The NFL preseason schedule kicked off Sunday night with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton. Here are six takeaways from the New York Giants' 17-13 win over the Buffalo Bills:
- The Giants needed some good news in their backfield after David Wilson's troubling setback. They got it in the form of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams, who looked like a formidable 1-2 punch during New York's first touchdown drive. Williams was particularly impressive, running hard and making people miss. The big-bodied rookie took an elevator up the depth chart.
- EJ Manuel didn't have the fast start the Bills were hoping for. The second-year quarterback had three passes batted down in two possessions, including one throw that could have easily been picked off. Manuel has been knocked for "slow eyes" in the past -- he needs to be quicker in his reads and delivery.
- Eli Manning and the first-team offense stayed in longer than expected. After a three-and-out in the opening drive, Manning was sacked and lost a fumble in New York's second possession. That prompted a third possession, where offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo found success against Buffalo's second unit with Jennings and Williams. Manning finished 6-of-7 (above 70 percent!), sticking exclusively to short slants and screens.
- Jim Schwartz has inherited a pretty special Bills front line. Kyle Williams abused Giants tackle Geoff Schwartz on the sack and strip of Manning. Said Cris Collinsworth: "He is like a rock rolling down the side of a mountain."
- Quiet professional debut for Sammy Watkins, who was held without a catch. Manuel targeted Watkins three times, including one deep pass which sailed out of bounds. Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara was step-for-step in coverage.
- The 33-yard extra point was a tad jarring but completely uneventful. Josh Brown and Dan Carpenter split the uprights on all three PAT attempts. Speaking of the uprights, they are now five feet higher and are marvels of science. I got vertigo looking at them.
The latest Around The League Podcast breaks down Marshawn Lynch's belated arrival at Seahawks camp and debates which active NFL players are first-ballot locks for the Hall of Fame.
