ALBANY – He is called “our multiple, multiple guy” by defensive coordinator Johnnie Lynn, even though he was seemingly a goner the moment after the Giants selected not one, not two, but three linebackers on the second day of the NFL Draft. Kevin Lewis remains on the scene, though, and tomorrow night he will likely be in the starting lineup when the Giants face the Texans in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton.
Lewis is expected to fill in for Dhani Jones, the weakside linebacker assigned to replace Jessie Armstead. Jones has a hamstring injury that has been slow to heal and Lewis is next in line, which is quite an opportunity for a third-year player from Duke who is hanging on to a roster spot by his fingertips.
What Lewis has going for him is he’s smart, versatile (he backs up all three linebacker spots) and can play on special teams. He also might be the strongest linebacker on the team, even though he’s one of the smallest at 6-1, 230. What Lewis does not have going for him is that Nick Greisen, Wes Mallard and Quincy Monk were all drafted by the Giants and all have been impressive enough to make the team.
Battling against those odds can be daunting, but Lewis seems exhilarated. “You’re talking to Kevin Lewis,” he said, breaking into a giggle. “I’ve kind of been at the bottom of the totem pole since I got here, so I’m challenged every day anyway. If there’s someone better, guess what, you’re gone.”
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The plan is for Jesse Palmer to play the second and third quarters against the Texans, making this an important step for the second-year player whom Jim Fassel has vaulted into the No. 2 quarterback spot.
“I’m really excited about it,” said Palmer, whose only action as a rookie was throwing 39 passes in the preseason. “I’m anxious to get out and try to run the offense in a competitive setting. Now’s a good time to get out and try to test myself a little bit.”
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As the first-year defensive coordinator, this is Lynn’s debut, and he doesn’t know where he belongs. Literally.
As the the defensive backs coach, Lynn was stationed up in the press box during games. Tomorrow night, he’ll be on the field and for the second preseason game he’ll see how he likes calling the shots from the press box. Lynn isn’t sure where he’ll wind up once the regular season begins.
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Out for the game: CB Jason Sehorn (knee), C Dusty Zeigler (knee), LB Dhani Jones (hamstring), WR Tim Carter (back) and T Jeff Hatch (back) . . . The Giants will take a team tour of the Pro Football Hall of Fame tonight . . . Tickets are available for the Giants’ two pre-season games at Giants Stadium (Aug. 10 and Aug. 29) and can be purchased at the stadium or at local Ticketmaster outlets.
