Post by plax on Aug 18, 2013 15:54:05 GMT -5
Sunday, August 18th ; 7:00 EST ; Metlife Stadium
*Note: everything with New York in red text was done by Plax, everything with Indianapolis in blue text above was done by Mitch9234
Top 5 Players to Watch
Indianapolis:
5 - WR T.Y. Hilton - Hilton has been on fire during training camp, making plays with the first and second teams, and last week he didn't get cold as evidenced in their opener against the Bills, with 3 receptions for 61 yards and a TD. If things continue like this, he might take up Darrius Heyward-Bey's #2 WR spot, when there wasn't a battle for that spot. That #2 WR position was from Heyward-Bey's since he got signed.
4 - TE Justice Cunningham - With Dwayne Allen on boot and Coby Fleener suffering a concussion against the Bills, rookie TE Justice Cunningham might take the starting position for now, if not Dominique Jones. Cunningham will never beat Fleener or Allen for their starting positions, but this West Coast system used by OC Pep Hamilton could use three TE sets sometimes.
3 - OLB Bjoern Werner - He didn't play their opener, and Werner will have to perform very well to contribute, because the Colts failed very well in generating pressure.
2 - WR Griff Whalen - Whalen, a UDFA from Stanford signed by the Colts in 2012, had a nice pre-season in 2012. But he had what I think was a foot injury, and went to the IR. This year in camp he stared where he was left off, and even taking snaps as a holder for the second team and third team. I believe Whalen has the tools to become a #1 receiver.
1 - S Delano Howell - Howell was the best defensive player on the Colts last week, as he had 12 tackles. Howell also played an impressive amount of snaps (89) for a pre-season game. If he continues like this, he could be the sucessor of Antoine Bethea.
New York:
5 - Jayron Hosley - Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas will not be playing tonight, so this is the big chance that Hosley has been waiting for to show that he can be effective with the starters. He showed a lot of potential last year, and he can make a big difference if he performs the way the Giants want him to.
4 - Rueben Randle - Was involved a lot 8 days ago in the game against the Steelers, but only recorded one reception. With Nicks back tonight, Randle will go to the role that he will be playing for the season. Randle has the potential to be a special player for the Giants, and he has to capitalize on his strong training camp tonight.
3 - Hakeem Nicks - I do not think he plays much at all tonight, but I think he deserves to be on here. I am looking for many things with Nicks tonight. How is he running? Does he have his speed back? How is the chemistry with him and Eli? The Giants can be one of the most explosive offenses in the league if Nicks can stay healthy and return to 2011 playoff form.
2 - David Wilson - Wilson will be here a lot throughout the season. With Andre Brown fumbling the ball against Pittsburgh last week, Wilson might be able to get some extra carries in and break away from Brown in the carries battle. The starters will play more tonight, so I am anxious to see how Wilson is used.
1 - Justin Pugh - Here we go. The preseason debut for our 1st round rookie. He was not a sexy pick, but a solid one. The Giants' problem last year was offensive line blocking, in both the passing and running game. Pugh is here to fix those problems. I am sure everyone will be watching Pugh tonight and to see if he will make an impact in improving the Giants in the trenches.
Mitch9234's Prediction:
Game Expectations:
Last week's game was a total letdown to the Colts, as players didn't seem to get very motivated. Now that they know things a little better, it could turn to be a bit better for them. But not that much better.
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Plax's Prediction:
Game Expectations:
The Giants looked great against Pittsburgh last week, doing good defending the run at times, and doing good on offense. I think the Giants have a chance to show what they can be with everyone healthy. I think they take care of the Colts, and go on to be 2-0 in the preseason.
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