EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants’ preseason opener is the first opportunity for the team’s rookies to showcase their skills in a game, but it was a pair of second-year pros who stood out in a soggy 14-3 victory against the Detroit Lions Thursday night in MetLife Stadium.
Running back Eric Gray and quarterback Tommy DeVito both entered the game in the second quarter. Not coincidentally, it was the only quarter in which the Giants scored.
“Two guys that do the right thing on and off the field,” coach Brian Daboll said. “Where Tommy came from in rookie camp to where he was playing last year to understanding a lot of the nuances of our offense, I think he’s made strides. And I have thought Gray has gotten stronger as camp went on. He made a couple nice plays tonight. Two young players, keep developing them.”
Gray took over for rookie starter Tyrone Tracy, Jr. and scored both Giants touchdowns, on runs of 48 yards and one yard, and led the team with four catches and 46 receiving yards. A terrific fake on his long touchdown run spun around cornerback Morice Norris and put Gray in the clear.
“I just wanted to put my best foot forward,” Gray said. “Like I said, I just want to be Eric Gray; just be me. Last year, I kind of made football more than it is. It’s just football at the end of the day. Just being me.”
After Saquon Barkley left the Giants as a free agent, six-year pro Devin Singletary was signed to be the Giants’ top back. Behind him is a second-year pro in Gray and two rookies, Tracy and free agent Dante Miller, whose nickname is Turbo. Singletary didn’t play Thursday, but the three backups combined for 141 yards on 21 carries.
The young backs don’t attempt to hide the collective chip on their shoulders as they prove they can be productive.
“Everybody has felt like what you are saying,” Gray said. “I feel like everybody has done a great job; whether you’re young and learning the system, or like me, a second-year player in the system, just being comfortable just being yourself.”
DeVito stepped in when Drew Lock injured his hip and completed eight of 15 passes for 92 yards and no interceptions. His longest pass gained 24 yards and was caught by – who else? – Gray, setting up the running back’s touchdown.
“He’s getting better,” Daboll said of DeVito. “I think he’s got firm control of the offense. The guys have a lot of confidence in him. I have confidence in him. He’s really come a long…
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