Studs and duds from New York Giants' preseason Week 1 loss to Vikings

The New York Giants opened the John Harbaugh era on a beautiful afternoon at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. The weather was about all that was pleasing for Giants fans, however. Here's a breakdown of the studs, duds, and in-betweens from the Giants' 13-10 preseason Week 1 loss against the Minnesota Vi

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What is the story about?

The New York Giants opened the John Harbaugh era on a beautiful afternoon at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. The weather was about all that was pleasing for Giants fans, however.

Here's a breakdown of the studs, duds, and in-betweens from the Giants' 13-10 preseason Week 1 loss against the Minnesota Vikings.

Stud: WR Malachi Fields

The Giants knew they were getting a walking mismatch when they traded up to draft Fields in April, and it didn't take long for that to manifest itself on the field. The 6-foot-4 rookie jumped over the Vikings' 5-foot-10 linebacker Ivan Pace to snatch a touchdown pass from Jaxson Dart in the first quarter.

He had three receptions totaling 34 yards. Each went for a first down. Fields also made a special-teams tackle, further showing off his versatility.

Welcome aboard Malachi Fields !!!!! pic.twitter.com/kGRIaC65sS
— Giants Nation Show (@GiantsNationPod) August 15, 2026

Dud: DT Josh Tupou

Can't really blame the Giants' backup defensive linemen for their poor play. Many of these guys were picked up in the fourth and fifth waves of free agency. Tupou, a 32-year-old journeyman, got pushed out of the way early and often in this game, greatly reducing his chances of making this team.

Giants run defense off to a rocky start. Two big runs against them already, right at Josh Tupou. Six carries for 44 yards on the ground.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) August 15, 2026

Stud: RB Devin Singletary

Motor always adds a spark, and he did that in this game, catching a pass from Jameis Winston for a 40-yard gain on 3rd-and-23 to set up the Giants' first touchdown.

3rd & 23? No problem for Devin Singletary.

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Ojn9jj9mQu
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026

Dud: QB Brandon Allen

Allen came in the game in the second half and immediately threw an interception. He threw another two possessions later. Allen finished five-of-eight for 45 yards, but for a veteran who was playing with third-stringers all around him, he looked bad. No other way to say it. The Giants went three-and-out, or worse, on his first four possessions under center.

Stud: LB Jack Kelly

The rookie is energetic, and you can see the rookie loves to play football. He led the Giants with five total tackles (two solo) and looked very much like a seasoned pro out there on Saturday in his first NFL action.

Giants might have something in Jack Kelly. Kid has been all over the place today.
— Evan Tarracciano (@Roto_Wizard) August 15, 2026

Dud: Giants secondary

Yes, they are playing more aggressively, but they looked lost on some plays. Sure, it's a new system and could take some time, but Art Green and Korie Black were a mixed bag in this game. They are two bubble players who can't afford many slip-ups.

Stud: Third-down defense

The defense was truly in bend-but-don't-break mode in this game. Allowing the Vikings to convert on just four of 12 third-down chances. At one point, the Vikings were 2-for-10.

Stud: WR Odell Beckham Jr.

He played in both halves and looked sharper than many had expected. He caught two passes for a total of seven yards. But he was open on most plays, and the Giants simply didn't target him. He still has some game.