It’s finally that time of year again! Today the first New York Giants training camp practice of the 2019 season took place and it was eventful, to say the least. We had an “MVP†chant for Saquon Barkley, a “We want Daniel†chant as Eli Manning lined up for team drills and all sorts of splash plays in practice.
Players who stood out:
Sterling Shepard was getting open in all areas of the field, most notably he was open deep down the field and in the intermediate range. That’s very important as he will be needed more than ever before in those areas of the field.
Eli Manning had a sharp practice, he had good timing with his receivers and was very efficient outside of a few questionable decisions. Manning and Shepard’s chemistry sticks out quite a bit.
Deandre Baker didn’t look like a rookie as he stayed right with his opposition for most of the afternoon. Some worried about his speed after the combine but it didn’t look like an issue on the field.
Alonzo Russell climbed the ladder for a couple of impressive receptions including one deep down the sideline from Daniel Jones.
Corey Ballentine got his hands on a few passes and had to leave his feet for his 3rd deflection, he looks very quick and rangy in coverage.
Lorenzo Carter looks like he’s timing his get-off better. He also had the awareness to blow up an end-around to Golden Tate. To top off his practice he intercepted Eli Manning while covering Saquon Barkley and then dove into the endzone. Lorenzo may have been the most impressive player on the field today.
Antonio Hamilton got his hands on a few passes and punched the ball out of Rod Smith’s hands, causing a turnover on the play.
Camp Battles:
Chad Wheeler was helping out on the left side today to keep Nate Solder fresh during his recovery but will compete with Mike Remmers on the right side when Solder is fully recovered.
Tae Davis didn’t open camp as a starter but he was given his chances with the 1st team, rotating with BJ Goodson.
Kareem Martin and Markus Golden rotated with the 1st team, Martin opened camp as the starter.
Cody Latimer started as the 3rd wide receiver but there will be a very heated competition for the 3rd receiver spot throughout training camp.
Grant Haley had the 1st crack at the nickel corner job but Julian Love will push him throughout the summer.
Bumps and Bruises:
The most notable injury was Sterling Shepard’s, he had an X-ray done on his hand which revealed a fracture. The good news is he isn’t expected to miss any regular-season games. Jabrill Peppers looked a little sore but just had some cramping. He shouldn’t miss any practice time due to cramps.
Final Thoughts:
While the team is in shirts and shorts we aren’t getting a great look at the offensive line or the front seven on defense. What we can get a better glimpse of is what the passing offense and passing defense will look like. Both units held their own for the most part but the only real victory of today is Sterling Shepard avoiding a long-term injury although a fractured thumb could potentially keep him out until late August.