Nice tackling and coverage skills by Tyler Sash.  No one is talking about him and everyone who gives their opinion on the final 53 for the roster usually has Sash off.  With Will Hill facing a suspension to start the season and rookie Cooper Taylor battling a hamstring injury, we may see more than we originally thought of Sash.

Guys who will get a pass:

Ball security?  Backs can not fumble and expect to win…Andre Brown.   No contact either on the turn over.  This was an issue of concentration and he has shown reliability in the past. Can’t see this being a Tom Coughlin “Dog House” situation.

Red Zone offense was a problem last year. Disappointed the first team did not come out of first offensive series with a touchdown considering how close they were after the DeMontre Moore blocked punt. I’m sure Coughlin is preaching to his team today how important it is to get touchdown’s when you’re in that close.

Wait and See:

(DT)Marvin Austin played a good amount in this game.  The Giants will give him every chance to prove his worth on this roster.  He is most definitely a “prove it player”. More than likely, will have to become the Ojomo from last preseason and make impact plays to get some attention.

The defensive tackles that show they could be a presence in stopping the run, will make this team. At a loaded position and a difficult roster to make—it’s that simple. We saw it last night, too. The Pittsburgh running backs were falling forward, finding the gaps, and getting positive yards.

(RB)Da’rel Scott—has to find a way to distinguish himself somewhere in this run game or special teams.  Seems like he’s showing up in spurts, but not consistent enough.  Hard to believe it’s his third year. Will be difficult to battle off impressive rookie, Michael Cox.

Giant bits and pieces:

(CB)Charles James—active. Quickness off the edge. Under the radar guy to make the team. If he has a solid preseason, may be hard to hide him through waivers onto practice squad.

(WR)Kris Adams –  Good height. Would have been a definite candidate for the practice squad and could have challenged Ramses Barden or Jerell Jernigan for the final WR spot.  Tough break on the injury. Could open a spot up for a younger player like Keith Carlos.

(RB)Michael Cox—very active game. Will find a way to not only to make the 53 but will be active on Sundays in the return game or special teams.

Special Teams:

Consistent coverage and pursuit. The makeup of the guys could make for a solid unit. Herzlich, Bosworth, Deossie, Mundy, Sash.

A blocked punt!  It’s been a long time for that.

When was the last time we had positive production + yards out of our punt return game?  Coach Coughlin values security, but can we build on that?  Hosely, Ross, Randle all have a chance to succeed.

Would like to see someone solidify the kick return job and make it easy for coaches to decrease David Wilson’s role or take it away.

Marco Imperati |Featured Columnist