Nabers Needs More Time
Malik Nabers practiced for a second straight day, but he is not ready to play. He wore a red jersey and shells while teammates practiced in full pads. During a 7-on-7 drill, Jaxson Dart threw a long pass that the Giants star wide receiver caught. Defensive backs Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland knew they could not hit him during that session. Before the team plays him, Head coach John Harbaugh states Nabers must get bumped around, hit, and fronted up in practice. The Giants are not ready for that to happen yet. This is the right call. You cannot rush a torn ACL recovery. If you hit a player too soon, you risk a second injury that ends the season. The team knows this. They will wait until he takes real hits in practice before putting him on the field.
Reese Hits Like a Veteran
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese made back-to-back big plays during 11-on-11 red zone work. He used his size to swat away a pass from Dart to tight end Isaiah Likely. On the next play, he and Chauncey Golston stopped Cam Skattebo for a loss. Former NFL fullback Max Bredeson and tight end T.J. Hockenson found out Reese does not hit like a rookie. Brian Baldinger noted that Reese blew up a run by diagnosing the play and shedding blocks. He knocked Bredeson down to his knees with a crushing collision. The excitement is real. You can see the potential. This is a player who reads the game fast and hits hard. The team needs this kind of energy. It changes the tone of the defense.
Thomas Gets Revenge on Carter
Andrew Thomas got a measure of revenge against Abdul Carter during 1-on-1 drills. In West Virginia, Carter got the better of Thomas on a couple of days. On Tuesday, Thomas used his left arm to force the speed-rushing Carter around the pocket. On the next rep, Carter tried a bull rush and went nowhere. This shows Thomas is ready. He can handle the speed and power. Other players had mixed results. Rookie Anquin Barnes smoked Evan Neal. Daniel Faalele pushed Kayvon Thibodeaux past the pocket on a second rep. Jake Kubas stoned Thibodeaux on a power rush. These drills matter. They show who is ready to start. They show who needs more work. The Giants need their starters to win these battles.
QB Acclimation to New Offense
Jaxson Dart is adjusting to a new offense after playing in a different scheme last year. He sees the new voices as a positive thing. He takes in lessons from coaches possessing extensive tenure in the field. Dart says you get to hear their perspectives and their coaching each and every day. This alone provides our team with a really good edge for this staff. He mentions that as players, we possess all the confidence in the world in their ability to position us for success. This confidence is key. A quarterback needs to trust his coaches. The team is building that trust every day. The joint practice with the Miami Dolphins will test this growth. The fans will see if the offense clicks.
Other Practice Notes
Several players did not practice. Cornerback Colton Hood, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, and defensive tackle Josh Tupou and Bobby Jamison were all out. Hyatt is dealing with an ankle or leg issue. The others have unknown injuries. Dru Phillips batted away a short out intended for Darnell Mooney. Ryan Miller beat Paulson Adebo on an out-and-up. Malachi Fields also beat Adebo on a deep ball. Adebo was in position but did not locate the ball in the air. These moments show the depth of the team. Young players are getting chances to shine. The competition is high. Everyone wants to make the roster. The practice reports show a team that is working hard. They are not taking days off. They are preparing for the real season.
