Hiya, folks. This week we are playing the New York Giants in the second preseason game. As is customary with this game, we can expect the starters to play into the second quarter, giving the backups less time to make their mark. With that said, the few reps they have are more important if they want to make an impression with the coaches. Here are five non-starters to keep an eye on this week.
- DE Jay Richardson - Richardson is a defensive end who is making a strong push for the roster. Last week, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Richardson flashed some play-making, pass rush potential. He had the first sack of the preseason on QB Bruce Gradkowski, and had four solo tackles, second only to DE Quinton Coples. Richardson is fighting against Kenrick Ellis, Martin Tevaseu (MTV), Marcus Dixon, Damon Harrison, and Matt Hardison for the backup roles on the defensive line.
- RB Bilal Powell - After much training camp hype, Powell stunk last week against the Bengals. Meanwhile, Terrance Ganaway looked good and seems to be closing in on the third RB spot. Powell is running out of time to make his mark. If he can only run well against air but is constantly stuffed against real people, especially backups, he's going to have a hard time making this roster. Right now, his best attribute are his pass protection skills.
- WR Jordan White - Jeremy Kerley is just starting to come back from a slight tear in his hamstring, so he'll be, for lack of a better word, hamstrung by his injuries. On the other hand, Chaz Schilens, who was doing so well in practice, seems to keep getting nicked up and flashing his injury bug. This is Jordan White's time to shine. He has a real chance to make the team and not just the practice squad, so expect to see a good amount of him this week.
- S Antonio Allen - Right now the two starters for the Jets are Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry. Eric Smith figured to get a lot of reps, but with his injury, we should expect to see more of Antonio Allen. We'll also likely see Josh Bush in there too, but Allen has been making plays in practice and looked good last week, so it should be fun to watch him crack some skulls against the Giants.
- RT Austin Howard - Wayne Hunter has been battling a back injury, but he has recently started to practice against. Howard got progressively better as last week's game went on, and is making a real push for the starting gig. At worst, it seems the team will use him as an extra blocker (like they did for Hunter before Damien Woody retired), and at best, he'll replace Hunter as the starting right tackle. Everybody, say it with me. Yay!
Those are the guys I'm going to keep an eye out for this week against the Giants. Who are you planning on watching?