FOXBOROUGH — Everything you need to know from the Giants' win over the Patriots in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Josh Gordon, Demaryius Thomas and Julian Edelman all play: There's a better than average chance that all three are the starting receivers in the season opener against the Steelers and they took the field together on Thursday night. No Tom Brady — Jarrett Stidham played the whole game — but it was obviously good to see the receivers on the field. Gordon was the most impressive physically — he's a freaking Adonis — but had trouble getting the timing right with Stidham (just two catches on six targets for 30 yards). Thomas was the most productive (seven catches on eight targets for 87 yards and 2 TDs). Edelman looked like Edelman.
Stidham played the entire game: Your guess is as good as mine what this means for Brian Hoyer. My best guess: Stidham is the backup but they retained Hoyer in case of injury. But they could easily keep Hoyer, I just think that's going be tough with the roster squeeze. Stidham was OK in this game. Threw some balls late and behind receivers, but also had some really nice plays, especially with his feet. I will say, good on Bill Belichick not playing Hoyer in this game no matter what happens. That wouldn't have been right.
Pressure doesn't stop: Patriots again brought good pressure against the Giants quarterbacks. The stats weren't spectacular — three sacks (Scooby Wright with two, Deatrich Wise) and six knockdowns — but there still seemed to be a lot more. The pass rush had a good summer for a change.
Giants win on final play ... Kyle Lauletta, a Patriots draft binkie for many, did the deed against Gunner.
SECOND GUESS
I definitely understand getting a very rusty Gordon some reps. I can understand putting Thomas out there to gauge where he's at, and he probably needs it mentally as much as anything. But I don't understand having Edelman catching passes from Stidham in a fourth preseason game. Give his thumb some rest.
THREE UP
WR Demaryius Thomas: Was productive and efficient, but I wouldn't go nuts about this. He was being covered by guys who will be on the street soon, and he wasn't exactly running away from them. But, it was still good.
CB Keion Crossen: Yeah, he got burned for a touchdown when he looked for the ball instead of playing the man, but he recovered nicely with an interception and four passes defended. Also led the team with 11 tackles.
WR/KR/PR/CB Gunner Olszewski: Let's see. He caught two passes for 35 yards. One punt return for 7 yards. Three kickoff returns for 77 yards and he had one tackle on defense. The legend continues. I'm surprised Belichick didn't put him in at QB
THREE DOWN
Giants HC Pat Shurmur: For challenging at least one pass interference. He should get ejected for that in the fourth preseason game.
Referee Ron Torbert: Way too many penalties and stoppages. And that crack-back call against Gunner was whack.
Backup offensive line: Those guys nearly got Stidham hurt. He was under pressure all the time.
INJURIES
WR Julian Edelman (left hand): On his only reception of the game, Edelman landed on his formerly broken thumb, needed medical attention and didn't return.
OG Hjalte Froholdt (right arm): Was taken off with a right arm injury and didn't return. Right shoulder was already in a harness. This actually would benefit the Patriots if he had to go on injured reserve to start the season.
S Malik Gant (right leg): Went down late in the third quarter and was carted off with Matthew Slater, Brandon Bolden and Devin McCourty by his side.
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