The Buffalo Bills beat the New York Giants 21-0 to win their first preseason game of 2015 and drop the Giants to 0-2. Here are some observations and takeaways about the Giants from the game.
1. The Giants offense still has a lot of work to do
The Giants offense did not look good at all in this preseason battle. They managed just 166 total yards and turned the ball over three times. While the backups created the bulk of the damage the starters were not much better.
After both sat out the opener, Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. started off hot as the two hooked up for a 22-yard gain on the first possession of the game. Following this solid start, the entire Giants offense looked confused and completely out of their comfort zone. Manning would end up finishing 4/9 for 44 yards. The run game was slightly more productive as they racked up 102 total yards on the ground compared to just 64 yards in the air.
2. Revamped defense continues to impress
The Giants paid big money this offseason and it already looks as if that move will pay off in a big way. Playing a little into the second quarter the Giants first team defense played well giving up just 7 points.
After allowing Bills QB Tyrod Taylor to connect with Charles Clay on a long pass the Giants defense stepped up in a big way as Landon Collins forced a fumble that was recovered by new Giant Damon Harrison at the one-yard line. The Giants also held LeSean McCoy to 0 yards on five carries. Big free agent acquisition, Olivier Vernon had his first sack as a member of the Giants.
3. Giants special teams could be in trouble without Brown
Giants kicker Josh Brown has been suspended one game by the NFL and will miss the season opener in Dallas. If that game comes down to a big kick the Giants could be in major trouble.
The other Giants kicker on the roster, Tom Obarski received a bulk of the kicking duties in today's game. He didn't look sharp on his first field goal attempt missing a chip shot from 27-yards out. After missing a short kick except the Giants to try out some new kickers in the next few days.
What's next for the Giants?
The Giants will stay in New Jersey to play in a battle of New York on August 27 against the New York Jets. With the starters likely to see extended playing time in this game the Giants are hoping the offense will be able to show a little more firepower against the Jets.