The New York Giants offense ran several screen passes during Monday’s practice as they prepare for their preseason opener against the Browns on Thursday.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY—After a day off on Sunday, the New York Giants were back on the practice field on Monday in full pads as they prepare for their preseason opener Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns.
One of the reasons there’s excitement heading into the season is the addition of the second overall pick in the draft, Saquon Barkley, and the fact that their new head coach Pat Shurmur has developed a reputation as an offensive guru.
Davis Webb throwing a screen to Roger Lewis @EliteSportsNY #GiantsPride #NYG #GiantsCamp pic.twitter.com/SDgn6kjkwU
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) August 6, 2018
This year, the Giants offense will have new wrinkles that have been absent from the team’s offensive game for the past few seasons. One of the wrinkles will be the screen game which the Giants practiced often on Monday.
The first and second team offense ran various screens to their wide receivers and running backs on Monday. There was also a play in which Eli Manning faked a screen to Odell Beckham Jr. and then threw a screen to Barkley.
Eli faking a screen to Odell, then throwing a screen to Barkley. #GiantsPride #NYG #GiantsCamp pic.twitter.com/rD2fs5SyRL
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) August 6, 2018
It’s one thing to run screens in practice, but now the question is, will Manning and Barkley get to run this play on Thursday against the Browns?
Manning was asked prior to Monday’s practice if he intends to play more this preseason than he had the previous two seasons.
“Whatever coach thinks we need. I think you want to be out there and playing just to get a feel for him calling the plays and the game plan. I think once you’re playing against a new opponent, looks come up and different defenses that you’ve been seeing in training camp versus your defense where you want to get some reps at those things to make sure everybody is on the same page. I’m excited about getting out there and playing.”
Barkley was also asked if he hopes to play on Thursday night.
“I plan to play, I think. I don’t know. I know I haven’t experienced an NFL preseason game yet, but hopefully, I’m good to go for that game. I’m more than capable of playing right now. I’m just happy and excited that I’ll be able to play in my first NFL game, and hopefully, I can maximize every rep.”
Depth chart news:
The Giants released their unofficial depth chart on Monday and there were a few surprises.
William Gay, who spent the majority of training camp at nickel corner, isn’t listed as a cornerback on the depth chart, he’s listed as the team’s third-string free safety, and B.W. Webb and Donte Deayon are listed as the backup corners to starters Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple.
Curtis Riley and Donte Deayon are two defensive backs that will play huge roles with the defense in 2018. pic.twitter.com/mFMHNIC4aK
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) July 30, 2018
The Giants have been rotating several players to run with the first-team defense in training camp at free safety. As of right now, Curtis Riley is listed on the top of the depth chart at free safety playing next to Landon Collins.
Click here to see the unofficial depth chart.
