WATCH: Coach Ben McAdoo likes the competition at #GiantsCamp practice https://t.co/Zv7WaDY92r
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 6, 2016
Coach Ben McAdoo wasn’t kidding when he said Saturday’s practice would be the longest, most intense of training camp for the New York Giants. Practice lasted two hours, 20 minutes in full pads and included lots of 7-on-7, 11-on-11 and competitive offense vs. defense periods.
"Today was a big day for us. This was a big moment for us in training camp. A heavy-hitting and physical practice,” McAdoo said at the conclusion of the workout. “A lot of contact, a lot of physicality. We got through it.”
Here are some takeaways from the day.
Odell Beckham is back!
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, appears to be OK. Participating in 11-on-11 drills, he beat Janoris Jenkins for a touchdown on a long ball from Eli Manning. Beckham worked throughout the practice, did everything the Giants had planned for him, and showed no ill-effects.
“He looked good to me,” McAdoo said. “Exactly what we were looking for.”
Eli Apple flashes potential
First-round pick Eli Apple did some really nice work in 1-on-1 drills against wide receivers.
Apple vs. Cruz, Part 2 #Giants pic.twitter.com/T2VIJkUncR
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 6, 2016
Giants just finished 1v1 passing drill. Eli Apple dominated. First real glimpse of potential in camp.
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) August 6, 2016
WATCH: Eli Apple vs Dwayne Harris. Big day so far for Mr. #Giants #NYG pic.twitter.com/uGPWXn5F1D
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 6, 2016
“What was encouraging about Eli is he got a penalty early and bounced back and didn’t get one the rest of the game,” McAdoo said. “Had some tight man-to-man coverage, was physical out there forcing guys to the sideline, to the boundary and leaving the quarterback no room to throw the ball. That was exciting to see.”
Good day for the defense
Steve Spagnuolo’s group got the better of the offense, according to most of the information coming from observers. We mentioned Apple’s good day, but several other defenders also had a good day. There was even a defensive touchdown when Olivier Vernon strip-sacked Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul scopped and scored.
Final score! #NYG pic.twitter.com/Nz4Y5Sdo53
— GiantInsider (@GiantInsider) August 6, 2016
This is also the best I think I've seen the defense look this summer. Looked more cohesive.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) August 6, 2016
McAdoo not worried about preseason opener
It certainly doesn’t sound like the coach is going to do any game-planning for Friday night’s preseason opener.
“We’re not going to spend a whole lot of time on Miami, we’re going to spend time a lot of time on ourselves,” McAdoo said. “We’ll roll the ball out there and we’ll play the game when the game gets here.”
Practice schedule
Players will be off Sunday. The Giants will practice Monday at 11:10 a.m. ET. That practice will be open to the public.