Giants hold off Jets 22-16 in third preseason game

The New York Giants overcame an early defensive lapse to defeat the New York Jets 22-16 Friday night at MetLife Stadium.

On the game’s first series, Jets quarterback and third overall pick Sam Darnold led Gang Green on an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Darnold made several big third down conversions on the drive to take a 7-0 lead.

On the Jets’ next drive, the Giants forced a three-and-out. Hunter Sharp returned the ensuing punt 55 yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 7. It was the first of several key special teams blunders by the Jets.

Eli Manning showed he still has some zip in his arm with several long passes, including a 54-yard bomb to Cody Latimer. Unfortunately, the Giants were unable to capitalize. Jonathan Stewart fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Leonard Williams. The Jets followed up the fumble with a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. The Giants followed the Jets touchdown with the first of their five field goals on the evening.

Manning went 17-of-23 for 188 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Davis Webb finished 5-of-11 for 73 yards, including a 47-yard pass to Alonzo Russell. Kyle Lauletta only attempted two passes despite entering the game with more than 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

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The Jets offense repeatedly went after Eli Apple in the beginning of the game. The Giants were unable to stop the Jets on the ground and the issue of linebackers in coverage continued to plague them. After the touchdown drive, the first-team defense didn’t allow another touchdown. Dalvin Tomlinson had perhaps the first-team defense’s best performance of the evening. He had a tackle for a loss in the run game and a quarterback hit that forced an intentional grounding penalty by Darnold.

Unfortunately, the Giants didn’t exit the game unscathed in the injury department. Tight end Rhett Ellison left the game early with what was described as an eye injury while Evan Engram left the game in the second quarter with a concussion and did not return.

The Giants (2-1) will conclude their preseason schedule against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 30 at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT.

– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL, the New York Giants, and the NBA. Please like and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.