What to Watch for Tonight!

     As many of you know, tonight is the first preseason game for the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, who will be playing the Jacksonville Jaguars. This game will be all about backup players and position battles, as starters won't likely be on the field for more than 10-20 plays. That means we'll get to see more of our backups and rookies, who might become starters some day. So here are the best positions to watch for tonight.

1. Wide Receivers. This position will probably be the most scrutinized by coaches because of the importance of it. As of now, nobody has been named the 3rd wide receiver, but many have talked about Hixon taking over that spot. Unfortunately for Hixon, he's unlikely to play tonight due to a hamstring injury! This is interesting due to the fact that he wasn't listed on the injury report I wrote about yesterday. With Hixon gone, guys like Ramses Barden (who'll be the starter opposite Cruz), Reuben Randle, and Jerrel Jernigan can prove to the coaches that they belong in the 3rd wide receiver slot. Pay close attention to this position, as our next Victor Cruz might come out of it. LOL.
2. Running Back. This position will also be heavily scrutinized because of the importance of having a number 2 running back. David Wilson is looking to be the guy who backs up Bradshaw, although he'll have some competition with guys like Danny Ware and Andre Brown. Pay close attention to all of these guys during their quarterback protection plays, as the coaching staff likes that skill in a running back.
3. Linebackers. This is a position I am really excited to see. With the addition of Kieth Rivers (who'll start in place of the injured Michael Boley), our linebacker crew got extremely better. I'd like to see guys like Blackburn and Herzlich fight it out for the middle linebacker position. If these guys play really well, we might have fixed a whole in our defense that has been present for a couple of years.
4. Cornerbacks. This position is especially important due to the fact that we lost guys like Ross to free agency, and Terrell Thomas to injury. I have no more doubts about Webster, but what about another shut-down corner? We now turn to guys like Prince Amukamara to fill in the spots where Ross used to be. We also don't want to have to play Rolle in five different position like we did last year, so these guys have to step it up this year. Hopefully, we can finally get a great defensive unit.

Finally, here's an updated injury report for the Giants!
CB Terrell Thomas (knee)
WR Douglas (quad)
WR Hixon (hamstring)
RB Da'Rel Scott (thigh)
LB Jake Muasau (hamstring)
LB Boley (hamstring)
LB Jacquian Williams (hip)
LB Clint Sintim (knee)
TE Travis Beckum (knee)
DT Chris Canty (knee)
DT Bernard (knee)
WR Hakeem Nicks (foot)
DE Justin Trattou (ankle)
LT Beatty (back)

Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch this game live due to the location I am currently living, but I will tape the re-airing on NFL Network tomorrow at 12 pm, and analyze the game for you guys. Tune in tomorrow for that analysis and recap of tonight's game! Until then, watch these positions, and  GO GIANTS!