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As usual, Giants head coach Pat Shurmur didn’t want to tip his hand regarding how many snaps the starters are likely to see Thursday, but considering that the Bengals are the only team of the Giants’ 2019 preseason slate that New York will not face during the regular season, it would not be surprising to see the Giants starters get their longest action of the preseason.

Here’s a look at the top 5 things I will be watching Thursday night.

Darius Slayton's Debut

The Giants fifth-round receiver, Darius Slayton, has been working his way back from a hamstring strain suffered at the start of training camp. 

Last week, it was thought Slayton might be ready to go, but he was held out. This week, however, probably makes more sense to get the rookie a few series if for no other reason than to get him into football shape.

I'm curious to see how well Slayton has kept up with the "mental reps":  during his absence from the practice field. In what limited time he did practice after being cleared to do so, he looked a little rusty at first but seemed to be getting back into the flow of things.

Speaking of the Receivers

I'm not expecting Sterling Shepard (thumb) or Golden Tate (concussion) to play against the Bengals, which means we should see plenty of the backup receivers who continue to fight for roster spots.

The battle for positions at the bottom of the depth chart has, in fact, developed into one of the most intriguing battles f the summer. 

Right now I suspect Brittan Golden and TJ Jones are neck-in-neck for a spot, though you can't discount Reggie White Jr, who has come on in recent practices. 

It's anyone's guess right now as to how this will play out and this competition might very well go down to the wire

Daniel Jones

Of course, right? So far Jones has been checking all the boxes--he's handled adversity well, he's remained level-headed int he face of success, he's maintained control of his huddle, he's busted the myth about him lacking arm strength, and he's even run a little hurry-up.

Did I mention he's also handled the off-field scrutiny like a champion? (Oh, wait, that was yesterday's headline.)

Ont he field, Jones has delivered a strong showing. He is averaging 12.0 yards per throw with a passer rating of 151.8. Both marks rank him first among quarterbacks this preseason with at least six passing attempts.  

This week Jones gets his first taste of NFL road life. I am interested to see if head coach Pat Shurmur gives him playing time starting in the second quarter and extends it over to halftime. 

I'd also be curious to see more of Jones vs. the opponent's first-team defense, especially since in next week's preseason finale, I doubt Bill Belichick will play any of his starters.

Backup Running Back Competition

If Saquon Barkley is going to get any preseason action, this week would be the week for that to happen (not that he needs it). 

If I’m Shurmur, I am more concerned with sorting out who my backups at the position will be.

Wayne Gallman (foot) is expected back in the lineup, but keep an eye on the snap distribution at this position, especially between Paul Perkins and Rod Smith, as that might very well give a hint as to which way the coaches might be leaning.

The other question is whether the Giants keep a fullback vs. 4 tight ends. Shurmur gushed over fullback Eli Penny and his versatility, but 11-personnel (1 back, 1 tight end) and 12-personnel (1 back, 2 tight ends) made up the bulk of the Giants' offensive snaps last year. 

As always, it will come down to injuries and if it becomes necessary to "steal a roster spot" from another position.

Can the Starting Defense Get a Stop?

In two games, the Giants starting defense has allowed the opponent to score. 

Although last week they held the Bears to a field goal on their opening drive, ideally it would be nice if this unit could get a stop, maybe even forcing a three-and-out to set the tone.

Last year, the Giants defense forced opponents to a three-and-out on 19.3% of their drives, tying the Giants for 23 in the NFL.  

This year, the defense remains a work in progress--and to be fair,  they haven't played together as a starting unit--but still, you'd like to see a little more cohesiveness in game situations.