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The last time the Giants hit the field they were dramatically losing winners, having ripped the Bears 41-13 but along the way suffering key injuries, most notably to cornerback Terrell Thomas, who went down and out for the season with torn knee ligaments.
That is the scenario the Giants are desperate to avoid tonight at MetLife Stadium when they finally get to face the Jets in a delayed third preseason game that was supposed to be played Saturday night, then Saturday afternoon and finally pushed back two days to make way for Hurricane Irene blowing in and out of the area.
That delay, plus the unenviable situation for both teams, having to line up again in only three days for Thursday night’s preseason finales — the Giants at New England, the Jets at home against the Eagles — could take some of the steam out of what usually is a simmering summer rivalry.
Still, there are those who can’t wait for this annual exhibition, which in most seasons is the only time the Giants and Jets meet. There is a Christmas Eve regular-season game this year and that figures to be a must-see showdown, given the readily-apparent and underlying competitive spirit both sides have when it comes to claiming football ownership of the metropolitan area.
Eli Manning was forced out of last year’s affair with a nasty laceration across his forehead from a vicious but not dirty hit, and scuffles and yapping have often accompanied the action when these teams renew acquaintances.
“They are highly competitive teams that play in the same city, so it doesn’t surprise me,” coach Tom Coughlin said.
The Giants will put their starters on the field for the first half and then most likely will sit them completely against the Patriots, making this the final tune-up for their front-line players. Here are some of the sights the Giants would like to see tonight:
* Getting Manning through this game in one piece — and not a bloody mess like last year — is the priority. It hasn’t been a great summer for Manning, who hasn’t looked in synch with starting receivers Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, has completed only 48 percent of his passes and has not thrown a touchdown pass in two preseason games. The bright side? He hasn’t thrown an interception.
* This will be the first game for Aaron Ross back in the starting lineup in place of Thomas. Of course, starting is nothing new for Ross, the 2007 first-round draft pick who held down the job until hamstring problems back in 2009 opened the door for Thomas. There are no other options, as Ross must step in and provide quality play or else the Giants defense takes a huge step backward.
* This is also the first test for Antrel Rolle in his new position of nickel back. Rolle came into the league with the Cardinals as a cornerback, but wasn’t really suited for that role, which is why he was moved to safety, with extremely positive results.
With Thomas out and the depth at cornerback depleted, Rolle will move back to corner when the opponent puts three receivers on the field, operating out of the slot and leaving Ross and Corey Webster to handle the outside receivers. Rolle says he’s comfortable with this from his days in Arizona, but it will be an adjustment.
* Tight end Travis Beckum, after missing the preseason opener with a strained hamstring, did not manage a single catch last week against the Bears and if he can’t get going tonight, the Giants may have to take a hard look at whoever gets released around the league. The only tight end on the roster who has shown any ability in the pass-catching department is newcomer Daniel Coats, who has four receptions, including a touchdown. It appears as if Bear Pascoe has the fullback job locked down unless rookie Henry Hynoski can make something happen.