The penultimate game of Week 2's preseason schedule can be seen on Fox tonight when the New York Giants host the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Here are five things to watch as you watch.
- Many expect the Giants to employ a time share in the backfield between Andre Brown and David Wilson, but the next week should go a long way in deciding Tom Coughlin's preference at the position. Andre Brown put the ball on the carpet last week, the easiest way to put himself in the dog house (as Wilson can tell you). But Brown has shown himself to be a superior blocker, and Coughlin spoke out last week about Wilson's need to improve in that important area of the game. A competition to watch.
- Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has made a hard push to supplant Darrius Heyward-Bey on the depth chart and could be one impact performance away from sealing the deal. An ATL "Making The Leap" candidate, Hilton has more upside than Heyward-Bey, a former first-round draft pick who struggled with drops during training camp (this is not a new development).
- We're going to get a good look at Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who is expected to play roughly 20 snaps in his preseason debut. It remains to be seen if Nicks will play with the same speed and explosiveness after a rash of injuries over the past 18 months. Nicks arguably is more valuable than Victor Cruz in the Giants' offense because of his ability to stretch the field. Eli Manning needs his playmaker at 100 percent.
- Coby Fleener will play for the Colts. The second-year pro was held out of practice earlier this week with a concussion, a troubling issue that's cropped up for the tight end in each of the last three years. With Austin Collie still fresh on the organization's mind, Fleener should be handled with an additional level of care.
- The Colts struggled to protect Andrew Luck in the preseason opener, a familiar issue dating back to last season. Keep an eye on the trenches, where the Colts' pass protection will take on a Giants pass rush that's an unknown, especially with Jason Pierre-Paul still on the PUP list. Defensive end Justin Tuck is slated to make his preseason debut after sitting out the opener with back stiffness.
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