On another hot and humid day in New Jersey, the Giants held their last practice prior to Saturday night’s second preseason game with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his pre-practice press conference, Tom Coughlin announced that wide receiver Victor Cruz, who is battling a minor calf strain, will “Probably not” play in the game.

The Giants starting offensive line will be unchanged, with John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse making up the right side, despite the frequent substitutions during this week’s practices. Coughlin did say that Geoff Schwartz would “Get his opportunities” to play at both the right guard and right tackle positions.

Coughlin declined to comment on who would start at the safety positions against Jacksonville, but did say that new arrival Brandon Meriweather was still learning terminology and would see limited action in the same. With Prince Amukamara back at practice, the secondary received some reinforcements, but it is unclear if he would play against the Jaguars. Nat Berhe has been limited to individual drills only while continuing to recover from a calf injury.

Expect the starters to play into the second quarter on Saturday night, as Coughlin said they will “Go a little longer than they did the other day.” Asked that he wants to see from the team in this game, Coughlin answered succinctly, “Improvement.”

As practice started, the list of players sidelined continues to grow, starting with Cruz, Landon Collins (knee), Cooper Taylor (toe), Jayron Hosley (concussion), Rueben Randle (tendinitis), Julian Talley (walking boot), Will Beatty (pectoral), and George Selvie (knee) were all absent from practice. Shortly after the session, in which the team wore uppers, began, Chandler Fenner limped off the field and was examined by trainers. Collins is improving, and did some individual drills and sprinting on the sidelines.

With multiple receivers sidelined, James Jones and Geremy Davis were given some snaps with the starters. Jerome Cunningham took some snaps with the first team at tight end. Odell Beckham caught a crossing route and took it 85 yards for a touchdown, thrilling his teammates and the crowd. Cunningham also caught a touchdown over linebacker Mark Herzlich.

Schwartz started the day with the second team offensive line, taking snaps at right guard. Towards the end of practice, he took some snaps with the first team at right guard.

Jon Beason intercepted Ryan Nassib running the first team defense against the scout team offense. The practice is doubling as a Jaguars scouting session in advance of Saturday’s game.

Ben McAdoo, Offensive Coordinator: Go Out and Make Plays

Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo was disappointed that the productivity the Giants offense had in practice didn’t translate into the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He thought the team came out flat, but have made progress in this week’s practice. McAdoo wants the offense to come out against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night and execute. It’s not about numbers, but about making plays, protecting the football, and putting points on the scoreboard.

McAdoo has set the goals for the season “High,” but won’t share them publicly, although he did say there is only one ultimate goal in the NFL. If the media and fans want insight into the offense’s goals, McAdoo suggests trying to get it from the players.

Don’t blame the offensive line for the Giants offensive woes, said McAdoo, who believes the unit is in a much better place than they were a year ago. That includes right tackle Marshall Newhouse, who McAdoo called “An athletic guy and a smart guy, and a player who is growing comfortable with the guys around him and growing into the role. He did hedge his statement by pointing out that other players are being tried at the position, but showed confidence in Newhouse.

The Giants offense won’t be looking for penalties are part of their strategy for moving the ball. McAdoo says that fundamentally the players need to fight through contact and make plays on the field. While he’s willing to accept the benefit of a flag for pass interference or illegal contact, it’s up to the players to make plays and “Not rely on the zebras.”

When asked again about the offense line, McAdoo said, “We aren’t where we want to be, but thank God we’re not where we used to be.”

Tom Coughlin: What Passing Game?

Coughlin is concerned about the Giants lack of practice time together, as Beckham missed time yesterday due to dental work, Cruz due to a calf strain, and Randle due to knee tendinitis. He’s concerned that without practicing together, the elite passing game that’s been predicted for the team will not materialize on the field. While their absence has provided opportunities to develop the younger players, Coughlin wants his top players on the field. And he wants it to happen soon.

