EAST RUTHERFORD – Eric Gray found a moment of poetic justice during the game. The Lions’ defensive back, Morice Norris, had earlier embarrassed Gray in a joint practice session by knocking his helmet off. However, in a spectacular display of skill, Gray executed a dazzling 48-yard touchdown run that left Norris behind. He made a sharp cut to the right, gaining speed in the open field, and ultimately scoring, giving the Giants a 7-3 lead.
Throughout the summer, Gray has faced pressure from Dante “Turbo” Miller, but the second-year player from Oklahoma has showcased both explosiveness and reliability in the passing game. After a rough previous experience at MetLife Stadium, where he was booed and lost his role as punt returner due to a calf injury, Gray made a strong return with two touchdowns in the preseason.
In a concerning twist, quarterback Drew Lock injured his hip, leading to Tommy DeVito entering the game early on. Lock, who was signed with a $5 million guarantee to back up Daniel Jones, struggled during his short outing, completing just 4 of 10 passes for 17 yards before leaving the game with discomfort.
This preseason opener also marked a significant moment for head coach Brian Daboll, who took over play-calling duties for the first time. Daboll has a rich history of offensive strategy, having previously excelled in this role as an offensive coordinator. He is aiming to establish effective communication with his staff while managing various aspects of the game.
Rookie Malik Nabers is set to make his debut for the Giants, likely seeing action for a couple of series alongside Jalin Hyatt, with Drew Lock starting as Daniel Jones is expected to sit out.
There are a few key position battles to watch amid the absences of many starters. At cornerback, Cor’Dale Flott has been competing against Tae Banks but faces competition from Nick McCloud. Safety Tyler Nubin, who recently returned from injury, is vying for a starting spot alongside Jason Pinnock. In the running back department, Dante “Turbo” Miller is pushing Eric Gray for the third spot behind Devin Singletary and rookie Tyrone Tracy, with both players set to receive significant playing time.
The game between the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions is scheduled for Thursday, August 8, at 7 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, and will be broadcast on FOX 5. Fans can follow live updates throughout the day.