Giants Camp: Youngster Steals Show, Rolle Speaks, Nicks Struggles

A few Giants who recently missed some time looked good in practice Tuesday. Justin Pugh ran the two-minute drill near the end of practice and didn’t seem to have any trouble doing so. Justin Tuck was also back out on the practice field and was able to pressure Eli Manning a few times. Camp is winding down and there are still a few chances to come watch the Giants practice and get an autograph.

Today we will take a deeper look at the wide receivers and defensive backs.

Here is what you can expect from Giants camp on a daily basis.

• Monday – Quaterbacks, Offensive Line
• Tuesday – Running Backs, Linebackers
• Wednesday – Wide Receivers, Defensive Backs
• Thursday – Tight Ends, Defensive Linemen, Adds/Drops
• Friday – Injury Upadates, Preseason Game Preview

Victor Cruz got onto the end of a 57-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning in the preseason opener against Pittsburgh on Saturday evening. Cruz and Manning have been on the same page throughout all of camp. Whether they are walking through the offensive plays or doing 11 on 11 drills against the defense, Cruz has been the main target for Manning.

Hakeem Nicks has been a bit of an issue. Nicks missed some time earlier in camp due to a strained groin and still doesn't seem to be running full speed. There is no doubt that Nicks is the Giants No. 1 receiver but he just doesn't have the same chemistry with Eli that Cruz does. At least not up until this point in camp. 

Rueben Randle continues to be a viable option to play across from Nicks. Randle gets his hands on everything that is thrown his direction and usually comes down with it. Randle made a short catch against Pittsburgh but turned, beat a defender and ran for a nice gain.

“I just need to show the coaches and Eli that I can make those kind of plays. It’s all built on trust. In order to get that trust you’ve got to go out and do it,” said Randle. “As long as we are all healthy and understand our roles I think it will be hard for any defense to stay on the field with us.”

Defensive Backs

Antrel Rolle, the leader of the defensive backfield, has ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for at least a few weeks. When asked if he has faced the possibility that he might not be ready for the season opener Rolle was quick to dismiss that.

“No. I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure that that is not even a possibility. Treatment two times a day, three times a day, four times a day, whatever it takes, I’m going to do it.”

Rolle also dismissed the fact that it could be a high ankle sprain, which usually causes players to miss more significant time.

“It’s not a high ankle sprain. I’ve had a high ankle sprain before and there are no similarities. Thank God,” said Rolle.

Twenty two-year-old Jayron Hosley looked outstanding today. Hosley had an interception and deflected a few passes just before they hit their target. One of his deflections came on a bomb of a pass down the left sideline to Victor Cruz, who appeared to be a step ahead. Hosley had a late burst of speed and got just enough of it to break up a would-be touchdown.

Terrell Thomas, who was activated from the PUP list last Tuesday, is working his way back into the fold this week.

“[Monday] Thomas received about fifty percent of the reps that we wanted to give him and I thought he responded extremely well.”

Aaron Ross and Prince Amukamara have both looked good throughout camp. Amukamara is ready to take that next step and become more of a defensive leader.

“They expect me to play at a high level and I’ve always held myself to the highest expectations. I am progressing and it is a process to do that. My goal is to always be the best at whatever I do,” said Amukamara.

For the Giants group of defensive backs, Aaron Ross is a veteran leader that they are glad to have back around.

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