Waller Gets a Breather, The Defense Strikes Back, and More from Giants Training Camp Day 2
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Aside from the big story being running back Saquon Barkley's breaking his silence after signing a modified one-year franchise tag, the New York Giants opened things up a little more during their second training camp practice, often going the length of the field rather than staying confined to the red zone.
The pads will come on Tuesday, at which point we'll be able to gauge the running game and the play in the pit and gain some clarity into how the depth chart is taking shape, but in the meantime, here's a Day 2 recap.
A Change to Combat Injuries?
I noted on yesterday's Locked On Giants podcast how the Giants have altered this year’s training camp practice schedule to where instead of running five straight practices before a day off, as allowed by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Giants have switched it up to where it’s three days of practice and then a day off.
So I asked head coach Brian Daboll about that change and if that was done to help reduce soreness and potential injuries that creep up during camp.
“In June and May, we’re doing a lot of evaluation to get ready for training camp,” Daboll said. “So, I spend a lot of time with (head athletic trainer) Ronnie Barnes and (director of rehab/physical therapist) Leigh Weiss and (assistant strength coach) Mark Loecher and (director of performance) Sam Coad. They do a great job of doing their research, presenting their plan. We talk about it, and again, everything is for the players. We try to do the best we can.”
We’ll see if it pays off for the Giants, who have historically been one of the league’s most injured teams for several years.
Injury Report
Darius Slayton appeared to tweak his ankle after getting his feet tangled up in a play. He had it taped up, but when asked about it, he downplayed it, saying, "I was good, I was fine."
Rakeem Nunex-Roches missed a second straight day f practice as he recovers in the protocol following a minor car accident he was involved in on Tuesday. Daboll said he didn't anticipate that Nunez-Roches would be sidelined for any lengthy period.
With defensive tackle Vernon Butler having failed to report, the Giants signed defensive tackle Kevin Atkins to the roster. And speaking of Butler, Daboll didn't explain why the defender didn't report, only saying, "We are kind of working through some things. That is all I got for you. I understand the question, but that’s where we’re at."
Defense Wins the Day
Yesterday I marveled over how sharp the offense looked as a whole, considering it was the first practice of camp, usually a time when the offense looks rusty and the defense looks further ahead.
Today I thought the defense picked it up while the offense had something of drop off. You can start with four interceptions, including one each by safety Xavier McKinney and cornerbacks Zyon Gilbert, Tre Hawkins III, and Amani Oruwariye.
As for the offense, I thought Daniel Jones again looked solid, save for one poor throw in which Jones not only held the ball too long but also sailed over the head of tight end Darren Waller, that sailed over the 6-foot-6 tight end's head. Joens also had one receiver drop his pass in 7-on-7 but was otherwise sharp.
Tommy DeVito had a much better day today with connecting with receivers, while Tyrod Taylor had the shakiest showing of the three quarterbacks. DeVito put his strong arm on display with some nice deep throws down the field, one of which went for a touchdown. He also turned on the jets on a quarterback keeper.
Waller Gets a Breather
Tight end Darren Waller has become a favorite of quarterback Daniel Jones, whose connection looks like one among teammates that have played together for years rather than months.
Waller was a nuisance to cover, whether in the middle of the field or along the sidelines. He has sticky hands and does a great job of boxing out defenders from getting anywhere near the ball. But as Jones found out in this practice, sometimes there is a matter of there being too much of a good thing.
Waller had his reps cut back toward the middle part of practice, which was no doubt planned by the coaches, who are aware that the tight end is coming off an injury-filled 2022 season.
“We want to have a good plan for as we go through training camp,” Daboll said when asked about Waller and potentially managing his workload.
“So whether that’s a little less reps, eventually a day off, however, it may be. Now the schedule is pretty conducive to hopefully taking care of your body with the three days one, one day off. Certainly (Waller) is one of those guys we have definitely talked about.”
A Rotation on the Offensive Line
Daboll will tell you that the starting left guard and center positions are far from settled. And for proof of that, the coaches have been rotating who gets first-team reps at each position.
At left guard, Joshua Ezeudu and Ben Bredeson have, thus far, been working on the first team. Meanwhile, at center, it’s been Bredeson and rookie John Michael Schmitz.
Daboll was asked if he’d be okay with a rotation at left guard. “I think whatever we think is best. That’s why we will let this thing play out as long as we can and rotate guys. If they earn a spot to play, then we play them. If one guy stands out, then he stands out.”
Meanwhile, at center, all signs point to John Michael Schmitz being named the starter, barring injury. However, the real test for Schmitz will still come when the pads go on next Tuesday. Wink Martindale will test Schmitz, and how he responds to those tests will be quite telling.
Daboll is confident, though, that Schmitz will hold up.
“He’s a smart guy; he works hard,” he said. “That’s a good room in terms of the veterans helping out the younger players. There’s a lot, as you know, on your plate, playing center. He’s very cerebral; he’s intelligent. He’s made progress since he’s been here.”
We shall see how he does when the stunts, twists, and blitzes come at him.
Quote to Note
"I had an epiphany." -- RB Saquon Barkley on why he decided to sign a modified franchise tag tender and report to camp.
Other Observations
• Jalin Hyatt got a turn working with the first-team offense but didn’t catch any passes. I get the impression that the coaches are slowly working Hyatt into the mix and that his role won’t start to increase until later in the season.
• Cor’Dale Flott took first-team reps at slot cornerback instead of Darnay Holmes. Again, the coaches planned this rotation of players to see how guys look with different personnel groupings.
• Solid day for receiver Collin Johnson who made some nice receptions, including two touchdown grabs against Deonte Banks in one-on-one drills. Johnson uses his height well when going up for balls and doesn’t drop very many. I don't know if he'll make the roster, but I keep wondering if he might be a candidate the Giants try to trade for a Day 3 draft pick to a team needing a receiver.
• Receiver David Sills was slow to get up after an incomplete pass and appeared to be limping just a bit. We’ll see if he misses any time on Friday, but an injury is the last thing Sills needs, with his hold on a roster spot (and potentially a practice squad spot) being far from secure.
What’s Next
The Giants will hold an evening practice open to the public on Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. They will then be off on Saturday before returning to the field on Sunday at 10 a.m.
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