New York Giants–Carolina Panthers: 21-19
In an ideal world, that’s what the preseason should be for. Breaking in, involving new recruits, scoring and resting. A plan executed wonderfully by the Giants. Daniel Jones (8/9, 69 yards, 1 TD) started his new contract with an impeccable offensive series. He started by finding Darren Waller (3 rec, 30 yards) twice in a row. After his new tight end, he moved on to Parris Campbell (3 rec, 23 yards), his new receiver. After ten actions, it was Daniel Bellinger who caught the touchdown pass. Five minutes only, but an impressive five minutes for the blue starters.
The Panthers can’t say the same. Bryce Young (3/6, 35 yards) played two series, and the last ended with a field goal, but the offensive line continues to worry. The number one of the last Draft found himself under pressure on 42.9% of his attempts, and he took a sack. Carolina will have to find some semblance of a solution, although it seems clear that the ground game will still be the priority this year. The appearance of the match showed it, with more runs (28) than balls thrown (26).
Atlanta Falcons – Cincinnati Bengals: 13-13
From his first ball in the NFL, Bijan Robinson showed why Atlanta fetched him so high in the Draft. Speed and agility to get 12 yards. In total, the beginner only carried the leather four times, for 20 yards. But it is clear that he will be a strength of the Falcons in the months to come. The good news is that it looks like the group around him might follow suit. Because in their only possession of the evening, the holders showed a very pleasant face.
Desmond Ridder (7/9, 80 yards, 1 int) seemed comfortable. The interception that closes the series is only due to a deflected pass. Also important, the view of Kyle Pitts (1 rec, 9 yards) who captures a ball with one hand or that of a Drake London (3 rec, 33 yards) very present. Without four penalties for the offensive line and this interception, Atlanta delivered almost a perfect copy.
The Bengals were the only team of the day not to give time to the starters, partly because Joe Burrow is recovering from a pulled calf. Trevor Siemian (7/14, 62 yards) had the first balls in attack, but it was Jake Browning (16/22, 140 yards, 1 int) who was the most dynamic then. Neither man has really shown enough to reassure Cincinnati in the event of a serious injury to Joe Burrow.
