During Monday’s tenth Giants training camp practice, Malik Nabers kept up his impressive play.
During a slot fade over corner Dru Phillips, Russell Wilson threw a pretty good deep ball into Naber’s hands. Wilson then completed a crosser downfield after Nabers sprang into the air.
These days, the receiver’s eventual success seems certain, even if Nabers loses a rep, as he did against the physical Phillips on another snap. He is open so frequently.
Paulson Adebosaid, Nabers’ top corner, is simply explosive. I believe that he is very difficult to cover because of his ability to switch between his releases and breaks, as well as the suddenness with which he moves, which is a trait shared by all elite receivers.
However, the offense does not appear to be very effective when the ball is not coming Nabers’ way, which is the Giants’ issue going into Saturday’s first preseason game at Buffalo.
Security Wilson’s fifth interception in ten days came on Monday when Jevon Holland caught him on a pass just beyond Wan Dale Robinson’s hands for a pick-six.
Additionally, the turnover occurred at the conclusion of a drive that also featured a Robinson drop and two sacks, one each from Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The offense started from the 8-yard line after Wilson connected with Jalin Hyatt for a touchdown during a red zone period. However, he has already been selected twice by Holland and once each by Phillips in camp, safety Tyler Nubin, and safety Dane Belton.
In a game, three of them probably would have been pick-sixes. Earlier in camp, Phillips tipped the ball in the air for Holland’s first interception on a pass meant for Nabers.
This is the time of year to learn from and get past a team’s mistakes. However, there is now insufficient solid proof on the field that the Giants have improved offensively.
Despite Nabers’ outstanding debut season, the squad finished 3–14. They require more.
That appears to be the strongest justification for Brian Daboll to use his starting lineup on Saturday in Buffalo for at least a portion of the game.
With the exception of anticipated rookie starters, Daboll avoided using his starters in 2023 and 2024, but he did so in the first preseason game in 2022.
As a coaching staff, we will discuss that in the coming days and take whatever action we believe will benefit the squad, Daboll stated. Could they participate? They certainly could play.
They must find choices that are more reliable. To do it, they also need players on the pitch.
Cam Skattebo, a rookie running back, is a promising addition to the offense as a weapon, but he is currently out due to a leg injury and is not expected to return until later. Due to an unidentified issue, Darius Slayton missed a second consecutive session.
The left tackle The list of people who are physically incapable of performing still includes Andrew Thomas. James Hudson III, nevertheless, is still employed there.
However, it will be less than a month until the Giants play a game that matters. For the arrow to be clearly pointing upward heading into their Week 1 visit to Washington, these errors and unknowns must be worked out.
particularly because Nabers is unable to complete it alone.
The Giants receiver, who is dealing with a persistent toe problem, appeared ready to skip practice on Monday.
While the rest of the squad stretched, Nabers talked with offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Daboll before making his way to the sidelines. Then Nabers seemed to stretch his right leg, ankle, and foot. He talked to a coach. Additionally, Daboll conferred with Aaron Wellman, executive director of player performance.
After a while, Nabers practiced. And he prospered. Holland, however, raced the other way with the ball in his hands as the first-team offense’s whole field time came to an end.
Wilson and this offense must do more for the Giants. Much more.
GUNNER FIRE
On the same drive Monday, backup slot receiver Gunner Olszewski snagged four receptions from third-string quarterback Jameis Winston, including two leaping grabs: one in the end zone for a touchdown and another close to the center of the field to move the chains. However, in 1-on-1 drills, backup slot receiver Montrell Washington made the day’s best catch, sailing through the air and catching a Jaxson Dart pass out of the air with one. The 26-year-old Washington, a third-year professional who has previously played for the Chiefs and Broncos, has had a successful camp for the Giants. During the preseason games, he will be a bubble player to watch. Players on a lengthy list did not re-practice: Corner, Slayton, and Skattebo Running back Rushawn Baker, defensive lineman Chauncey Golston, rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II, linebackers Ty Summers and Demetrius Flanningan-Fowles, undrafted rookie cornerback Korie Black, defensive lineman Chauncey Golston, and Cor Dale Flott tackles on defense Right guard Greg Van Roten returned from paternity leave, and D.J. Davidson and Elijah Chatman returned after multi-day personal absences to continue sharing first-team reps with Evan Neal, though Neal took more on Monday. With Skattebo, Eric Gray (PUP list), and Baker out, the Giants’ injury-plagued backfield is forcing them to sign 27-year-old journeyman running back Jonathan Ward. In the last three years, Ward has played for the Cardinals, Titans, and Steelers, totaling 22 career carries. The Giants will prepare for their journey to Buffalo on Friday with practices on Wednesday and Thursday after holding a closed walkthrough practice on Tuesday. They will play the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET to kick off the preseason.
