Latest news with #AbdulCarter
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Giants training camp takeaways: Arrow pointing up on Jaxson Dart, offensive line
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants conducted their first full pads practice of training camp on Monday. The first padded practice is always a major checkpoint on the path to the regular season. 'We get to be more physical, like play some real football now,' said excited rookie outside linebacker Abdul Carter before his first padded practice. Advertisement Here's everything that happened during a physical practice conducted in grueling 90-degree heat: Wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton suffered a torn Achilles during Sunday's practice, so he obviously wasn't in attendance. Ford-Wheaton was placed on injured reserve following Monday's practice. The injury is a brutal blow for the third-year veteran who had his entire rookie season wiped away after tearing his ACL in the preseason. Ford-Wheaton was a key special teams player last season and had an inside track to a roster spot. 'My heart aches for that man,' coach Brian Daboll said. 'We'll certainly miss him. It's just an unfortunate thing for Bryce. I feel terrible for him.' RB Eric Gray (knee), LT Andrew Thomas (foot) and OLB Victor Dimukeje weren't spotted on the field. All three players have been sidelined since the start of camp. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't devastated! I did everything by the book! Didn't take a single shortcut, left no stone unturned, invested everything into my body and my health this year. I'm not sure why me but I promise I'm not going out on these terms. It's a long road ahead… — Bryce Ford-Wheaton (@Brycewheat3) July 27, 2025 Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was held out of practice after getting kneed in the quad by safety Dane Belton in a collision during Sunday's practice. Daboll said Robinson's injury is 'nothing serious.' It's been a rough stretch for Robinson, who was steamrolled by outside linebacker Brian Burns in a nasty collision during Friday's practice. Robinson needed liquid stitches to close a gash in his upper lip, but he was otherwise fine after getting run over by the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Burns. Burns returned to full participation after sitting out Sunday's practice. 'I was in a lot of pain, but after we got the scans and everything, it was all good,' Burns said. Advertisement Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was held out for a third straight practice after leaving the second practice of camp due to cramping. Daboll described Hyatt on Friday as being 'a little tight in the lower body.' This is the second absence for Hyatt since the spring and after he added significant weight this offseason. Cornerback Tre Hawkins, who has worked with the second-team defense throughout camp, was running on the side during team periods during practice. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Da'Quan Felton spent most of practice riding an exercise bike. There's no word yet on the injuries to Hawkins or Felton. It was a quiet day for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart as practice was focused on the run game. Dart exclusively worked as the second-team quarterback, completing 4-of-6 passes. The limited passing day followed Dart's best practice of camp on Sunday. Dart completed 11-of-13 passes in that practice, hitting multiple intermediate throws that demonstrated his increased comfort. Dart said after Sunday's practice the game was starting to slow down for him. He certainly looked more comfortable than the first three practices, when he held the ball excessively in the pocket. Dart capped Monday's practice with a naked bootleg for a first down. The offense was in a situational period where they were trying to run out the clock while backed up deep in their territory. Dart faked a handoff to the left and then booted to the right. He out-ran unblocked outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux to the edge and then alertly slid inbounds after securing the first down. The arrow is pointing up for Dart the past two days. Now the challenge will be continuing his progress as the defensive looks get more exotic. Daboll didn't waste any time putting the trenches to work after so many pass-heavy practices. Starting quarterback Russell Wilson only attempted four passes on his 15 reps. Advertisement It was an encouraging first day for the offensive line. It helped that nose tackle Dexter Lawrence continues to be a limited participant as he works back from a dislocated elbow. Lawrence didn't participate in any one-on-one reps against the offensive linemen. In team drills, Lawrence easily shed a block from left tackle James Hudson to blow up a Devin Singletary run on one of his reps. Center John Michael Schmitz effectively sealed Lawrence to open a hole for an explosive Tyrone Tracy run. