The New York Giants didn’t just beat the Jets on Saturday night—they made a statement about depth, development, and the direction of Brian Daboll’s roster. The 31–12 preseason victory at MetLife Stadium was fueled by explosive plays, strong defense, and the steady presence of running back Devin Singletary, who continues to embrace his role as both a veteran leader and offensive contributor.
Now in his second season with the Giants, Singletary is proving he can be more than just a change-of-pace back. He’s a mentor to rookies, a trusted voice in Daboll’s system, and part of a new committee approach that could define New York’s 2025 season.
Feeding Off the Energy
The atmosphere inside MetLife carried the energy of a rivalry, even in the preseason. Fans roared as the Giants jumped out to an early lead behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and capped the opening drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Singletary.
“It was a lot of fun. That’s the best way to explain it,” Singletary said afterward. “A lot of great energy. Almost electric. You know, it’s still preseason… but it was fun.”
For a Giants offense that has been up and down throughout camp, the crispness of that first drive was a welcome sight. Dart completed short passes with rhythm, the offensive line held up, and Singletary powered across the goal line to finish the march.
A New-Look Running Back Room
The post-Saquon Barkley era in New York has shifted the spotlight to depth rather than star power. Instead of leaning on one bell cow, the Giants have built a backfield that features complementary skill sets.
Singletary, entering his sixth year in Daboll’s system and his second in New York, has become the veteran anchor. Around him, rookies Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam “Skataboo” Skattebo, along with speedster Turbo Miller, form a rotation that keeps defenses guessing.
“I feel like we’re just trying to figure out how we’re gonna do it,” Singletary said of the rotation. “It’s been working. Tracy’s been going out there, making plays, just trying to get a flow. But it’s been good. It’s been working for us.”
When asked if this trio mirrors the depth the Giants had in their Super Bowl runs, Singletary didn’t hesitate:
“Definitely, man. Definitely a good one-two-three punch,” he said. “With Tracy, Skataboo, and Miller, it’s gonna be a problem. Literally, we all can ball. That’s good for a long season. When you can change backs like that, we all can make plays. It’s going to be tough on defenses.”
Historical Blueprint
Giants fans remember the days of Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward—the “Earth, Wind, and Fire” backfield that pounded defenses into submission on the way to a Super Bowl title. Singletary sees echoes of that in the current rotation.
“It’s more like 1A, 1B, 1C,” he explained. “We all can ball. That’s good for us—and bad for everybody else.”
The difference now is that Singletary adds a layer of institutional knowledge. Having played under Daboll in Buffalo, he knows the system’s evolution and can pass that wisdom down to his younger teammates.
Jaxson Dart’s Star Turn
While Singletary set the tone with his early touchdown, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart stole the headlines. The Giants’ third-round pick dazzled in his second preseason outing, completing 14 of 16 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for another score.
“He has something coming that all those guys—Josh Allen, C.J. Stroud—had,” Singletary said, drawing comparisons to the quarterbacks he previously played with. “We know he can make all the throws. He’s athletic. He’s fearless. Got a lot of swag doing it. He works. We definitely got us one.”
Dart’s chemistry with receivers Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton was evident, and his ability to extend plays kept the Jets’ pass rush off balance. For the second straight week, he looked more like a future starter than a developmental project.
Defensive Dominance
The Giants’ defense was equally impressive. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux consistently collapsed the edges, Dexter Lawrence clogged the middle, and the secondary forced errant throws all night. Jets quarterbacks combined for just 198 passing yards, much of it coming late with the game out of reach.
Linebacker Abdul Carter continued his strong preseason, flying sideline to sideline and leading the team in tackles. Safety Dane Belton added an interception, part of a defense that kept the Jets scoreless until the fourth quarter.
“Good work tonight, but plenty of stuff to clean up,” Daboll said postgame. “We had too many penalties, too many mistakes we can’t have in the regular season. But I thought the energy, the execution, especially early, was good to see.”
Special Teams and Execution
The Giants also won the hidden battles. Kicker Graham Gano drilled a 46-yard field goal, punter Jamie Gillan pinned the Jets inside their own 10 twice, and returner Gunner Olszewski provided a spark on kickoffs.
Even the mistakes had teaching value. A delay of game and a false start derailed one drive, prompting Daboll to bark on the sideline. His demand for precision carried into his press conference. “We’re not there yet,” he said, “but we’re taking steps.”
Veteran Leadership
For Singletary, Saturday was a reminder of his role as more than just a ball-carrier. With six years in Daboll’s offense, he’s become a mentor in a locker room full of youth.
“In certain instances, yeah, I do feel like I’m in teaching mode,” he said. “Because I’ve seen it from the beginning to where it has evolved to. I’ve been in this system six years now. If anybody has a question, they can definitely ask me—and I most likely have the answer.”
That trust has made him an extension of the coaching staff. And his production—no matter how modest statistically—remains steady. His short touchdown run may not make highlight reels, but it underscored his value in finishing drives.
“It’s always fun when you can get in the end zone,” he said. “Doesn’t matter if it’s 50 yards or one yard—it’s always a good feeling.”
Looking Ahead
The Giants close the preseason Thursday night against the New England Patriots. For Singletary, the focus is simple: sharpen the details before Week 1.
“Just continue to get better, doing the little things right,” he said. “Those little things go a long way in this league.”
If the Giants’ backfield continues to develop as Singletary envisions—and if Jaxson Dart keeps trending upward—the 2025 Giants may have found the balance of youth and experience they’ve been searching for.
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