Preseason Week Three Preview – NY Giants at Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens (2-0) take on the New York Giants (1-1) (2-0) this Saturday, August 28 at M&T Bank Stadium.
It doesn’t seem so long ago when the Ravens visited the Giants in a regular season match-up in 2008 where the Ravens lost 30-10. For the Ravens it was not a typical game for the run defense. In fact, it was plain bad, the defensive gave up over 200 yards rushing yards to Brandon Jacobs and company. While this game is just pre-season, the Ravens run defense will probably be motivated to have no part in another run-a-thon, especially on the team’s home turf in Baltimore.
What To Watch:
Chris Carr & Fabian Washington vs. Eli Manning & Co.: We’ll get a glimpse of how cornerbacks Carr and Washington look playing opposite each other. CB Cary Williams looks to continue his success to secure a spot on the roster. This is a good test for the Ravens secondary with a quality quarterback in Eli Manning and good receiving core with WR Hakeem Nicks, TE Kevin Boss and rookie sensation WR Victor Cruz.
Ravens D-line: Paul Kruger, Cory Redding and rookie Terrence Cody get a real test trying to slow down the Giants rushing attack of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. On the whole the defense has played well and they have brought in a lot of pressure packages this preseason. The front four needs to rack up a few sacks. NT Kelly Tavalou could get extended playing time as Cory Redding (undisclosed) and Terrence Cody (knee swelling) may sit out this game.
Ravens Linebackers: The linebacking core received some heat for poor coverage versus the Redskins. Let’s see how they respond. Jameel McClain has been vying for the staring role.
Ravens Offense vs. Giants D-line: Against the Redskins Flacco and company were not in rhythm. Poor ball handling by RB Ray Rice and WR Donte Stallworth stalled drives. The unit needs a sustained drive with a few over the middle completions to some of Flacco’s new weapons.
The Offensive line: Tony Mollstarting at right tackle as Oniel Cousins is recovering from a concussion and Gared Gaither is recovering from back spasms. The Giants can bring the pressure with DE Usi Umenyiora, DE Justin Tuck and rookie DE Jason Pierre-Paul. Former Titans linebacker Keith Bullock may be switching to the outside linebacker position for the Giants, is always a player to keep an eye on.
Billy Cundiff vs. Shayne Graham: The kicking competition continues. Edge so far has to go Cundiff.
The Player That Makes Highlight Film:
Jonathan Scruggs: LB Jameel McClain
“McClain has been the front runner to replace Bart Scott all training camp long. This will prove to be one of his final opportunities to really shine and cement his role as the Ravens starting inside linebacker.”
Gene Winner: CB Prince Miller
I’m going with rookie cornerback Prince Miller. He’ll snag an interception.”
Matt Jergensen: TE Ed Dickson
“The Oregon product has shown some flashes and against the G-Men I expect to see a sample of how the Ravens will use him during the season. Matched up in the slot running past linebackers.”
Rookies To Watch:
RB Curtis Steele: He’’s a gifted running back but really has to shine to make the squad.
LB Jason Phillips: He’s come on strong and is competing in a crowed group of linebackers.
CB Prince Miller: The undrafed rookie cornerback from Georgia has been making a case to make the team.
WR David Reed: The receiver could make the roster with another consistence performance.
Previous Meetings:
“The teams last met on November 16, 2008 when the Giants beat the Ravens, 30-10, in Giants Stadium. The Giants have a 5-6 mark against Baltimore in the preseason and a 1-2 record against Baltimore in the regular season. In their last preseason meeting on August 19, 2007, the Giants won 13-12. The Giants and the Ravens also squared off in Super Bowl XXXV on January 28, 2001 in Tampa. The Ravens captured the Lombardi trophy, beating the Giants, 34-7.”
