The New York Giants used Friday night's preseason finale against the Jets as a live rehearsal for more than roster decisions. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy worked from the sideline after two weeks in the booth. Passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan called the offensive plays.
The bigger development was the headset change. Harbaugh cast it as a simple adjustment and a practical contingency.
“Just an opportunity to change it up a little bit, and I guess we could say you never know. You never know if something happens," Harbaugh told reporters. "If Nags can’t make it to the game, gets caught in North Jersey traffic or something like that, we might need Cally to do it.
"But that was just something different. Last week we had
Donald D’Alesio call the defenses a little bit, so I think it’s a pretty standard thing to do in preseason.”
New York finished the exhibition schedule with a 23-6 victory at MetLife Stadium. Most projected starters sat, so the night belonged to backups and to the coaching staff’s process. Nagy's move to the field and Callahan’s turn calling plays gave the offense a chance to test communication and timing under game conditions.
Harbaugh presented the switch as routine preseason work rather than a statement about either coach. The Giants open the regular season September 13 against the Dallas Cowboys. The staff now has looks from the booth, the sideline, and a second play-caller before those lights come on.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' John Harbaugh explains why Brian Callahan called plays vs. Jets
