Sports

Cruz, Randle Excel in Giants Camp, Defensive Backfield Improves

Reuben Randle thrives in the absence of Hakeem Nicks at New York Giants training camp.

By Rob Heinemann

Each weekday we will update you on two positions based on the Giants action taking place at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Fans are invited to practice on certain days, and autographs will be made available regularly. 

Today we break down receivers and defensive backs. Terrell Thomas was activated from the PUP list, and Hakeem Nicks returned from his groin injury on Tuesday. 

Here is what you can expect from Giants' camp on a daily basis:
  • Monday – Quarterbacks and Offensive Linemen
  • Tuesday – Running Backs and Linebackers
  • Wednesday – Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs
  • Thursday – Tight Ends and Defensive Backs
  • Friday – Injury updates and preseason game preview

Wide Receivers 

Hakeen Nicks tweaked his groin on autograph day last Sunday, July 28, during practice and didn’t return until Tuesday. It was only the second day of camp, and Nicks was already missing out on snaps with Eli Manning. Nicks is an incredibly talented guy but you have to wonder if he will ever be fully healthy and put together a 16-game season, which he has never done in his four years on the Giants.

Victor Cruz is one of the best parts of this Giants team. Not only does he line up and run hard on every rep he gets, he also has a great attitude, which clearly motivates his teammates. Cruz has looked great so far.

Rueben Randle seems to have beaten Jerrel Jernigan and Ramses Barden for the third wide receiver spot. Nicks is expected to be the No. 1 and Cruz is one of the best slot receivers in the game. Randle is 6’2", well built and runs very well in the open field. If he puts it together this year, he could be a key piece of the offense. Right now he is getting the reps with Manning, which means a lot to both of them 

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“Last year I felt like I was capable of more, so I was never satisfied,” said Randle. “I’m just using this camp to show the coaches and players around me that when the season comes around they can depend on me to make plays.”

Defensive Backs

The big story out of camp on Tuesday was Terrell Thomas’ activation from the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list and his return from missing two consecutive seasons due to ACL injuries in his right knee. Thomas started all 16 games in 2009 and started 15 in 2010. The former USC Trojan had five interceptions in each of those two seasons. Thomas is more than two years removed from the last time he took the field during an NFL game but if he can stay healthy he could be a valuable asset to a defensive backfield that allowed more than 4,000 passing yards and 26 passing touch downs last season.

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Prince Amukamara appears to have taken a step in the right direction. The former Nebraska Cornhusker came into camp knowing that expectations surrounding him were through the roof this season. Amukamara has been thriving with the first team defense in camp and that is a welcomed sight for Giants secondary coach Dave Merritt.

Antrel Rolle is the veteran of this group and has an optimistic outlook on the upcoming season, saying, “it seems like night and day” compared to last season. Rolle has been a vocal leader in practice and clearly takes pride in being the leader of this defensive backfield.

Unfortunately, Corey Webster has looked like his normal, inconsistent self. Webster will make a play or two in practice that lead you to believe that he is a high-end NFL cornerback. In the same practice Webster will throw his hands up in the air after getting burned.  

Despite Webster's continued inconsistency, the Giants defensive backfield looks much stronger than it did in 2012. 

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Contact Rob.Heinemann@Patch.com with all your sports related questions or queries and follow @PatchSportsNJ on Twitter for all your local sports updates.


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