Giants training camp notebook, Day 4: Defense ahead of offense, Blake Martinez returns, more

The New York Giants had a fairly sloppy day offensively during Friday’s practice, leading to the standard “defense is ahead of the offense” trope. Coach Joe Judge wasn’t scoring in anyone’s favor on Saturday.

“I think we all have plenty to work on right. In terms of who’s ahead one way or another I’m watching tape every day and just looking at what corrections we have to make,” Judge said.

“In terms of who’s ahead offense or defense, that’s going to go back and forth at different times day to day.

Blake is back

Linebacker Blake Martinez (COVID-19 Reserve list) is back with the Giants, per Judge.

“He’s his normal self, smiling ear-to-ear to be back with the team,” Judge said. “He’s always a lot of fun to have around, he’s always got a good comment.”

Martinez will work with the trainers before being returned to full practice.

“When we know he’s ready to go we’ll get him back on the field.”

The Giants also announced Saturday that offensive tackle Matt Peart (back) has passed his physical and will return to practice.

Carter Coughlin off to good start

The Giants have seemingly been intent on moving the second-year player to inside linebacker. Throughout camp thus far, the 2020 seventh-round pick has worked both inside and outside.

With Martinez and Reggie Ragland (Non-Football Injury list) out, Lorenzo Carter sitting out on Friday and Elerson Smith working on the side there have been added reps for Coughlin.

“We’re looking to go ahead and find as much versatility as we can from him,” Judge said. “Carter’s actually flashed pretty positively these first few days.

“One thing he does is he plays aggressive and he plays instinctual. He puts himself in position to be competitive in every practice.”

Growth from Andrew Thomas

In Friday’s practice report, I mentioned that second-year left tackle Andrew Thomas had a good day. After a rough rookie season, the Giants need improvement from the 2020 No. 4 overall pick.

“You definitely see some of the growth that he showed last year showing up, but then again like all other players it’s early in training camp and there’s a lot of fundamentals we have to constantly work on with all of our players,” Judge said.

“Every day he flashes several things and you say OK, that’s why this guy was such a gifted athlete growing up.”

Managing ‘Zo

Edge defender Lorenzo Carter is coming off an Achilles tear and Judge said Saturday that the Giants need to “manage him a little bit.”

Carter worked on the side Friday, with Judge saying that has not been due to a re-aggravation of the Achilles.

Rodarius Williams flashes

Sixth-round pick Rodarius Williams flashed Friday with an interception of No. 3 quarterback Clayton Thorson.

“He’s got a lot of instincts, he’s got good size and length, shows good speed, he’s got instincts for the ball and shows good hands.”