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Instant Analysis: Takeaways from Giants vs. Lions

FINAL-SCORE

AT A GLANCE

Following two joint practices earlier in the week, it was time for the Giants and Lions to go full-contact on Friday at Ford Field.

Despite two interceptions from the safety position and a touchdown by a pair of former New Jersey high school teammates, the Giants fell to the Lions, 21-16.

Both sides rested most of their veteran starters for the preseason opener, so it was an opportunity for rookies to make their NFL debuts. For others, it was a chance to make their cases as the NFL nears the Aug. 29 deadline for clubs to reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players.

UP NEXT

The Giants return to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, where they will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before a visit from the Carolina Panthers on Friday (7 p.m. ET kickoff) at MetLife Stadium.

View photos from the Giants' preseason opener against the Lions in Detroit.

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE

🔵 Starting offense for the Giants:

  • LT Korey Cunningham
  • LG Joshua Ezeudu
  • C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (rookie)
  • RG Ben Bredeson
  • RT Matt Peart
  • QB Tyrod Taylor
  • RB Matt Breida
  • WR Isaiah Hodgins
  • WR Cole Beasley
  • WR Jalin Hyatt (rookie)
  • TE Daniel Bellinger

🔵 With Daniel Jones getting the night off, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor started the game and played two drives, both of which began with advantageous field position thanks to the defense and ended in field goals.

🔵 Then it was The Tommy DeVito Show.

The undrafted rookie, who began his college career at Syracuse before transferring to Illinois last season, completed 15 of 24 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown with an interception on a last-ditch effort at the end of the game. He was sacked five times in the game.

🔵 On the receiving end of the 14-yard score was tight end and DeVito's former Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) teammate Tommy Sweeney.

🔵 Thirteen-year veteran Cole Beasley mixed it up with the young receivers, hauling in all four of his targets for 33 yards, including a long of 18 yards. Right behind him was another veteran, Jamison Crowder, who had 32 yards on two receptions, including a long of 17 yards. David Sills V led the team with 36 yards on two catches.

🔵 Running back Jashaun Corbin had a game-high 40 rushing yards, 33 of which came on one carry.

🔵 Running back Gary Brightwell and offensive lineman Devery Hamilton were injured in Tuesday's practice and held out on Wednesday. "I just think it might not be a day-to-day thing, it might be maybe a week," coach Brian Daboll said earlier in the week. "Nothing long term."

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE

🔵 Starting defense for the Giants:

  • NT Jordon Riley (rookie)
  • DT Brandin Bryant
  • DE Tashawn Bower
  • LB Oshane Ximines
  • LB Carter Coughlin
  • LB Micah McFadden
  • CB Tre Hawkins III (rookie)
  • NICKEL Darnay Holmes
  • S Jason Pinnock
  • S Dane Belton
  • CB Deonte Banks (rookie)

🔵 The Giants opened the offseason with a competition to start next to Xavier McKinney at safety, and when the first unofficial depth chart was released this week, it was Jason Pinnock's name with the first team. He did nothing but solidify his role on Friday night, intercepting Detroit's Nate Sudfeld on the first play of the game.

The second drive was just as spectacular as Pinnock tackled rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the 12th overall draft pick out of Alabama, for a loss of three yards. Pinnock then forced an incompletion on a fourth-down attempt by the Lions.

🔵 Right behind Pinnock on the depth chart is Dane Belton, who had an interception in two of his five starts (15 games played) last season as a rookie fourth-round pick. Belton once again proved he can be a key contributor and intercepted Sudfeld late in the first half. He returned it 42 yards deep into Lions territory, leading to a touchdown on the very next play of the ensuing possession.

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS

🔵 Aging like a fine Mano’s Wine inside a hand-painted, Giants-themed bottle, Graham Gano made all three of his field goal attempts from 48, 47, and 42 yards.

🔵 Before leaving with an abdominal injury, cornerback Cor'Dale Flott made a nice play on punt coverage, tackling Maurice Alexander for a minimal gain at the Lions 10-yard line.

🔵 That was the good. Now for the bad. Alexander led off the second half with a 95-yard punt return touchdown.

IN-GAME INJURY REPORT

🔵 WR Collin Johnson (knee)

🔵 CB Cor'Dale Flott (abdominal)

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