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New York Giants Studs and Duds From Week 2 Win vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

By Kenneth Teape

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J.T. Thomas: Stud

Aug 22, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin watches a preseason NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants are expected to rotate players next to Jon Beason and Devon Kennard at the third linebacker spot depending on matchups. But, if J.T. Thomas continues to play as well as he did against the Jaguars, there won’t be a need for a rotation; he will have the spot locked up.

Like Moore, Thomas caused a lot of havoc in the backfield against the Jaguars. He recorded a sack of his own forcing a fumble at the same time. He also had a tackle for a loss to go along with the sack. The tackle for a loss was an impressive play, as Thomas scoped out the Jaguars were running a screen play, and reacted accordingly. He blew it up in the backfield, taking down Bernard Pierce for an eight-yard loss.

Thomas had some extra motivation tonight playing against his old team, and he turned in a great performance to show them what they will be missing this season. The Giants signed him as a free agent this offseason to a 3-year, $10 million contract. The Giants were expecting him to be their coverage linebacker next to a thumper in Beason and pass rusher in Kennard, but if he can cause disruption on a consistent basis like he did Saturday night the Giants have got a steal on their hands.

Ryan Nassib: Stud

Aug 22, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (12) drops back to pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants first team offense was abysmal against the Jaguars, but the second-team led by Ryan Nassib fared a little better. Nassib was able to lead multiple scoring drives, including the only one resulting in a touchdown for either team in the fourth quarter.

Nassib led the offense with confidence, staying cool, calm and collective in the pocket. When he was pressured, he would scramble and make smart decisions. If there wasn’t a play to be made downfield, he would just throw the ball out of bounds to play another down.

On the night, Nassib completed 19-for-35 for 217 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown was thrown to Dwayne Harris, as Nassib threw a fastball into a tight window that Harris pulled down for the eight-yard score. Nassib also found Harris on one of his scrambles out of the pocket, which resulted in a 27 yard gain.

Credit needs to also be given to James Jones and Geremy Davis. Both players seemed to be on the right page with Nassib, as both are also fighting for a roster spot and playing time. Tonight they both had strong performances in large part because of how well Nassib played. Jones led the Giants in receiving against the Jaguars, catching five passes for 83 yards, while Davis finished second with 43 yards on four receptions.

Next: Who was the best Giants' player of 2014?

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