As the second week of training camp wound down at The Greenbrier Sports Performance Center in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., coach John Harbaugh evaluated the demanding stretch as a critical benchmark for the roster. Following four physical padded practices across five days, the team prepared to wrap up its time in West Virginia on Saturday morning before traveling back to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., with Sunday off.
The Final Drive Pushback in West Virginia
Friday afternoon’s session featured an intense full-field drill starting at the offense’s 1-yard line. The extended sequence lasted 14 plays and included a rare water break—the longest continuous stretch for first-unit players during camp.
When the offense advanced to the 3-yard line on what was scripted to be the final play of the drill, the unit refused to let the session end quietly. Harbaugh had originally intended to halt the period, but the players successfully advocated for one more snap.
“We wanted it. We wanted it, because Harbs was trying to save us. He didn’t want goal-line stuff, but we wanted it. That shows you how tough and what the mentality of the team is. We were right there by the goal line. We want to finish. Coach [was] calling the twos in. We’re like, ‘What the hell’?”
Sisi Mauigoa, rookie guard
The push worked. Harbaugh relented, giving the players the finish they demanded.
“They lobbied. I wanted it to be done. That was supposed to be the last play before that, and they wanted the last play, so I cracked and gave them that last play.”
John Harbaugh, head coach
Passing Attack Hums While the Run Game Hits a Wall
While the offense engineered a high-energy finish, finding running lanes proved difficult against a staunch defensive front. The sources do not state that Harbaugh-coached defenses traditionally anchor around stout run defense, but the Giants’ units repeatedly stuffed rushing attempts throughout Friday’s practice.
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese pointed to a simple mindset shift for the defensive success. I think it’s just because we want to,
Reese explained. We’ve all got the ability to do it, it’s just a want to do it. Getting downhill, you’ve got to want to do that.
Conversely, the passing game maintained a strong rhythm all afternoon. Quarterback Jaxson Dart shook off two early incompletions to orchestrate an efficient passing attack, drawing praise from the coaching staff for his composure against heavy defensive pressure and exotic blitzes.
“I would say so. He did. I mean, and he made some good throws. He got us in some good plays. All three quarterbacks got to some plays versus pressure, which was, that’s great. It’s good to see.”
John Harbaugh, head coach
Receivers Isaiah Likely, Dalen Cambre, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin put together active performances. Cambre caught a hitch route and spun away from cornerback Colton Hood for a standout highlight, while Austin created separation during one-on-one drills against Hood and Paulson Adebo.
Standout Performers and Special Teams Work
Defensively, second-year edge defender Abdul Carter continued his strong camp by disrupting the line of scrimmage, registering a sack and a pressure against Andrew Thomas while blowing up a run play behind the line against right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
On special teams, placekickers Ben Sauls and Dominic Zvada each handled kicking duties on the same day for the first time. Sauls converted six of seven attempts, hitting from 50, 51, and 55 yards, with his lone miss coming from 45 yards following a high snap. Zvada also went six of seven, connecting from 48 and 51 yards before missing wide right from 55 yards.
The roster battles also saw tough moments. Third-string quarterback Brandon Allen recorded six incompletions and an interception thrown to linebacker Zaire Barnes, while undrafted free agent right tackle Ryan Schernecke was pulled from the lineup following a false start.