Eric Gray’s big first half propels Giants to 14-3 win over Lions in preseason opener

With most of their starters rested, the Giants opened their preseason with a solid performance that saw them defeat the Detroit Lions, 14-3.

After a slow start, starter Drew Lock appeared to suffer an injury to his side or hip and was removed from the game late in the first quarter with the Giants trailing 3-0. Lock had completed just four-of-10 passes for 17 yards with an interception.

With Tommy DeVito at the helm, two second-quarter touchdown runs by Eric Gray gave the Giants a 14-3 halftime lead as the Lions were held to just 87 yards on offense. Gray actually surpassed that on his own in just eight touches, with 98 yards from scrimmage. DeVito ended up with 92 passing yards as he completed 8-of-15 passes.

The Lions turned the ball over on downs four times, including twice after they drove down inside the Giants’ 10-yard line in a scoreless second half.

Here are the takeaways…

-Although nearly all of their starting offense didn’t play, stud rookie Malik Nabers did and there was plenty of anticipation every time the Giants looked like they were trying to dial up something for him. He looked like he was open or at least half-open down the field a few times, but Lock opted not to pull the trigger, much to the fans’ disappointment.

-Lock’s first-quarter interception came as Nabers ran a route toward the sideline, but Lock threw into traffic down the middle. With how impressive Nabers has been making contested catches in training camp, it’s surprising Lock didn’t at least try to throw it up to him once.

Jalin Hyatt is another potential contributor who saw early action, catching a pass on the first series for a short gain. Neither Hyatt nor Nabers played after the first quarter.

-Preseason is always a good time for special teamers to make a case for themselves and wide receiver Miles Boykin did exactly that as he impressed in the primary punt gunner role. He got downfield to disrupt the return on each of Jamie Gillan’s first two punts, the first of which…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/eric-grays-big-first-half-022404262.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-08-09 02:24:04

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