Game week has arrived for the New York Giants as they prepare for their preseason opener. The team held practices in shells on Monday and a walkthrough on Tuesday, with Coach Brian Daboll addressing the media before both sessions. Several players, including wide receivers Montrell Washington and Darius Slayton, linebacker Darius Muasau, safety Tyler Nubin, and offensive lineman Greg Van Roten also spoke to reporters.
Since joining the Giants, quarterback Russell Wilson has made an impression in the locker room and on the field. His influence is especially noticeable among younger players like wide receiver Malik Nabers. Coach Daboll highlighted how Wilson’s approach has benefited Nabers.
“He’s had a very positive impact on Malik,” Daboll said about the veteran quarterback. “They have a good relationship, they spend a lot of time in the meeting room and then they spend time outside just in terms of body maintenance, how Russ takes care of his body, the things he’s done to have a long career. He’s kind of grabbed hold of that, asks a lot of questions, he’s very involved. Talking about Malik in the meetings, communicative.
“I know you see a lot of the plays that he makes out on the field. But the thing I’m most proud of is the growth he’s made as an individual in the meeting rooms, outside the building. And I think Russ has had a big impact on that as well. He’s one of our best players, in terms of Malik. And I think he’s made strides from year one to year two in a lot of areas. And I’m very proud of how he’s approached really the whole offseason and then into training camp. But I do think that the relationship he has with Russ has been impactful.”
As attention turns to Saturday’s preseason game against Buffalo, Daboll discussed his general philosophy regarding playing starters during these games but did not reveal specific plans for this weekend.
“I think it’s different for every team,” Daboll said. “I’ve done a lot of research in terms of teams in the last few years, coaches, veteran coaches, what they’ve done. I worked for some people that have had pretty good success in how we did it. I don’t think there’s one right formula. Play them, not play them. I think you need to do what’s best for your football team. So, is it a series? Is it two series? Is it a half? You talk about that as a staff as we get going. Take a look at the practices that we’ve had… You’re always going to have injury risk… But we’ll sit down and do what we think is best for our football team…”
Wide receiver Darius Slayton added his perspective: “I think it’s valuable for anybody, no matter how long you’ve played,” Slayton said about playing preseason snaps.
The Giants released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Saturday’s game against Buffalo; however, this list remains subject to change throughout camp.
Montrell Washington is another player drawing notice during training camp due to his consistent performance making catches during practice sessions since signing with New York earlier this year after previous stints with Denver and other teams primarily on special teams roles.
“I’m just trying to make a play just to get on the team,” Washington told reporters Monday after practice.” That’s just really it… A play a day keeps coaches away…”
Coach Daboll noted Washington’s increased opportunities: “I think the guys that are doing good work and making plays—Montrell—I would include him in there—they’re going to get more opportunity…”
Slayton commented further: “It’s one thing where you have guys you expect to make plays making plays… but when everyone is making plays… it elevates everyone around.”
Linebacker Darius Muasau spoke about last year’s rookie class—which includes Nabers—as being key contributors moving forward:
“Last year we really set standard as far as what we can go out and contribute,” Muasau said.” We have bunch dawgs our draft class… camaraderie unmatched…” He described support from veterans like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns encouraging young players’ leadership within organization.
Coach Daboll recognized Muasau’s development heading into his second season: “I see improvement in communication,” he said.” …he’s earned playing time because performance… taken good step from year one year two…”
The contributions from both new additions like Wilson and recent draft classes are shaping expectations around this season’s Giants roster.
