Observations from Giants Mini Camp at the New Giants Stadium

Favorite plays of the day at Giants Mini Camp at the new Giants Stadium:

1. My favorite play by far was not even a play, it was the Rich Seubert & Jason Pierre-Paul scuffle. I LOVED the intensity that JPP showed. He didn't back down for one second and went right after him. We are fortunate that neither got hurt in the pile up. 

2. This is actually more of a random play of the day but this one really made me smile. During the punting drill, there were a few solid punts but the last punt of the day, Rookie Matt Dodge kicked a 55 plus yard bomb. It made me miss Feagles a little bit less for that moment. I just hope he can put up those types of punts on a consistent basis.

3.  For 2 plays today that I saw, the Giants 1st team defensive line consisted of Osi and Pierre-Paul on the ends and Tuck and Kiwi at DT.  If that could work out, that could turn into an unbelievable 3rd and long defensive scheme.  

Least favorite plays of the day at Giants Mini Camp at the new Giants Stadium: 

1. No question it was Domenik Hixon going down on the punt return. It sounds like the turf might be a bit of an issue at the beginning of the year. A lot of players lost their footing today.

2. During the middle of practice for 11 on 11's. Ramses Barden beat his man down field for a perfect pass by Eli Manning that was a legit 50 yards in the air and it went right in and out of his hands. That is the type of play that he MUST make. I am sure he got an earful after that drop.

A few player observations from the day:

Jason Pierre-Paul:  Showed flashes today of his potential.  He blew by McKenzie on a play where 4 DE's lined up with him on the end and he batted down an Eli Manning pass to the cheer of the crowd.  Starting a scuffle with Rich Seubert as mentioned about was great.  Loved that intensity!  However, he sometimes was a little late off the snap of the ball.  I am not too worried about that.  Once he gets settled in, I believe he will be one of the first off the line of scrimmage and get to the QB. 

Jonathan Goff:  He disappointed me today.  He showed nothing spectacular in the running or passing game.  He reminded me of Chase Blackburn where he can come in be a "solid" player but didn't look like a difference maker.  

Philip Dillard:  He was great today in my opinion.  He was in on every running play up the middle and even stayed with Travis Beckum on a few passing plays in which he went back in coverage.  I was impressed by him.  

Ahmad Bradshaw:  He went under the radar today but he showed that burst of speed that we saw in his rookie season.  

Aaron Ross:  He looked like the Aaron Ross that we drafted a few years back.  I was very impressed by him today.  He had two fantastic pass deflections and looked like he is finally back to his old self.  Hopefully he will stay that way.

Derek Hagan:  I don't know how he does it, but this guy finds a way to stay around and I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the active roster for the entire season next year.  He had probably 3 of the top 5 catches of the day and showed great footwork and agility.  I was not expecting to see that.

Steve Smith:  Not only did he do the classic catch and stay in bounds play ala Amani Toomer but he was as consistent as ever.  Don't be surprised if he breaks his own Giants record this season.  The Giants need to sign him to an extension now before he demands top 5 WR money.  

Kenny Phillips:  I mention his name even though he didn't participate this afternoon.  If you were watching, he was next to Perry Fewell for almost the ENTIRE practice today.  Why is that?  I think without an Antonio Pierce type personality in the huddle on defense this year, Kenny Phillips might get the reigns of the defense.  I think Kenny might be the pick to be a defensive captain this season as long as he can stay healthy.