Giants vs. Jaguars: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

Both the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants have interesting challenges ahead of them.

One big question for the Jaguars this season is whether Blaine Gabbert is really a franchise quarterback. His first year in the NFL was a little discouraging, but the Jags have added some interesting elements into their quarterback situation.

They brought in the experienced Chad Henne, who could push an ineffective Gabbert for the starting position, and they got a major weapon at wide receiver in rookie Justin Blackmon.

The Jags already have one of the best running games in the NFL in Maurice Jones-Drew, and selecting Blackmon could help provide the team some balance. But in this first preseason game, we'll likely only see a glimmer of this trio.

As for the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, they need to begin their regular season playing well. That initiative begins in the preseason. We'll only see a sprinkle of Eli Manning, and that's all that is required. We already know what he's capable of.

The Giants must guard against complacency, as they don't want to have to dig themselves out of a 6-6 hole to just make the playoffs this year. Last year's ride was thrilling and unconventional, but I'm sure Tom Coughlin and crew would gladly take a less bumpy road this season.

It's time for some football, and these two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum will battle in their preseason openers.

When: Friday, Aug 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Everbank Field, Jacksonville, FL

Watch: Preseason Live in Jacksonville (pay service), My9 in New York

Listen: Sirius Radio: 138 in Jacksonville, WCBS FM 101.1 in New York 

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line

This game is a pick 'em per Beyond the Bets, and it is easy to see why. Of course, the Giants' roster is much stronger, but because the Jags have an unstable QB situation, their starters may see more time.

It could even the playing field, and these types of things make betting on preseason games so difficult.

What's at Stake?

Not much is at stake for the Giants. Though they would like to get off to a fast start, they know who they are and won't overreact to a poor preseason performance.

Some of the Jaguars players have much to lose, and it starts with the QBs. Gabbert doesn't want to get off to a slow start. If he sputters early, it will open the door for Chad Henne to take his spot.

If neither QB impresses, then it begins to put a damper over the entire season. Teams without leadership and effective play at the QB position have lower ceilings. The players know this, and the coaches know it as well.

This team needs to show some promise under center to raise expectations for the upcoming season. They have a new head coach in Mike Mularkey, and they need to taste some success under the new regime.

Jaguars Injury Report

Justin Blackmon, WR (Out), no injury reported per MSNBC

Recently signed and is likely being held out to be brought up to speed.

Austen Lane (foot), DE (Out), per Eugene Frenette of Stiff Arm Trophy.

"

Mularkey says Austen Lane's foot injury worse than first thought, now out 3 weeks

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) August 7, 2012"

Giants Injury Report 

Terrell Thomas (knee), CB (Out)

Hakeem Nicks (foot), WR (Out)

What They're Saying 

Though he won't be playing, Justin Blackmon will be on the minds of many Jaguars fans. Top-notch rookies already have a lot of pressure on them, but rookies who hold out have even more.

Eugene Frenette of Stiff Arm Trophy tweeted this about Blackmon:

"

Jaguars' Blackmon got a good deal on his contract given his troubles, now must live up to payoff on the field. jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/4…

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) August 7, 2012"

It could be a frustrating year for Blackmon. He's getting a late start, and he's going into a situation without a proven quarterback. It may take a few years before we see just what he can really add to an offense.

One major part of the Giants' attack that won't be available during the preseason is WR Hakeem Nicks. He is recovering from a broken foot, but he told Michael Eisen of giants.com that he believes he'll be ready when the games count:

"

"I start running (straight) routes today," Nicks said. "We’re going to see how that goes. Yesterday I did some stuff, running in circles, running on the outside of my foot, seeing how it feels. I’ve been doing hills to get my endurance back up. Doing everything necessary to make sure I’m in shape before I step back out there. I’m going to run some routes on the side today for the first time. We’re going to see how it feels after I do that today."

"

The Giants have decent depth at WR, and this will give guys like Ramses Barden and rookie Rueben Randle a few more snaps. But the Giants definitely need "New York Nicks" ready for the regular season.

Jaguars Player to Watch: Blaine Gabbert

This is easy, it's Gabbert. If Gabbert can come out and look strong for the time he's on the field, it will give him confidence and the team a boost.

If he struggles, then the scramble and uncertainty under center will only increase. It'll all likely end in a 6-10 season for the Jaguars, and this team and city needs a better year than that.

Giants Player to Watch: David Wilson

The Giants didn't bring Brandon Jacobs back, but they did draft David Wilson out of Virginia Tech.

This kid has big-play written all over him, and it's only a matter of time before he overtakes Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware as a featured back.

Because of experience it may not happen this year, but the Giants would be wise to get Wilson some touches every game.

He may just show a glimpse of his talent on Friday night.

Key Matchup: Jaguars' Pass Protection vs. Giants' Pass Rush

The Jaguars' offensive line must provide Gabbert decent time to make his reads and feel comfortable. This is obviously easier said than done against the Giants' formidable pass rush.

But the good thing is the likes of Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul probably won't see extended time.

That could give Gabbert and Jaguars QBs a break. This is the beginning of a key evaluation time for the signal-callers, and it's hard to do that if they are eating dirt all night.

On the Hot Seat: Blaine Gabbert

It's only his second year, but Gabbert was very disappointing in year one. His 50.8 completion percentage, lack of confidence and 11 interceptions to only 14 touchdowns was troubling.

If the Jags were comfortable, they wouldn't have entertained thoughts on Tim Tebow, and they wouldn't have brought in Chad Henne.

Gabbert can't seal his fate in this game, but he can continue the snowball effect.

Prediction 

I think this one will be one of the more boring preseason tilts, and that's weird for me to say, because I find most preseason games boring. But in a run-of-the-mill contest, I predict the Giants will eek out a 16-10 victory.

Well, at least it's football and there's no lockout.

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