Orleans Darkwa impressed Coughlin last season with his special teams play last season, and has continued to impress with his work on offense this year in camp. Despite their depth at running back, capturing the head coach’s attention is a good way to fight for a roster spot. Playing well on special teams is another.

Dwayne Harris caught Coughlin’s eye as he was game planning against him when he played for the Dallas Cowboys. His work as a gunner on special teams, kick and punt returning, and blocking on offense showed Coughlin a versatility that made him a target for the Giants in free agency. Pointing out that Harris is an “Obvious special teamer,” Coughlin says he takes pride in that role and it shown.

Davis needs to take a page from Harris’ playbook and concentrate on his special teams work. While he’s impressive as a receiver in camp, the Giants depth at the position means his future playing time will depend on his versatility. Coughlin would like to see him as part of the gunner rotation as he has the size, strength, and speed to excel in that role.

Coughlin expects the Giants offense to improve in all areas this season. With teams having to decide which of teams weapon to defend, he expect the offense to be excellent. The offensive line needs to be settled and the team needs to find the five guys that work best together. With Schwartz and Newhouse missing time, it’s given the team a chance to bring some of the younger players along. Bobby Hart is one of those players and had been given playing time at both right guard and right tackle. Coughlin said he’s had good and bad days, but has improved.

Speaking at length about the revised extra point rules, where the conversion is the equivalent of a 33 yard field goal, Coughlin said he thinks is just as important to practice the extra points as it is to run two point conversion plays from the two yard line. Where strategy comes into play, he said, is when there is a defensive penalty, and the ball will move to the one. Pointing out the he expects the Giants extra point success rate to remain at 100%, Coughlin said that wind and other weather factors will be monitored as always, and be incorporated into this game day decisions.

Confidence in the Giants defense is growing, but Coughlin wants to see the unit prove themselves on the field against the Jaguars. As a tough team that wants to run the ball and defend the run, Coughlin sees them as a good test for the Giants.

Tom Quinn, Special Teams Coordinator: Need to See Improvement

Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn manages the workload for his kickers to keep their fresh. They have to kick through the long season and he doesn’t want them to “Kick their legs out.”

Harris, was signed for primarily for his special teams play, and Quinn looks forward to seeing him play on “The Big 4 special teams.” Rookie Akeem Hunt may challenge for the kick return job, but Quinn thought he should have taken his big kick return against the Bengals back for a touchdown. The players are learning and it’s all part of the process.

Davis, who did not play special teams in college, is progressing, according to Quinn, who confirmed he’s being trained as a gunner. It’s different getting free against two defenders on the line, but Quinn tries to keep it simple for the rookie.

The new extra point will not be a big deal, as it meant that the field goal team started their practices from the 15 yard line instead of the two. There will be more of a defensive rush, but Quinn is not worried about it.

Zak DeOssie is a leader, and a football player rather than just a snapper. When the rules were changed to not allow defenders to line up over the center on punts, it allowed DeOssie to get down the field faster and has unleashed the linebacker in the veteran.

Quinn expects the Giants to improve in both net punt and punt return yards based on their off season acquisitions and the work they have done in camp. Their work on the punting and punt coverage team has always been significant, but Quinn said they increased their workload on punt returns. They investments and hard work should pay dividends in September.

Eli Manning: I Don’t Know Where That Came From

Sweeping the internet like a Khardassian magazine cover, a statement attributed to Eli Manning that he wants to be the NFL’s highest paid player is completely false, according to the Giants quarterback. Not only did he not make the statement, but neither did his agent. He’s uncertain if it was a reporter “Trying to make a name for himself,” or if it came from anther source, but Manning said it’s not true and declined to comment on his contract negotiations.

Manning learned of the report fro his father, Archie Manning, and immediately contacted the Giants Vice President of Communications, Pat Hanlon. Assuring him that the source was unreliable, Hanlon told Manning not to concern himself and to focus on practice and preparation for Saturday’s game against the Jaguars.

