New York Giants: 5 Standouts From Preseason Finale

Damontre Moore

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The enigma Damontre Moore was on full display Thursday night against the Patriots. We saw a lot of bad Moore, but we also saw glimpses of good Moore that the Giants are hoping comes out more once the regular season comes around.

The bad was on full display and on multiple occasions. Maturity, concentration issues and discipline have been at the forefront of Moore’s problems during his first two seasons with the Giants. Those same issues reared their ugly head multiple times against the Patriots. Moore was flagged for not one, not two but THREE 15-yard personal foul penalties. That is a quick way to get into Tom Coughlin’s doghouse, as he has no tolerance for boneheaded play.

But, the good Moore wasn’t far behind. After his third 15-yard penalty, Moore redeemed himself just two plays later. He sacked Ryan Lindley, forcing a fumble in the process that effectively ended the game. That is more of what the Giants are hoping Moore gives them on a consistent basis.

The upside is evident in Moore, but the Giants will have trouble trusting him with a full time role when he still does things like commit stupid 15-yard penalties. They didn’t hurt the team Thursday as they pulled out the win, but it is tough to imagine a first-team offense not taking advantage of at least one of those penalties, turning the extra chances into a touchdown.

Next: Veteran Earns His Keep