The Giants will take on the Detroit Lions Thursday night in the preseason opener at MetLife Stadium.
The two teams met on the practice field Monday for the first of two joint sessions leading up to Thursday's game. Coaches Brian Daboll and Dan Campbell spoke to reporters before the spirited practice, while quarterback Daniel Jones and outside linebacker Brian Burns met with the media after.
Numerous Giants alumni were in attendance for the first joint practice, including Tom Coughlin, Michael Strahan, Victor Cruz, Phil Simms, Chris Canty, Kevin Boothe, Shaun O'Hara, Howard Cross, and Carl Banks.
Here is what we learned at the podium Monday.
1. Campbell: Daboll 'one of the smartest football minds'
The relationship between Brian Daboll and Dan Campbell has been well-documented. The two overlapped for one season with the Miami Dolphins back in 2011, when Daboll served as the offensive coordinator and Campbell as the tight ends coach. While they only shared the sideline for one season, it was more than enough time for Campbell to see just how high Daboll's football IQ is.
"I appreciate our time together," Campbell told the media. "He is one of the smartest football minds I've been around. Talk about thinking fast. He tested us as a staff. I learned a ton of football around him. Here's what I would say, is he's continued to grow like any great coach has. He evolved. What he was doing in Buffalo was not what we were doing. There were similar concepts, but he evolved with what the roster and that quarterback said he was going to evolve to, what was going to make them best. That's what he's done here, and what he will do here. He's a hell of a coach. He is. You don't do what you did a year ago without being able to coach. So, I've got a lot of respect for Dabs."
Upon hearing Daboll talk about Campbell, it is very obvious just how mutual the respect is between the two head coaches.
"I got a lot of respect for Dan," said Daboll. "Dan was the tight end coach for me when I was a coordinator. He's got great energy. He is who he is. He's smart. He does a good job of motivating the guys. I'm speaking back when I was a coordinator with him, not knowing him in his role. But he's got a lot of great intangibles. I got a lot of respect for him."
The New York Giants hosted the Detroit Lions for joint practices ahead of Thursday's preseason opener.
WR Malik Nabers (9)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Malik Nabers (9), QB Daniel Jones (8)
Dan Campbell and Brian Daboll during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
QB Daniel Jones (8)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (6)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
WR John Jiles (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
QB Daniel Jones (8)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin, Brian Daboll Head Coach
OLB Brian Burns (0) and Michael Strahan after Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Michael Strahan, WR Malik Nabers (9)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
T Yodny Cajuste (70)
RB Dante Miller (25)
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9)
WR Isaiah McKenzie (87)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
WR Allen Robinson II (15)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
QB Drew Lock (2)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
T Andrew Thomas (78), TE Theo Johnson (47)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
WR Isaiah McKenzie (87)
T Andrew Thomas (78), TE Theo Johnson (47)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell
DT Casey Rogers (91)
DB Tre Herndon (23)
LB Matthew Adams (49)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
ILB Darius Muasau (53)
DB Tre Herndon (23)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
S Dane Belton (24)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
OLB Brian Burns (0), DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
DT Casey Rogers (91)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
S Dane Belton (24)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19), WR Malik Nabers (9), CB Deonte Banks (3), WR Darius Slayton (86), CB Nick McCloud (44)
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, Board Director,Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, Board Director,Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19), WR Malik Nabers (9), CB Deonte Banks (3), WR Darius Slayton (86), CB Nick McCloud (44)
QB Drew Lock (2)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Dante Miller (25)
Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan, WR Malik Nabers (9)
Jonathan Casillas
ILB Darius Muasau (53)
CB Alex Johnson (25)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
DL D.J. Davidson (98)
DL D.J. Davidson (98)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
DL Ryder Anderson (90)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Allen Robinson II (5)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
WR Allen Robinson II (5)
RB Jacob Saylors (28)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
OLB Boogie Basham (55)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Benton Whitley (48)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Devin Singletary (26), WR Jameson Williams (9)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (6)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (17)
RB Devin Singletary (26), WR Jameson Williams (9)
Michael Strahan, WR Malik Nabers (9)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
Michael Strahan, jonathan casillas, Victor Cruz
Tom Coughlin, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Victor Cruz, Kevin Boothe
Victor Cruz, Kevin Boothe
Tom Coughlin, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Giants Alumni Ahmad Bradshaw, Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Kevin Boothe
Tom Coughlin, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Giants Alumni Ahmad Bradshaw, Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Kevin Boothe
OLB Brian Burns (0) and Michael Strahan after Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) and Michael Strahan after Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
ILB Bobby Okereke (58) and Amon-Ra St. Brown during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) and Michael Strahan after Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
G Jon Runyan Jr. (76) and Michael Strahan after Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
G Jon Runyan Jr. (76) and Michael Strahan after Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
S Tyler Nubin (31) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin and Victor Cruz during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28), CB Deonte Banks during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), DL Timmy Horne (96) and ILB Bobby Okereke (58)nduring Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin and Kevin Booth during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Dante Miller (25) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR John Jiles (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Dante Miller (25) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