Plays that have been made in practice need to translate onto the field, said Manning, in response to how the offense can improve it’s performance. In their second season in McAdoo’s system, Manning expects the offense to be faster in the early part of the season, with adjustments made more rapidly, and fewer mental errors. Having gotten more practice reps with Beckham and Cruz, Manning expects to hit more plays with them as well.

In the game on Saturday night, Manning wants to sustain drive and put point on the board. If the offense plays fast and gets into a rhythm, he sees that happening.

Victor Cruz: A Small Hiccup

Coughlin called it a product of dehydration. Cruz called is a “Little tweak” from running around and his increased practice reps. The topic, of course, is the calf strain that kept Cruz out of practice yesterday and will most likely keep him out up to and including Saturday’s game.

Pointing out that the strain is not in the leg that suffered the torn patellar tendon, Cruz assures all concerned parties that it’s completely unrelated to his knee injury and it’s minor. Feeling “Light years better” than when it happened on Tuesday, Cruz is certain he will be able to return to practice next week and play in the Giants third preseason game against the New York Jets.

“It’s not going to be a huge hindrance,” said Cruz, “It’s not related to the knee and is just a small hiccup on the road to recovery.”

Expecting the offense to be considerably better in the second year of McAdoo’s system, Cruz said that “If we can get everyone out on the field at the same time, we can be a force.” Speaking with confidence about the talent on the team, and be sure to mention that it’s on both sides of the ball and special teams, Cruz said he sees the Giants as ready to take the next step.

The second day of joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals featured both teams wearing shells – upper pads with shorts. It’s done in low contact drills and allows the coaching staff to emphasize technique with the players

The joint practice again started with special teams, but unlike yesterday, the Giants did not look crisp. Geremy Davis did have some strong moments from the gunner position.

With Geoff Schwartz still sidelined, the first team offensive line remained unchanged. John Jerry stepped in for Schwartz, and the other four starters are the men presumed to be in place on opening day. Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg showed the ability to work effectively in tandem, holding Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins at bay on consecutive plays. Marshall Newhouse was not as solid, allowing penetration several times during the team drills.

Bennett Jackson, who appears to be recovered from his weekend quad injury, was practicing with the cornerbacks, displaying his versatility. Along with Trumaine McBride and Josh Gordy, Jackson lined up as a nickel corner. Jeromy Miles lined up with Landon Collins as the first team safeties with Jackson playing corner. Jayron Hosley remained in the starting lineup with Prince Amukamara still sidelined.

Bengals running back Jeremy Hill made a one handed catch in front of Jon Beason that was reminiscent of Odell Beckham. On a later play, Hill was flattened by defensive end Brad Bars. Unappreciative of the hard hit, Hill threw the ball at Bars, drawing a penalty flag.

Beckham ran for a touchdown on a reverse during the early part of team drills. Victor Cruz was allowed to work against the Bengals defense during these reduced contact drills. He was held out of yesterday’s full contact practice.

Davis made a leaping catch for a touchdown over Adam (formerly Pacman) Jones and drew praise from his teammates on the sideline.

Collins had his ankle looked at by trainers and Mykkele Thompson stepped in for him during part of the drills. After testing his ankle, Collins returned to finish the drill with the first team defense.

Ryan Nassib threaded a pass to Adrien Robinson between three Bengals defenders. Robinson made a great catch for a touchdown on the play. The two connected again during the two minute drill portion of practice on a pass over the middle.

There were some breakdowns in the secondary resulting in deep completions over Thompson and Collins. There will be kinks in the secondary that need to be worked out and it’s unlikely they will be resolved until the first part of the regular season.

In his post practice press conference, Coughlin revealed that Cruz will not play on Friday night. As is traditional in the first preseason game, the starters will play one or two series, including Eli Manning and Beckham. Coughlin did not know if Rueben Randle would be available for the game.

