The rematch of Super Bowl XLVI in Wednesday’s preseason finale was certainly not as exciting,with both starting lineups resting for most of the game in anticipation for the season opener. The New York Giants pulled off the 6-3 win over the New England Patriots after trailing for more than half the game. With 75,550 in attendance, players from both teams vied for their final chance to make the final roster cut from 75 to 53.
But it was veteran kicker, Lawrence Tynes who scored all of the Giants’ points, by kicking two field goals in the second half. Tynes made the 34-yard field goal in the third quarter to tie the game and then made the clutch 32-yard kick with 1:03 remaining to win the game. Tynes is seven for seven this preseason.
On the Patriots’ end, it was also the veteran kicker, Stephen Gostkowski, contributing all three points by kicking a 20-yard field goal. Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick decided to rest almost every single starter. Belichick only started one projected starter, right tackle Sebastian Vollmer. The Giants’ starting offensive and defensive lines played in only about a quarter of the game. Despite the win, quarterback Eli Manning stated that the offense could have been better.
“Offensively it wasn’t our best performance. We didn’t make any major mistakes, but we didn’t move the ball very well,” Manning said. He then commented on wide receiver Hakeem Nicks’ return to the field after recovering from a foot injury.
“It was great to have Hakeem back out there, get him a catch, get him back in the flow of things, so we all knew he’d be ready next week for Dallas.”
Nicks caught the first pass of the game for six yards in the Giants’ second possession and only stayed for two series. Nicks was satisfied with his foot, as he ran side to side with no difficulty.
“It was exactly what I needed to know that I’ll be ready for next week. It was pretty much what I expected. No problem with the foot. It felt good, and I’ll be ready to start the season,” he said.
Although the game moved slowly as neither team reached the end zone, certain plays were noteworthy. Rookie defensive end Adewale Ojomo sacked quarterback Brian Hoyer and helped set up Tynes’ winning field goal. Ojomo is also the Giants’ sack leader in the preseason. Wide receiver Ramses Barden also made four catches for 31 yards.
The Giants sat out a total of 17 injured players, which included four top defensive ends and four cornerbacks. Top running back Ahmad Bradshaw also sat out due to a hand injury but should be ready for the season opener.
The Giants, with a preseason record of 2-2, will host the first game of the season against the Dallas Cowboys next Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 8:30 PM.
