The New York Giants closed their preseason with a 23-6 win over the New York Jets on Friday night, as Jake Haener threw a touchdown and Odell Beckham Jr. made a late roster push.
The New York Giants wrapped up their preseason with a decisive 23-6 road victory over the New York Jets on Friday night (Aug. 28). The Giants’ efficient offense and a dominant kicking performance proved too much for a Jets team that managed just one touchdown. The win moves the Giants to 2-1 on the preseason, while the Jets fall to 1-2.
Giants: Efficient Offense and a Kicking Clinic
Quarterback Jake Haener was sharp, completing 6 of 7 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. His 37-yard scoring strike to Xavier Gipson was the game’s biggest offensive play. Running back Damon Bankston led the ground game with 62 yards on 11 carries, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. added a 6-yard touchdown run.
Kicker Dominic Zvada was perfect, connecting on field goals from 23, 53, and 46 yards, plus both extra points. His 53-yarder in the third quarter extended the Giants’ lead to 16-6 and effectively put the game out of reach.
Defensively, linebacker Micah McFadden paced the Giants with six tackles, and defensive end Khalid Kareem recorded a sack.
Jets: Trayanum Scores, Then a Scare
The Jets’ only score came on a 1-yard touchdown run by Chip Trayanum in the first quarter, though Jason Sanders missed the extra point. Trayanum finished with 38 yards on 12 carries, but his night ended prematurely when he was hospitalized with a neck injury after a tackle on the final play of the first half. Reports indicate he should be “just fine,” but he is listed as Questionable.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik struggled, completing just 6 of 13 passes for 59 yards with an interception. The rookie’s inconsistency has raised questions about the Jets’ backup quarterback situation. Wide receiver Cam Camper led the team with two catches for 26 yards but is also Questionable.
Defensively, defensive end Nate Lynn recorded the team’s only sack, and linebacker Jack Heflin was everywhere with nine total tackles.
The Turning Point
The game turned midway through the second quarter. After Trayanum’s touchdown gave the Jets an early 6-0 lead, the Giants answered with Tracy’s 6-yard run to take a 7-6 advantage. From there, the Giants controlled the game, adding a 23-yard field goal before halftime to lead 10-6.
The Jets never regained the lead, and any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Zvada’s 53-yard field goal made it a two-score game in the third quarter.
Beckham’s Roster Push
Odell Beckham Jr. made a strong case for a roster spot with three catches for 53 yards. Head coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Beckham has “done enough to make an NFL roster.” His performance capped a strong preseason push.
Injury Concerns for Both Teams
Beyond Trayanum and Camper, the Jets have several key players listed as Questionable, including Anez Cooper, Joseph Ossai, and Kenyon Sadiq. The Giants also have question marks around Tyrone Tracy Jr., Malik Nabers, and Theo Johnson. Calvin Austin III is on Injured Reserve.
- Jake Haener: 6/7, 101 yards, 1 TD
- Damon Bankston: 11 carries, 62 yards
- Xavier Gipson: 2 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD
- Dominic Zvada: 3/3 field goals, 2/2 extra points
- Chip Trayanum: 12 carries, 38 yards, 1 TD
What It Means
The Giants finish the preseason at 2-1 and will now finalize their 53-man roster, with Beckham’s situation drawing significant attention. The Jets, at 1-2, face decisions at backup quarterback and kicker after Klubnik’s struggles and Sanders’ missed PAT. Both teams will look to address these issues before the regular season begins.
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