Here are three non-Daniel Jones takeaways from the Giants’ 28-10 preseason loss to the Texans.
1. Bending without breaking
It was a big test for the Giants’ young secondary, facing the NFL’s best receiver trio over two series.
The defense forced three consecutive incomplete passes in the red zone, forcing turnovers (and then forcing a punt).
Deonte Banks survived a one-on-one defense with Nico Collins on an end zone fade.
But the offensive holding was cleared after Dane Belton was called for pass interference, and Stefon Diggs, Collins and Tank Dell combined for 33 yards on two catches.
2. Ground Game
The Giants are betting on the combination of an improved offensive line and starting running back Devin Singletary to build a rushing attack that has previously relied on Saquon Barkley to create something out of nothing.
But Singletary, who sits behind four of the five projected starters, had just 20 yards on 10 carries in the first half and needed two tries to score a touchdown from the 1-yard line.
3. Hot Potato:
Don’t tell Brian Daboll that results don’t matter because it’s still preseason.
He was relentless in his criticism of the team’s five turnovers, including three lost fumbles in the second half (by John Giles, Lorenzo Lingard and Tommy DeVito).
Only DeVito has a shot at making the 53-man roster.
“When they take the ball away from us, we don’t have many opportunities,” Daboll said.
