As the New York Giants continue their preparations for the 2025 NFL season, Head Coach Brian Daboll reflected on some of the team’s key performances during training camp, including standouts like wide receiver Montrell Washington and running back Dante “Turbo” Miller. With joint practices against the New York Jets scheduled for the next two days, Coach Daboll also shared his expectations for these sessions as the team ramps up for this week’s preseason game at MetLife Stadium—referred to as the “Snoopy Bowl”—against the Jets.
Montrell Washington’s Performance
Q: (Wide Receiver) Montrell Washington has been impressive in training camp. He had 3 catches for 60 yards yesterday. What do you think of his performance and what more do you want to see from him in order for him to make the roster?
DABOLL: I thought Montrell did some good things, had good run-after-catch, which he’s had in camp. He had a big play down the sideline, but he’d be the first one to tell you he could’ve finished a couple of plays down there in fringe situations, particularly on third down, which would’ve helped us generate touchdowns instead of field goals. He’s a conscientious guy, he’s competing, and while he’s made some plays, there are still things for him to improve on.
Quarterback Evaluation
Q: What did you see when you went back and looked at your quarterbacks yesterday? From first glance, it seems like they were impressive.
DABOLL: I think it starts with the offensive line giving them good protection, but all four quarterbacks did a nice job in the pocket. They kept their eyes downfield and made plays when they could. Russell Wilson was efficient, Tommy DeVito made good decisions, and Jameis Winston did a great job reloading after a defensive offsides penalty. All four players did their jobs at a high level, but it’s important to remember that it’s still preseason.
Joint Practices with the Jets
Q: How do you expect to approach this week with the joint practices with the Jets and do you expect (wide receiver) Malik Nabers to participate?
DABOLL: We’ll see. I’m not getting into specifics on injuries right now, but we’ll practice against the Jets on Tuesday, and anyone who can practice will. The focus for us is to get good, competitive work against a different team with a different scheme. It’s an opportunity to evaluate players competing for roster spots and see how they match up with different talent.
Q: What are you hoping to get out of these joint practices?
DABOLL: It’s good to go against a different team’s schemes and matchups. We have a lot of players competing for roster spots, so these practices will serve multiple roles: to evaluate talent, see how players handle different situations, and improve communication. We’ve already had conversations with (Jets Head Coach) Aaron Glenn about our goals for these practices, and I’m looking forward to the competitive work ahead.
Dante Miller’s Explosiveness
Q: (Running back) Dante Miller converted several key third downs yesterday. With three running backs already set for the roster, what have you seen from him and what does his explosiveness mean for his roster chances?
DABOLL: Dante’s performance is competitive for sure. He’s not just competing against other running backs, but also against players at other positions. Special teams will play a big role for him, and his ability to contribute there will be important for his roster chances. He was named Offensive Player of the Game for his performance yesterday and he’s definitely in the mix. But we’ll continue to work with him, especially in special teams.
Quarterback Slide Discussion
Q: (Quarterback) Jaxson Dart was reminded to slide on a 19-yard run. What’s the key in ensuring he stays healthy but also competes aggressively?
DABOLL: Jaxson made a great play on that run. There are times when quarterbacks should slide, but there are also moments when they have to be competitive and make a play. We want to minimize hits, but we don’t want to take away that competitive edge. He’s a good runner and will continue to learn when to protect himself, but I’m confident in his instincts.
Player Growth: Thomas Fidone II
Q: (Tight End) Thomas Fidone had a false start but came back strong, making several key catches late in the game. What does this performance represent for him?
DABOLL: It was good to see Thomas bounce back after that false start. He made a critical two-point conversion catch and had several important catches later in the game, including a fourth-down conversion. For young players, these preseason games are all about showing what they can do in critical moments, whether it’s technique, getting separation, or catching the ball. It’s about being reliable when it counts, and Thomas showed growth in that regard.
Looking Ahead: The Snoopy Bowl
With the Giants set to face the Jets in the upcoming preseason game, Coach Daboll emphasized the importance of the joint practices this week. They offer a unique opportunity to evaluate the team against a different defensive scheme and sharpen operational communication. The outcome of these practices, combined with the game at MetLife Stadium, will play a major role in shaping the final roster decisions for the 2025 season.
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