NY Giants vs. Carolina: Daniel Jones nearly perfect, plus takeaways and observations
EAST RUTHERFORD - The last time Daniel Jones was here, the MetLife Stadium crowd chanted his name as the New York Giants quarterback was masterful in leading his team to a playoff-clinching victory on New Year's Day.
Jones returned to the scene for his preseason debut Friday night with a $160 million contract in his back pocket, a playoff victory on his ledger and a world of newfound confidence following a strong summer.
All Jones did against the Carolina Panthers was add to the hype.
He was nearly perfect on his only series in the Giants' eventual 21-19 victory, completing 8-of-9 passes - including three to tight end Darren Waller - for 69 yards and a 4-yard touchdown to Daniel Bellinger. His first two throws went to Waller, who continued his dominant play with receptions of 6 and 12 yards. He nearly hauled in a third, but Carolina safety Vonn Bell hit Waller with a good pop that jarred the ball loose.
Jones spread the ball around, too, hitting Parris Campbell twice for a combined 19 yards and Isaiah Hodgins for a 20-yard gain before Bellinger slipped in behind Waller, who cleared out the defense, and corralled the Jones toss for the touchdown.
The schematic advantage for receivers in this Giants offense is enormous. Wide receivers and tight ends open all over the field. Jones was poised and precise, and even though Carolina's star pass rusher Brian Burns was not playing, the rest of the Panthers' starting defense - including the secondary - was.
Jones, Waller and left tackle Andrew Thomas played that one series, and might not see action again until the Cowboys come to MetLife for "Sunday Night Football."
Kayvon Thibodeaux dominates Ickey Ekwonu
Kayvon Thibodeaux dominated Carolina left tackle Ickey Ekwonu on the last three offensive snaps for Carolina with Bryce Young at the helm. Thibodeaux found himself dropping into coverage for much of the game to that point, but when he got the call to rush the offensive lineman selected between him and Evan Neal in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux finished with a sack, a quarterback hit and another strong rush.
Jalin Hyatt bounces back
Jalin Hyatt showed great resolve, and wound up with the first touchdown of his professional career, albeit in an exhibition. He could not handle a throw from Tyrod Taylor on a crosser and dropped what would have been a first down reception.
On the very next play, the Giants called Hyatt's number again; this time, Taylor escaped pressure and Hyatt blew past Carolina safety Eric Rowe and had to slow up in the end zone, easily snagging the throw for a 33-yard score.
Eric Gray gets in the end zone, too
Veteran savvy from the Giants' rookie Eric Gray on a kickoff return, and that's where he's going to get the opportunity to earn chances on game day to begin the season. He saw the kickoff was short of the end zone, let the ball bounce and it went out of bounds at the 1.
The Giants got possession at the 40.
Later in the first half, Gray had a strong and aggressive run through the middle behind blocks from Bellinger, rookie center John Michael Schmitz, right tackle Evan Neal and left guard Joshua Ezeudu from 9 yards out.
Schmitz and Neal had a strong first half.