:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46892438/usa-today-8726157.0.jpg)
Good morning, New York Giants fans! Here are your headlines for this morning.
Big Blue View training camp coverage
Ereck Flowers listed as day to day with a hip flexor
The Giants have their first training camp scuffle
Jason Pierre-Paul and Jerry Reese finally talk
Bennett Jackson impresses
Safeties' coach Dave Merritt spoke with reporters Monday and assured us of an open competition with all the safeties. "As far as clarity as to who's going to be the starters right now it's still wide open."
As such, Merritt is switching up the first team safeties on a day to day basis. The third practice saw Landon Collins and Cooper Taylor as the first team safeties. Monday, Bennett Jackson and Mykkele Thompson played with the first team defense. Jackson especially has caught the eye of multiple beat reporters.
Already knew Beckham was a stud so ... Bennett Jackson. Really like what I've seen. #GiantsAfterDark https://t.co/8UlvRcwKxD
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 4, 2015
3 stars for Day 4 of #NYG TC 1. Devon Kennard 2. Bennett Jackson 3. Eli Manning* (* His pump fake on long TD to OBJ was a thing of beauty).
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 3, 2015
Merritt offers high praise for Bennett Jackson's coverage ability as an asset at free safety's.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 3, 2015
Check out Bennett Jackson's media session here.
On the flip side, Nat Berhe has been improving a little slower than the coaches would like. Merritt stated that he is progressing at a "snail's pace."
Robert Ayers is stepping up to the plate
While PFF lauds the pass rushing abilities of Robert Ayers, it wasn't enough to earn him starting level snaps. That situation has quickly changed with the Jason Pierre-Paul injury. While those seem like daunting shoes to fill, Ayers shows his confidence in himself.
"My expectations were higher than what anyone else might think, so I want to be the guy regardless. That's the mindset I take every year on every team in every season that I've ever played."
Tom Coughlin is also showing his confidence for the second year Giant. "He’s played well. He’s been a real good soldier, a good teammate, grabs guys and talks to them. He’s worked hard. I’ve seen nothing but good from him.’’
Reuben Randle is working on consistency
Wide receiver's coach Sean Ryan was also available to the media yesterday. While the main topics cover Odell Beckham and Victor Cruz, Ryan also elaborated heavily on the progression of Reuben Randle. While Randle posted career highs in every mark in 2014, the Giants still see untapped potential in the 2012 second round pick. The key to getting better is consistency.
"To me, with all these guys it goes back to consistency," Ryan said. "You have to make sure it’s there every play. But he can fool you sometimes, because he’s a competitive guy. He can fool you because of his demeanor. But he’s competitive, and we’re working to get better at that every day.’’
With even just a little progression from Randle, as well with some injury luck with Beckham and Cruz, the Giants are very well in the conversation of having the best receiving corps in the league.
Around the league
NFL Breakdowns analyzes every touchdown pass from Eli Manning in 2014.
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Jeremy Mincey ends his holdout with an extra 500,000 from the team.
Baltimore Ravens safety Matt Elam will miss the season with a complete biceps tear.
First round receiver, Kevin White might miss 6 weeks of activity due to injury.