Giants to play in NFL's Hall of Fame preseason game
Giants defensive end Michael Strahan reacts after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 8, 2006. Credit: AP
Michael Strahan is going to the Hall of Fame, and he's bringing his former team with him.
The Giants have been selected to play in this year's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 3 -- the day after Strahan is enshrined -- and will face the Bills to begin the NFL's preseason schedule.
The Giants have not played in a Hall of Fame Game since 2002, when rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey burst on to the scene. They also played in the very first Hall of Fame Game in 1962 and again in 1972 and 1985. The Bills played in the Hall of Fame Game in 1974, 1989 and 2009.
Although most teams are reticent to play in the game, which adds an extra week to the grind of training camp and gives them five preseason games (with all of the injuries and headaches that come with those contests), this might not be a bad year for the Giants to make the trip.
With new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo installing a different system, plus the tight restrictions on how much interaction he can have with players during the offseason, getting those few extra practices and a chance to get on the field one extra time to work out any kinks in communication or other areas could be helpful.
The decision means the Giants' training camp likely will begin on July 19, with the first full practice on July 20.
