What Did Giants Learn About Gray, Tracy in Preseason Opener?

The New York Giants’ ground game delivered on the promise that their rookie pass-catchers could not on Thursday night, carrying the offense for its only two scores in a 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions.

Headlining the effort was backup running back Eric Gray, the only player in the preseason Week 1 affair to reach the end zone .

Locked in a battle for playing time with fifth-round rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., Gray stole the headlines, but not necessarily extra reps with the starters in upcoming practices.

There’s no debate Gray had the better day, logging four rushes for 52 yards and two scores, while also hauling in all four targets for an additional 46 yards. He was the star of the rainy, largely uneventful show, but stood out nonetheless.

Gray’s open-field cut was encouraging. If he can provide another avenue to explosive plays, he’ll earn snaps when starter Devin Singletary needs a breather. Perhaps more important was his 24-yard catch where he looked comfortable as a receiver. Proving to be valuable on passing downs is more valuable to New York than watching Gray make good on an open-field opportunity, which has long been a part of his profile.

It’s fair to suggest he did his part to stave off Tracy for the RB2 spot, but the rookie didn’t cooperate. In fact, despite modest production – five rushes for 26 yards – he may have gained more trust than Gray.

The Giants drafted Tracy as a converted receiver who is a work in progress at running back. The athleticism is there, as are the receiving chops, but technique and vision will lag behind.

They didn’t on Thursday.

Tracy did an excellent job of keeping his eyes in front of him and making the correct cut, once wide to the left and another upfield on a run to the right. His largest gain was only 12 yards but was impressive all the same.

Related: Giants' Front Seven Depth Stands Out in Preseason Win Over Lions

The rookie’s technical inconsistencies are the biggest aspect of his game keeping him off the field. If New York can’t trust him to be consistent between the tackles, he won’t get the run many are hoping for in the event Singletary goes down. But if his footwork and vision continue to look more like they did against Detroit and less like his college self, those concerns can fade in a hurry.

Head coach Brian Daboll’s offense must emphasize explosive plays this year, and Tracy coming in with a higher floor than anticipated is one less excuse to keep him on the bench. If Tracy can continue that progress deeper into the summer, it’s hard to imagine Gray eating into much of his playing time.