Asked about the safety competition, Coughlin said he hopes it will resolve itself on the practice field before the regular season starts. He also said that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is dealing with a “A little bit of a groin,” but he’s playing through it.

In Friday’s game, Coughlin wants to see the rookies give a great effort and play hard. He pointed out that there are plenty of roster spots up for grabs.

Jeromy Miles: Undrafted Free Agent Mentality

Enjoying some time in Cincinnati this week, Miles played there from 2010 to 2013 before signing with Baltimore. As an undrafted free agent, he felt overlooked and carries that chip with him to his day. Every time Miles steps onto the field, whether it be for practice or in a game, he wants to prove he belongs there.

Practicing against the Bengals is a good test, says Miles. Players like A.J. Green, his former teammate, test your abilities. And with his past, he never takes them for granted.

Robert Ayers: Attacking Defense

List Robert Ayers among those current Giants who have joined the Steve Spagnuolo fan club. Appreciating how the Giants defensive coordinator trusts his players knowledge of the game and puts them in position to make plays has impressed Ayers. Seeing the defense as much more aggressive, he says that Spagnuolo wants the Giants to attack and be relentless, and do damage on their way to the ball carrier.

Ayers also sees Spagnuolo as a good teacher, as he not only explains the defense, but tell you why, how, and what he is trying to accomplish with each play. Also explaining how an offense might try to counter the defense’s tactics, Ayers like that Spagnuolo in not content to allow opponent to dictate the game and manipulate them. Admitting that Spagnuolo’s defense is complicated, Ayers said he’s simplified it to make easier for the Giants players to digest.

Practicing against he Bengals has been a good measure of progress for the Giants defense, and Ayers believes they “Held their own” against a good Bengals offense. He identified Owa Odighizuwa, Jay Bromley, and Damontre Moore as players who performed particularly well, and beamed with pride while describing their accomplishments.

Ayers is particularly impressed with Odighizuwa, who he predicts will be a “Monster” once he refines his game, given how quickly he picked up the defense.

Shane Vereen: Leadership Qualities?

One of the reasons the Giants signed Shane Vereen is because he came from the world champion New England Patriots, and Vereen realizes the team would like to them to spread that winning attitude throughout the locker room. But Vereen said he first need to “Get my feet on the ground and know what I’m doing.”

Seeing the Giants as a new team and a new page in his story, it sounds as if Vereen doesn’t see himself as a natural leader. He did admit that his winning pedigree was discussed when he visited the team during free agency, but may not be a role he’s comfortable in. If he starts converting critical third down, the coaching staff and front office might not care.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: I Just Play Ball

Staying back and letting the young safeties make their mistakes has been one of the most challenging parts of training camp for Rodgers-Cromartie, who realizes it’s part of the learning process. He praises Miles, who he’s seen help his young counterparts make strides in their play since he arrived two weeks ago.

Asked how his role has changed under new coordinator Spagnuolo, Rodgers-Cromartie says it’s the same as he’s “Still on the outside covering guys,” but did conceded that the scheme is much more aggressive. The attacking style puts pressure on the cornerbacks as the smallest little things leads to an opponent’s touchdown. Rodgers-Cromartie doesn’t worry too much about it, as he says the cornerbacks just have to “Go out and compete.”

Paired with Amukamara, Rodgers-Cromartie would not rank them as a tandem in comparison with others in the NFL. When pressed, he simply said, “I don’t know. I just play ball.”

With the defensive line getting a good amount of pressure on Bengals quarterbacks yesterday, Rodgers-Cromartie sees a potential Jason Pierre-Paul return as just adding on to the talent. He believes the defense will be scary if, and when, the defensive end returns to the Giants.

Geremy Davis: Improving

Rookie wide receiver Davis describes going against the Bengals in practice as “Fun” because it feels like a game. He’s also appreciative of the opportunity to see how different cornerbacks play coverages and work against opposing receivers. Davis believes the joint practices are making him and the team better.