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo took reps with the starting offense for the first time Monday after a string of productive practices. It's difficult to evaluate long runs in practice since the defense can't tackle, but Skattebo's vision is evident as he finds creases and cut-back lanes. Skattebo's hands have been his most impressive attribute early in camp. He notched a big gain Monday on a well-blocked screen play. For all of Skattebo's battering ram highlights in college, he might make his most immediate impact in the passing game. It remains to be seen how Skattebo's physical running style will translate to the NFL. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder appears determined to find out, as he lowers his shoulder and drives his legs through contract with defenders. The edge he plays with is a lock to get on the nerves of defensive teammates because they aren't allowed to tackle ball carriers to the ground in practice. Veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke drove Skattebo into the ground on a run late in practice. Of Wilson's four attempts, three were directed to wide receiver Malik Nabers. That ratio has been consistent throughout camp. The duo didn't produce any highlights in the run-centric practice, but Wilson has fed Nabers daily. The 36-year-old Wilson showed some speed on a scramble after being chased from the backfield by blitzing safety Jevon Holland. Wilson made a daring lateral to Singletary downfield at the end of the run. Evan Neal continued to rotate at first-team right guard with Greg Van Roten. It's too early to know if Neal can successfully make the transition from tackle, but the strengths of the 6-foot-7, 340-pounder appear better utilized inside. Neal's size and strength are an asset on double teams in the run game. He also held up well in pass protection in his one-on-one reps against defensive tackle Cory Durden and outside linebacker Chauncey Golston. @camskattebo5 shifty … and he gone off the hip of Evan Neal — Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) July 27, 2025 One-on-one pass rush drills are tilted toward the defense, so Monday's performance by the offensive line was particularly impressive. Backup tackles Marcus Mbow and Stone Forsythe struggled in their matchups. Otherwise, the group held its own. Forsythe was sent reeling by a club from the extraordinarily powerful Carter. Eluemunor had a good rep slowing a rush by Carter around the edge. Hopefully Thomas returns soon enough so he'll be able to square off against the dominant rookie. Advertisement Hudson whiffed on an inside move by Thibodeaux. On their next rep, Hudson hit Thibodeaux in the face before driving the defender into the ground. There was heated talk from both players after the rep, continuing the tension that first surfaced in the spring. The period ended after that rep, with defensive line coach Andre Patterson huddling the players for a message. Hudson and Thibodeaux again got into during a team period after Thibodeaux's helmet popped off. Hudson has been getting under the skin of the edge rushers since he arrived in the spring. It's only a matter of time before that boils over into a fight. During the last rep of 1v1's, James Hudson clubs Kayvon Thibodeaux almost causing our first camp fight. Andre Patterson gathers the unit afterwards and has some words with them — Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) July 28, 2025 Undrafted rookie wide receiver Dalen Cambre took reps with the starting offense with Hyatt and Robinson sidelined. Cambre also played with the starting offense during an install period. Nabers and Darius Slayton were the only other healthy wide receivers with the starters during that period. Cambre was a special teams ace at Louisiana, so his odds of making the team increased with Ford-Wheaton's injury. The Giants also re-signed receiver/returner Gunner Olszewski on Monday. Olszewski missed all of last season after suffering a major groin/core injury during pregame warmups in Week 1. Olszewski had been dealing with the injury heading into the season. The veteran adds depth at slot receiver and returner. Cor'Dale Flott and Deonte Banks continued their rotation at the No. 2 cornerback spot. Monday was Flott's turn to be first in the rotation, but they alternate each team period. Flott made a nice pass breakup on a post from Dart to wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey during a period with the second-team defense. Humphrey could have done a better job shielding Flott, as the defender was able to poke the ball away from behind. The veteran Humphrey has not impressed early in camp. The quarterbacks employed hard counts while backed up near their goal line during one period. Multiple false-start penalties led to Daboll's first outburst of camp, as he ripped the offensive linemen for their lack of discipline. Advertisement Special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial gave his unit an earful for a period he deemed substandard later in practice. