NFL Preseason Week 1 Recap: New York Giants 14, Detroit Lions 3

Posted by author August 9, 2024 Football

The New York Giants‘ preseason got off to a positive start Thursday, as they bested the Detroit Lions 14-3 at MetLife Stadium. As is the case in many preseason games, neither team’s starters played many snaps, making the reserves the star of Thursday night’s contest in New York.

The Giants have to be happy with how their primary backup running backs performed Thursday night. While likely starter Devin Singletary got the night off, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Eric Gray performed exceedingly well in the first half. Gray averaged 12.25 yards per touch while accumulating over 50% of New York’s first-half offense while Tracy forced five missed tackles and picked three first downs across five carries.

PFF’s dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST.

In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert graders have also nominated the standout player of the game, highlighting exceptional performance on the field.

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PLAYER OF THE GAME

The aforementioned Gray put together an electric performance during his time on the field, finishing with four carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns —most of which came on an impressive 48-yard touchdown run in the second quarter — in addition to four receptions for 46 yards and a forced missed tackle. The touchdown run may get the most attention, but Gray’s receiving ability could be the key to him earning a real role in New York’s offense. Given how New York deployed its running backs Thursday night, the 2023 fifth-rounder appears to be behind Singletary and Tracy on New York’s depth chart; however, Thursday night’s performance keeps him in the running for the primary backup running back gig.

BOX SCORE

	Lions	Giants
Total points	3	14
Total offensive plays	67	54
Average EPA per play	-0.298	-0.192
Total net yards	248	249
Avg yards per play	3.7	4.6
Total first downs	14	14
Rushing first downs	2	9
Passing first downs	7	4
Penalty first downs	5	1
3rd down efficiency	35%	27%
4th down efficiency	0%	13%
Possessions	12	11
Avg plays per drive	5.9	5.5
Avg yards per drive	19.1	20.8
Avg points per drive	0.2	1.2
Red zone posessions	3	1
Red zone plays	11	3
Red zone TDs	0	1
Red zone FGs	0	0
RZ scoring efficiency	0%	100%