New York Giants vs New York Jets preseason game recap: First Half
The Giants won 31-16 over the Jets in the opening game for both teams this season. The Jets were the home team at the jointly owned New Meadowlands Stadium.
The game was kicked off by the Jets and play began for the Giants on the 21 yard line. Giants’ linebacker Bryan Thomas was tackled on their 17 yard line taking them four yards back. Manning tried twice to get some yards but the Jets kept him and the Giants contained at the 17 yard line and gained possession on their 45 yard line after a 44 yard punt by the Giants.
The Early success of the Jets’ defence was nullified by their offense. Quarterback Sanchez in his very first play of the season conceded a 59 yard interception. The pass was intended for running back LaDainian Tomlinson but Tomlinson is well covered. Tomlinson was acquired this season by the Jets from the Chargers and it was his debut game for the Jets. Sanchez wanted to try out their new running back but apparently the Giants had the same idea. Tomlinson was rushed from both sides by Cornerback Aaron Ross and outside linebacker Michael Boley. Forced between the two Giants, Tomlinson couldn’t complete the pass and the Giants free safety, Antrel Rolle makes the interception.
Rolle was signed earlier this year by Giants for $37 million dollars over 5 years. He is one of the highest paid safeties in the NFL and less than 2 minutes into his first game for the Giants he showed what exactly makes him worth that much. Rolle took the right of the field and dashed down to the Jets’ endzone. He met with no resistance until the 11 yard line.
Sanchez tried to correct his mistake and went in pursuit of Rolle catching up with him in the red zone. Rolle was flanked by defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka and he pushed Sanchez out of bounds. Rolle cut in right through traffic almost all the way before being tackled by Dustin Keller on the 1 yard line. After 3 plays, losing a yard and rushing two, the Giants had scored the first touchdown of the game. The field goal was good.
The Jets came back more determined after ruining their first drive. The Jets used a combination of rush and pass to drive 64 yards in 14 plays to the Giants four yard line. Sanchez threw a 4 yard pass to wide receiver Brad Smith to complete the touchdown and even the score. Smith was wide open to receive and just had to walk down for touchdown.
The Giants were again at pains to make headway in their offense. Starting at the 14 yard line after a 70 yard kick from the Jets, the Giants only gained 3 yards gain in 3 plays before opting for a punt. That too didn’t go according to plan. Rookie Punter Matt Dodge’s first kick was blocked by free safety Eric Smith. Jets took possession on the Giants 14 yard line but are sent back to the 24 yard line after a penalty. The Jets made a little headway but couldn’t advance past the 18 yard line and settled for a field goal which was good. The Jets now were in the lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Giants continued from their 25 yard line and struggled to get just 10 yards until the fifth play of the drive. Quarterback Eli Manning found Ahmad Bradshaw and Ahmad unleashed his speed and agility for 51 yards through the Jets’ defence.
Ahmad simply outran Jets’ heavy defensive end, Mike DeVito, with ease and with him on his tail and Safety Jim Leonhard and Antonio Cromartie converging on him, it appeared that he would be brought down. Ahmad, however, had other plans. He twisted his way out of the 3 man trap until finally being stopped by free safety Brodney Pool on the 14 yard line. The Giants get to the 5 yard line but then were pushed back again to the 14. Lawrence Tynes kicked a 32 yard field goal bringing the Giants to 10.
The Second quarter ends with one more field goal for the Jets as Sanchez and Tomlinson spearheaded a 10 play 69 yard drive. By the end of the second quarter the Giants stood at 10 trailing the jets by 3 points.
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