Seeing the Bengals defense this week will make him better able to match up against them on Friday night, says Davis. Rookie often experience a sort of culture shock in their first preseason game as they are only practicing again teammates. This week has exposed him to different players, but also those he will see on Friday. His first true test against a blind opponent will come next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Davis appreciates the coaching he is receiving as both a wide receiver and special teams player and sees himself improving in both areas. He says that assistant special teams coach Larry Izzo has “over-coached” him due to his limited college experience. It’s made him think about special teams more and improve his techniques. Given his standing on the wide receiver depth chart, special teams play will determine if he makes the team in September.

On another mile summer day in New Jersey, the Giants had a fully padded practice in advance of an off day prior to traveling to Cincinnati for join practices with the Bengals. Their injury list swelled again with safety Bennett Jackson (Quad) and linebacker Cole Farrand joining Prince Amukamara (groin), Nat Berhe (calf), Geoff Schwartz (ankle), and Jameel McClain (stinger) on the sidelines. Jackson has been one of the superstars of camp and seemed to be on track for one of the starting safety positions.

Ereck Flowers and Weston Richburg returned to the practice, moving Justin Pugh back to left guard and somewhat stabilizing the offensive line. With Schwartz still sidelined, John Jerry took with first team reps at right guard, with Marshall Newhouse remaining at right tackle.

Damontre Moore was extremely active along the defensive line, enjoying one of his best practices to date, often penetrating and disrupting the offense’s rhythm. Jeromy Miles took first team snaps at safety beside Landon Collins, taking the place of Jackson, who has been a fixture in the defensive backfield.

The offense made some plays in 11 on 11 drills, with both Rueben Randle and Victor Cruz catching touchdown passes from Eli Manning. Odell Beckham enjoyed a spectacular practice, beating both Chykie Brown and Josh Gordy with athletic catches, one for a long touchdown down the left sideline.

Brown is taking first team snaps for Amukamara after Jayron Hosley received the majority of the snaps in Thursday’s fully padded practice. Hosley appeared to give up on a play, surrendering a long play and drawing the ire of the coaching staff. After Johnathan Hankins dove and landed on him, Brown went down, holding his right knee and screaming profanities. After having his knee tested for stability, he got up and walked off, obviously hobbled, with trainers. Hosley took Brown’s place with the first team defense.

Ryan Nassib showed off his strong arm, overthrowing both Geremy Davis and Corey Washington.

Cornerback Trevin Wade registered the first official interception of Manning in camp with a leaping interception on a pass intended for Randle. A potential interception by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Thursday’s practice was “Overturned” when coaches reviewed practice videos. Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted Manning later in practice, giving the quarterback two on the day. Manning later found James Jones for a touchdown. Jones has been especially impressive with his downfield blocking during camp.

Owa Odighizuwa was one of the stars of today’s practice, making several plays int he backfield and showing a quick first step. He beat tackle Brandon Mosley, the former guard, several times.

Coughlin spoke with Jason Pierre-Paul and said it was good to hear his voice, but he’s no clearer on when the defensive end might report that prior to the conversation. He declined to speculate on a time frame.

Cruz will travel to Cincinnati, according to Coughlin, but it’s unclear if he will practice or play in the preseason game. He’s “Moving along very well,” per the coach.

Coughlin has already addressed the team in the wake of the brawl that broke out in the Washington/Houston joint practices. Coughlin wants “Good, hard practices, but none of that.”

Pat Flaherty, Offensive Line Coach: This Will Be a Good Offensive Line

Offensive line coach Pat Flaherty knows that all of his offensive linemen want to be on the field, but can’t because they are injured. As a coach, he doesn’t spend time worrying about things he can’t control, and injuries are among those items. Flaherty disagrees with former Giants center Shaun O’Hara who called the player’s toughness into question. Saying it’s an issue if injury, and not mere soreness, Flaherty cites daily discussions with Tom Coughlin. Flaherty calls O’Hara’s statements “One man’s opinion.”

