Head coach and quarterback are the two hallmarks of any NFL team, and stability and excellence in those positions is vital for short- and long-term success. In Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning, the Giants head into training camp with their franchise foundations in place, but that does not mean this is a business-as-usual summer.
There is newness all around — from the wholly redesigned playbook put together by first-year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to the revamped defensive backfield. There also is a heightened sense of urgency with the Giants coming off a 7-9 season short-circuited by their horrid 0-6 stumble out of the gate, stamping as official the fourth non-playoff season in the past five years.
The Giants report to camp Monday and hit the field for practice Tuesday, nearly a week earlier than most teams, a jump-start based on their participation in the Aug. 3 Hall of Fame Game against the Bills. Most years, having five preseason games elicits groans, but not this year. The extra game is welcomed, with McAdoo’s new offense to master and so many free agents to incorporate into a roster that is more than tinged with change.
“It’s going to be a positive, no doubt,” Coughlin said of the extra preseason work. “We can use the work. The obvious is that we need to stay healthy in order to be able to take advantage of it.”
It was of great benefit that Manning was able to recover so quickly from minor ankle surgery and not miss any meaningful time during the offseason program. After a decade with the Giants, this is perhaps the greatest challenge, as he sheds the system that produced two Super Bowl triumphs for McAdoo’s West Coast offense, which is vastly different than what Manning has known.
“We’ve made progress,’’ Coughlin said. “We’re not there, but we’re making progress.”
That progress is sure to get bumped and bruised during the hot summer, especially when lining up with what should be a defense fortified at cornerback but in need of a return to form by defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, coming off two injury-slowed seasons. The defense will have to operate in camp and throughout the preseason without middle linebacker Jon Beason, who is recuperating from ligament damage and a fracture of the sesamoid bone in his right foot.
There is a new quarterbacks coach, a new running backs coach and the reassigning of the coaches at tight end and receiver, and the entire offensive machinery is now run by McAdoo, an assistant with the Packers who gets a shot at coordinator for the first time in his career. Seeing how McAdoo handles himself on the field during practices and how quickly all the moving parts mesh together will be an ongoing theme.
“It’s a combination of a couple systems,’’ McAdoo said of his offense. “The Giants have been playing good offense here for a long time. Coming in here, it’s an honor to be here, I come from a system that’s different than what they’ve run in the past here and we’re trying to merge the two together and get the best of both worlds.’’
McAdoo hopes to see one or two running backs emerge — most likely former Raider Rashad Jennings and David Wilson, if he’s cleared Monday following neck surgery. McAdoo needs to find a couple of capable of tight ends from a group that could be lackluster and wants to see the revamped offensive line begin to take shape, with many new players and one returning veteran, Chris Snee, looking to get healthy and hold up at right guard.
Nothing works unless Manning re-establishes himself after the worst season of his career (69.4 quarterback rating and an NFL-high 27 interceptions). McAdoo comes highly endorsed by Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the plan is to ingrain some of that efficiency to a new pupil in what becomes the most important training camp for the 33-year old Manning.
“On the outside looking in, I’ve always admired Eli,’’ McAdoo said. “I’ve had some rough days versus Eli in the past, but I admire him as a pro. He’s a smart player, I like the way he thinks about the game and I’m excited to see him grow.’’
Perry Fewell returns at defensive coordinator, and he has been given some new toys, especially in the secondary with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond. There’s a makeover on the line, though, with former captain Justin Tuck now with the Raiders and Linval Joseph with the Vikings, making it even more imperative Pierre-Paul show he is the player he was in 2011 and not the imposter with back and shoulder issues of the past two seasons.
Going camping
The Giants open training camp this week. Here’s what you need to know if you are planning to attend:
Where: Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford, N.J.
Open practices:
July 22-25
July 27-29
July 31-Aug.1
Aug. 6 (5:40 p.m.-7:50 p.m.)
Aug. 11 (3:20 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Aug. 12-14. All practices are 1:20 p.m.-3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
All practices and parking are free. General admission seating for approximately 2,000 is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Standing room along the fence line of the perimeter of the practice fields is also available. Public parking is in Lot K on the grounds of the MetLife Sports Complex. The lots will open to the public one hour before the scheduled start time of practice and lots will close one hour following the conclusion of practice. All fans attending practice will be subject to security screening before entering the seating area.
Autographs: A different position group of Giants players will sign autographs for fans each day following practice.
Weather: In the event of inclement weather (including rain, thunderstorms and extreme heat), practices will be moved indoors and will be closed to the public.