The New York Giants held their first three training camp practices on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week, and it’s safe to say some players are off to a fantastic summer.
The talk of camp so far has been tight end Darren Waller, who New York acquired via trade this offseason. Waller has lined up in numerous positions across the field, becoming a matchup nightmare for the defense. Uncoverable has been the term used to describe the 30-year-old’s performance by those who attended the practice sessions.
“Being as big as he is, you don’t see guys that big that can move like that. So, it makes him real special. It makes him a tough cover every time. When I am on him, it puts me on high alert. I have to be because I know that every play, he can get the ball.” Safety Xavier McKinney said this week of Waller.
If this week is any indication of what New York’s offense will look like this season, Waller is clearly going to be Daniel Jones’s go-to guy this season, and he stands a good chance of leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
The man throwing the ball to Waller, Daniel Jones, has also stood out in practice. The 26-year-old quarterback seemed more confident, had more zip on his passes, and could be ready to take the next step in his progression as an NFL QB.
During Friday’s practice session, Jones and the offense got off to a hot start as he completed his first six passes, including connecting with Darius Slayton on a deep pass down the right sideline and on a deep crossing pattern.
Thanks to the pinpoint accuracy Jones displayed this week, the offense definitely got the better of the defense this week. In addition to Waller and Slayton, Parris Campbell, Collin Johnson, Cole Beasley, and rookie Jalin Hyatt have all had their moments to shine.
Jones was asked if he feels more confident heading into year two under head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
“Yeah, I mean, I think it’s nice not to be learning completely new at this point. We’re picking up from things we started with in the spring, and we’ll continue to build off of it, but we’re always learning and growing and kind of evolving the offense in whatever way is going to make us better.” Jones said.
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Saquon Barkley is happy to be back with his teammates
The man who everybody had their eyes on this week was running back Saquon Barkley who agreed to a new one-year-deal where he can earn an extra million dollars in incentives on top of the $10.1 million he’ll make this season.
He made a spectacular touchdown reception on 7-on-7 drills on Wednesday and looked as explosive as ever. More importantly, he was happy to be back with his teammates.
“It feels good. Good to be back in the locker room, good to see familiar faces within the facility. I’m doing what I love. I’m out there playing football. I’m happy,” the 26-year-old running back said on Thursday.
The passing game was the focus for the offense during the first week, but make no mistake about it, Barkley will be the workhorse of the offense both as a runner and receiver.
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Deonte Banks had a shaky first week
Whereas several of New York’s offensive players had a good first week of camp, New York’s first-round pick Deonte Banks had a shaky first week. He gave up a touchdown to Collin Johnson at Thursday’s practice and has been beaten deep on a few occasions during the week. But the rookie is unphased and feels he’ll get better as he gets more acclimated to the speed of the NFL game.
“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. As far as the reps go, I’ve got short term memory so, ‘next play mentality,” Banks said after Thursday’s practice.
The Giants have a day off on Saturday before returning to the practice field on Sunday. The team has yet to practice in pads, so it will be interesting to see if the offense can continue to get the better of the defense when the pads are on.