These are the little things Giants fans should keep an eye on as the season wraps up.
Injuries decimated the roster, opening the door for players further down the hierarchy to make a name for themselves and stake their claim as part of the team's future.
Perhaps, at least in these remaining five games, they may be able to discover players who have the potential to contribute to the team going forward.
Perhaps the most notable case is undrafted rookie defensive lineman Elijah Chatman.
Dexter Lawrence will miss the rest of the year with a dislocated elbow.
Rakeem Nunez-Rochus (neck/shoulder) will be out for Sunday's game against the Saints, while DJ Davidson (shoulder) and Jordan Riley (knee) are questionable.
Chatman will be given a chance to start and play significant minutes.
“Once you play a few games, you start to feel like you're not a rookie anymore,” Chatman told the Post. “Then the veterans and the coaches start treating you like a rookie less. You don't really feel like a rookie.”
Chatman started one game, but played in all 12 games this year, playing 28 percent of the team's snaps on defense and 7 percent of its snaps on special teams.
He recorded one sack, 10 total tackles and one tackle for loss.
“He's getting better every week,” defensive line coach Andre Patterson said. “Like all rookie players, we try to convince them to be themselves on every play. Sometimes they outdo themselves. They're trying to convince others to be themselves on film. When I see that, I think, “I want to try that, too.'' Well, that's not you. You have to continue to be you. ”
So, what is the “you” that Patterson is looking for in Chatman?
“He's explosive, he's powerful, he's fast,” Patterson said. “Sometimes he gets so caught up in being explosive and powerful that he leaves out the quickness. He needs all three of those things to be the player he is. … To Dexter Lawrence I don't need anyone trying to be me. I can't do that. There's only one.”
Chatman received some praise during the preseason. In the Giants' preseason game against the Texans, he made a long run to corner running back JJ Taylor, showing off his unique speed for a defensive lineman.
“He was there for us primarily in third-down passing situations,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “He was able to adjust and run some games and do some different things.” [outside linebacker Brian] We were able to get burned and have our pockets lined up. He's a powerful, explosive kid. So when he's able to get out of his stance and start moving, he has some length even though he's a little short. ”
