The New York Giants started their training camp this week at their practice facility in Albany, holding practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
For many players, including veterans and top draft picks, these practices act mostly as warm-up sessions in preparation for the pre-season and regular season. But for the hopefuls, it is a grueling four-week long battle with the ultimate prize being a chance to make the final cut and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
The defense really shined in Monday’s first practice session, particularly the secondary.
On Tuesday, the Giants held morning sessions and afternoon sessions with starters and backups getting plenty of reps.
Second-year wide receiver Mario Manningham impressed coaches with his improved route running and footwork, particularly in one-on-one press coverage drills.
Also notable was the play of cornerback Terrell Thomas. In drills, he ran in stride with receivers, broke up several passes, and even intercepted a pass from quarterback David Carr. Thomas is a tall, athletic corner who should push for a roster spot either this season or next.
As for the newcomers, rookie linebacker Clint Sintim looked excellent in coverage and figures to be a major part of the Giants defense once he cracks the starting lineup. As is usually the case with coach Coughlin’s plans, Sintim probably won’t become a starter this year and will spend most of his time on third down situations and special teams. But Sintim definitely has a bright future with this team.
A big target for Eli Manning, Barden is a 6’6”, 229-pound receiver from Cal Poly whom the Giants took in the third round. He figures to make an impact in the red zone, especially on plays that call for corner-fades—the same type that became a staple for Plaxico Burress.
Other good news from Tuesday’s practice was the kicking of Lawrence Tynes who was 8-for-8 on field goals from 20–41 yards.
If there were areas of concern, the backup center position was definitely one of them. Adam Koets botched several snaps and was guilty of a holding penalty.
As of now, if Shaun O’Hara went down injured, the Giants would have a major problem on their hands. They will likely have to find someone who can backup O’Hara before the start of the regular season.
On Thursday, the defense came back with another big showing, just as they did on Monday. But this time it was the defensive line that stole the show.
Justin Tuck set the tone when he broke through the line on the very first down and stuffed a play in the backfield. The rest of the defensive line followed suit for much of the afternoon, shutting down outside runs, disrupting plays in the backfield, putting pressure on the quarterback, and steamrolling the offensive line at times.
Now that the Giants have awarded Eli Manning with a new six-year, $97 million contract extension, they better make sure the offensive line vastly improves their play.
For many players, including veterans and top draft picks, these practices act mostly as warm-up sessions in preparation for the pre-season and regular season. But for the hopefuls, it is a grueling four-week long battle with the ultimate prize being a chance to make the final cut and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
The defense really shined in Monday’s first practice session, particularly the secondary.
On Tuesday, the Giants held morning sessions and afternoon sessions with starters and backups getting plenty of reps.
Second-year wide receiver Mario Manningham impressed coaches with his improved route running and footwork, particularly in one-on-one press coverage drills.
Also notable was the play of cornerback Terrell Thomas. In drills, he ran in stride with receivers, broke up several passes, and even intercepted a pass from quarterback David Carr. Thomas is a tall, athletic corner who should push for a roster spot either this season or next.
As for the newcomers, rookie linebacker Clint Sintim looked excellent in coverage and figures to be a major part of the Giants defense once he cracks the starting lineup. As is usually the case with coach Coughlin’s plans, Sintim probably won’t become a starter this year and will spend most of his time on third down situations and special teams. But Sintim definitely has a bright future with this team.
Sharp Rookie
Another rookie who looked sharp on Tuesday was wide receiver Ramses Barden. Barden showed his quickness in beating starting cornerback Aaron Ross off the line and then made a great catch over newly signed free-agent safety C.C. Brown, prompting playful jeers from several Giants players and staff.A big target for Eli Manning, Barden is a 6’6”, 229-pound receiver from Cal Poly whom the Giants took in the third round. He figures to make an impact in the red zone, especially on plays that call for corner-fades—the same type that became a staple for Plaxico Burress.
Other good news from Tuesday’s practice was the kicking of Lawrence Tynes who was 8-for-8 on field goals from 20–41 yards.
If there were areas of concern, the backup center position was definitely one of them. Adam Koets botched several snaps and was guilty of a holding penalty.
As of now, if Shaun O’Hara went down injured, the Giants would have a major problem on their hands. They will likely have to find someone who can backup O’Hara before the start of the regular season.
On Thursday, the defense came back with another big showing, just as they did on Monday. But this time it was the defensive line that stole the show.
Justin Tuck set the tone when he broke through the line on the very first down and stuffed a play in the backfield. The rest of the defensive line followed suit for much of the afternoon, shutting down outside runs, disrupting plays in the backfield, putting pressure on the quarterback, and steamrolling the offensive line at times.
Now that the Giants have awarded Eli Manning with a new six-year, $97 million contract extension, they better make sure the offensive line vastly improves their play.
