Running backs coach Jerald Ingram said today he is addressing the issue with Bradshaw in training camp.
"Every player in the NFL has a goal that they have to work on, just like when Tiki (Barber) was here," Ingram said. "You try to become a playmaker and you start and forget about the ball sometimes. A lot of his fumbles were trying to make things out of the box and that is something he has to work on this year. Having closure on the ball and paying attention to taking care of the ball. His style of running is kind of similar to (Minnesota's) Adrian Peterson the year before. That became his goal and he was able to lessen that (Peterson lost only one fumble last season, five less than his 2009 total). We all have something that we have to work on and improve and that is something that he has to work on this year that he can take care of the team as well as the ball."
*Ingram delivered a favorable review of Da'Rel Scott, the Giants' seventh-round draft choice from Maryland.
"Da'Rel Scott is doing a good job showing his speed out there on the field," Ingram said. "I am happy about some of the things he is doing. I am looking forward to the first game to see how he is physically. That will be the question on him and how well he develops in our offense and learns the pass game, how he protects the quarterback. He catches the ball really well. He is a very fluid athlete. Based on what we have seen, we like him playing in space. Can he bring the physical game that we try to bring to people? We have a strong tradition about being tough in the backfield so I'm looking forward to seeing how he does starting Saturday."
*And the offensive star of the day was … Darius Reynaud.
The fourth-year pro, who did not have a single reception in the 2010 season, made several terrific catches in today's practice, continuing a pattern he established early in camp. Reynaud, who returned punts and kickoffs last season, was seldom mentioned in pre-camp previews, but has worked his way into the discussion at wide receiver.
*Aside from Reynaud's exploits, offensive highlights were scarce in today's practice, the first held in the afternoon in this training camp. Victor Crux did catch a long pass down the left sideline from Sage Rosenfels, but otherwise it was a day for the defensive backs. Terrell Thomas, Corey Webster, Aaron Ross and Brian Witherspoon all broke up passes. Fittingly, the practice ended with free agent safety Jerrard Tarrant intercepting a pass in the end zone in the two-minute drill.
*Lawrence Tynes made all five of his field goal attempts, from 20, 28, 31, 33 and 36 yards. Punter Matt Dodge handled the kickoff duties. Tynes had a sore quad earlier in the week.
*Wide receiver Devin Thomas practiced for the first time since dislocating his right pinky on Friday. Rookie defensive tackle Marvin Austin returned to the field after missing two practices with a hip flexor strain. James Brewer, the rookie tackle from Indiana who was carted off the field on Monday, worked today. Brewer has a bruised lower leg.
*The following players did not practice because of injuries: tight end Travis Beckum (hamstring), linebacker Clint Sintim (knee), center Jim Cordle (knee), wide receiver Sam Giguere (groin), cornerback Joe Burnett (hamstring), safety Brian Jackson (back) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee).
Umenyiora has not practiced since camp opened. Coughlin was asked, in light of Umenyiora's trip to Atlanta to see a doctor, if he "sees light at the end of the tunnel?"
"I hope so," Coughlin said. "I really do. I hope we get some closure on that chapter and start on the new one."
*Coughlin met with wide receiver Steve Smith yesterday. Smith had his surgically-repaired knee examined by the team's medical staff.
"He came in here really upbeat," Coughlin said. "The guys were excited to see him. We just have to see exactly…it's going to be a long haul for him. Hopefully, we can cut through some of that and see where it goes. That's all I can say. He looks good though."
Coughlin said Smith is "feeling good, feeling better, doing more, progressing, better."
- Today's attendance was a 1,705.
*The Giants today announced that DeAndre Phillips has joined their front office staff as Communications Manager. Phillips was the Business Communications Manager of the Miami Heat since 2008. He previously worked with the public relations staffs of the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. Phillips graduated with a BA in English from Old Dominion University and got his start in communications at ESPN.
Phillips assumes the position previously filled by Avis Roper, who has moved to the Indianapolis Colts as their Senior Director of Communications.
The Giants also announced that Peter John-Baptiste has been promoted to Vice President of Communications and Pat Hanlon to Senior Vice President of Communications.
*The Giants will practice tomorrow from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Timex Performance Center. Next week's practice schedule will be finalized after Saturday's preseason game.
*The Giants have instituted a phone hotline for fans seeking information about training camp practices. Fans may call 201-935-9385 to learn about practices times and other camp info.
*Timex, the official training partner of the Giants, is providing 20 lucky fans and their guests a VIP experience hosted by Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson at the Timex Performance Center on Friday, August 19. Fans can enter by visiting Giants.com/Timex through Friday, Aug. 12.
