The New York Giants ushered in the John Harbaugh era with a sloppy and uninspired 13-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and rookie linebacker Jack Kelly made a notable impression in his playing time.
The game was marked by the Giants committing seven penalties, amassing just 201 yards, and turning the ball over twice. However, much of that can be attributed to Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who used exotic looks and late-season blitzes rarely seen in preseason action.
Rookie linebacker Jack Kelly led the team with 37 snaps, while fellow rookie, offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, also got a healthy dose of playing time with 30 snaps. This distribution of playing time is typical of preseason games, where coaches test their players in various roles.
Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. played 30 percent of the offensive snaps, which he desired as he fights to make the 53-man roster. Beckham's playing time is a positive sign for his chances of making the team.
The Giants' loss to the Vikings was a disappointing start to the John Harbaugh era. The team will look to bounce back in their next preseason game.
The snap counts from Saturday's game showed a wide distribution of playing time among the Giants' players. This is consistent with the team's approach in preseason games, where coaches aim to test their players in different roles and positions.
The Giants will face the Philadelphia Eagles in their next preseason game. The game will be a crucial test for the team as they look to improve their performance and make the necessary cuts to their roster.
Source: Yahoo Sports