Sights and sounds of Giants’ camp: Giants start prepping for Cleveland

For the first time since 2017 we can finally, officially, say this: It is game week for the New York Giants!

After an off day on Sunday, the Giants were back on the practice field on Monday. And unlike previous practices, when they take the field it will be as they start to prepare for their first preseason game. We shouldn’t expect the Giants to scheme for the Cleveland Browns or to run more than the “vanilla” version of their offense and defense, but this is still a first for the new-look Giants.

First up, Eli Manning spoke to reporters during the media availability period.

After the press conferences were over, it was time to get on to the practice field.

Practice

Since the Giants will be playing their first preseason game this Thursday, it makes sense for them to be practicing in full pads, rather than just shells.

They’re probably discussing what kind of steak dinner Eli will buy Solder (and the rest of the offensive line) if he doesn’t get sacked.

And with full pads back on, the intensity level has ratcheted back up. We don’t know how the Giants will look in games, but they are being plenty physical in practice.

First up, Saquon Barkley shows off his pass protection to give Eli Manning time to find Odell Beckham, who doesn’t seem to be hesitating with his surgically repaired ankle.

Later in practice, Odell — ever the consummate teammate — helped set Barkley up for what might be the play of the day.

The day of rest seems to have done the offense good. The offensive line has struggled to deal with Vernon throughout camp, so any stops are a positive.

The defense did get one back with the third team, however.

And it is officially “August” in Giants’ camp.

Dehydration is a serious issue in summer practices, and could have contributed to a scary moment.

After team period, the offense and defense did some situational football. First up is some red zone work in 7-on-7.

Personnel notes

In addition to Riley being back on the field, Eli Apple practiced fully as well. He had a scary moment on Saturday, but doesn’t seem any worse for wear.

With both Curtis Riley and Darian Thompson available, it seems both are playing with the starting unit. This shouldn’t be surprising considering how often James Bettcher uses sub-packages.

Sterling Shepard, however seems to have a day off for maintenance.