The New York Giants dominated on both sides of the ball in one of their most eventful practices this summer during a joint workout with the Miami Dolphins that featured multiple fights.
Physical altercations were started by different players throughout practice. Abdul Carter threw a punch, as did offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor. An altercation after a late hit on wide receiver Calvin Austin turned into a bench-clearing brawl where backup quarterback Jameis Winston both took a punch and ran into a Dolphins player.
“The fighting is unnecessary,” Brian Burns said. “Of course it’s camp, I’m not mad about a fight, but don’t let it get in the way of the work. We got a lot of things to do and a lot of big things I want to do this year, so we can’t let reps go to waste. We gotta make sure we keep the main thing the main thing.”
Quarterback Jaxson Dart strapped on his helmet and charged forward to help his teammates, but was stopped as the fight began to break up.
“I just looked over and saw [Jameis] in there and said, ‘I gotta go help,’” Dart explained. “I think the biggest thing is that we’re still trying to create our identity fully as a team before Week 1 starts and I think that in these moments is a great chance for us to stay together and have your brothers’ backs.”
Dart had maybe his best day of practice as he looked comfortable against an opposing defense and completed 16 of his 22 passes, including two spikes. Dart, despite throwing one interception, played aggressively and had multiple long completions to rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields.
“I thought it was a great atmosphere to be a part of, obviously it’s very intense,” Dart said. “We were able to hit some big shots down the field, which I was really happy about… There’s obviously things to learn from but I [was] really happy with how we came out.”
One perfectly placed pass from Dart landed in Fields’ outstretched hands as he beat his man and streaked down the sideline toward the end zone. On another play, Dart evaded pressure in the pocket to buy time and fired a 50-yard pass to Fields for a touchdown.
“I’ve loved having him out there,” Dart said. “He’s a true competitor, a true pro. It’s been really great to see because I think we needed a guy like that to come step up, especially on the outside, making those contested catches and down-the-field plays.”
The second-year quarterback was also able to find Isaiah Likely all over the field. The two connected six times during team periods as the tight end continued to show why he is expected to play an important role in the offense.
Dart’s performance raised questions about whether his struggles in camp were the result of facing his own defense. The Giants’ pass rush was unstoppable and pressured Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis on nearly every play.
Four former first-round picks ran the day for New York and ruined it for Miami as Carter, Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and rookie Arvell Reese each found ways to consistently disrupt plays, deflect passes and get into the Dolphins’ backfield.
“Overall, [we were] dominant,” Burns said. “[The Dolphins are] not our team, so when you have the opportunity to hit them, you hit them. And then, you hold them up and they get hit again…. I wanted to swarm [them] from when we first got out here.”
The defense was credited with six sacks on the day, although Burns was adamant the number should be higher.
Odell Beckham Jr. continued to prove that he remains a capable receiver and spent some time practicing with the starting unit. Beckham dusted opposing cornerbacks on multiple routes during individual drills and made quick, sharp cuts.
Beckham, who played for one season with the Dolphins in 2024, was met with cheers from Dolphins fans upon his arrival at practice.
The Giants got notable production out of a cornerback room that has dealt with competition and injuries. Paulson Adebo had an interception during team drills and Deonte Banks showed off his ability to turn his head before playing the ball, something that had held him back throughout his professional career.
The joint practice concluded when the Giants drove all the way downfield to position themselves for a field goal as time expired. The 40-yard try was made by undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada.
Zvada had an incredible day and made all six of his kicks in a drill in which he was backed up after each attempt. Zvada easily cleared the goalpost every time. Kicker Ben Sauls made just three of his five attempts as both misses hooked to the right.
Newly signed running back Najee Harris took carries with the second team during live drills. Harris had multiple powerful runs, including a touchdown. Another fight nearly broke out after one of Harris’ carries in a conflict that involved right guard Evan Neal.
Neal got time with the second team after Josh Ezudu was moved up to the first team in place of rookie Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa, who had been dominant in his one-on-one reps, exited practice early with a “stinger” that is not expected to be serious.
“[For] everybody, each and every opportunity they get, they take advantage of it,” left tackle and team captain Andrew Thomas said. “When you get your rep, you just try to take advantage of that and you cheer on each and every one of our teammates.”
Malik Nabers watched practice in a T-shirt and shorts as the team kept him away from the physicality.
“It’s not as controlled of an environment as we would have [preferred],” head coach John Harbaugh said.
Multiple teams have called the Giants inquiring about a trade for wide receiver Darnell Mooney, according to USA TODAY’s Art Stapleton. Mooney signed a one-year contract with the Giants this offseason and has flashed in camp.
The Giants will play the Dolphins in Miami for their second preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m.
