The New York Giants opened their preseason with a 13-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium. The game highlighted areas of concern, particularly the run defense and pass coverage.
Run Defense Concerns
The Giants' inability to stop the run was a significant issue during the 2025 season, and the preseason opener offered little improvement. In the first half, Vikings running back Aaron Jones averaged nine yards per attempt, while Jordan Mason averaged 5.7 yards per carry. The absence of starting defensive linemen D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris, along with inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and outside linebacker Brian Burns, was noted. Rookie Arvell Reese did manage to stop Mason at one point.
Pass Coverage Issues
Cornerback Deonte Banks, who had shown promise in training camp, struggled to translate that performance into the preseason game. Early in the second quarter, Banks was flagged for illegal contact after a holding penalty on him was declined. He had also attempted to draw an offensive pass interference call on Jeshaun Jones.
Special Teams Value
Braxton Berrios demonstrated his value on special teams with strong punt returns. In the first quarter, he expertly returned a 44-yard punt by Johnny Hekker for 15 yards, evading an initial defender. Berrios, a former All-Pro returner, later added another 15-yard punt return along the left sideline.