The New York Giants conducted their first padded practice of the season at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, with temperatures reaching into the 90s. The session focused on first and second down scenarios and included several competitive drills between offensive and defensive units.
During one-on-one drills between the offensive and defensive lines, both sides had notable performances. Evan Neal delivered two strong reps at guard, stopping pass rush attempts by Chauncey Gholston and Cory Durden. Gholston responded with his own successful reps, displaying his length and power. Jermaine Eluemunor managed to protect against all three primary edge rushers for the Giants, including Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Carter used a variety of moves to win inside on other reps, while Thibodeaux had an even exchange with James Hudson.
John Michael Schmitz anchored well against D.J. Davidson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches in his matchups. Rookie Darius Alexander impressed with bull rushes, while Josh Ezeudu performed effectively at both left tackle and left guard positions. Elijah Chatman stood out by pushing guards into the backfield using his power.
While linemen competed in one-on-ones, receivers and defensive backs practiced bunch formations. Quarterback Russell Wilson connected with Tyrone Tracy on a slant that could have resulted in a touchdown under game conditions. Dru Phillips contributed with a pass breakup during this period.
The team portion of practice emphasized running plays but also incorporated play action passes to challenge the defense. Cam Skattebo demonstrated an ability to identify rushing lanes and accelerate into open space; he also showed willingness to push for extra yards in short-yardage situations near the end zone. Devin Singletary and Tracy each had productive runs as well.
On defense, safety Jevon Holland, edge rusher Tomon Fox, safety Makari Paige, and linebacker Ty Summers recorded what would have been tackles for loss if full contact were allowed. The “thud” tempo required defenders to wrap up without taking players to the ground. Fox also registered a potential sack, while Holland, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Chatman generated pressures on the quarterback.
In passing drills off play action, Jaxson Dart completed a downfield throw to Zach Pascal before Cor’Dale Flott broke up the pass over the middle. Cornerback Art Green made a one-handed interception on an overthrown deep ball from Jameis Winston.
Practice concluded with situational drills where offenses started from their own one-yard line needing three plays for a first down. The starting unit converted on third down thanks to Tracy’s run through an opening created by the offensive line; he accelerated through for positive yardage. The second unit achieved a first down in two plays—Dart found Lil’Jordan Humphrey on a short slant before executing a bootleg run for another first down.
The Giants are scheduled to hold another padded practice tomorrow ahead of a day off on Wednesday.
