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Observations from Practice

mittenedman : 8/25/2021 1:33 pm
Drove up from Providence, RI. Beautiful drive. Compared to Giants Stadium, pulling up to Gillette Stadium is Easy Street. What an exceptional fan experience. Entrance to the parking lot is quick and painless. Pubs and restaurants line the outskirts of the parking lot. The pathways leading to the practice fields were spacious and accommodating. The venue had a great overall flow with easy to get to vendors and tons of free activities for kids. Finally, the view of practice: I sat on a hill with exactly the same view as Albany camp. (Right behind the end zone, on top of the action.) I may as well have been standing in the huddle. I realize it's Foxborough, MA vs. Bergen County NJ but it was frustrating how much better the fan access was.

I'm sure all of the specifics will be covered in the tweets, so I'll keep this general and random:

*We're having a heat wave in NE and it was unbearably hot. I was drenched down to my core just sitting there watching and got a sunburn - I can't imagine how the players felt. People around me were crying how hot it was and several bailed. Yet the Giants never stopped moving. They look EXTREMELY well-conditioned.

*Judge really does run an impressive outfit. I feel like I’m watching Alabama practice. The team works hard, and efficiently. Every position group is always working, there is no wasted time or guys standing around. In stark contrast to New England, obviously the gold standard, who moved around much more like usual pro teams I’ve seen practice. You couldn’t help but be impressed with the Giants energy and team discipline – I saw several Pats players peeking over. Whether it amounts to wins remains to be seen, but Judge looks like he’s running a football machine.

*Daniel Jones looked solid. I was in the end zone with a great view of the red zone drill, Pats vs. Giants. The first 2 plays were TDs to Engram and perfect strikes from Jones in traffic. Early in the practice, the Giants were practicing a ball placement drill, with the WR bubble screen and slant. Jones showed excellent accuracy. Overall, he didn’t do anything to wow, he just looked, moved and threw like a franchise QB. The Pats D forced him to check down a lot, which he did in excellent rhythm. (Part of his struggles have been not taking the checkdown on time, IMO.) Just like with Judge, we’ll see if the wins come, but Jones looks the part. I heard lots of “good throws” from the Pats fans sitting around me as Jones worked.

*I got a good look at the DBs and Jabrill Peppers is a different breed. He’s smooth and fluid, but much bigger than the other DBs. He put a big hit on a Pats WR crossing the middle. He looks calmer and more collected than he has in the past. He was surprisingly solid in coverage last year: if he’s getting comfortable in Graham’s D I think he’s got All Pro potential. Conversely, in DB drills, it was backpedaling and breaking on the ball for an INT. Tandems of 2. The last grouping was Beal and Madre Harper. You could hear the DB Coach yell “you gotta RUN!” after every rep they took. Never heard it with any other grouping. Really it looked like they were going 3/4 speed while everyone else was at game speed.

*Lots of guys moving in and out of the lineup. I saw C.J. Board and Dante Pettis getting reps with the 1’s. Also spotted Nate Solder at starting LT for the first 11 on 11’s.

*Lots of special teams work - the Pats spray paint vertical red lines on their practice fields about 10 yards in from each sideline to mark the alleys where the directional punts should land. Their P was consistently putting the ball inside the 5.

*For the Pats – Mac Jones looked like a veteran. He did a nice job moving their offense against the Giants 1st team D in the 2 minute drill. You can definitely see why they think he can do some of the same things Brady did. I was hoping the Giants D was going to stop him cold but they didn’t.
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Great  
AcidTest : 8/25/2021 2:02 pm : link
stuff. Thanks.
Good stuff. Thanks a bunch.  
Marty in Albany : 8/25/2021 2:08 pm : link
.
Nice job!  
JonC : 8/25/2021 2:11 pm : link
The void left by leaving Albany persists after, what, nine years, so thank you.
Thanks for posting.  
Dave in Hoboken : 8/25/2021 2:15 pm : link
.
Thanks mittendman  
BillT : 8/25/2021 2:17 pm : link
Sorry. Didn’t mean to come across so negative on the Jackson thread. This was great.
RE: Thanks for the report - Pats beat writers  
GIANTS128 : 8/25/2021 2:20 pm : link
In comment 15341035 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
were raving about Mac Jones vs the Giants #1 D and FWIW in case you are not aware on game day getting into and out of Gillette is every bit as bad or worse than Giants/MetLife stadium taking 2 - 2.5 hours sometimes just to get out of the parking lots on to rte 1 to get to the highway.


