Dottino: As Injuries Mount, Giants' Depth Is Being Tested
By Paul Dottino
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The injury worries are starting to mount and the Giants' depth is being tested once again.
The Giants suffered injuries to Ahmad Bradshaw (hand), Mark Herzlich (hip), Adrian Tracy (hamstring) and Jayron Hosley (foot) in their 26-3 preseason victory over the Jets.
Bradshaw said a cyst burst in his hand and did not appear very worried. The others will undergo further evaluations.
Let's review the things we told you to watch:
1. Left Tackle. The Giants' running game did not fare well in the second preseason game. In fact, one could argue they may have taken a step backward from the opener in Jacksonville. There was almost no room to run for any of the backs. Even David Wilson's jaw-dropping speed is of no use if there isn't any daylight. DJ Ware? He's become more of a power back and could use a crease as well as sustained blocks before he gets going – those things weren't there either.
Sean Locklear, as expected, fared better than rookie Matt McCants at left tackle. Locklear played the first half, but even his report card may be described as only adequate. Eli Manning was under too much pressure and took a couple of hard, clean hits before he came out at halftime.
2. There Was Not Much To Say About The Return Game. the Jets forced two touchbacks and the Giants fielded just four punts for 21 combined yards. If there was anything positive to say, it was that Hosley (2-10), Reuben Randle (1-11) and David Douglas (1-0) handled the ball cleanly.
3. The Jets' Offense Did Not Provide Much Of A Challenge. Whether it be Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow at quarterback, so it was very hard to grade the Giants' defensive tackles. But one should not overlook the stuff that Rocky Bernard made on 4th-and-1 at the Giants 36 in the second quarter.
He powered through the line and hammered fullback John Conner for no gain. Linebacker Keith Rivers also was there to finish off the tackle. This would have been the defensive play of the game if it were not for Hosley's 77-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Jets appeared to have some success running up the middle during the first quarter, but did not do much afterward.
Do you think the Giants have enough on their depth chart to sustain more injuries? Let us know below in the comments section.
