Dottino: Breaking Down Three Aspects Of The Giants' Preseason Loss
By Paul Dottino
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Something just had to go wrong, even with so much going right.
However, starting cornerback Prince Amukamara came away with a high ankle sprain -- which usually means at least four weeks on the shelf -- and linebacker/defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka suffered a strained groin on the final play of the first half, although he doesn't believe it to be serious.
Let's review the three things we told you to watch for:
1. Running game: First-round pick David Wilson started and showed off his flash and dash, twice bouncing off tacklers and spinning for big gains. He finished with five carries for 49 yards and, against a solid Chicago defense, looked like a guy who could break away at any time. Wilson's performance simply fortified what we've suspected all along when he's got the ball in his hands and room to run, specifically on the outside. But the Giants still lacked a power running game -- one that requires a good push on the inside -- and this must be a concern. Da'Rel Scott ran hard with some results, but there likely will not be room for a fourth halfback on the roster. Third-down back DJ Ware made a cameo appearance and Andre Brown had three yards on six tries, including a one-yard waltz around an open left side for a touchdown.
2. Amukamara: He appeared to be playing well before getting hurt with about five minutes left in the first quarter. Giants coach Tom Coughlin said that Amukamara was actually injured one play before he make a tackle and went to the ground, needing help to get off the field. This situation leaves the Giants with three injured, unavailable corners -- Amukamara, Terrell Thomas (knee) and Jayron Hosley (toe) -- who were expected to be important members of the defense and could cause havoc to the final 53-man roster on Aug. 31.
3. Return game: The best thing to be said is that the ball was handled cleanly. David Douglas (three returns for two yards and two fair catches) and Dan DePalma (one return for four yards) took care of the punts and Scott (one for 28) and Douglas (one for 28) took the kickoffs. Douglas also had a 37-yard punt return wiped out by a penalty. Once again, nobody has seized these positions and there is only one preseason game remaining.
Giants fans, what did you take away from last night's preseason game -- good or bad? Let us know in the comments section below...