was going to say the same thing...not a pleasant place to get out of on gameday or concerts
Thanks  
JCin332 : 8/25/2021 2:32 pm : link
great report!
Are we to now assume...  
Brown_Hornet : 8/25/2021 2:36 pm : link
...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman
RE: Are we to now assume...  
giants#1 : 8/25/2021 2:41 pm : link
In comment 15341090 Brown_Hornet said:
Quote:
...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman


Didn't see anything about Thomas being injured and the reports seemed to indicate he was winning his battles. Likely just getting Solder some reps in case something happens with Thomas.
RE: Are we to now assume...  
Everyone Relax : 8/25/2021 2:43 pm : link
In comment 15341090 Brown_Hornet said:
Quote:
...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman


This is sarcasm I assume. Thomas has been one of the bright spots of camp so far and there havent been any injury news associated with him
thanks for  
RIZZBIZZ : 8/25/2021 2:44 pm : link
the report from us news starved folks in florida.
RE: Are we to now assume...  
Reale01 : 8/25/2021 2:45 pm : link
In comment 15341090 Brown_Hornet said:
Quote:
...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman


Damn you are negative!!!! Let's fight and miller the thread with our personal pettiness.
Thanks!  
TC : 8/25/2021 2:53 pm : link
Great report, really appreciate it!

Particularly heartening to hear about Jones. IMO, his biggest problem last year was not getting through his reads fast enough and holding the ball too long. If he's fixed that, he could be night and day.
Probably one of the best if not the best report/story  
Dinger : 8/25/2021 2:57 pm : link
I've seen this camp. The Post or News need to hire you. Informative without being opinionated and not agenda driven. Thanks mittenedman!

Also to Brown Hornet, it could be reps for him as he is supposed to be our 'swing tackle', right? He's filling in for whomever can't go, or am i misunderstanding the term swing tackle?
RE: Thanks!  
NYG22 : 8/25/2021 3:04 pm : link
In comment 15341103 TC said:
Quote:
Great report, really appreciate it!

Particularly heartening to hear about Jones. IMO, his biggest problem last year was not getting through his reads fast enough and holding the ball too long. If he's fixed that, he could be night and day.


That is no doubt valid but also the case that our weapons were as bad as it gets in creating space. So many of the throws were tight window throws. Meanwhile, we all watched other teams with envy as their QBs often threw at open receivers.
Thanks  
section125 : 8/25/2021 3:08 pm : link
mittenedman..great reporting
RE: Are we to now assume...  
Jimmy Googs : 8/25/2021 3:21 pm : link
In comment 15341090 Brown_Hornet said:
Quote:
...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman


Blame Gettleman? You should be praising him for seeing how valuable Solder would be as reserve swing tackle 4 years later. That 2018 contract is now paying off nicely...
RE: RE: Thanks!  
TC : 8/25/2021 3:24 pm : link
In comment 15341108 NYG22 said:
Quote:
In comment 15341103 TC said:


Quote:


Great report, really appreciate it!

Particularly heartening to hear about Jones. IMO, his biggest problem last year was not getting through his reads fast enough and holding the ball too long. If he's fixed that, he could be night and day.



That is no doubt valid but also the case that our weapons were as bad as it gets in creating space. So many of the throws were tight window throws. Meanwhile, we all watched other teams with envy as their QBs often threw at open receivers.


I really don't want to get into the endless "Jones sucks!" "No he doesn't debate." It's boring and worn out.

