In the first official NFL game in six months, the New York Giants beat the Buffalo Bills in Canton, Ohio at the annual Hall of Fame Game. While the players’ names may not have been all that familiar, this summer ritual means that the new football season is officially underway.
Eli Manning did have a nice night despite losing a fumble in the second quarter, as he completed six of his seven pass attempts for 43 yards. Second year quarterback Ryan Nassib was the star for the Giants, going 11-for-17 passing for 139 yards and a touchdown on a 73-yard fourth quarter bomb to Corey Washington. Running back Andre Williams—a Heisman Trophy finalist last season looking to compete for the starting job with Rashad Jennings—looked good as well, gaining 48 yards on the ground on seven carries and getting into the endzone in the first quarter.
For the Bills, starting quarterback E.J. Manuel had a rough night as he went 2-for-7 for 19 yards and nearly threw an interception. Rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins was held without a catch on three targets, and running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson combined to gain eight yards on three carries. A banner evening, it was not.
Given that it’s preseason, there’s really no reason to read into these numbers or the result. Just be glad that football is now once again back in our lives.
