Giants Top Panthers, 21-19

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito holds off Carolina Panthers 16 unanswered second half points.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New York Giants survived an 18-point second-half run by the Carolina Panthers in Friday night's 21-19 preseason victory. Quarterback Tommy DeVito was a major factor in keeping Carolina off the field, completing 9 of 11 attempts for 88 yards.

DeVito is one of many Giants fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, and many of them stood out during Friday night's preseason win against the Panthers.

Second-year outside linebacker Tomon Fox recorded his first sack of the 2022 preseason in the third quarter. The 25-year-old had just one sack in 320 snaps last season.

Seventh-round rookie defensive lineman Jordon Riley impressed last week by clogging up the lanes and taking on double teams to allow the rest of the Giants' pass rush to run through. Against the Panthers, the 25-year-old logged three tackles, including one for loss.

Fellow seventh-round rookie safety Gervarrius Owens tied for the most tackles on the team with seven.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen called out undrafted free agent receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton for a special teams play. The 23-year-old has made some noise during training camp and could benefit the Giants' future.

• Related: Giants QB Daniel Jones Has Solid Preseason Outing in Series Against Panthers

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 18, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during the first quarter as Carolina Panthers linebacker Amare Barno (90) pursues at MetLife Stadium.

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Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 18, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles as Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) defends pursues during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.

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© Michael Karas / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug 18, 2023; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; The Carolina Panthers vs. the New York Giants in an NFL preseason game at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants Eric Gray (20) celebrates after scoring touchdown in the second quarter

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It's been quite some time since the New York Giants played at Metlife Stadium, and they didn't take long welcoming the Big Blue fans back as they jumped out to an impressive looking 21-3 halftime lead over the Carolina Panthers.

Daniel Jones completed 8-of-9 attempts for 69 yards, capping the drive with a short touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Bellinger. The Giants' only run on the possession was a 6-yard scramble by Jones.

Tight end Darren Waller was the pass-catcher of the drive, as he hauled in three receptions for 30 yards. Receivers Isaiah Hodgins and Parris Campbell each had long gains to set up the score.

The Giants defense allowed just three points on the Panthers first two drives, but New York couldn't get off the field as they committed four penalties during that span. Three flags came on the second drive, and the Panthers took advantage for over 10 minutes on 15 plays.

On his second drive, quarterback Tyrod Taylor and company made up for the defense's mistakes in under four minutes, as he found rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt wide open in the corner of the endzone for a 33-yard touchdown. Hyatt recorded a drop on the play before, so he more than made up for his mistake.

Nevertheless, the Giants defense held strong on their next three drives, forcing two three-and-outs and a turnover on downs.

New York finished their final offensive possession of the half in style. In just 30 seconds, Taylor connected with Hodgins for 25 yards, and rookie running back Eric Gray ran it in for a 9-yard score to go up 21-3 at halftime.

Stat leaders at the half:

• Passing yards: Tyrod Taylor (90)
• Rushing yards: Tyrod Taylor (21)
• Receiving yards: Isaiah Hodgins (45)
• Tackles: Bobby Okereke (7)

Blue Notes

Reserve interior offensive lineman Jack Anderson limped off the field in the fourth quarter.

Injured players not in uniform included RB Gary Brightwell, WR Cole Beasley, WR Wan'Dale Robinson, WR Collin Johnson, OL Marcus McKethan, OL Tyre Phillips, DL Ryder Anderson, LB Cam Brown, CB Aaron Robinson, S Nick McCloud. TE Tommy Sweeney was also not in uniform.

The Giants starting offensive line was left tackle Andrew Thomas, left guard Ben Bredeson, center John Michael Schmitz, right guard Mark Glowinski, and right tackle Evan Neal. Marcus McKethan, who came off PUP last week, wasn't suited up.

Running back Saquon Barkley was a healthy scratch.

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