I don't think he does, and yes it would be nice if he had receivers get more separation. But given the options, his skill set, and where the team as a whole was last year, I'd think you'd want to get through your reads quickly, and make an instant decision to either take off, or toss it out of bounds. More to be lost by taking too long, and indecision than reloading on another down. Plus, he's got wheels, and if he takes off sooner, even if it's only to run out bounds a few yards beyond the L.O.S., he's in better shape than waiting for the rush to get to him.
Thanks  
Giants86 : 8/25/2021 3:27 pm : link
mittenedman

Gillette, ehh. getting out after a game is a nightmare.
1.5-2 hours sometimes. Parking is expensive as well.
Have gone to many games there.
Very well written summary ... my compliments and thanks.  
Spider56 : 8/25/2021 3:41 pm : link
If I was a betting man, I’d wager you were taught grammar by someone who’s name started with Sister Mary ... 🤗
Great Post!!!  
bluewave : 8/25/2021 3:57 pm : link
Thank you very much!
RE: RE: RE: Thanks!  
jvm52106 : 8/25/2021 4:01 pm : link
In comment 15341123 TC said:
Quote:
In comment 15341108 NYG22 said:


Quote:


In comment 15341103 TC said:


Quote:


Great report, really appreciate it!

Particularly heartening to hear about Jones. IMO, his biggest problem last year was not getting through his reads fast enough and holding the ball too long. If he's fixed that, he could be night and day.



That is no doubt valid but also the case that our weapons were as bad as it gets in creating space. So many of the throws were tight window throws. Meanwhile, we all watched other teams with envy as their QBs often threw at open receivers.



I really don't want to get into the endless "Jones sucks!" "No he doesn't debate." It's boring and worn out.

I don't think he does, and yes it would be nice if he had receivers get more separation. But given the options, his skill set, and where the team as a whole was last year, I'd think you'd want to get through your reads quickly, and make an instant decision to either take off, or toss it out of bounds. More to be lost by taking too long, and indecision than reloading on another down. Plus, he's got wheels, and if he takes off sooner, even if it's only to run out bounds a few yards beyond the L.O.S., he's in better shape than waiting for the rush to get to him.


A lot of people say things like progressions and reads like you know exactly what his reads were and what his progression was suppsoed to be. Overall it is hard to evaluate a guy who put up good numbers in 2019 (except turnovers) and then had to learn a new system (his 3rd system in 3 years if you count last year of college), with no real offseason or training camp and the WORST play makers in the league- Tate was done, Mack isn't even going to make the team, Slayton regressed, No BARKLEY, SS was injured again and the best weapon we had gave the ball away at crucial and back breaking times (EE).. This year will be far more telling.
RE: Are we to now assume...  
Bob from Massachusetts : 8/25/2021 4:08 pm : link
In comment 15341090 Brown_Hornet said:
Quote:
...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman


Well, even if no one else does, I appreciate your humor...
great update mittenedman  
Victor in CT : 8/25/2021 4:15 pm : link
thanks for doing it.
Thank you for your report.  
George from PA : 8/25/2021 4:21 pm : link
.
Thanks Mitt  
Chris in San Diego : 8/25/2021 4:42 pm : link
Great report!
Yes, really appreciated!  
VanPelt/Manning#10 : 8/25/2021 4:58 pm : link
Just one more expression of thanks for this great report.
Excellent Report Mitt  
montanagiant : 8/25/2021 5:45 pm : link
Thank you for taking the time to post this!
RE: Probably one of the best if not the best report/story  
mfsd : 8/25/2021 5:46 pm : link
In comment 15341105 Dinger said:
Quote:
I've seen this camp. The Post or News need to hire you. Informative without being opinionated and not agenda driven. Thanks mittenedman!



+1

Amazing the difference here, a guy providing a little first hand account just for fellow fans, vs writers seeking clicks.

Really good read, thanks!
Mitt  
joeinpa : 8/25/2021 6:02 pm : link
👍 This type of post is why BBI is still great
mittenedman,  
ColHowPepper : 8/25/2021 6:03 pm : link
adding my voice to the informative and well written report. Sounds like you had fun, and that came through.

I think Cole #83 was the WR taking snaps at CB vs Browns, yes (at that position he looked...like he hadn't played the position much, doh).

But isn't Cole also a gunner on ST? He's making a case for his versatility.
RE: Better wordsmithing than the pros  
Alan W : 8/25/2021 6:09 pm : link
In comment 15341043 Grizz99 said:
Quote:
Thank you


+1
That was actually a good, informative read...  
bw in dc : 8/25/2021 6:10 pm : link
Well done, mittenedman. Interesting point about the team's conditioning on a brutally hot day. Stuff like that does add up.