Flowers and Richburg took part in yesterday’s jog through, bolstering the line, and their availability for today’s more strenuous practice, left up to trainers, was a welcome sight.

Players are being shuffled about in different positions, all part of the effort to identify the best starting five combination and foster versatility among the linemen. It’s a plan that Flaherty has used successfully in the past. With so many linemen sidelined, it’s given a chance for veterans and rookies alike to make an impression on the coaches.

While he’d like to see the five regular season starters identified before training camp ends, Flaherty cautions that it won’t end the competition for positions. “You want coordination, communication, and chemistry among the linemen, but the attitude from the players that I’m going to get a job is something you always want to see,” says Flaherty.

Regarding Flowers, Flaherty says it’s always bad when a young player misses time, but his attitude is great, and that he was “Chomping at the bit” to get back onto the field. Flaherty also noted that Flowers pass protection skills are improving.

Pugh appears to be a man in flux, as he’s taken snaps at both left tackle and left guard in camp and Flaherty was remarkably non-committal about his future. What’s important, said Flaherty, is that Pugh win his position, run or pass, on every play. There are technique differences between the two positions, varied angles, and subtleties. Flaherty thinks it’s good for Pugh’s development to know both and mentally consider the differences as he takes reps.

Of Brett Jones, the Canadian linemen who won every award imaginable in the CFL, Flaherty said, “He’s developing every day, and has had more peaks than valleys.”

Calling this group of linemen a talented group, Flaherty says they are far from having arrived, but that’s why the team practices. He believes there are enough linemen in camp to form a good offensive line. It’s appears that the coach is not looking to add Jake Long or Evan Mathis any time soon.

Landon Collins: First NFL Game

Even though it’s a preseason contest, Collins sees next week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals as his first in the NFL, and he’s exciting. It follows a week of joint practices, that will feature the unknown, and that’s fine withe Collins as well. Seeing players in helmets other than blue will help the defense measure their progress, and it’s important to know where they stand.

Adjusting to the depth of his backpedal is the biggest change for Collins, who lined up deeper in Alabama. He’s closer to the line of scrimmage in the Steve Spagnuolo scheme, and that changes how far and fast he has to backpedal.

The safeties also control the secondary, and reading their keys and lining their teammates up correctly will prevent “Bomb plays and wide receiver running free.” While Collins adjust to the new scheme, he’s also trying to communicate with a rotating group of teammates and win a starting job. Chemistry is important, and he believes the secondary will have it, once the dust settles and the starters emerge. He plans to be one of them.

Trumaine McBride: It’s Like a Preseason Game

Cornerback Trumaine McBride compares the join practices with the Bengals to another preseason game. He expects the players to be fired up and things to be “Chippy” because they are practicing against player that are not their teammates. But because it’s a practice, and it will be controlled, he’s not worried. McBride calls it a mindset, seeing different receivers and formations and not knowing what to expects. It’s exciting for the players to see something new after lining up against the same men day after day.

McBride is not worried about where he ranks on the cornerback depth chart, but rather he concentrates on making the team first. That’s his focus every summer and this year is no different. What is different is his position, where McBride is playing nickel corner rather than outside, and is learning the nuances of that position.

Also different is taking direction from the young safeties who will be calling the signals in the secondary. McBride is not concerned as he says is incumbent upon the cornerbacks to know they their jobs.

Lining up against the Giants wide receivers gives McBride a unique perspective on Cruz, who the cornerback says looks good. “He’s fast, still quick, and his hands are there. He’s the same,” says McBride.

Roster Shuffle

The Giants signed rookie safety Justin Halley. To make room on the roster, wide receiver Chris Harper was waived with an injury designation. Halley is the ninth safety on the roster as the team continues to try out seemingly unlimited combinations to find the best starting combination for opening day and the best four to keep on the final 53 man roster.