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who worked exclusively with the third-team on Monday, was forced to call a timeout during one period because he couldn't hear the play call from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Kafka has been the play-caller during every open practice this offseason. Backup cornerback Art Green made a nice one-handed interception on a deep ball from Winston. Winston underthrew wide receiver Jordan Bly on a deep crossing route, and Green turned his head to find the ball and make the impressive snag. One-handed pick 😮💨 — New York Giants (@Giants) July 28, 2025 'Everybody feels encouraged and excited and hyped up at the beginning of the season. At the same time, we look great on paper, but we ain't do s— yet. It's all on us. We can take this as far as we want to go. Everything looks good with the names we have and the potential and this and that, but until we put that s— to stamp, ain't really nothing to talk about.' — OLB Brian Burns The Giants will conduct their sixth training camp practice at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The session is open to fans. (Photo of Dart: Kevin R. Wexler / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Abdul Carter's growing defensive versatility only building more hype around Giants rookie
It would be helpful to the crowd if the Giants just let Abdul Carter wear a red and white striped shirt among the sea of blue and white jerseys on the practice field. The quarterbacks definitely wouldn't complain. 'Where's Waldo?' has been replaced by 'Where's Abdul?' in the rookie's first training camp. Carter's versatility to slide from edge rusher to off-ball linebacker to three-technique defensive tackle depending on the formation has added a new wrinkle to the defense that is sure to further the league-wide comparisons being drawn to fellow Penn State product Micah Parsons. 'Until they get here, and you kind of see them move around and ultimately see how they handle it mentally, [you don't know], 'Can they pick it up? Do they have the instincts to do it?' ' head coach Brian Daboll said. 'He certainly has very, very good instincts as a football player. 4 Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) looks on during Training Camp at the Quest Diagnostics center, Sunday, July 27, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 'Some players do exactly what's on the paper: 'I run 12 yards, I stop, I turn.' And then you have other players that are very instinctive players. 'If I run to 12 yards and turn here, I'm going to be covered. Or if I do this, it's not.' He's a little bit of a 'see ball, get ball' kind of guy.' Parsons has settled in for the Cowboys as an edge rusher in the vein of other top sack threats like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson. But he burst onto the scene in 2021 as a rookie who played more snaps in the box (540) than on the defensive line (390) en route to 13 sacks. The Giants would sign up right now for duplication from Carter, whose explosiveness, intensity and slippery spin move was impossible to miss in Sunday's practice. The No. 3 pick in the draft is only building more hype. 4 New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) runs against offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (72) during Training Camp at the Quest Diagnostics center, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 'I feel like pass rush is a science,' Carter said. 'It's like you're playing basketball: Dribbling the ball, setting your moves up, setting up your counter. I have my own little style that I play like. Whatever I'm going to do, I'm going to make sure I do my job first, but just within the play.' The Giants need defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to be a mad scientist, figuring out ways to maximize Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Carter replaced a resting Brian Burns on Sunday and has bumped Thibodeaux to the second team at times in camp, but the best-11 approach to defense means putting all three on the field together. That's why Carter — who played inside linebacker at Penn State and was 'running through gaps and chasing people down,' as Daboll said, until a position change last season — is the right fit in addition to being a potential game-changer. He had 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks last season. 4 Giants head coach Brian Daboll greets New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) during Training Camp at the Quest Diagnostics center. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 4 Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (right), working against New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter #51, during practice. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 'It's definitely a sign of respect,' Carter said of having extra responsibility put on his plate. 