Start: Not ideal.
Finish: Better than expected.
This could actually benefit the Giants moving forward. Since not all challenges arise early, they have to work through them to find their rhythm.
“It’s all about the ball,” quarterback Russell Wilson noted on Tuesday. “We focus on resilience in practice, our last drive, and scoring big with crucial plays.”
During the first of two joint practices with the Jets at Flowham Park, things looked rough for Wilson and the starting offense. They were without key wide receivers Malik Neighbors and standout offensive lineman Andrew Tomouth.
It felt like it might be a challenging and less productive morning. In recent years, slow starts have often led to frustrating stretches.
However, Wilson turned things around, completing all three attempts in the red zone and throwing touchdowns to three different teammates against the Jets’ defense.
“We pushed through, and there were some good plays,” Wilson said. “That’s just part of the game. Sometimes, you don’t dominate every moment, but learning to move on is valuable.”
Wilson’s opening was flawless—7-for-7 in his first run, completing four passes without any hitting the ground, connecting with tight end Theo Johnson and finding Beaus Collins twice, plus a throw to Onedale Robinson.
“We were pretty much on fire. Everything was where it needed to be,” Wilson mentioned.
Rookie Jackson Dirt also had a decent showing, completing passes to Devin Singletary and Montrell Washington.
Of course, these were basically practice throws, without linemen, so there was no real pressure on the quarterback.
When the first team period started, with the linemen on the field, things quickly went sideways for Wilson and the starting unit.
The first snap saw Wilson face pressure and a hold from the offensive line. Defensive tackle Jay Tafele shoved guard Greg Van Roten back, stalling the play. Wilson then attempted a pass that was blocked by linebacker Jamian Sherwood, and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor struggled to contain an edge rush.
The first three plays saw a false start, incomplete passes, and a scramble under pressure, capped by a good completion to Imir Smith Marsette.
In the second team segment, the Giants showed improved running, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. making significant gains. However, Wilson’s deep attempt to Darius Slayton fell incomplete, as did another throw targeting Robinson, which was intercepted by cornerback Brandon Stevens.
The second attempt during the team practice was lacking as well. Washington couldn’t come down with the ball, and Dirt fumbled a snap, further stalling progress.
Dirt seemed to lose focus there for a moment.
At this stage, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston, who was overseeing the practice, stepped in to rally his teammates toward a higher level of competition.
“Jameis and I bring experience and understanding of how to drive ourselves and lead the team,” Wilson said. “He really knows how to motivate us with those inspiring talks.”
In the next team segment, Wilson connected with tight end Johnson, and Dirt struggled again with an overthrow targeting open tight end Greg Dalcich before finding Smith Marsette.
As both teams continued practicing, the Giants showcased their best offensive moves in the final 11-on-11 period.
When it came to the red zone drill, Wilson took charge and drove the team into the end zone—three touchdowns, not just one or two.
After identifying Robinson on the left, Wilson threw to Johnson, who found space to split defenders in the end zone. Singletary also managed a nearby score.
To wrap up his day, Wilson connected with Slayton for a scoring pass, as he took advantage of a defensive gap.
“It was a fantastic day for us, especially finishing strong,” Wilson said.
