The cut-down to the 53-man roster was anticlimactic a year ago, so much so that a day after the cuts were made, the Giants sliced off another seven players and replaced them with guys waived throughout the league.
The depth on the team this time around is considerably better, which is why trimming the roster will be more challenging.
“I think so,’’ coach Pat Shurmur said Friday. “I think that’s a good thing. You want competition within the groups. A year ago, we cut from 90 to 53 and there was only a couple guys that ended up on other rosters. I sort of feel like this year we may end up cutting more guys that are going to be attractive to maybe another team, which tells me that our 90 is better, and also tells me the players are embracing what we are talking about.
“The goal is to either make our team or somebody else’s. I believe in our team, I love our team, I love what our team is trying to do. It’s going to be much tougher for me this year when we get to that point, having to say goodbye to some players that I am very fond of. I’m just hopeful that they are available if we need them or somewhere they can go on and keep their career going.’’
Kyle Lauletta, looking to stick as the No. 3 quarterback ahead of Alex Tanney — if the Giants keep three this year — outplayed Tanney in Thursday’s 25-23 victory in Cincinnati. Tanney is currently ahead of Lauletta, but things can change.
“He’s playing better each week,’’ Shurmur said of Lauletta, who was taken in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. “I don’t know how to phrase it, but he’s doing some really good things with the reps that he’s getting. I am pleased with his progress. … It’s a credit to him.’’
TE Evan Engram played 10 snaps in his 2019 preseason debut. That means the top three offensive players — Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard and Engram — totaled 10 snaps in the first three games.
It is easy to view these preseason games from the prism of one team, but there are two teams on the field and plenty of room to make it a proving ground. Just listen to Damion Willis, a Bengals rookie receiver from Troy, after he caught three passes for 55 yards, including a touchdown reception against Giants cornerback Terrell Sinkfield, a first-year player. Earlier, Willis caught a pass while covered by a different defender.
“I was able to catch that ball on Janoris Jenkins,’’ Willis said. “That was my highlight of the night. I am going to remember that forever. A rookie on Janoris Jenkins. I am going to remember that.’’
Rookie CB Corey Ballentine was in the middle of many things as he made plays and gave up a few receptions in his first start.
“He’s making really good progress and we’re pleased with the path he’s on,” Shurmur said.
LB Jonathan Anderson came out of Thursday’s game with a knee injury.