I was at a Pats game a few years ago and you are spot on - the experience there is 100% different than going to MetDead. Kraft really got that right.

Woweee that was a fantastic write up!  
D HOS : 8/25/2021 6:12 pm : link
For a "fan's perspective" piece, that was superb!
...  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 8/25/2021 6:44 pm : link
This was excellent. Thanks.
Great write up  
Mike in Boston : 8/25/2021 6:53 pm : link
But last time I went to Gillette for a game (the 2011 regular season game--can't believe it has been 10 years) it was after 10PM before I could get out of the parking lot. I remember it well because my Patriots fan daughter was both heavily medicated and still in pain from an ovarian cyst the size of a softball (plus the emotional pain of losing to the Giants on a last minute TD)
RE: RE: Are we to now assume...  
Brown_Hornet : 8/25/2021 6:55 pm : link
In comment 15341163 Bob from Massachusetts said:
Quote:
In comment 15341090 Brown_Hornet said:


Quote:


...that with Solder taking the 1st team reps at LT that:
- Thomas is injured
- Thomas has regressed and is officially a bust
- Thomas ran his last lap and has retired

Most importantly:
- Can I blame Gettleman



Well, even if no one else does, I appreciate your humor...
Thanks Bob.
Tryina keep it light.
thanks for posting  
Osi Osi Osi OyOyOy : 8/25/2021 7:08 pm : link
as one of those who is still very up in the air about what to expect out of Jones, your report does make me feel a tiny bit better atleast.

I think Peppers has atleast one amazing/All-Pro type of year with the Giants, surrounded by a lot of "ok" type years. Kind of like Collins. Based on his experience and the talent he has around him on D, I wouldn't be surprised at all if this is that "All-Pro caliber" type of year.
Great post!  
trueblueinpw : 8/25/2021 7:31 pm : link
Thanks for posting. I’ve been to Gillette and agree - it’s a wicked pisah place watch the Pats and whoever else is losing there.
good stuff...  
BCD : 8/25/2021 8:00 pm : link
thanks!!!
This is awesome  
Breeze_94 : 8/25/2021 10:30 pm : link
thank you
Thank you!  
smshmth8690 : 8/25/2021 11:19 pm : link
Can't wait to see the starters on Sunday.
Mike Giardi (NFL.com) reported that Mac Jones  
GeofromNJ : 8/26/2021 7:52 am : link
completed 18 consecutive passes against the Giants in practice. Is this true? If so, either Mac is the goods or the Giants secondary is not as good as we think.
RE: Mike Giardi (NFL.com) reported that Mac Jones  
GNewGiants : 8/26/2021 8:22 am : link
In comment 15341418 GeofromNJ said:
Quote:
completed 18 consecutive passes against the Giants in practice. Is this true? If so, either Mac is the goods or the Giants secondary is not as good as we think.


Or it’s practice and there’s no game plan and a few of those completions would have ended with sacks. Knowing your not getting hit is also a plus for a QB.
Thanks for your efforts Mitt  
Lines of Scrimmage : 8/26/2021 8:38 am : link
Well done!

So I guess M Jones and Fields have already demonstrated they are franchise QB's..........

It’s early but I’ve been worrying that the trade with Bears  
cosmicj : 8/26/2021 8:42 am : link
Will be another black mark for our franchise if Fields becomes a very good NFL QB. That will make for some great discussions here on BBI.
RE: It’s early but I’ve been worrying that the trade with Bears  
Dr. D : 8/26/2021 8:45 am : link
In comment 15341445 cosmicj said:
Quote:
Will be another black mark for our franchise if Fields becomes a very good NFL QB. That will make for some great discussions here on BBI.

You worry too much
RE: It’s early but I’ve been worrying that the trade with Bears  
BigBlueShock : 8/26/2021 8:50 am : link
In comment 15341445 cosmicj said:
Quote:
Will be another black mark for our franchise if Fields becomes a very good NFL QB. That will make for some great discussions here on BBI.

I’m not sure “great discussions” means what you think it does
I was being sarcastic.  
cosmicj : 8/26/2021 8:55 am : link
Very sarcastic.
Thank you mittenedman  
Bill2 : 8/26/2021 9:09 am : link
Terrific contribution
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