Giants trying to learn new offense

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Trying to learn and absorb the new West Coast offense being installed by new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, the New York Giants wrapped their final organized team activity Thursday before a three-day mini-camp next week.

''We're showing progress there, slowly but steady,'' Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. ''The guys were never in a system like this. But they're doing a good job on a daily basis.

''Every situation will be covered. It takes time when you're getting into a new situation of any kind.''

The Giants' receivers welcome the changes.

''Everyone is still learning,'' fourth-year receiver Jerrel Jernigan said. ''Coach Ben is still giving everyone everything. I like the offense. It fits my game. We're going to spread the ball and give us a chance to get the ball in space. Then it lets you do the rest in your space.''

After two nondescript years with the Giants, catching three passes for 22 yards, Jernigan got the chance to start the final three games last seasons. In those games, Jernigan caught 20 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns.

''All I needed was a chance to get some time on the field,'' said Jernigan, originally a third-round draft pick from Troy. ''I remembered what it was like to play a whole game. Now everyone knows what I can do.''

Jernigan will look to offset the loss of Hakeem Nicks, who left as a free agent to sign with the Indianapolis Colts.

Rueben Randle enters his third year with the Giants and he is coming off his best pro season, catching 41 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns. Randle, originally a second-round draft pick out of LSU, believes that the new offensive set with be a benefit to him.

''It frees me up and lets me do the things I do best,'' Randle said. ''It takes a lot of things off my mind when I play. I can just go out and play football. I'm going out there and focusing on what I can do. I don't feel like I have to go out there and prove myself now. It's just about learning about how he (McAdoo) wants things run, learning the new terminology. Even though we're picking it up pretty well, we still have a lot to learn and a lot to work out.''

Odell Beckham Jr., the team's first-round draft pick this year from LSU, has been slowed by a sore hamstring that he declared to be ''nothing at all.''

Beckham was limited in his work Thursday.

''It's just being cautious,'' Beckham said. ''It's nothing really to be worried about. I'll be ready for mini-camp next week.''

Beckham also likes the Giants' offensive approach.

''It absolutely gives each player a chance to make plays,'' Beckham said. ''This offense will allow us to get out and make plays. It's exciting.''

''The system allows for the opportunity for the player to make some plays in open space,'' Coughlin said. ''They have a good understanding of what is being asked of them.''

The Giants will conduct mini-camp next Tuesday through Thursday.

NOTES: The only down moment to Thursday's workout was that veteran linebacker Jon Beason went down with an undisclosed foot injury. Beason was carted off the field by medical personnel. The extent of Beason's injury was not immediately determined. ''We hope to get him out there (at mini-camp) next week, because he's obviously a big part of what we do. He's smart and dependable and does a few things for us.

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