3 NY Giants takeaways from joint practices with the Lions this week
• These two teams will face off in preseason action on Friday night
2. Darren Waller is already stepping up as a leader
Waller has made a tremendous amount of noise throughout the summer and he hauled in a TD from Jones on Wednesday. Waller, acquired for only a third-round pick this offseason from the Las Vegas Raiders, has the opportunity to be one of the biggest pieces for this offense moving forward. Could he return to his Pro Bowl form?
Not only that, but the veteran tight end is ready to mentor some of the younger guys on the team. According to Isaiah Hodgins, who is also hoping to have a big 2023, Waller rallied the troops after Tuesday's disappointing showing and had words of encouragement for the offense as a whole. You've got to love that. Waller has been through a lot during his career and he'll be set to motivate guys whenever it's needed.
When healthy, Waller is one of the best tight ends in the game. There's plenty of concern about him being able to stay on the field in '23, but the potential for him to be an impact player is 100 percent there. Waller knows what it takes to win and he's going to be a key voice for younger members of this team this fall and winter too.