QB Daniel Jones (8) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
S Jason Pinnock (27) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Devin Singletary (26) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Tyrone Tracy (29) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dan Campbell and Brian Daboll during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
A look down the line of scrimmage during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
DL Timmy Horne (96) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
ILB Bobby Okereke (58) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Tyrone Tracy (29) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
A look down the line of scrimmage during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (47) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
A look down the line of scrimmage during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (47) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Dennis Houston (88) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Tyrone Tracy (29) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
A look down the line of scrimmage during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (47) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Tyrone Tracy (29) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Jalin Hyatt (13) talks with Hendon Hooker during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll talks with Dan Campbell during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
ILB Bobby Okereke (58) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
QB Daniel Jones (8) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Darius Slayton (86) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (47) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Allen Robinson during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Jalin Hyatt (13) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR John Jiles (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Jalin Hyatt (13) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Jalin Hyatt (13) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
DT Elijah Chatman (94) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Jalin Hyatt (13) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Eric Gray (20) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin and Brian Daboll during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Daniel Jones (8), WR Malik Nabers (9), TE Theo Johnson (47)
QB Jared Goff (16), QB Drew Lock (2), QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Drew Lock (2)
QB Daniel Jones (8), WR Malik Nabers (9)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
G Aaron Stinnie (64)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
ILB Darius Muasau (53)
WR Darius Slayton (86), WR Malik Nabers (9), G Austin Schlottmann (65)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
DB Kaleb Hayes (38)
DB Kaleb Hayes (38)
LB Matthew Adams (49)
ILB Darius Muasau (53)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
CB Alex Johnson (25)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
DL Timmy Horne (96)
S Dane Belton (24)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
CB Dru Phillips (22), WR Ayir Asante (19) S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19), S Jason Pinnock (27)
S Dane Belton (24)
QB Jared Goff (16)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
QB Daniel Jones (8), QB Jared Goff (16)
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19)
QB Daniel Jones (8), QB Jared Goff (16)
DB Kaleb Hayes (38)
TE Tyree Jackson (84)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), S Dane Belton (24), ILB Micah McFadden (41)
WR Allen Robinson II (5)
TE Theo Johnson (47)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), QB Jared Goff (16)
S Dane Belton (24), S Jason Pinnock (27)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
CB Darnay Holmes (30), S Gervarrius Owens (39)
George Martin
CB Alex Johnson (25)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Darnay Holmes (30) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
George Martin, Gary Reasons
Gary Reasons
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), WR Darius Slayton (86)
QB Daniel Jones (8), QB Jared Goff (16)
George Martin
Gary Reasons
Rodney Hampton
CB Deonte Banks (3), CB Dru Phillips (22), S Dane Belton (24), CB Cor'Dale Flott (28) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Darius Slayton (86) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
CB Nick McCloud (44), S Gervarrius Owens (39) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
OLB Brian Burns (0) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Allen Robinson (5) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Jared Goff, QB Drew Lock (2) and QB Daniel Jones (8) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Jacob Saylors (28) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Gunner Olszewski (80) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Gunner Olszewski (80) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
ILB Micah McFadden (41), ILB Bobby Okereke (58) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Gunner Olszewski (80) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Devin Singletary (26) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
RB Tyrone Tracy (29) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Gunner Olszewski (80) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
QB Tommy DeVito (15) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Isaiah McKenzie (87) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (47) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin and Mark Brunell during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll talk to ILB Bobby Okereke (58), DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
QB Drew Lock (2) and Jared Goff during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dan Campbell and Brian Daboll during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Tom Coughlin and Brian Daboll during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Shane Bowen during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Allen Robinson and WR Isaiah Hodgins (18) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
WR Malik Nabers (9) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
ILB Micah McFadden (41) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Allen Robinson and WR Isaiah Hodgins (18) during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll during Training Camp practice with the Detroit Lions at the Quest Diagnostics training center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
2. Giants welcome Lions to East Rutherford
After nine training camp practices spanning nearly two weeks, the Giants took on a different opponent for the first time on Monday. While this led to a physical and feisty practice between the two teams, it also allowed for some great competition during both individual and team periods, something coach Brian Daboll touched on before the session.
