The New York Giants play the Buffalo Bills on Saturday in their second preseason contest of the year, this time with quarterback Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. in the lineup. Beckham and Manning were held out of the Giants' preseason opener, but they’ll be among those in the spotlight Saturday.
Here is what I’ll specifically be watching:
Beckham vs. Gilmore
Beckham should have some snaps against Stephon Gilmore, the Bills’ top cornerback. This should be interesting. There is bad blood between them. The normally reserved Gilmore publicly roasted Beckham after a physical and sometimes dirty matchup last year, labeling him a cheap-shot artist and prima donna. They also exchanged barbs on social media earlier this year.
Now, don’t expect things to get out of hand. This is a preseason game, and both players have too much at stake. Beckham is trying to prove he can keep his emotions under control after the whole Josh Norman mess last year, while Gilmore is on the verge of a new contract. But all eyes will be on the two if (or when) they line up opposite each other.
Quarterbacks
It’s Manning’s first appearance in a game this year. Whether he plays well or poorly really is inconsequential. The goals are to get him acclimated to game speed and make sure he leaves Buffalo healthy. Repeat -- make sure he leaves Buffalo healthy.
Backup Ryan Nassib has a different purpose. He needs to prove he can bounce back following a disappointing performance against the Miami Dolphins, especially after a rough week of practice. This is Nassib’s chance to show his previous outing didn’t really create self-doubt.
Middle Linebacker
It’s a little more than three weeks until the Giants’ season-opener against the Cowboys, and they appear no closer to selecting a starting middle linebacker than they were when training camp began. Jasper Brinkley and Kelvin Sheppard have received most of the first-team reps. Keenan Robinson has slid in at times in the first-team nickel defense. All three will likely get quality reps Saturday against the Bills. And if rookie B.J. Goodson impresses again when he gets his chances later in the game, he could also be a factor.
Offensive Line
This is a unit that has people worried. Are the Giants good enough on the right side? Do they have enough depth? Both fair questions that could have clearer answers by the time Saturday’s game ends. It’s another opportunity to determine if guard John Jerry and tackle Marshall Newhouse can get the job done on the right side. It’s also a chance to see if Bobby Hart is a decent option as a starter at any position. Hart will start for injured left guard Justin Pugh (shoulder).
Fringe Players
There are more than a few players battling for roster spots. These are some who I’ll be paying extra close attention:
WRs Roger Lewis, Tavarres King and Myles White: This is a big opportunity for the young wide receiving trio with Geremy Davis (hamstring) and Victor Cruz (groin) not playing. All three could receive some first-team playing time with Manning and alongside Beckham and Sterling Shepard. If anybody shines, it should go a long way in determining their future.
DE Romeo Okwara: The Notre Dame product has shown some good things this summer. In order to make the team, he has to do it in games as well.
TE Jerell Adams: He had a solid week of practice after a rough first preseason outing. Can it carry over in the game? The Giants have to determine whether he needs to be on the roster or if they can slip him onto the practice squad.
S Mykkele Thompson: The 2015 fifth-round pick has been uninspiring most of the summer. Let’s see if he can flash in a game (likely with the second team) for the first time in his professional career.
