New York Giants Training Camp, Aug. 3: Practice Takeaways

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Giants practiced in full pads and the physicality was noticeable from the start. A brief brawl broke out after a 9-on-7 drill which included just about everyone at some point. It started after the final play of the session and quickly escalated. Damon Harrison and Bobby Hart continued to go at each other after the scrum had been cleared. After practice, head coach Ben McAdoo said he liked the intensity.

The best thing about practice was there were no major injuries, which is much better than what could be said about yesterday.

Replacing Sterling Shepard

After practice McAdoo gave an update on Sterling Shepard. He said Shepard was a little sore this morning and he was sent for an MRI. Those results are not in yet, but McAdoo still believes the injury is nothing more serious than a “basketball rolled ankle.” That’s some good news considering the fears of a more serious development immediately after the injury happened.

Shepard was and is supposed to play a big role on the offense — a unit that spent 92 percent of its plays with three wide receivers on the field last year.

With Shepard out, Roger Lewis and Dwayne Harris spent some time with the first team as the No. 3 receiver. Neither took the exact role of Shepard, though. It doesn’t appear the second-year receiver will be out too long, but if he is, expect a rotation for the third receiver and for which player lines up in the slot. Today Odell Beckham was frequently there with the first team.

Offensive Line is Still a Work in Progress

Last year, the Giants’ defensive line was one of the best in the league. Last year, the Giants’ offensive line was one of the worst. That’s still apparent when these two go at each other in practice.

In a session working on third and short plays, there were not many plays where the offense was able to get a big gain. On one play when guard John Jerry pulled, defensive tackle Jay Bromley was able to sneak in the empty gap for a stuff in the backfield.

There weren’t any glaring deficiencies in pass protection today, but there were some struggles run blocking.

Brett Jones was worked in a bit at center with the first team, something McAdoo explained was just to get Weston Richburg some rest. After practice both Justin Pugh and Olivier Vernon were impressed with the work those on the offensive line have put in thus far, but it’s still going to be a long process for this line to improve.

Defense Looks Ready

The pads were on and that gave the defense a little bit of an extra kick during practice. B.J. Goodson has been the most physical player on the defense during training camp and that continued on Thursday. He’s not afraid to make a hard hit and throw his body around. Olivier Vernon said he likes the competitiveness he has brought to the field.

A big hit happened during 11-on-11 drills. Paul Perkins took a handoff and made a nice cut through an open hole for a decent gain. His reward was a shoulder from Landon Collins, which knocked Perkins off his feet.

After practice, Justin Pugh was asked who has stuck out on the defensive line. He said rookie Davlin Tomlinson has fit right in.

Development For Webb

Davis Webb didn’t get many reps during the full-team sessions — he’s the clear fourth quarterback in line after Eli Manning, Geno Smith, and Josh Johnson. But Webb did get a session all to himself with the offense while the other three quarterbacks were working on individual drills on a separate field.

Webb took every snap of that session and had a chat with McAdoo after every play. There were a few nice completions, but also one overthrown deep pass that needed a little more touch. If there was any question, the Giants are doing what they can to help develop Webb to the pro game, while also making sure there’s a reliable backup in place for 2017.

Other Notes

• After practice McAdoo said Keenan Robinson was in the concussion protocol. That happened following yesterday’s practice.
• Tavarres King left today’s practice after he hurt his ankle during a punt return drill. The injury doesn’t appear serious, but there’s no official word yet.
• McAdoo also said Devin Taylor and Shane Vereen will both be worked into the rotation starting tomorrow.

Remaining Practice Schedule

The Giants will practice Friday and Saturday before having an off day on Sunday. The Saturday practice will be closed to the public.

• Friday, August 4 — 10:55 a.m.
• Tuesday, August 8 — 10:55 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 9 — 10:55 a.m.
• Sunday, August 13 — 11:10 a.m.
• Monday, August 14 — 10:55 a.m.