'Anything my coaches need me to do, I'm going to do it to the best of my ability. I've been doing this since my freshman year of college, so I'm pretty much used to it.' The offensive and defensive lines will battle in full pads Monday for the first time. It's a chance for right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor to keep Carter from bending the edge with speed and center John Michael Schmitz to even the score for being put in a spin cycle and shoved to the turf. 'We get to be more physical — like play some real football now — so I can't wait,' Carter said. 'I feel like I perform best under pressure. I don't shy away from it. … I embrace it.' If that weren't the case, Carter wouldn't have worn No. 11 at Penn State after greats Parsons and LaVar Arrington. He wouldn't have checked in with Lawrence Taylor (No. 56) and Phil Simms (No. 11) about potentially unretiring their numbers with the Giants. 'I learned a lot from Micah,' Carter said. 'He took me under his wing, just starting at Penn State, that whole 'Stick City' (No. 11) tradition. But at the end of the day, I'm my own player. I'm going to be Abdul Carter.' Who is Carter? 'Very explosive,' defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said. 'That's what jumps off on film. He is making great strides — leaps and bounds.' Added Thibodeaux, 'He's twitchy. He can play it all.' Where's Carter? Just look around the ball.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Giants Training Camp Highlights Abdul Carter, Russell Wilson, Dexter Lawrence II
At Giants training camp, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence II, and the New York defense run drills before Russell Wilson and the offense scrimmage against them.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Top 25 Player Profile, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton
Last year, Dani Dennis-Sutton was part of one of the most dynamic edge-rushing duos in the entire country. Along with Abdul Carter, the both of them wreaked havoc on the Big Ten and then all the way to the CFP semifinal. Unfortunately, Carter did not get to the championship stage in his final year as a Nittany Lion. This year, now having the edge all to himself, Dennis-Sutton has the opportunity to rewrite his own narrative and not just follow in Carter's footsteps, but overtake them and potentially even get out from under his shadow as well. Here is how Dennis-Sutton's final season could turn out. 2024 in Review Even with Abdul Carter as the hero of the defense last year, Dani Dennis-Sutton was the perfect sidekick. In a career year, he contributed 42 tackles, 13 for loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, one fumble recovery, three pass breakups, and nine QB hurries. His sack totals were enough for sixth in the conference and his TFL totals saw him fifth. To top it all off, he received the accolades worthy of his performance, getting selected as an All-Big Ten honorable mention. This year, Dennis-Sutton is primed for an electric encore, wanting to prove that he is more than just a sidekick. Now the main man on the edge, look for Dennis-Sutton to dominate in situations where he must generate pressure himself. While he almost certainly does not not have a chip on his shoulder, week in and week out, he will play like he does. Penn State fans should be getting their popcorn ready for what Dennis-Sutton is about to do. Biggest Question for 2025 While not specifically concerning Dennis-Sutton himself, one glaring question Penn State must answer is who will emerge opposite him on the other edge? While Zuriah Fisher is the presumptive starter as a redshirt senior, the Nittany Lions might want to look at the young depth they have at the position as well. While it would be great if Dennis-Sutton achieved last year's stats by himself this year, it would be fantastic if they found him not only a perfect running mate, but someone who can aptly fill his shoes after he departs. Penn State's M.O is to keep churning out stellar edge talent, and this year will be no different. On another note, a more personal topic concerning Dennis-Sutton stems from his snub from the preseason All-American squad and whether or not he felt slighted by it. While Zane Durant, after a breakout campaign last year, was the lone representative from the Nittany Lion defense, many felt that Dennis-Sutton deserved that praise as well, if not more so . Like I mentioned, Dennis-Sutton will always play as if there's a chip on his shoulder and if he plays that way over a 16 game season, I guarantee you that every Big Ten team will have to watch out. 2025 will be a success if... Dennis-Sutton steps out of Abdul Carter's shadow and is the main man for the Penn State defense. Zane Durant may be the preseason All-American this time, but everyone knows who will be the overwhelming leader on that side of the ball. Dennis-Sutton's high motor will give this defense the energy and intensity it needs sans Carter, and perhaps it won't even miss a beat. Another asset that Dennis-Sutton brings to the table as the new leader of the defense is his all-encompassing talents, not