[NFL] Preseason - New York Jets vs. New York Giants |kickoff 7PM EST

[pic] [pic] Giants vs Jets: Three things to watch
By Ohm Youngmisuk

Watching Plaxico Burress play against his former team will be the biggest storyline of the night when the Giants face the Jets on Monday.

But there are other things to watch:

THE STARTERS –- Tom Coughlin will play his first team through the first half against the Jets, about 30-35 snaps.

Eli Manning and the Giants offense hope to move the ball and play a clean game as the quarterback tries to orchestrate the first-team offense against an elite defense in what will be its final major audition for the season opener.

Also, the Giants’ defensive starters will get its first opportunity to adjust to life without Terrell Thomas. We’ll see how much Antrel Rolle plays at cornerback on pa#sing situations when the Giants have Deon Grant in the game to go with Kenny Phillips.

GIANT HEALTH –- After losing three players to season-ending injuries in their last preseason game, the Giants would like to come out of this game healthy.

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw’s status is uncertain after taking a knee to the back against the Bears. Kicker Lawrence Tynes will not play due to a thigh injury.

POSITION BATTLES –- This could be a big game for a few who are f!ghting for a starting spot. Domenik Hixon and Victor Cruz are vying for the third wide receiver spot. Hixon is the front-runner and has had a good preseason thus far.

Steve Weatherford and Matt Dodge continue their battle at punter as well. And several spots are up for grabs on special teams as many young players like linebackers Mark Herzlich and Jacquian Williams f!ght for roster spots.
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Here's your inactive list for tonight's game for the Giants:

RB Ahmad Bradshaw -- Out with the back issue but likely will be ready for the season opener against the Redskins.

WR Duke Calhoun -- Out with a hamstring injury.

RB Andre Brown -- Out with illness.

K Lawrence Tynes -- Out with a thigh injury. Rhys Lloyd will kick again.

QB Sage Rosenfels -- Out with illness/back. David Carr gets more playing time again.

CB Prince Amukamara -- Out indefinitely with a broken bone in his foot.

S Brian Jackson -- Out with a hip injury.

DE Osi Umenyiora -- Still recovering from knee surgery

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Jets vs. Giants Preview
Offense

Ground and Pound- Brandon Moore is expected to return from injury this week which gives the starting offensive line a chance to work together in live action for the first time this preseason. Look for the Jets to try and est@blish their running game in order to slow down the Giants pa#s rush in addition to getting some good work in.

Break out the Big 3- For the first time this preseason the Jets will have their “Big 3″ wide receiver group on the field at the same time. It will be very interesting to see how the Jets spread the field with Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes, and Derrick Mason. There is a chance that quarterback Mark Sanchez could come out throwing the ball to open up the running game.

Defense

Get physical- The New York Giants like to play a physical style of offense by pounding the ball in the running game in order to open up the pa#sing attack. The Jets defense must match the Giants physical style and shut down the running game. Once Gang Green accomplishes this they can pin their ears back and go after Eli.

Pressure Eli- The Giants pa#sing attack is predicated on getting the ball down the field. Big Blue has several receivers that can stretch the field and quarterback Eli Manning is not afraid to air it out. The Jets must get pressure on the Giants quarterback in order to force him into bad decisions and poor throws. Keep an eye on the Jets nickel and dime defensive backs (Kyle Wilson, Donald Strickland, Marquice Cole) as they could be targeted by Manning.

Overall

The Jets should have 3 goals: Play disciplined and limit penalties, play physical, and leave the field relatively healthy. If Gang Green is able to accomplish these goals they will not only win the game, but they will have survived the preseason without any major issues.
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God please no injuries!