An intriguing showdown is on tap this coming Saturday in East Rutherford, as the New York Jets square off with the New York Giants for their respective preseason openers. Check out our preview of this game below.
Zach Wilson is all set to make his first appearance in a real, competitive, and official NFL game this Saturday. Wilson is having his share of struggles in the training camp according to reports, but he is so far showing a positive attitude towards his growing pains as a pro. It can’t get any worse for the Jets’ offense this season. They finished dead last in the NFL in 2020 in terms of scoring offense and total offense. Adam Gase is gone, though, and the Jets have a new head coach — a promising one — in Robert Saleh, so things are looking up for New York. Another rookie in Alijah Vera-Tucker should also boost the Jets’ offensive line. Speaking of Saleh, as a former defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, he’s expected to further emphasize defense.
The Jets are 2-1 against the spread in their last three games in the preseason.
If Daniel Jones wants to get an extension with the Giants, this is the year to convince the team that he deserves one. Jones will enter the second-to-the-last year of his current deal with New York, with the Giants still seemingly unimpressed by his potential to become a starter for them beyond the 2022 NFL season. Jones could get some snaps in this game against the Jets but so will be Mike Glennon and Clayton Thorson. Saquon Barkley is working his way back into top condition after suffering a season-ending injury in 2020. He’s not yet ready to take part in preseason games, so it’s up to Devontae Booker, Corey Clement, and Alfred Morris to take care of business on the ground for now. The offensive line will be a point of focus for the Giants in the preseason after the unit’s letdown performance a year ago. Improvements in the pass protection should be felt this coming season.
The Giants are 2-0 against the spread in their last two preseason games at home.
