There have been reports than the starters for the Giants will play 15-18 snaps on Monday, which is roughly one quarter of action. Meanwhile, Jets head coach Rex Ryan may play his starters even longer, letting them play into the second quarter. The FieldTurf at New Meadowlands Stadium remains a concern after Giants WR Domenik Hixon suffered a major knee injury during minicamp in June, although injuries in general during the preseason are always something to be worried about. Hixon is out for the season, causing the Giants to look for other return specialists.
Both teams have engaged in trash talking leading up to the game, as each has staked the claim of being New York’s team even though their new stadium is again shared in New Jersey. Giants CB Terrell Thomas said New York is still a “Giants town” despite the loads of attention given to the Jets since Ryan arrived. The Giants are the team that has won three Super Bowls and appeared in the game four times since Joe Namath led the Jets to their improbable victory in Super Bowl III.
The Giants will have a difficult time backing up their argument on Monday though considering the number of injuries impacting the team. Pro Bowl offensive lineman Chris Snee (knee) and wide receiver Steve Smith (groin) will not play along with starting tight end Kevin Boss (ankle, hamstring), linebacker Keith Bulluck (knee), safeties Kenny Phillips (knee) and Michael Johnson (back) and wide receiver Tim Brown (groin, hamstring). In addition, offensive lineman Rich Seubert just returned to practice after breaking his hand and is not game-ready at this point. The Giants also have a few players who are questionable to play, including Thomas (leg), CB Corey Webster (groin) and reserve TE Scott Chandler (hip flexor).
The Jets are excited about a couple of their new additions, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and WR Santonio Holmes. Tomlinson gives them a veteran presence in the offensive backfield and should complement second-year RB Shonn Greene, who is expected to take over for the departed Thomas Jones as the starter. Holmes has also impressed his new teammates even though he will not be eligible to play until after the first four games of the regular season.
Namath visited training camp last week and was most concerned about how the team was going to replace offensive lineman Alan Faneca. Second-round draft pick Vladimir Ducasse and second-year player Matt Slauson are fighting for Faneca’s starting spot, and Ryan does not know who has the lead right now.
Of course the biggest news in Jets training camp has been the holdout of All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis. Ryan has been trying hard to get Revis signed by encouraging negotiations between both sides, but contract talks are expected to continue behind closed doors – not in front of the cameras.
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