The New York Giants continued their preparations for the upcoming preseason opener with a full padded practice on Wednesday. With the first game just days away, coaches and players addressed the media to discuss key developments in training camp.
Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka spoke about rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s progress. After being selected in the first round of the draft, Dart has been under close observation as he adjusts to his first NFL training camp.
“I’d say Jaxson is right on schedule from what we’d expect in terms of just understanding the offense, continuing to grow and learn every day,” Kafka told reporters. “Every day we’re presenting him – not just him but all the quarterbacks – with different situations and some situations you’ve probably never seen before. Those have been good to build off of, whether it’s in two-minute, whether it’s a third-down situation or a certain blitz look that we’re getting, he’s able to kind of grow and learn from those examples and now as he starts banking more and more looks, more and more reps – we do a lot of this throughout the walkthrough as well, he can kind of see – now he’s starting to put the picture together a little bit better and cleaner for a rookie.”
Kafka also shared advice for Dart ahead of his expected debut against Buffalo this Saturday: “Like any position, just operating within the confines of the offense and going out there and playing confidently, being decisive, command the huddle,” Kafka said on his expectations for the rookie this weekend. “I think for Jaxson, for a young player – I know from my experience, it was getting young guys who probably never played as well – he’s out there calming them down and having great poise and great confidence and then just going and playing football. It’s a game you love and you know, you’ve been playing it for a long time. My biggest piece of advice is just go out there, enjoy it, play, have fun and go be aggressive.”
On defense, one area drawing attention is competition at cornerback opposite Paulson Adebo. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen commented on Deonte Banks’ development as he competes with Cor’Dale Flott for the starting role.
“I think they’re both doing a really good job,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “Obviously, Flott’s missed a little bit of time here the past couple days, but I think they’re doing a really good job. I like the growth of Tae. I think competition’s been good for both of them. I really do. But you’re seeing Tae battle and going up against Malik and finding ways to get PBUs and some other guys. He’s been able to get his hands on footballs more, I feel like, this early on in training camp, we’re ten days in, but early on, more so than what it was last year. He’s working. He’s working. He’s competing for the job. He’s trying to earn it, just like everybody else is trying to earn their play time.
“I thought Flott was doing a really good job. From the spring to now, he was probably one of the guys that had the most pass breakups. So just continue that competition. The versatility is no different than all these other positions. There’s going to be time and place where the numbers kind of shrink and we’ve got to figure out ways of how do we fit based on who’s available and who’s not. So some of the versatility stuff is going to come into play as well.”
Wide receiver Malik Nabers’ transition into leadership has also become an important storyline following his record-setting rookie season with 109 receptions over 15 games—a new franchise mark for catches in one season.
“It’s just being more vocal about just getting guys ready to go or making sure we’re on the right path to what we want to accomplish, and I have to sometimes get out of my mode,” Nabers told reporters regarding his new approach off-the-field leadership responsibilities.
Quarterback Russell Wilson praised Nabers’ communication skills: “Malik’s done a great job just his leadership, his voice in the film room too,” Wilson said.”He’s done a great job with that…the more he communicates what he sees and feels…he’s really just stepped into that role…”
Kafka highlighted Nabers’ focus during camp: “Malik has a growth mindset,” said Kafka.”He’s continuing to grow…and master his craft…I think you’re seeing it with those splash plays…but I think there are other elements…It’s those little details that maybe don’t show up on the stat sheet – that,to me,I’m probably most proud of him.”
Wilson added further praise: “You see it on film…It was just his explosives…there’s only so many people in world that can do it like he can…he’s one of best in world …it’s going be special thing.I’m excited play with him obviously…Malik is world-class at what he can do.There’s nothing really he can’t do.”
Special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial discussed kicker Graham Gano’s return after injury issues limited him over two seasons.Gano returned midseason last year,and according Ghobrial,the veteran appears fully healthy entering 2025:
“From what I’ve seen,Graham has looked,I thought he played his best ball towards back quarter season.And it looked like he was Graham Gano everybody knows.A very successful veteran kicker that has clutch trait,…good range,…good accuracy,…And we saw that towards back quarter season.
“And then when came back,you always wonder where guy is with kicking shape,and showed up ready go.He looked like Graham Gano we all know.He kicked well offseason,and kicked well training camp.Health-wise,I’m excited see what can do.I know takes care body,and that’s something stays connected.And he’s done great job us.”
