The buzz of training camp is well and truly here.
There seems to have been news coming out of the New York Giants training camp every single day.
With a full week of camp stories to digest, here are my early risers and fallers from the first week.
Rise – Defensive Co-ordinator Shane Bowen
I think that other than his friends and family, nobody was particularly thrilled about Bowen returning for a second season.
The failure to stop the run, get takeaways and constantly playing a soft zone on third down was infuriating.
But the reports coming out of camp are that the defensive backs have been described as “sticky”, meaning real tight man press coverage.
This is fantastic news. It is hopefully a sign that Bowen will be adapting his zone scheme to more of a press man system. This will suit his best three defensive backs: Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks and Dru Phillips.
Couple that with the hype around the pass rush, it could become a problem for teams to pass on the Giants.
Rise – Running Back Cam Skattebo
This kid just oozes New York Giants football mentality: tough, gritty and keeps on fighting.
The third-round pick has been more eye-catching than Jaxson Dart so far at camp of the offensive rookies. No, this does not mean Dart is a bust.
Skattebo’s hands in the receiving game are looking fantastic. His vision at the second and third level – combined with his cut back and juke moves – are also standing out.
I do understand that Head Coach Brian Daboll does not really allow for tackling at training camp, even in padded sessions. So this could all change in preseason once he is getting hit much harder than in college.
There are already cries from the fans for him to be starter. However, I think a dual threat with Tyrone Tracy Jr could be a fun pairing to watch. Both have excellent hands out of the backfield.
I would expect a very similar amount of carries in the season for both running backs, with Skattebo edging the total touchdowns as the goal-line back.
Fall – Running Back Devin Singletary
With the aforementioned rising stock of Skattebo and the surprising productivity last season from Tracy Jr., Singletary is already the forgotten man in the backfield.
If truth be told, I have not really seen anything mentioned about him in camp. Not one video or report regarding a great run, catch or block.
If you did not check the roster, you would think he was on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with fellow running back Eric Gray.
Having signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract only last offseason, I would be surprised if he gets cut. However, I would not rule out a trade to a team in need of a veteran presence in the backfield.
There is no rush to make this move though. He is still a good player and offers leadership.
And you never know when the injury bug might hit!
