There’s a different tone around the New York Giants this summer—one that Head Coach John Harbaugh is starting to see translate onto the field.
Following a physically demanding practice in the West Virginia heat, Harbaugh didn’t hesitate to point out what stood out most: progress.
“It’s heading in that direction,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not there yet, but it’s heading in that direction.”
That direction? Competitive, situational football—the kind that defines teams long before Week 1 arrives.
Offense Finding Its Rhythm
For perhaps the first time in camp, the offense showed signs of real cohesion during 11-on-11 drills. Led by rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the unit put together an extended late-practice drive that caught the attention of both coaches and media.
“We actually scored,” Harbaugh said with a smile, acknowledging Dart may have “leaked” that detail earlier.
More importantly, it wasn’t just one play—it was sustained execution.
Harbaugh emphasized the importance of resilience in those moments:
“On offense, you get two more chances. If you make a play, you keep a drive alive and kind of break out.”
That mindset showed itself at the end of practice when players from both sides lobbied for one final rep—and got it. The result? A touchdown.
For a team building a new identity, those moments matter.
Pressure, Poise, and Progress at Quarterback
Against a defense coordinated by Dennard Wilson that dialed up consistent pressure, Dart and the quarterbacks responded well.
“I would say so,” Harbaugh said when asked about Dart’s poise versus the blitz. “He made some good throws. He got us in some good plays.”
The emphasis wasn’t just on Dart, though. Harbaugh noted that all three quarterbacks successfully adjusted protections and found answers against pressure looks—a key development at this stage of camp.
Situationally, the offense leaned into quick decisions, particularly on third-and-long scenarios. Rather than forcing throws to the sticks, Dart often took what the defense gave him underneath—something Harbaugh confirmed was by design within the structure of high-low route concepts.
Young Talent Pushing for Roles
Two of the most intriguing position battles continue to unfold at wide receiver and cornerback. Rookies Malachi Fields and Colton Hood are making their presence felt.
“Both guys are pushing for playing time,” Harbaugh said. “Both have done well.”
For a roster undergoing transition, contributions from young players aren’t just a bonus—they’re a necessity.
Hood, in particular, had a teaching moment during practice when Harbaugh pulled him aside to emphasize situational awareness and player safety after getting tangled up on a play.
“We’d rather not be tangled up… stay off the ground, take care of each other,” Harbaugh explained.
Injury Updates: Nothing Serious, But Worth Watching
There were a few injury-related notes, though none appeared long-term:
- Cam Skattebo is working back into football shape after rehab
- John Michael Schmitz Jr. is being evaluated after getting his “bell rung”
- Brian Burns continues working through a minor ankle issue
Overall, Harbaugh downplayed concerns, signaling the bumps and bruises typical of camp rather than anything alarming.
The Malik Nabers Factor
One of the more fascinating developments hasn’t come during live reps, but on the sideline.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers has been shadowing Harbaugh during team periods, mentally running through plays and assignments.
“He knows what everybody’s doing,” Harbaugh said. “That’s kind of his way of getting his mental reps.”
Nabers’ physical progress is also evident. The coaching staff, alongside rehab coordinator Allie Boudreau, has emphasized unpredictable movement and off-balance scenarios to better simulate real football conditions.
The next step? Gradual reintegration.
“He’ll be working his way back into practice more and more,” Harbaugh noted.
Building a Team Identity
Beyond individual performances, the Giants are clearly emphasizing situational understanding. Harbaugh frequently paused practice to bring offense and defense together, reinforcing what each side should be trying to accomplish in specific scenarios.
From controlled kickoff drills to third-down strategy, the focus is clear: teach the game within the game.
“We try to not do it with 11-on-11,” Harbaugh said of certain drills. “You have to learn the angles, the techniques… but we don’t want a bunch of bodies getting tangled up.”
The Most Important Week
Harbaugh labeled this stretch of camp as the most important—and as it nears its conclusion, he believes the team is responding.
“I told the guys… you’re going to look back and see how far you’ve come,” he said. “I think they will.”
One more practice remains before that evaluation becomes reality.
But if Thursday was any indication, the Giants aren’t just grinding through camp—they’re starting to take shape.
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