With the preseason opener approaching, the New York Giants coaching staff has yet to decide how much playing time starters will see against Buffalo on Saturday. Head coach Brian Daboll said the staff will meet to determine what is best for the team.
This week, the Giants have focused on internal development during practices at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Wednesday’s session marked their 11th practice of training camp.
In early drills, quarterback Jameis Winston connected with undrafted rookie wide receiver Juice Wells Jr. for a 40-yard touchdown. Winston also threw two more touchdowns in 11-on-11 drills to Gunner Olszewski, who recently rejoined the team and is primarily known for his special teams contributions.
On defense, coordinator Shane Bowen has emphasized creating turnovers throughout the offseason and into training camp. Before Wednesday’s practice, Bowen commented that he always wants more from his unit in this area. The defense responded with multiple takeaways during practice.
Cornerback Deonte Banks intercepted a pass from Russell Wilson intended for Wan’Dale Robinson. Banks is competing with Cor’Dale Flott for a starting cornerback position opposite Paulson Adebo; both were listed as co-starters on the first unofficial depth chart ahead of preseason play. Daboll spoke briefly with Banks after his interception.
Bowen said about Banks and Flott: “I think they’re both doing a really good job,” 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 [Nabers] 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 10 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.”
Another interception came from cornerback Nic Jones off rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Additional notable plays included pass breakups by cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Tre Hawkins III during one-on-one drills.
Russell Wilson began team drills with an anticipation throw to tight end Theo Johnson that resulted in a long gain after the catch.
Wilson said about Johnson: “I think Theo has been really showing up the past several days in particular,” Wilson said. “I think he’s done a tremendous job of his ability to get down the field vertically has been really good. I think he’s done that a few times. Obviously, you saw the big touchdown across where he ran today, just his speed down the field. He’s made some really big plays over the past four or five practices and being really intentional with him in particular has been cool to see over the past several days.”
Winston also found rookie wide receiver Da’Quan Felton multiple times during practice, including one 50-yard completion that ended just short of a touchdown.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke forced an incompletion while Darius Muasau made an athletic play for another pass breakup later in practice.
Jaxson Dart completed consecutive passes along the sideline to Zach Pascal—one coming off a roll-out—and quarterback Tommy DeVito broke free for a long run when no defenders were near him.
