New York Giants drop preseason finale, 31-27, to New York Jets

The New York Giants “visited” their co-tenants, the New York Jets, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon to close out the 2022 preseason.

It was the 53rd time in the past 54 years these local rivals have faced off in the preseason (there was no game in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions) and the first day matchup since 1977.

Both clubs have experienced key injuries this summer and wisely sat many of their starters and stars. The ones that did dress played sparingly. The Jets played their starters early on before giving way to the reserves in the second quarter. Veteran Joe Flacco started at quarterback in place of the injured Zach Wilson (knee).

The Giants didn’t have much of a choice in some cases as they have so many players hurting and/or rehabbing at the moment.

The Giants began the game on defense with mostly backups. Linebackers Blake Martinez, Tae Crowder and Jihad Ward and cornerback Aaron Robinson were the only starters on the field.

Veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams did not play again. He did not see any game snaps in the preseason but is said that he will be ready for the regular season.

On offense, quarterback Daniel Jones sat out. Tyrod Taylor and Davis Webb handled the quarterbacking duties.

Running back Saquon Barkley was also held out. Free agent Matt Brieda drew the start, his first action of the preseason.

Jon Feliciano, who has been hampered by injuries this summer, started at center. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay also started. Take away what you want from that.

The Giants’ starting offensive line was: Feliciano, Devery Hamilton at left tackle, Jamil Douglas at left guard with Max Garcia and Will Holden at right guard and tackle.

Final score: Jets 31, Giants 27

AP Photo/John Munson

Keys to the game

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Jets outgained the Giants 431-307.
The Jets made 26 first downs to the Giants’ 19.
The Jets had 15 different players record a reception. The Giants had 14.
The Giants did not record a sack despite deploying multiple pressure packages throughout the game.
Each team recorded an interception in the game.

It was over when…

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jets wideout Calvin Jackson beat Khalil Dorsey on a corner post for a touchdown with 22 seconds left after Dorsey committed a pass interference penalty that gave the Jets a…