Time is running out for quarterback Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense to show they have made drastic improvements over last season’s performance, ahead of the regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers in two weeks, and Monday’s practice inspired little confidence.
During an 11-on-11 move the ball drill, Jones led the offense into the red zone. However, after a fumbled exchange with center Nick Gates, Jones and Gates were sent running a lap. In the middle of the series.
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Two plays later, Colt McCoy made arguably the best throw of practice, hitting Eric Tomlinson for a touchdown on a back-shoulder throw with linebacker TJ Brunson draped in coverage in the back of the end zone.
Jones finished Monday 10-of-15 passing with two touchdowns, one sack, and one fumble. Jones’ second touchdown pass came after Saquon Barkley broke upon on a wheel route when defensive back Montre Hartage pulled up lame.
The offense’s inability to consistently produce scoring drives has been a concern all summer, as illustrated by Jones and the starters scoring just three points in Friday night’s intrasquad scrimmage at MetLife Stadium. Likewise, Jones was intercepted by fourth-round rookie defensive back Darnay Holmes when Jones underthrew a pass intended for Golden Tate near the goal line in the team’s first scrimmage two weeks ago.
These are only practices, during a training camp following an unprecedented offseason program without any OTA or minicamp practices, but the offense does not seem to have much momentum with just eight practices remaining before the regular season opener.
Here are five observations from a nearly three-hour practice that was spent almost entirely on full-team drills and special teams periods:
Golden Tate knocked from practice with an apparent leg injury
Tate went up to catch a pass against defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry in one-on-one drills early in practice, landed awkwardly on his right leg and collapsed on the ground. After receiving treatment from several trainers, Tate left practice and did not return.
The Giants are counting on Tate to be one of the team’s top-three receivers, and if he misses any time, it would be a significant loss.
Defense continues to get banged up
The defense was not able to avoid injuries to key players, Monday, either.
Inside linebacker Blake Martinez, who was held out of Friday’s scrimmage and last Thursday’s practice, returned Monday but only participated in the first few periods. Martinez watched from the sideline the rest of the day.
Likewise, defensive lineman R.J. McIntosh began practice but then was knocked from the session with what appeared to be a foot or ankle injury.
Cramping issues continue for Jabrill Peppers
At one point late in practice, safety Jabrill Peppers appeared to go down with what looked like a leg cramp on the sideline. This has now been at least four practices where Peppers has been fighting through what looks like cramping.
Expect conditioning and cramping issues to be a going concern around the league, given that players are being asked to play games after just four weeks in pads all offseason and little team-sanctioned offseason conditioning programs.
Sticking up for the little guy ...
Running back Sandro Platzgummer was knocked to the ground in a team non-contact period by linebacker Devante Downs, and several offensive players immediately got in Downs, B.J. Hill, and Leonard Williams’ faces, including center Nick Gates. The first player sprinting from the sideline to scream at Downs, though, was running back Saquon Barkley.
In addition to looking more explosive and effective in the passing game, Barkley has taken on a stronger vocal leadership role throughout training camp.
Lap tracker:
- For the second time this camp, Jones and Gates were sent running laps.
- Darnay Holmes was called for holding, and told to run a lap.
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