"I think it's great for everybody," Daboll said about facing off against a new opponent in practice. "It's really good for the players. It's good for the coaches. It's good for the scouting departments. That's why I like to compete and practice against other teams. You get different looks, scouted looks. You have to fall back on rules. There's no game planning. They might do something completely different than our guys do on defense or offense or in the kicking game, and that's how you learn. And then you get good evaluation of players going against different players than they've been going against for the past ten practices."
Monday's practice saw some competitive reps on both sides of the ball, especially up front. Tackles Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor got to go up against Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson throughout the day, while outside linebackers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux matched up against Lions tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Overall there were great battles in the trenches from all parties involved.
3. Jones, Nabers continue to build chemistry
The connection between quarterback Daniel Jones and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been on full display over the first two weeks of training camp. The No. 6 overall pick has been one of Jones' most targeted receivers, as the 21-year-old has continued to make big play after big play on a near daily basis. The two will continue to work on improving their chemistry as we get closer to the start of the regular season.
"I think it's growing every day," Daboll said on the connection between the two players. "Again, Malik's a rookie. Daniel's coming back from his surgery. Those guys work hard in individual routes. Obviously, in team periods, I think each day it's gotten better and better. There's a lot of nuances to the passing game. We ask him to do a lot. Maybe it's a couple of different routes each day to make sure that we're getting the timing and the rhythm down, and if we need to get it again, we go back to another practice or the practice after that to make sure we're continuing to build that chemistry."
Nabers caught every pass thrown in his direction during team drills on Monday, including an impressive reception deep down the field. Jones has been targeting the rookie all over the field during camp, from short slant routes to downfield shots. While we have yet to hit the two-week mark of training camp, it's clear that Nabers has already made a very strong impression on his quarterback.
"I think he can do everything," the quarterback said about Nabers. "His competitive spirit, his drive. I think when the ball's up in the air, he expects it to be his, and he's going to go get it. He's got all the physical ability in the world, and size, strength, speed, quickness, great hands, and he's got the attitude that he's going to go get the ball, and it's going to be his. We've got to keep working and keep building our chemistry, but I thought he's had a good camp."
4. Success against Lions O-line 'a good confidence builder'
The Lions had one of the league's top offensive lines last season. The unit surrendered just 31 sacks, which tied the Miami Dolphins for the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Detroit is expected to once again sport one of the league's best O-lines this year, which adds value to the practice reps the Giants' pass rush is getting against them during these joint practices. Brian Burns was able to get into the backfield for pressures several times Monday, as did some of his fellow defensive linemen. Burns talked about the unit's success in practice and how it should serve as a confidence boost for the pass rush moving forward.
"They're one of the better offensive lines in the league," Burns said. "With (Lions tackle Penei) Sewell, (Lions tackle Taylor) Decker, and (Lions center) Frank (Ragnow). So, they've got some guys. And it's a group that worked together for a while now. So, to have success against them in this practice means a lot. It's a good confidence builder for us."
Detroit's talent upfront is impressive. Sewell was named first-team All-Pro last year while Ragnow made the second-team. Decker has also been one of the league's most consistent tackles since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 draft. If the Giants were able to consistently get pressure on the Lions' talented line, it bodes well for their chances to be able to repeat that success against other opponents once the season kicks off.
5. Wan'Dale 'extremely dynamic and explosive'
Towards the end of the 2023 campaign, we began to see wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson return to form following his 2022 ACL surgery. Robinson had five or more receptions in three of the final five games, as well as 75+ scrimmage yards in the same three games. His burst and explosiveness were on full display in the primetime win over the Packers, in which he finished with 115 total yards from scrimmage (six receptions for 79 yards and two rush attempts for an additional 36 yards).
Robinson earned a lot of praise from members of the media leading up to training camp. In the first 10 practices this summer, it's easy to see why many in the media have been high on the 23-year-old.
"He's an extremely dynamic and explosive guy, super twitchy, hard to guard, just how quickly he can start and stop in and out of cuts," Jones said about the third-year receiver. "I think he's getting the ball in his hands. He's a separator in his routes, and then when he gets the ball in his hands, he's a tough guy to tackle."
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