What we learned from the Giants in West Virginia

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Twelve days, 10 practices, and it’s time to get the heck out of West Virginia.

The New York Giants got in their work, secluded, in the first summer under John Harbaugh. Mixed in have been team hangouts, dinners, golf at the beautiful Greenbrier and a trip to see “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The experience was almost unanimously embraced.

“Well, I think that what’s really good about being here is that football is the main thing, and that’s how it should be in training camp. So, I really love being here,” quarterback Jaxson Dart said. “I know the guys have too because not only has it made us better on the field, but at the same time it’s allowed us to make stronger connections off the field. So, just the more time we’ve been able to spend with one another I’ve loved, and I know all the other guys have felt the same way.”

The Giants truly believe they are leaving West Virginia better than when they arrived, even if their offense looked pedestrian and their defense better than most expected. The improvement is in the details.

Here’s what we learned about the Giants in West Virginia:

Jaxson Dart & Co. are learning a new offense

This seems to be getting overlooked by many. The Giants are running an offense that merges input from Harbaugh (from Baltimore) and Matt Nagy (from Kansas City and Andy Reid) with Greg Roman’s intricate run concepts and Brian Callahan’s modern West Coast concepts. Dart is learning to play under center more than ever and alter his footwork. It’s a process. The coaching staff is learning what Dart & Co. do well. Dart is still learning and mastering the schemes and plays. It will take time. But at least the Giants’ offense feels it made progress throughout training camp, especially with its corrections.

“You’re getting a big install each and every day,” Dart said. “So, you just continue to learn, continue to get reps at things and have a lot of really valuable communication.”

As long as the Giants continue to improve as the summer progresses and wide receiver Malik Nabers returns soon (which is likely), the offense will be fine. The offensive line looks good.

Long linebackers make a difference

Harbaugh likes tall, physical players in the middle of the defense. So he added Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, who both stand at 6-foot-4, this offseason. It really does have an impact when the quarterback tries to throw to the second level. Reese looked every bit the No. 5 pick in West Virginia. Edmunds looked poised as the unit’s signal-caller. Edmunds and Reese got their hands on passes all throughout the training camp. They made it hard to complete passes over their heads in the middle of the field. Expect this to be the case as the season progresses.

“Hopefully more interceptions than tipped balls, but we’re going to get our hands on them,” Edmunds said.

General manager Joe Schoen also noted their physicality will be vital to the Giants’ ability to stop the run. That was a problem last season when the defense allowed a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry.

OBJ is in midst of a roster battle

Odell Beckham Jr. is proving that when healthy he can still play. He only got better as training camp went on, especially when getting some first-team reps. But he’ll have his work cut out for him to secure one of the final wide receiver spots. Braxton Berrios had a strong camp as a receiver and brings value as a returner. Also, don’t completely discount Dalen Cambre. He made a lot of plays in West Virginia and showed last year he can be an asset on special teams. Right now, it seems to be those three competing for one final spot.

The CB shuffle

Harbaugh rotates the defensive backs more than any other position. Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome II began the summer with the first team. Adebo had a rough camp, and Deonte Banks was good. He was probably the team’s best cover corner in West Virginia. As a result, he earned some first-team opportunities.

“Oh, absolutely,” Harbaugh said. “It’s competitive, guys are competing. I’ve told you before, I really feel good about our corner depth. I think we’ve got some guys there. So, we’re just going to let those guys keep competing and it brings out the best in everybody. I thought all the corners played well today.”

With slot corner Dru Phillips now sidelined for at least a few practices with a knee sprain, expect the cornerback shuffle to continue. Lots of opportunity for guys to win playing time and starting spots.

The rookie leads the kicking battle

Dominic Zvada remains in the driver’s seat to be the Giants’ kicker this season. He made 34 of 38 attempts at camp, and Ben Sauls hit 29 of 36. Both were solid, but Zvada appears to be Harbaugh’s kind of kicker with his length and kicking stroke. Now he just has to do it in the preseason. Some big games upcoming later this month.

Some standouts

• NT DJ Reader looked really good as a run stuffer in the middle of the defense. The Giants just need to keep him healthy.

• TE Isaiah Likely was Dart’s favorite target with Nabers not participating in team drills. Likely had a strong camp and should fit nicely as the team’s No. 2 receiver. If Nabers isn’t healthy, Likely will be a favorite of Dart.

• Reese looked like he’s going to make an instant impact with his physicality and athleticism in the middle of the Giants’ defense. Don’t expect him to come off the field much as new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson finds ways to use his talents.

• S Jevon Holland looks primed for a bounce back. He was around the ball a lot this summer.

• DB Ar’Darius Washington looks natural in this defense. He’s going to have a role as either a slot cornerback or safety. Maybe both.