New York Giants: 7 Things We Learned About the Roster in Win vs Bears

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The New York Giants had an impressive showing against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football last night coming away with an easy victory.

However, as always, the result of a preseason game isn't as important as what you learn about the makeup of the team.

The Giants learned quite a lot last night and a lot of it was positive.

Victor Cruz Is Not Just a One (pre)season Wonder

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Victor Cruz followed up a quiet showing in the Giants first preseason game of the year with an impressive display against the Giants.

Cruz has probably lost out the third receiver slot to Domenik Hixon whose experience has shown, but he made an impression on special teams as well as with the first team offense.

Cruz's highlight of the night came on an important fourth down conversion when he snatched a back shoulder throw from Eli Manning out of the air for a big gain.

Not All Mannings Have Poor Backups

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The performance of David Carr last night may not be that important to the casual Giants fan, but those that know the value of a backup quarterback and the difficulty in finding a reliable one will be delighted.

Carr was very accurate passing the football and didn't just manage the game. He put points on the board with two touchdowns and only had two incompletions in 11 attempts.

When a guy like Curtis Painter is struggling to complete passes in Indianapolis, Giants fans should be relieved that they have Carr on the roster.

The Giants Have a Potential Arian Foster on the Roster

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DaRell Scott deserves more chances to showcase his talent as a runner.

The knock on the rookie coming out of college is that he ran through gaping holes on the offensive line and wouldn't be able to do that in the NFL.

Scott has two carries in two preseason games for a total of 99 yards. His run last night showed great vision and awareness as well as unbelievable breakaway speed.

Scott should get more chances in the final two preseason games.

The Coaching Staff Was Right to Beat Will's Drum

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Will Beatty showed last night that he has the talent and awareness to play left tackle in the NFL.

He didn't allow Julius Peppers to get to Eli Manning and it wasn't for lack of trying on Peppers' part. Peppers played better when he shifted to the left and lined up against Kareem McKenzie.

Beatty has the physical tools and looks like he's putting it all together as he enters his third NFL season.

The Giants May Need to Bring in Corner Help

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Aaron Ross' inconsistency in the preseason and Terrell Thomas season-ending injury will put the focus on Prince Amukamara once he returns from his foot injury.

However, the problem with that is Amukamara probably won't return until midseason—at the earliest. The return of Deon Grant could allow them to start three safeties again like last season, but that really should be a last resort.

Matt Dodge Will Go Down Fighting

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Giants fans booed Matt Dodge as he went onto the field for his first punt last night. Sixty-three yards later, they were cheering him as he trotted off the field .

Dodge and offseason acquisition Steve Weatherford both performed well last night and Weatherford may ultimately win out because of his veteran presence, but Dodge will likely land on his feet with another team should that happen.

Mark Herzlich

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Mark Herzlich is an NFL starter in waiting.

Herzlich's backstory may be made into a film one day, but that is not what is important about him as a football player.

He showed great athleticism and intelligence last night marauding around the field while expertly baiting the opposing quarterback for his interception.