The day after each game this year, we'll take a look at the game film and roll through some advanced statistics to determine the most important five factors that impacted each game and the Giants moving forward. In this week's analysis of the preseason finale, we'll look at some of the performances in the game that might hint at what is to come in the regular season, and some important competitions that could impact the initial 53-man roster that will be announced by Tuesday at 4 p.m.
1. Daniel Jones: The Giants only scored seven points in the first half but they did move the ball, gained 157 yards, and had only one three-and-out. They would have had at least 10 points if not for an interception thrown by Daniel Jones in the end zone. After failing to run it in on 2nd-and-goal from the 1, the Giants ran a play-action pass on 3rd-and-1. Jones rolled right and tried to squeeze the ball into a well-covered Evan Engram. The pass went behind him and was intercepted by cornerback D'Angelo Ross.
"Obviously, a bad decision there," Jones said after the game. "I gotta be smarter and throw the ball away in that situation, 3rd-and-goal at the one."
Otherwise, Jones played well, completing 17 of 22 passes for 135 yards. He finished the first half with a touchdown on a 2-minute drill, finding Kaden Smith down the seam for a touchdown in tight coverage. Jones put the ball exactly where he was supposed to, up and over the defender's head.
Jones also showed off his arm on a couple of nice throws on deep-outs from the opposite hash. He completed frozen ropes to Sterling Shepard for 22 yards to convert a 3rd-and-6, and to CJ Board to convert a 2nd-and-6 on the final drive of the half.
On the team's fourth drive, a 10-yard holding penalty put the Giants into a 2nd-and-17, which short-circuited that possession.
2. Pressure: According to Pro Football Focus, Jones was pressured on 12 of his 28 dropbacks (43%), with 10 pressures attributed to pass protection. The 10 pressures included two sacks, three quarterback hits, and five quarterback hurries.
Check out the best photos from the Giants' preseason finale against the New England Patriots.
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez, left, intercepts a pass to New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez, left, intercepts a pass to New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is stopped short of the goal line during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) rushes past New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (8) and Justin Bethel (29) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls out to his players during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs for yards after catch during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants offensive guard Kenny Wiggins (79) spikes the ball in front of New England Patriots' Adrian Colbert (30) and D'Angelo Ross (39) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Nakie Griffin-Stewart (47) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano celebrates after kicking the point after try during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is chased out of bounds during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge looks on against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a break in action against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) and D'Angelo Ross (39) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones calls out to his team during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs past New England Patriots' Mike Jackson (35) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) celebrates after a run during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) rushes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Corey Clement (30) rushes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (15) makes a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
The New York Giants line up across from the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Willie Henry sacks New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Leonard Williams (99)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Blake Martinez (54)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Logan Ryan (23)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Xavier McKinney (29), Oshane Ximines (53)
Blake Martinez (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Logan Ryan (23)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Willie Henry (90)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Trent Harris (93), David Moa (96)
Trent Harris (93)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Riley Dixon (9)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Willie Henry (90), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Madre Harper (45)
Willie Henry (90)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Jakob Johnson (47), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Jakob Johnson (47)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Logan Ryan (23)
Logan Ryan (23)
Jakob Johnson (47)
Willie Henry (90)
Casey Kreiter (58), James Ferentz (65), Carl Davis (98)
Tae Crowder (48), Cam Brown (47)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Blake Martinez (54)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Matt Cole (83)
Matt Cole (83)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Alex Bachman (15)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Leonard Williams (99), Cullen Gillaspia (36), Niko Lalos (57)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Logan Ryan (23)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Madre Harper (45)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dante Pettis (13)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Corey Clement (30)
Riley Dixon (9)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Corey Clement (30)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dante Pettis (13)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
James Bradberry (24)
Madre Harper (45)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Matt Cole (83)
Jordyn Peters
Damion Willis (87)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dante Pettis (13)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dante Pettis (13)
Kaden Smith (82)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Devante Downs (52)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Niko Lalos (57)
Austin Johnson (98)
Niko Lalos (57)
Austin Johnson (98)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Rodarius Williams (25), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Julian Love (20)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Chad Slade (62)
Graham Gano (5)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
James Bradberry (24)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Leonard Williams (99)
3. Offensive line depth: It was clear the Giants were trying to get more exposure for Ted Larsen, who played in his second preseason game and logged 42 snaps on offense. Larsen started and played 21 snaps at left guard, the took 19 snaps at center before injuring his knee in the second half. According to PFF, he allowed two pressures in the game.
Kenny Wiggins played the rest of the snaps at left guard and finished with 39 offensive snaps, allowing one pressure. Jonotthan Harrison did not take any snaps in the game.
4. Wide receiver competition: After getting a lot of snaps with the starters in the first two preseason games, David Sills didn't receive any snaps until the second half on Sunday. He finished with one catch on four targets for 14 yards. He also got himself open on a nice route, faking an outside move before running a deep post. He had a step or two on the defense and would have scored a touchdown if not for an overthrow. Sills finished with 24 snaps on offense and three on special teams (front line of the kickoff return team).
Pettis played 34 snaps and finished with one catch on eight targets for eight yards. Glennon tried to find him in the endzone on a potential game-tying two point conversion at the end of the game, but the pass fell incomplete. Pettis did not play any special teams snaps.
5. Decisions on defense: The Giants' front office and coaching staff will have to make some tough decisions on defense as cut day approaches. Rodarius Williams played more defensive snaps than anyone with 36, including 10 inside. PFF's tracking only had him allowing one catch on three targets.
Madre Harper played 31 snaps and Sam Beal played 35. The depth at outside cornerback after James Bradberry and Adoree' Jackson will be interesting to see. Simply based on snap counts and performance in preseason games, Williams seems on his way to earning one of those spots. Who will earn the other? Or perhaps the Giants won't keep another strictly outside cornerback on their initial 53?
On the defensive line, BJ Hill's lack of playing time on Sunday was explained by an imminent trade, which could open the door for youngsters David Moa and Raymond Johnson III. Moa played 31 snaps against New England and had a quarterback hurry, while Johnson played 24 snaps and had a pair of hurries.
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