Albany, NY (WFAN) -- So my first day of training camp was a record setting one. 2910. The most fans to ever show up for day 1 of Giants Training Camp. 1470 in the morning session followed by 1440 in the afternoon session. I would like to say that it was all me, but I know I know..the defending Super Bowl Champions WILL draw a crowd and they did not disappoint.
The team had to work out one field as opposed to on separate ones as regularly scheduled due to the 3 days of rain that preceded camp this week. Everything went as it usually does (or that's what they told me since this was my first training camp)...First the offense and defense did some drills opposite sides of the field, then they went 1st team offense vs 1st team defense. 2nd play from scrimmage was a beauty as Eli dropped back and hit Amani Toomer down the sideline who made a great grab in traffic. Eli said afterward that he loves the deep balls and wants to do more of that to open up the offense this year. Amani had a few nice grabs in the morning session. As for the running game, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward split carries. Both Jacobs and Bradshaw broke a few, but lets of course keep in mind that this was a no pad / no hit situation so don't get too excited. But for day 1, session 1 guys looked ready to go.
The Plaxico Burress update...just like all season last year. He didn't practice. Plax rode the stationary bike as Coach Coughlin said his ankle was still an issue. Although I did not see him, his agent Drew Rosenhaus was in the house...but no word on any further negotiations and Burress spent his time during the 2nd session of the day once again riding like the wind. Yet he did walk right on by me as I was leaving practice and no noticeable limp on that ankle or favor or anything. Just saying...practice? practice? As Allen Iverson so eloquently said. He didn't do it more than 10 times last season...maybe "Prax" ain't for 'Plax"
In that 2nd session Eli looked fluid once again...hooking up with Kevin Boss on an out as he made a great nab stretched out on the sideline. Also hitting Amani again several times who looked fresh on Day 1. Overall the feel on this first day was optimistic and exciting. Players ready to get back in the swing of things and earn the respect on the field that they did down the stretch last year. The desire to prove those so called nay-sayers once again is there without a doubt. Osi Umenyiora said they've been picked to finish 6th in the conference..those kind of things not sitting well with this bunch. Not at all. Kind of like my sunburned shoulders which I now must aloe up before the next time I drive "North on the Thruway" on August 4th.
Mia Missives: Giant Domination This is getting too easy. I know I know, now I am sure I have jinxed the Giants and they will probably go on a 5 game losing streak, but seriously every barricade that stands in front of them they knock down. Now, 9-1 after a 30-10 thrashing of the Ravens on Sunday, the Giants continue to just barrel through opponents.
Mia Missives: Giants/Ravens Preview OK, so I made it back from Philly in one piece. And the Giants returned unscathed as well. At 8-1 they have a very interesting match up this week with the 6-3 Ravens at home. And as has been the case with Baltimore for many years their defense is one of the best in the league.
Mia Missives: My Philly Adventure Ok...so everyone said Eagles fans are...how can i put this nicely? Well, I can't so I will just say "psycho." I say it lovingly though. And yes, the fans were loud as heck last night at Lincoln Financial Field and many were standing the whole time, but it wasn't enough to stop the Giants from winning another tough game, 36-31.
Mia Missives: Giants/Eagles Preview I've only been to Philadelphia a handful of times. Not impressed. And as far as sporting events there, I have only been to a Phillies game at the old Vet. Equally unimpressed.
Mia Missives: Dominating Dallas The only stars on the field outside of those on the Dallas helmets were all wearing blue jerseys Sunday at Giants Stadium. A 35-14 win over the Cowboys in week 9 lifted the Super Bowl champs to an NFC best 7-1, but the more important number is their 2-0 record in the NFC East.
Mia Missives: Giants/Cowboys Preview We all thought last week's game was a big game...well now we have an even bigger one on our hands. Yes, the Giants topping the Steelers on the road last week, 21-14 was a huge statement. Nothing wrong with playing mistake free football including a swarming defense that gave QB Ben Roethlisberger a headache to lift you to 6-1. But now the really tough part of the schedule is here.
Mia Missives: Line Play Saves the Day Gut Check? Check! It was billed as the best match-up of week 8. One that would be an old school hard nosed, grind it out type football game. It was that and more. The Giants showed resiliency, fight and character...