just as a pass-rusher, but making plays in the run game as well. While he may not be known for his explosiveness, his instincts more than make up for it. Look for Dennis-Sutton to maybe even eclipse some of his stats from last year. He really may just be a do-everything man for the Nittany Lions this year. But that might be just the way he wants it. 2025 will be a disappointment if... Dennis-Sutton looks lost without Carter, the defense lacks trust in his leadership abilities, and most importantly, it leads to failures in their championship aspirations. There will certainly be a lot of pressure for Dennis-Sutton to deliver, especially on the biggest stages. Penn State fans more importantly know what's at stake as well and may turn to frustration and anger if the defense can't hold up their end of the bargain. It also not just about Dennis-Sutton, but his younger teammates who want to step into his role as the future of the team. He must show them what it takes to be an elite edge rusher, and thus, that could lead to Dennis-Sutton's own frustrations. While Dennis-Sutton's goals are there for the taking, all he has been through to even get to this point in his career will test him mightily. Either he is everything Penn State coaches, fans, and teammates think he is to be, or he is someone who didn't take their chance to be a star. Right now, Dennis-Sutton seems as if he's on the right path. It could all unravel quickly though if he's not up to par. Realistic Outlook for 2025 Dennis-Sutton's expectations for himself and for the squad are mighty high, so expect Dennis-Sutton to do whatever he can to help both causes. While last year's stat line was good enough then, it may not satisfy Penn State fans this season. It's one thing to be a stellar sidekick in a season in which you overachieve. It's quite another to have to fill someone's shows in one of the biggest years in your school's history. Dennis-Sutton has a chance to do something his predecessor couldn't: win a national championship. He must take that chance in order to be remembered even more fondly by the fanbase. Should Dennis-Sutton play the way we know he can, there should be no reason for any slippage from this defensive unit. It's whether he can handle the immense pressure that comes with expectation that remains to be seen.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 defensive keys for Penn State's 2025 season
For as long as most have been watching Penn State football, the defense has tended to be one of the more stable aspects of the program. What else would you expect from a program that sells itself as Linebacker-U? Despite losing one of the top defensive players in the country to the NFL, the Nittany Lions look to be energized for another strong season in 2025 with lofty expectations placed on the program. A new defensive coordinator, a returning vet with first-round draft outlooks on the defensive line, and one of the nation's top rising young linebackers, not to mention a steady defensive secondary, there are many reasons to expect a good year out of the Penn State defense. Here is a look at some of the keys for the Penn State defense in 2025. Jim Knowles Brings New Energy The arrival of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator is one of the biggest changes in Happy Valley. Known for aggressive and complex schemes at Ohio State and Oklahoma State, Knowles is expected to bring more pre-snap confusion and smarter blitzes. The challenge is whether his system can be installed quickly and executed cleanly in Year One. Penn State fans will know early on if his unit is clicking. Life After Abdul Carter With Abdul Carter off to the NFL, there's a leadership void in the front seven. Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant are now the veterans who must step up. The pass rush has to remain a strength, but also become more consistent in getting home — especially in big games against top-tier offensive lines. The Defensive Line Must Dominate Stopping the run is priority No. 1. There were moments last season when Penn State got gashed up the middle. The defensive tackles need to anchor better, and the edge defenders must be disciplined in containment. A great defensive line sets the tone, and this one has to be nasty. The Secondary Needs to Flip the Turnover Margin One of the primary complaints about the 2024 defense was that it was unable to produce enough turnovers. That has to change by 2025. Whether that means cornerbacks jumping routes or safeties stripping the ball, the back end needs to give the offense more chances. Keep an eye on KJ Winston and Cam Miller to take the lead. Finish Games Strong Penn State's defense needs to be better at closing. Too many key drives last season slipped away in crunch time. Knowles has to instill discipline and situational awareness so this unit becomes the difference in one-score games, not the downfall. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: How Penn State's defense can fuel a 2025 championship run
