Twelve days in the mountains can either wear a team down or sharpen it. For the New York Giants under first-year head coach John Harbaugh, it appears to have done the latter.
As training camp wrapped at The Greenbrier Resort, Harbaugh’s message was simple but telling: progress has been made, but the work is far from finished.
“I think we got a lot better,” Harbaugh said following the final practice. “We improved tremendously. We’re much further along than we were when we started.”
That improvement was on full display in a physical, high-energy goal line period that capped camp — a fitting snapshot of the tone Harbaugh has tried to establish since taking over.
“It was enthusiastic and fun,” he said. “Young guys, goal line period, live, tackling to the ground — I liked it.”
A Culture Taking Shape
From the outset, Harbaugh emphasized competition, urgency, and daily growth. Those themes echoed again as camp closed, with the head coach framing the NFL as an unrelenting race.
“You’re in a race every single day to be at least the best you can be,” he said. “Everybody’s trying to do the same thing in this league. That’s why it’s so tough.”
That mindset appears to be resonating. The Giants showed noticeable energy and cohesion throughout camp, something Harbaugh credited in part to the team’s decision to train away from home.
“I would give it an A, A-plus,” Harbaugh said of the Greenbrier experience. “There’s really no distractions out here… the guys have been able to lock in on the football.”
The secluded setting fostered camaraderie — a critical element for a team blending youth with new leadership.
“I feel like the guys responded well,” Harbaugh added. “I think the guys are happy too.”
Defense Showing Bite
If there’s one unit beginning to reflect Harbaugh’s identity, it’s the defense.
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese has turned heads with his physical presence, delivering hits that have echoed across the practice fields. But Harbaugh was quick to temper expectations while acknowledging the upside.
“It’s a violent game,” he said. “You do it within the rules, with great technique… but he’s learning the defense and doing a great job every step of the way.”
Reese isn’t alone. The linebacker group, particularly the interior tandem, has begun developing chemistry — something Harbaugh believes will be critical once games begin.
“Those two guys in the middle, I think they’re getting chemistry,” he noted. “A lot of good communication, playing together, playing off each other.”
Meanwhile, edge rusher Abdul Carter may have been the most disruptive player on the field throughout camp. Originally not on the Giants’ radar during the draft process, Carter has quickly made an impression on his new head coach.
“I didn’t know him at all,” Harbaugh admitted. “Then I started talking to him and liked him right away… everything he said he wanted to do, he’s following through on.”
Carter’s impact has gone beyond production.
“He’s been a real leader — mostly by example,” Harbaugh said. “By the way he’s playing and the energy he’s giving.”
Secondary Depth a Strength
In the secondary, competition has been one of the defining storylines. With Deonte Banks continuing his upward trajectory and Paulson Adebo in the mix, the Giants suddenly find themselves with options — a luxury not every team has.
“I like all of our corners,” Harbaugh said. “The fact that you can even be talking about competition is great… it makes everybody better.”
That internal push could prove vital as the Giants prepare to face live opponents, where evaluations take on a different meaning.
“When the games come, I’m looking forward to seeing how guys look against another team,” Harbaugh said.
Injury Watch
The Giants appear to have avoided any major setbacks as camp closes. Offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. was being evaluated for symptoms but had not officially been placed in concussion protocol as of Saturday.
“It wasn’t anything terrible,” Harbaugh said.
Defensive back Greg Newsome and linebacker Anquin Barnes also appear to have sidestepped serious injuries, with Barnes expected back within days.
The Next Step
For all the positives, Harbaugh made it clear that training camp is only the beginning. The true test lies ahead, when preparation meets reality.
“The next steps will be the next steps,” he said.
It’s a phrase that reflects both patience and expectation — a balance the Giants will need as they transition from controlled practices to meaningful football.
But if the past two weeks are any indication, the foundation is being laid.
And under Harbaugh, the standard is already clear: improve daily, compete relentlessly, and never let up.
“Just keep your head down,” he said. “Stay after it every day.”
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