New York Giants’ standouts from OTA practice number two
Day two of OTAs is in the books for the New York Giants. Let’s take a look at who stood out during Tuesday’s practice.
The New York Giants were back in action Tuesday for their second of ten scheduled organized team activities over the next few weeks. A cool, very windy day with temperatures in the low 60’s made for a beautiful day of football at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, with the offense finding its rhythm after a defensive-dominated practice the day before.
OTAs are the first on-field team activities of the year, with no contact allowed. Obviously without contact it can be hard to judge certain players or positions, but this period of the season is the time where drill-work, timing, installing schemes, and the first live reps of the 2019 season are taken.
Here’s a look at who put together a solid day two performance:
Eli Manning, Quarterback
Despite what the media and Twitter-verse might say about Eli Manning, the veteran signal caller can still make throws and find success down the field. After a rough first day, Manning bounced back and looked solid during group and team periods on day two.
Even with the gusting wind, Manning was able to fit the ball into tight windows and make tough completions. He also found success on the deep ball, with the highlight of the day coming from a bomb to receiver Sterling Shepard on a deep post down the middle of the field.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxvp4NiFwsW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
When asked about the performance of the offense thus far, Manning had this to say:
"Guys are getting lined up and are playing fast. They know what to do. They know plays, adjustments and different things. Just a few new spots here and there at receiver or offensive line. For the most part, a lot of the base guys are returning. They have that second year and will be able to play fast. It is just not thinking as much early on. It should help out on both sides of the ball."
The quarterback position will be a highly watched and scrutinized area moving forward, especially with the possibility of rookie quarterback Daniel Jones de-throning the 16-year veteran sometime this season.
Regardless, at least for today, the seasoned veteran still had a little bit of magic in that arm – even if the wind helped a little.
The Wide Receivers
Another area of the team that has seen its fair share of scrutiny this off-season, the receivers put together a nice day during day two of OTAs, finding ways to get open and making big plays for their quarterbacks.
We’ll start with Sterling Shepard, who we previously mentioned as being on the receiving end of a deep ball where he was able to get a step on second year cornerback Sam Beal.
This play was one of two touchdowns Shepard logged during practice from quarterback Eli Manning. Shepard’s success is a hopeful foreshadowing of what’s to come, as the fourth year player is expected to have a much bigger role in this year’s offense.
The other Shepard also got in on the action today. Russell Shepard had a few nice catches throughout today’s practice, highlighted by a Daniel Jones-thrown sideline grab, where he broke loose from rookie cornerback Deandre Baker.
Lastly, Cody Latimer made some nice grabs as well, including hauling in a great back shoulder throw near the back of the endzone from quarterback Alex Tanney.
The receiving corps will be a fun one to watch moving forward, especially during OTAs and training camp. The quick, elusive group will both challenge and be challenged by the G-Men’s new young and improved secondary, which we saw today during one-on-ones when the two groups exchanged friendly trash talk throughout the period.
Alec Ogletree, Linebacker
As one of general manager Dave Gettleman’s big off-season moves a season ago, Alec Ogletree’s 2018 campaign had a mixture of interceptions, mediocre run coverage, and inconsistent play. Heading into year two, he looks to grow as a captain of the Big Blue defense while developing a more consistent level of play.
So far through two days he’s done just that.
After deflecting a pass on day one that led to an interception, Ogletree had a would-be tackle for a loss on running back Saquon Barkley, as well as a sack during the team period in day two.
To top things off, Ogletree added an interception of his own, the only one of the day, during one-on-one drills.
Linebacker has been a position of concern for the past several years, and an improved, consistent Ogletree would be a huge step forward for this defense.
The New York Giants still have eight remaining OTAs, which will take place on May 23rd, 28-29th, 31st, and June 10-13th. Mandatory Minicamp will be held June 4-6th.