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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants have completed their fifth, and easily most physical, practice of training camp. Let’s look at plays, and perhaps a few other things, that tell of Monday’s story.
Fight!
First scrap of training camp. Looks as if Eli Apple is in the middle of it after Olivier Vernon semi-tackles Wayne Gallman. #giants pic.twitter.com/3XE3Gwf1ao
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) July 30, 2018
The first fight of camp came on the third day of padded practice. Ranaan said in his tweet that Olivier Vernon “semi-tackled” Wayne Gallma. It looked like more than that to me. Gallman took a swing pass from Eli Manning, Vernon appeared to pick Gallman up and dump him to the ground. Gallman, of course, didn’t like it. He threw the ball at Vernon and the melee ensued.
Round 2
A much less dramatic fight involving players farther down the depth chart came when reserve right tackle Jarron Jones and defensive end Kristjan Sokoli mixed it up after Jones appeared to hold Sokoli to prevent him from getting to quarterback Alex Tanney.
Saquon embarrasses another linebacker
This seems to happen every day. Monday’s victim was Thurston Armbrister in a one-on-one drill that saw linebackers matched up against tight ends and running backs. Barkley put a quick move on Armbrister that left him grasping for jersey as Barkley got open for a reception from Davis Webb.
9-on-7
The Giants busted out the 9-on-7 running game drill for the first time in camp. It’s, obviously, not a play but worthy of mention. It came early in practice and without doubt ramped up the physicality as the Giants have Tuesday off.
Odell, Odell, Odell
In a red zone drill, Beckham beat Eli Apple for a score on a quick slant from Manning. later, he basically boxed out Janoris Jenkins, establishing inside position and keeping it, to snare a mid-range throw from Manning.
I have said it before, but there is nothing wrong with Beckham.
What was the number of that truck?
That is the question second-year linebacker Calvin Munson should be asking. Munson got trucked by 220-pound running back Jalen Simmons, who did his best Brandon Jacobs imitation, running right through Munson. Defenders aren’t supposed to knock runners and receivers to the ground,. Apparently, that doesn’t apply the other way around.
It’s a jailbreak
Again not a play, but an observation. Pat Shurmur told us early on Monday that he was “encouraged” by the offensive line despite the defensive front seven seeming to get the better of play in early practices.
Well, all four quarterbacks were under siege on Monday. Bltizes from a variety of angles and a variety of levels — linebackers, corners and safeties. Pressure from the middle and the edges. Rookie Kyle Lauletta, red jersey and all, even got dumped to the ground — a no-no for quarterbacks — trying to find space to throw.
The defense appeared to be coming from everywhere, and the offense looked unable to figure it out.
Practice notes
- Cornerback Donte Deayon, who injured a hamstring on Sunday, did not practice. Shurmur told us Monday morning that Deayon is “fine” and will only be out a “short time.”
- Safety Curtis Riley left practice early after hurting his left leg. He wore a wrap on his left knee or thigh for a few minutes, then took it off and watched the rest of practice.
- Beckham usually entertains the crowd with his dance moves during the “break” period, when Michael Jackson music often plays. Today, it was 6-foot-5, 337-pound defensive tackle A.J. Francis, also a rapper who goes by the name ‘Franc,’ who busted out some moves. He even tried a little something that resembled a moonwalk. Not bad, big fella.
- Running back Jonathan Stewart did not practice, getting a veteran’s day off. He’s an 11-year veteran and we had planned for this,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “We’re just trying to be smart.”