Preseason football has finally descended upon the Giants and it was a second-year running back that stole the show.
While many wanted to see how first-round pick Malik Nabers would do or whether presumptive QB2 Drew Lock would secure the backup role, it was Eric Gray who exploded in the first half of Thursday’s 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions.
Gray, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma University, gave the Giants enough offense to come away with the victory in their first preseason game of the season thanks to two touchdown runs and a number of crucial receptions.
“I thought Gray has gotten stronger as camp went on. Made a couple of nice plays tonight,” head coach Brian Daboll said after the game. “Everyone has more confidence after you go through a season as a rookie. Expectations, all the things that go along with it, knowing the offense. It was good to see him make a few plays out there tonight.”
The first impact play from Gray came with the Giants backed up deep in their own zone, and the team down 3-0 early in the second quarter. Quarterback Tommy DeVito lofted a perfect pass to Gray on the wheel route that went for 24 yards.
Three plays later, Gray took a draw from the shotgun and ran up the middle getting into the second level of the Lions’ defense, making a man miss on the way to the endzone for a 48-yard scamper.
“That starts with the offensive line, creating holes,” Daboll said. “[Gray] had some good runs in open space, made a couple of good plays on screen plays. We’re going to have to continue to do that, establish the run game, be a physical team.”
Gray would cap off his night with a one-yard touchdown. In total, the second-year back put up 98 total yards to go with his two scores.
“That boys been in the lab working,” DeVito, also a second-year player, said with a smile. “He had a tremendous game, I’m looking forward to see him roll more.”
Gray didn’t get many opportunities in his rookie season. With veterans Saquon…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-eric-gray-shines-preseason-045418935.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-08-09 04:54:18
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