Giants dominate Dolphins in a preseason game that was never competitive
New York rolled Miami behind a sharp first half from its receivers and a clean kicking night, while Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s fumble and special-teams duty stood out as the one blemish.
The Giants closed their preseason home slate the way coaches dream of: a game that stopped being a contest somewhere in the second quarter. Beat reporter Jordan Raanan's assessment from Hard Rock Stadium's visitor side was blunt — total domination, not even a competitive game, and a long season looming for the other sideline.
Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan): Total domination by the Giants. Wasn't even a competitive game. Gonna be a loooong season for the Dolphins.
Odell Beckham Jr., working his way back into the rotation, caught two of four targets for 17 yards and drew a pass interference, though he let a touchdown slip through his hands. Darius Slayton, notably in uniform while Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney and Braxton Berrios rested, led the receivers with four catches for 58 yards. Dominic Zvada went a perfect four-for-four, including field goals from 43 and 32 yards.
Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan): Recap of #Giants first half: Odell Beckham Jr. two catches, 17 yards on four targets. Forced a pass interference. Let a TD catch slip through hands. Darius Slayton playing is notable when Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney and Braxton Berrios all given day off. Slayton four catches for 58 yards. Dominic Zvada hit all 4 of his kicks, including FGs from 43 and 32.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. provided the night's only real concern. The running back lost a bad fumble but otherwise did everything asked of him — running well, picking up a blitz, catching a pass, even covering kicks. His continued work on kickoff and punt coverage is worth monitoring; teams rarely ask a back with his role to play special teams unless they are making a point or protecting someone else.
Cornerback Deonte Banks stacked another solid performance onto his summer with two passes defended and a run stuff, keeping his rebound season on track as final cuts loom August 30.