Plenty of G-Men were on the money vs. Jets
Daniel Jones’ brief but electric Giants preseason debut Thursday doesn’t mean he’s suddenly the Week 1 starter ahead of Eli Manning. It does, however, provide more reason to buy stock in the rookie getting on the field sooner rather than later the second Manning’s offense falters when it counts this fall.
Jones wasn’t the only player on the field Thursday, though. There were plenty other Giants players whose stock was rising following their 31-22 preseason victory over the Jets.
COREY BALLENTINE, CB
The sixth-round rookie corner from Division II Washburn University has made consistent plays on the ball in training camp, plucking multiple interceptions in practices. And he carried it into Thursday’s game with a leaping pick of ex-Giant QB Davis Webb late in the third quarter.
“I’ve always felt I could play at this level,” Ballentine said with a smile.
He also made an excellent pass breakup earlier in the second half that was reviewed for defensive pass interference and overturned to a penalty and a completion, but replays appeared to show minimal contact and great timing on the breakup.
JAKE CARLOCK, EDGE
Carlock, an undrafted rookie from Division II Long Island-Post, made one of the plays of the night to bat down a Webb pass, intercept his own deflection and race 59 yards for the touchdown in the third quarter.
The Giants will welcome as many playmakers as possible to assert themselves on the edge, and Carlock -- a defensive back with long-snapping ability coming out of college -- is showing the type of energy and playmaking that is perfectly characteristic of James Bettcher’s defense when it’s clicking.
T.J. JONES, WR
Jones was extremely reliable as a receiver in his Giants debut, catching all six passes thrown his way for 72 yards and a touchdown. He made a nice adjustment on the TD to haul in Lauletta’s back-shoulder throw.
More impressively, Jones did all of this only 12 days after signing and first seeing Pat Shurmur’s playbook. And he’s doing it while learning all three receiver positions, all of which he has the talent
to play.
NOTABLE
Running back Paul Perkins, a Jerry Reese draft pick, stumbled out of the preseason gate with a fumble and dropped pass as the second RB in the game. Wayne Gallman, starting in place of the rested Saquon Barkley, ran hard and well in limited action. Rookie Jon Hilliman sustained a concussion in the fourth quarter. Rod Smith showed some moves in limited action. The Giants like him on special teams, too … Manning had tight end Rhett Ellison wide open on a roll out on the starting quarterback’s only drive but checked down to tight end Scott Simonson for a short gain. It was a reminder of plenty plays from 2018, and it stood in stark contrast to Jones delivering strikes downfield on his TD drive … Veteran wideouts Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler helped acclimate Jones to the pro game with smooth routes and good catches. Both receivers made two grabs on two targets, including Fowler’s 12-yard TD catch. Reggie White Jr., wearing Odell Beckham Jr.’s old No. 13, made some plays, as well. Shepard showed impressive speed on his touchdown after catching Tanney’s slant … Rookie corner Julian Love started in the slot and got picked on a bit early, including on the Jets’ first touchdown to Jamison Crowder on a rub route. … First-round corner DeAndre Baker committed clear pass interference on a deep pass downfield. He’ll be charged with locking up the side opposite Janoris Jenkins.