After the third day of practice at Giants training camp, Tom Coughlin said, “Defense was pretty good today.’’ This from a coach who detests turnovers more than anything.
The football was flying through the bright blue skies, and five times it came down in the hands of the wrong player. Or the right player, depending on your perspective.
“[Defensive players] were in the right spot, and they made a nice play and hopefully we can grow with that, we can get better because of that,” Coughlin said after yesterday’s practice. “It’s a good thing to see the people make plays.’’
Indeed, there were plenty of Giants who got into the act, as Jayron Hosley, Tyler Sash, Aaron Ross, Junior Mertile and Laron Scott all came away with interceptions. Rookie Ryan Nassib threw two of them, Curtis Painter threw two of them and David Carr threw one. Oh, a guy named Eli Manning didn’t throw any picks.
One of the best defensive plays of the day wasn’t a turnover, but it was effective, as CB Prince Amukamara leapt and was just able to get a hand on a pass that nearly fell into Rueben Randle’s hands in the end zone.
“Prince competed like heck,’’ Coughlin said. “He really did and that’s what we’re trying to get there, and he’s rising to the occasion. He’s being more and more competitive.’’
It was one of the rare times when Randle was contained. The second-year receiver had a sensational practice, looking like the most dynamic player on the field. He jumped to catch a pass against Amukamara on the left sideline, hauled in a 60-yarder from Manning after just beating CB Corey Webster and in a red zone drill beat Aaron Ross for a touchdown.
* WR Hakeem Nicks practiced on a limited basis after tweaking his groin on Sunday. Coughlin said he doesn’t think Nicks is being too cautious as he returns following offseason knee surgery, but he is eager to get him on the field for full workouts on consecutive days.
“We just want him out there competing and practicing,’’ Coughlin said. “The guy has not practiced and he really needs to get out there. We’ll have to see the extent of which we have an issue here.”
* DL coach Robert Nunn is quite impressed with rookie DE Damontre Moore, saying: “I really see him contributing as a rookie. … The guy is off to an outstanding start.” … LB Jacquian Williams spent some time working with the starting defense, replacing Keith Rivers. This figures to be an ongoing and fluid situation at linebacker at all three spots. Williams got his hands on two passes for breakups. … FB Vonta Leach finally returned to the Ravens on a two-year deal. The Giants had interest but not enough money.