Speed on Display, Rookie Hiccups, Standouts, and More from Giants Training Camp Day 3
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - It's still relatively early in training camp, but the New York Giants offense hasn't held back in putting some of its speed acquired in the off-season on display during the first three practices.
That's because getting more explosive plays is among the top priorities of the coaching staff in Year 2 of this system.
“We obviously were down, last, in explosive plays," head coach Brian Daboll said. "You do a lot of research in the offseason. There are plays you call to be explosive that maybe don’t turn out that way relative to how they are getting played. You can’t just focus on one area."
While a lot of focus has been on newcomers like receivers Parris Campbell and JAlin Hyatt and tight end Darren Waller, Darius Slayton, a guy who a year ago was thought to be on the bubble only to finish last season as the team's leader in receiving yards, is also playing like a man possessed.
"I think it just stems from my performance. This year I performed at a higher level, performed more consistently, and the results are showing that whereas last year I probably didn’t put my best foot forward all the time like I’m capable of doing," Slayton said of his camp o far.
"So ultimately, you get the results that you deserve in life, and I feel like right now that’s what’s showing for me."
On the Giants' third day of practice, Slayton was one of several receivers who found success on the deep passing plays, including Collin Johnson, Jalin Hyatt, and Isaiah Hodgins.
Yet according to critics, the Giants can't possibly have a good enough receiving corps because they don't have a true No. 1 among them. Slayton, however, isn't buying that.
"I think it just comes from the way that the first year of all of our careers has gone. We weren’t draft darlings that went in the first round and were the prettiest girl in class. You kind of have to prove it a little more than other guys, but that’s fine," he said.
"You’ve got to take the stairs sometimes in life (but) that’s alright, you get to the top anyways. I think everybody in our group is talented; I think everybody in our group is capable, and all we’ve got to do is go out there and show it."
Banks's Tough Sledding
Rookie first-rounder Deonte Banks, getting snaps with the first and second-team defenses, had another shaky outing playing outside corner. He allowed several catches to be made, including a deep ball from Daniel Jones to Darius Slayton, in which Slayton made a gorgeous reception even though the rookie stayed in stride with the receiver.
Although the rookie has struggled some, it will be interesting to see how he does once the pads go on and he can get a little more physical with his play. And as for the shakiness of his reps thus far, well, good thing Banks has a short-term memory.
"I’m just getting acclimated. It’s only day three, and I’ve only had two practices, but I feel like I’m doing good," he said before the Friday night practice.
Banks noted that he's still getting used to how up-tempo the pro game is, noting that he hasn't really "gotten the hang of it just yet." But he's zeroed in on his technique and trying to absorb all the information he's receiving in the classroom and o the field from the coaches.
"I’m just focused on getting better every day," he said. "I only can control what I can control."
Injury Report
Receiver Cole Beasley (quad) and defensive back Gervarrius Owens sat out of Friday's practice. Daboll said that Beasley got kicked in the quad and was sore. Owens, who collided with teammate TRe Hawkins III on the first day of practice, was still sore, so it was decided to hold him another day.
Daboll also said that defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (protocol) was making progress but would probably be at least another day. And the head coach said the six players on PUP are all at various places in their rehab, with no set date for activation currently in place.
Lineup Notes
The Giants continued to rotate guys between the first-team and second-team units. On offense, Ben Bredeson and Joshua Ezeudu were the first team center and left guard, respectively. Korey Cunningham took some snaps at left tackle to give Andrew Thomas a breather.
On defense, Darrian Beavers split reps with Micah McFadden next to Bobby Okereke, Darnay Holmes was back as the slot cornerback after giving way to Cor'Dale Flott the day prior, and Bobby McCain got a turn at safety next to Xavier McKinney.
Other Observations
• There won't be any full contact until Tuesday, so it's hard to get worked up one way or another about this, but there were several "sacks" in this practice in which the offensive line just didn't hold up its end of the bargain. But again, once they can start getting their hands on deeners, perhaps that will change.
• Tyre Phillips worked at guard and tackle and looked good during his reps. Phillips is thought to have the inside track on the swing tackle position.
• Rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt made a pretty fingertip grab on a throw by Tyrod Taylor.
Hyatt saw several reps with the first-team offense, catching one ball from Jones during a 7-on-7 drill.
• Receiver Jeff Smith came up with a siding reception of a pass thrown by Tommy DeVito.
• In individual drills, the outside linebackers receive instruction on pad level. A coach would hold a wooden dowel at a certain height, and it was up to the outside linebackers to explode out of their stance and duck underneath it to make themselves "smaller" and thus harder for an opposing blocker to stop.
• Graham Gano was perfect on all his field goal attempts, including four of 40+ yards. To date, he's missed just one attempt in three practices.
• Daniel Jones, on a zone read, sprinted by Darnay Holmes, running to the end zone.
• Micah McFadden, rotating in with the ones on defense, broke up a pass over the middle thrown by Tyrod Taylor.
• Receiver Collin Johnson had another nice day of practice, catching everything thrown his way and in stride.
• I've mentioned before how Darren Waller uses his height to his advantage. Well, he did so again on one ball thrown high by Jones, which he had no trouble plucking out of the air. That said, there have been at least two instances in the last two practices where Jones has overshot the 6-foot-6 Waller.
• Running back James Robinson did a nice job of juking his way up the field on a handoff. And the underrated Matt Breida continues to show his prowess in anticipating defenders coming at him and changing direction.
Quote to Note
"I saw him walk in with a three-piece suit, so I kind of knew what time it was." -- RT Evan Neal on when he realized Andrew Thomas was about to sign his megadeal.
What’s Next
The Giants are off on Saturday and will return to the field on Sunday at 10 a.m.
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