FIRST UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART
The Giants released their first unofficial depth chart of the season. As always, it is subject to change. It simply serves as a guide, more so for the media than the coaches. Additionally, players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list are not included.
The full depth chart can be found here.
There were not many surprises on the first depth chart. The one thing of note was that both Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott were listed as the starting outside cornerback opposite Paulson Adebo. The two have been competing for the spot dating back to the spring, and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has been encouraged with what he’s seen from both young corners.
“I think they’re both doing a really good job…” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “I like the growth of Tae. I think competition’s been good for both of them. I really do. But you’re seeing Tae battle and going up against Malik and finding ways to get PBUs and some other guys. He’s been able to get his hands on footballs more, I feel like, this early on in training camp, we’re ten days in, but early on, more so than what it was last year. He’s working. He’s working. He’s competing for the job. He’s trying to earn it, just like everybody else is trying to earn their play time.
“I thought Flott was doing a really good job. From the spring to now, he was probably one of the guys that had the most pass breakups. So just continue that competition. The versatility is no different than all these other positions. There’s going to be time and place where the numbers kind of shrink and we’ve got to figure out ways of how do we fit based on who’s available and who’s not. So some of the versatility stuff is going to come into play as well.”
LAST GAME VS. BILLS
The Giants and Bills last faced off in Week 6 of the 2023 season, where Buffalo squeaked out a 14-9 victory. That game saw wide receivers Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson both step up on offense, with Slayton leading the way in receiving yards with 69 (on four receptions) while Robinson had a team-high eight receptions (for 62 yards).
As for the defensive side of the ball, the Giants’ two starting inside linebackers both put together strong performances. Bobby Okereke led the unit with 11 total tackles (eight solo) while also picking up two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and two passes defensed. Meanwhile, Micah McFadden finished second on the team with seven tackles (three solo) and also registered two takeaways – one interception and one fumble recovery – along with a quarterback hit.
Graham Gano also made all three of his field goal attempts, connecting on kicks from 29, 43, and 29 yards.
A memorable sidenote was former offensive lineman Justin Pugh making his triumphant return to the Giants, where he famously started a primetime game just 12 days after he signed as a practice squad veteran. On the eve of the one-year anniversary of when he tore his ACL, Pugh entered the NFL zeitgeist with his Sunday Night Football introduction. Where most players recite their name and alma mater, Pugh went with, “Justin Pugh, straight off the couch.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Saturday’s game will be a great opportunity for the players on the roster bubble to make a case for themselves. The list of players who fall into this category is long, but one to keep an eye on is wide receiver Montrell Washington.
The veteran wideout has been one of the standouts of training camp, finding himself on the receiving end of many big throws from Dart during team drills. Washington also has a proven track record on special teams, with 40 kickoff returns and 20 punt returns under his belt across his three-year NFL career.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
According to the Bills’ website, the award for the most consistent player through the start of training camp has been the offensive line. That should set us up with a great matchup on Saturday, as the hype around the Giants’ defensive front has been building for months. While we may not get to see all of the starters among the two groups this Saturday, one player we do know will be taking the field is rookie outside linebacker and No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter.
“I’m excited for sure,” Carter said. “Definitely a good opportunity for me to get my routine down, like coming into a football game. My last game was, shoot, six months ago, something like that. So, it’s cool to come out here, get a routine down, play football again. I’m excited…
“That’s going to be fun, just playing in the preseason and get to take guys to the ground, actually sack the quarterback. So, I look forward to that.”
