Empire Writes Back
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New York Giants: 5 Standouts From Preseason Finale

By Kenneth Teape

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James Jones

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback

Marcus Williams

(20) strips the ball from New York Giants wide receiver James Jones (89) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 28-18. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

James Jones was not guaranteed anything when he signed with the Giants at the onset of training camp. While the two sides had discussed a deal earlier in the offseason, nothing came to fruition until the first week of August. Jones was joining a loaded wide receiver group and on the outside looking in, but he has earned a spot on the roster with his play.

He doesn’t offer anything in the way of special teams, so it was imperative Jones made an impact as a receiver. That is exactly what he did, as he led the Giants in receiving for the preseason, pulling in 11 receptions for 148 yards. He was the only Giants player to have double-digit receptions in the preseason and break the century mark for yardage.

That performance should be more than enough for Jones to make this team. The veteran will provide solid insurance for Victor Cruz, who is dealing with a calf injury after rehabbing from his torn patellar tendon. The Giants will not force things with Cruz, as they will make sure he is 100 percent healthy before putting him on the field. Jones has experience playing the slot, and could take over for Cruz while he is sidelined.

Jones also has experience working with offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. The two were with the Green Bay Packers together from 2007-2013. His familiarity with the system should give him an upper hand on the other hopefuls trying to make the roster.

Like rookie Geremy Davis, Jones also benefited from Corey Washington being unable to play. The two were probably in a battle against each other for the last wide receiver spot, and at this point in time it would be hard to imagine the Giants letting Jones go in favor of Washington.

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