Giants practice report, 7/27: Run game sputters in first padded practice

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The first day of padded practice is huge for NFL offensive lines and defensive front sevens. Saturday was that day for the New York Giants, and coach Pat Shurmur said prior to taking the field that he knew it was an important day for the big boys.

“This is the first time for the o-line and the d-line, and really for the guys in the front seven, to be able to play what’s almost like a game,” Shurmur said. “We don’t go to the ground. We don’t low block. We don’t tackle to the ground. I would say in most practice settings, it’s almost or as close to being game-like as it can be.”

So, which set of hog mollies — the offensive ones in white or the defensive ones in blue got the best of the action?

In my view, the defensive front seven was the clear winner. At least in the run game.

When first units were matched together I can’t recall any of the half-dozen or so running plays having been successful. A couple, in fact, were absolutely blown up in the backfield.

Jabrill Peppers, Dalvin Tomlinson and B.J. Hill all had run stops in the backfield.

One cautionary note: Let’s not panic and say “uh, oh, the Giants can’t run block.” This is the first time the offensive line has been able to try and do that for real, so let’s extend a little rope and realize that run-blocking is something that takes time and reps to get right. It has to get better than it was on Saturday.

The offensive line appeared to do much better in pass protection. I can’t recall a single time any of the Giants quarterbacks had to leave the pocket. There were times when there was traffic around Manning or Jones, but I can’t remember any plays on which they did not have an opportunity to deliver the ball.

Quarterback stuff

I had Manning as 6-for-9 in 11-on-11 work. He had a few nice completions rolling out of the pocket, including two moving to his left.

I had Jones as 5-for-9.

Both quarterbacks had at least one well-thrown ball dropped.

The Giants did 7-on-7 red zone work Sunday for the first time. Here’s more on that.

The only interception of the day was thrown by Kyle Lauletta. He was picked by rookie cornerback Corey Ballentine on a pass intended for Da’Mari Scott, who has only been a Giant for a couple of days. Scott was nowhere near where Lauletta threw the ball, making it likely that there was a miscommunication.

Injury news

Second-year cornerback Sam Beal left practice with a groin injury. Undrafted free agent linebacker Mark McLaurin left practice after getting his foot stepped on. The severity of either injury isn’t known.

At least the Giants got through a practice without more bad news at wide receiver.

Quotable

— Sterling Shepard on the Giants’ injuries at wide receiver

Speaking of wide receivers

Newly-signed Amba Etta-Tawo and T.J. Jones were both on the practice field Saturday afternoon. The Giants’ trio of starting wide receivers was Golden Tate, Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler.

Lineup notes

• Evan Engram was back after his rest day on Friday.
• George Asafo-Adjei, the seventh-round pick out of Kentucky, got a few first-team reps at right tackle as the Giants continued to monitor the workload of Mike Remmers as he works his way back following back surgery.
• In 7-on-7 passing drills, the two first-team linebackers were Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis.

More good reads

• Giants sign receivers Amba Etta-Tawo and T.J. Jones to reinforce an ailing receiving corps [Updated]
• Golden Tate suspension: Giants’ WR appealing four-game PED ban [Updated]
• Sterling Shepard: Thumb injury “best-case,” aims for Week 1
• Giants’ Lorenzo Carter is backing up the hype, so far
• BBV mailbag: Trading Daniel Jones? The importance of culture? More

Remaining Training Camp Schedule

The Giants practice Sunday afternoon and then have their first off day of camp on Monday.

Sunday, July 28 — 2:45 p.m. (Public)
Tuesday, July 30 — 2:45 p.m. (Public)
Wednesday, July 31 — 2:45 p.m. (Public)
Thursday, August 1 — 2:45 p.m. (Closed)
Friday, August 2 — 2:45 p.m. (Public)
Saturday, August 3 — 2:45 p.m. (Closed)
Monday, August 5 — 10:45 a.m. (Closed)
Tuesday, August 6 — 10:45 a.m. (Public)
Sunday, August 11 — 10:45 a.m. (Public)
Monday, August 12 — 10:45 a.m. (Public)
Tuesday, August 13 — 10:45 .m. (Public)