New York Giants Practice Report, 8/12: Pass Catchers Look Outstanding

New York Giants, Cody Latimer
May 21, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Cody Latimer (12) makes a catch during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostic Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants continued their new practice schedule of 10:15 am yesterday. The Giants were coming off of a great offensive practice on Sunday that featured an electric performance out of quarterback Eli Manning. He came back down to earth on Monday, but the rest of the offense continued to ball out.

Players Who Stood Out:

Daniel Jones thrived in the red-zone portion of practice. More often than not a young quarterback doesn’t make it through his progressions well in the red-zone. Jones made it to his second read on one play and found Russell Shepard for a touchdown. He threw two more touchdowns in the same period.

Janoris Jenkins has been struggling against Cody Latimer in recent practices. Yesterday Jenkins made life more difficult for Latimer with a few pass deflections.

Eli came back down to earth a little bit after his nearly perfect practice two days ago. He had a couple overthrows and underthrows but overall connected well with his pass-catchers.

Evan Engram looked like a real mismatch yesterday. He was open more often than not down the field. Engram didn’t catch a ton of passes but this was still encouraging to see.

Antoine Bethea doesn’t have his name called often because he is in the right place for the large majority of practices. He doesn’t make a lot of big plays but the way he prevents big plays is noticeable.

Bennie Fowler made quite a few plays and seems to be catching fire in the last few practices. The plays he makes down the field are impressive for a player his size.

Grant Haley hasn’t been back for that long but he hasn’t lost any momentum. He stayed with Sterling Shepard very well in coverage.

Garrett Dickerson caught a touchdown pass from Daniel Jones and the two connected later on for a pretty play over the middle. Dickerson had to reach out with one hand and managed to secure the catch.

Dalvin Tomlinson having solid practices is a pretty routine outcome. Halapio does a better job blocking him on passing downs compared to running downs but overall is out-matched by Dalvin most of the time.

RJ McIntosh is gaining momentum in camp. He looked good in the preseason game and has been just as much of a nuisance for the second-team offensive line in practices.

Camp Battles:

Garrett Dickerson competing for the third tight end spot isn’t the most exciting battle but he’s proving to be a quality option at the position. The team could consider keeping four tight ends making Dickerson’s chances to stick around more favorable. He’s currently battling with Scott Simonson and CJ Conrad for the third tight end spot.

Two days ago Wayne Gallman stepped up his game as a pass protector and yesterday he flashed some receiving ability, catching Eli’s lone touchdown pass in red-zone drills. The advantages Perkins has on Gallman are pass protection and catching the ball, Gallman is the better pure ball-carrier. If Gallman passes Perkins in those areas he will be the clear-cut number two running back regardless of the situation on the field.

Corey Ballentine and Antonio Hamilton rotated for first-team cornerback reps in Deandre Baker’s absence from the field. Both players struggled to a degree but that’s expected since they’ve worked with the second and third teams throughout the summer.

It isn’t an official competition but if Ryan Connelly and Tae Davis become an impressive duo as inside linebackers the coaches could consider making Alec Ogletree a rotational linebacker. This isn’t likely since Ogletree lines up the defense but it’s possible since he’s a replacement-level linebacker.

Bumps and Bruises:

Grant Haley ditched the yellow jersey and was a full participant.

Sterling Shepard has resumed catching passes with two hands. He might even have a chance to suit up for the dress rehearsal against the Bengals in two weeks.

Chad Wheeler returned to practice without limitations.

Deandre Baker watched from the side yesterday. He’s considered “day-to-day” with his knee sprain.

Sam Beal remained on the sideline for another practice.

Darius Slayton got a full practice in after being sidelined for all of training camp so far.

Olsen Pierre was on a stationary bike, he’s most likely dealing with minor soreness.

Significant Injuries:

George Asafo-Adjei remains in the concussion protocol.

Brian Mihalik suffered a burner and continues to miss practice time since the injury.

Amba Etta-Tawo tore his Achilles tendon during practice and is headed for the injured reserve list.

Final Thoughts:

While it’s alright for Eli Manning to level out after a great performance two days ago, he took a step back against the lesser competition with Deandre Baker sidelined. Overall Eli has had a strong camp but with a quarterback like Daniel Jones behind him, he better perform well.

Jones continues to have a strong camp as well making the quarterback position a very interesting situation for the New York Giants, even if there isn’t a “competition” at this very moment.

The team will be back on the practice field today at 10:15 am. New York will host the Chicago Bears for their second preseason game on Friday.