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Fact or Fiction: Giants vs. Jets is a rivalry

FACT-OR-FICTION-GIANTS-JETS

The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.

New York Giants vs. New York Jets is a rivalry.

John Schmeelk: Fact - Giants and Jets fans definitely want their team to be the better of the two, so in that way this is a rivalry. Is it for the players? They see each other around town, so bragging rights are a real thing, but I'm not sure that really comes from preseason success or failure. It would if the teams met in the regular season.

Dan Salomone: Fact - The teams play only once every four years in the regular season, but the fans have to see each other on a daily basis. How the teams are doing in between meetings also provides bragging rights around town. And let's not forget the shared stadium element when it comes to the players. Just ask the 2011 Giants if they think it's a rivalry after the Jets used a curtain to cover up their Super Bowl logos outside the Big Blue locker room.

Lance Medow: Fiction - When you play a team once every four years and aren't in the same conference, it's very hard to sell that as a rivalry. The Giants against the Cowboys, Eagles or Washington is a rivalry. Those teams are all within the NFC East and they meet twice a year with the reward of a division crown always on the line. An annual preseason game doesn't qualify as a rivalry, especially if there's absolutely nothing at stake. As far as bragging rights go, who exactly claims they won a preseason game as a means to add substance to an argument?

View rare photos from the local rivalry between the Giants and Jets.

There were no surprises on the team's first unofficial depth chart.

John Schmeelk: Fact - I wasn't taken aback by anything on the unofficial depth chart because it reflected everything we have seen at practice so far, with deference to the players who had been in those positions. The only thing close to a surprise was Austin Johnson being ahead of Danny Shelton at nose tackle, but given Johnson's presence here last season, it was not a shocker.

Dan Salomone: Fact - There's nothing that fans (and writers) love more than the first unofficial depth chart. At the same time, there's nothing coaches enjoy doing less than putting it together. The depth chart is always subject to change, and it simply serves as a guide and is more for the media than the coaches. And if you've been paying attention to camp, you'll see there were no major surprises.

Lance Medow: Fact - Given the depth chart is "unofficial," there's only so much you can take away from the alignment of players. The only thing that caught my eye was the first public documentation of the starting offensive line - but that simply matched what's been displayed during practice since camp began. There are not too many mysteries surrounding this team other than some spots on the back end of the roster so, overall, I wouldn't say anything was startling.

View photos of the Giants' first unofficial depth chart of the 2021 season.

The offensive player you're most interested to see in the preseason opener is WR Davis Sills V.

John Schmeelk: Fiction - I want to see Matt Peart play against pass rushers who aren't wearing Giants jerseys. His ability to grab the starting right tackle job and play at a high level will be important to the team's success this season. If he doesn't play, my attention will go to the interior offensive line, where the Giants will be trying to figure out where their depth will come from behind Shane Lemieux, Will Hernandez, and Nick Gates.

Dan Salomone: Fiction - Although coach Joe Judge announced that Daniel Jones will sit in the preseason opener, it is still unclear how much the rest of the starters will play – if at all. So, your eyes should be on the offensive line, particularly second-year tackles Andrew Thomas and Matt Peart. Assuming they play, it will be a good look at two of the major keys to the season.

Lance Medow: Fact - Sills has consistently made plays during practice and now it's a matter of whether that can translate to games. Sills flashed last summer but, unfortunately, broke his foot in camp and spent the entire season on injured reserve. He worked out with Daniel Jones in North Carolina for several weeks during the off-season and is certainly in the mix for one of the final wide receiver spots.

The defensive player you're most interested to see in the preseason opener is CB Rodarius Williams.

John Schmeelk: Fiction - I am going to go with Azeez Ojulari. If he plays, I am excited to see how consistently he will be able to rush the quarterback in full pads in full speed situations against a live opponent. The Giants need someone to step-up and be an impact pass rusher off the edge and Ojulari can be it. If he does not play, my attention will go to Williams, who has played well in camp. The next step is to take that practice success into a game situation.

Dan Salomone: Fact - Veterans have commented on Williams' fearless attitude, which is something to behold for a sixth-round draft choice. He hasn't backed down from a challenge yet. Let's see how he does in a live game.

Lance Medow: Fact - Williams has looked the part of a disruptive corner, who has a knack for getting his hands on the ball and flustering opposing wide receivers. Much like with David Sills, you want to see whether the impressive play against his teammates will be showcased against their opponents.There's a great deal of depth in the secondary and the best way for a young player to carve out a role is to show up on film in games and also contribute on special teams. Williams will be put under the microscope in both areas.

View the best photos from the Giants Fan Fest on Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium.

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