The New York Giants kick off their 2013 season with a preseason opener on the road at Heinz Field against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a match-up that pits two of the top quarterbacks from the 2004 NFL draft class — Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger — most of the focus will be directed towards the backups competing for jobs in this exhibition.
The Giants have had just two winning preseason campaigns since head coach Tom Coughlin was hired in 2004. But don’t put too much stock in that: the Dallas Cowboys have been the NFC East’s top preseason performer during that span and have just three playoff appearances (and one playoff victory) to show for it. New York has two Super Bowl victories.
Saturday’s night’s game will be an opportunity for many young players to make a name for themselves. There are a ton of players on each roster with their jobs on the line and a strong performance in the first preseason game would certainly get their momentum moving in the right direction.
Here’s a list of five Giants players to keep an eye on in this preseason battle…
Brandon Mosley – The 2012 fourth-rounder gets his first start with incumbent offensive guard Chris Snee only recently being removed from the PUP list. Mosley has done well in camp and has a chance to place himself in the good graces of the Giants’ coaches with a nice showing in Pittsburgh. The Giants are looking to get younger along the offensive line and a big performance from Mosley would certainly be a positive sign that they’re headed in the right direction.
Rueben Randle – this young wide out has starred in camp, showcasing outstanding hands that will make him a very popular household name in New York if it continues. That could be huge for the Giants, who could be without No. 1 receiver Hakeem Nicks after this year — Nicks will become a free agent following the 2013 season.
Cullen Jenkins – Justin Tuck is out for the Giants’ preseason opener, leaving Cullen Jenkins — typically a defensive tackle and an expected starter — to start at defensive end against the Steelers. New York is a team that often employs different fronts and moves players around, so it will be interesting to see if the former Eagle can get some pressure on the quarterback off the edge.
Ryan Nassib – The Giants are hopeful they never have to see how well Ryan Nassib can play when his number is called upon, but it wouldn’t hurt to get a glimpse of the young quarterback’s potential in a real NFL game. Positive performances in the preseason from Nassib could develop into an opportunity for the Giants to trade him to a team that requires his services (maybe as a starter) in return for draft picks or value the G-Men can use more often.
Prince Amukamara – Prince Amukamara is the future at the cornerback position and it would be nice to see how his development is coming. He made vast improvements last seasons and was actually one of the more underrated shutdown corners, according to Pro Football Focus. The Giants will need him to continue to blossom in 2013 to have any chance of competing defensively.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.