5 things we learned from training camp (8/16)

2. Saquon’s leadership has ‘stood out’

During last week’s opener against the New England Patriots, Saquon Barkley played his first preseason snaps since his rookie season. Barkley wound up touching the ball five times (four carries, one reception) for 21 yards all in the first two offensive series. The offense finished the game with 177 yards on the ground and averaged 5.4 yards per carry, as the Giants defeated the Patriots 23-21.

Daboll touched on the importance of team camaraderie, and how Barkley has played a crucial part in that this year.

“We’re just trying to build as good a team chemistry as we can,” said Daboll. “That’s important. That’s important during the season, as you guys know; you’ve been through NFL seasons for a long time. There’s a lot of things that don’t go as planned, and you have to stay strong within your group. And you have to support one another. And you have to concentrate and focus on the things you can control.

“And I’ll just say with Saquon in general, he’s been excellent since he’s been here in the spring, picking up our stuff and into summer. His leadership has really been good. It’s stood out in a strong way to me as is his performance and the way that he approaches it on a day-to-day basis. He’s been fantastic.”

3. Golladay ready for ‘clean slate’

In his first season with the Giants last year, Kenny Golladay caught 37 passes for 521 yards across 14 games. It was the first time in his five-year career that he was held out of the end zone as the offense struggled as a whole. The receiver was happy to receive a “clean slate” this season, and said the entire offense entered training camp this year with something to prove.

“I’m not just going to talk about me as far as how important it is to me; I think it’s important for everyone,” Golladay said about the offense improving this season. “We’ve got new coaches and a new offense; I think everyone is going to probably come into this season with a little chip on their shoulder. Even from the coaching standpoint, everyone is going to come in with that edge to try and meet the expectations.”

The 6-foot-5 veteran played a big role in today’s practice, catching four passes during 7-on-7 drills. Golladay’s presence has been beneficial for the other side of the ball, as well.

“It’s great competition in the sense that we keep battling, going after it and that’s what I can respect,” cornerback Adoree’ Jackson said of Golladay. “We’ll be doing 1-on-1s or going to team and somebody else may be up…