Remember that feeling after the Giants-Vikings preseason game, when your gut told you one thing, but the film review drops a whole different truth bomb? Well, we just got the All-22 breakdown, and let me tell you, nose tackle Josh Tupou walked away with an almost elite 89.5 Pro Football Focus grade after that first half. Yeah, you heard that right! After the initial game, some of us were ready to criticize him, but the tape shows Tupou was an absolute wall at the point of attack, only getting turned sideways on one play. That’s a massive turnaround from what felt like a quiet performance live.
First Half Film Unpacks Some Shocks
But not everything was a pleasant surprise. Linebacker Micah McFadden, bless his heart, still feels like he’s just a step away. The film confirmed what many of us have felt watching him for years: he gets in position to make plays but just can’t quite seal the deal. We saw three clear instances in the first half alone, including that frustrating 18-yard run on the very first play. Oof. Then there’s defensive back Nic Jones, who did himself zero favors trying to block on a kickoff return. Dude got driven back a full ten yards by Deonte Banks, which is not exactly a highlight reel for making a roster.
On offense, Jaxson Dart had a wild-looking incomplete bubble screen, but the All-22 showed us the real culprit: a truly awful shotgun snap from Bryan Hudson. Dart spun all the way around because of it! Later, when Dart pulled the ball down for a sack (not the big hit one), the tape reveals he had a real chance to deliver that ball to Isaiah Likely. Throwing it on time probably gets them a first down instead of losing yardage. You gotta make those throws, man! On the bright side, offensive lineman Sisi Mauigoa was barely noticeable, which is exactly what you want from your big fellas up front. He just did his job, plain and simple.
Under-the-Radar Plays and Second Half Woes
The film also highlighted some of the more subtle aspects. John Harbaugh apparently mentioned that Cam Skattebo is getting closer to the player he saw on film last year, and it showed. Skattebo ran with fire, his typical aggressive self. And if you were wondering how Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chauncey Golston are gonna get snaps, the answer is clear: a ton of four-man fronts, with Golston out there as a defensive end. Didn’t catch that live, did you? We also got to see how Darius Alexander pulled off that sack: the defensive tackle dropped into coverage, then came flying up to the line when J.J. McCarthy started scrambling. That’s some clever stuff!
Unfortunately, the second half didn’t hold as many revelations, mainly just confirming our initial gut feelings. Brandon Allen was just as awful on tape as he seemed in real-time. Sometimes the eye test is just right, I guess.
So, as we look ahead, these guys are either proving their worth, fighting for a spot, or showing areas they desperately need to clean up. Every snap counts, and the film don’t lie.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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