The good news about the first day of New York Giants training camp practices is that quarterback Daniel Jones took every first-team snap and moved with no limitations.
The bad news is that was about the only good news. Jones, who last played on November 5 when he tore his ACL, looked a bit rusty in his first workout since the injury in 11-on-11’s.
Jones got his first taste of playing with the team’s top draft pick — wide receiver Malik Nabers — and didn’t quite connect with him on a deep corner fade as Nabers uncharacteristically dropped the ball.
Jones, who admitted his work with Nabers up until now has basically been “good” and didn’t seem worried.
“We spent some good time this summer together,” Jones said. “It’s the first day, and he made some plays, you haven’t seen that (drops) much, but he’ll be a big time for us. He’s played well, played well in the spring, and it has been good to be with him this summer. I’m sure he’ll have a good camp. So, we’ll continue to grow and build chemistry, and the more time out there together, the better.”
It was a whirlwind day of constant substitutions and an increased use of pre-snap motion. All of this with a slew of new faces along the offensive line and at the skill positions.
“I think that’s always a big part of camp,” Jones said of the newness. “What do we do well, or what do we do not as well? How can we emphasize our strengths and play to that? You’re always working to figure that out, which will be a process throughout camp. But, as I said, I’m excited about where we’re going. I’m excited about who we have, and we’ll grow, build chemistry, and continue to develop.”
The offensive line has new guards and a new unit coach in Carmen Bricillo, who Jones has thus far been impressed with.
“He’s done a good job. It’s been fun working with him,” Jones said of Bricillo, “He obviously has deep roots in (Brian) Daboll’s system and where he comes from, so that’s been good. Starting at square one and building it back up through the spring. But he’s a good communicator and a good teacher, and I’ve enjoyed working with him.”
The Giants won’t succeed unless the offensive line comes together as a unit. Right now, they’re already experiencing some issues.
Starting right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) is on PUP and working on the side for the time being. Free agent guard Jermaine Eluemunor then left practice with a rib injury on Wednesday.
“I think that’s important,” Jones said. “The chemistry of those guys together, playing together, getting on the same page, communicating, me communicating with them, and them communicating with me is important. Injuries are part of the game, and I understand that, but obviously, you want to stay as healthy as possible, and the health of that group can help everybody. So that’s important, but I know those guys are working hard to get back.”
Most of Jones’ passes on Wednesday were under 10 yards. Meanwhile, Drew Lock tossed an interception after the ball was tipped and his only long pass downfield, which went to tight end Lawrence Cager, was out of bounds.
