WATCH: Coach Ben McAdoo recaps practice and talks prep for first preseason game #GiantsCamp https://t.co/P5T1tXyR97
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 8, 2016
The New York Giants hit the practice field again on Monday as training camp continued. Here are a few takeaways from the workout.
Better day for Victor Cruz
Victor Cruz make it through the first week of practice healthy, but his play raised questions about whether or not Cruz still had the explosiveness to be effective after missing 26 straight games with leg injuries. Cruz was better on Monday, per most media accounts. Quarterback Eli Manning said Cruz has been “sharp.”
Really looks like Victor Cruz is reaching for that extra gear and finding it so far today. #Giants
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 8, 2016
Darian Thompson is a starter
McAdoo said “yes” when asked if rookie Darian Thompson was the favorite to win the starting free safety job. The fact that the third-round pick is going to start has been obvious for some time already.
“He’s a young pro,” McAdoo said. “He’s a guy that goes about his business the right way. He’s done it since he walked into the building. He’s mature, he studies his game, he communicates the game. Expect him to get better with reps.”
Ryan Nassib will play a lot on Friday
McAdoo was non-committal on playing time for most players in Friday’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. He did, however, admit that backup quarterback Ryan Nassib will play a lot.
“He continues to get better,” McAdoo said. “We have a lot of confidence in Ryan, can’t wait to see him play Friday, he’s gonna play a lot of football for us.”
Eli getting old? Nah
McAdoo was asked Monday if there were any signs that Manning, 35 and entering his 13th year, was aging.
“He’s getting better,” McAdoo said.
Someone will call the plays
McAdoo still won’t discuss whether he or offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan will call the plays.
“We’ll have a play-caller on Friday and we’ll evaluate it afterwards,” is all McAdoo would say about that on Monday.