How many wins do you think the Giants will have this season?
Cover 3: What we learned about Giants at OTAs – John Schmeelk, Dan Salomone, & Matt Citak, Giants.com
Russell Wilson gets positive reviews from teammates.
John Schmeelk: I’m anxious to see what defensive coordinator Shane Bowen ends up doing with the secondary. I interviewed more than 20 members of the defense at Media Day, and all of the returning players expressed how the playbook has been expanded with the influx of talent this offseason. It is easy to imagine the variable fronts Bowen can use with all the defensive linemen and edge rushers, but I am curious to see how he is going to use the secondary.
Two of the Giants’ biggest additions in free agency both came in the secondary, and I think their additions can change fundamentally how the Giants run their defense. Adding Jevón Holland at safety as a truly interchangeable piece with Tyler Nubin will give Bowen the opportunity to use a lot more pre-snap disguises combined with post-snap movement to confuse opposing quarterbacks. With the pass rush expected to get into the backfield quickly, any hesitation from the quarterback could lead to sacks. Holland’s ability to communicate should also help in this endeavor.
Dan Salomone: As I wrote about in “Fact or Fiction” last week, Russell Wilson’s effect really started to come to light the deeper we got into OTAs. Darius Slayton said there is “a lot of new energy” even though the Giants’ returned most of their starters from a year ago. But that’s what happens when you add a 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion at the most important position in all of sports. His leadership is felt on offense, on defense, on the field, and off the field. Most importantly, he can still sling it.
“His knowledge of the game has shown already,” Slayton said. “Obviously, he has amazing talent with the ball. Accuracy, great touch on the deep balls. I don’t really know that he’s missed more than one or two deep balls this whole camp. He is really accurate, really smart. He’s helped keep us in good plays throughout the whole camp. So, his impact has been felt for sure.”
Commanders veteran goes from undesirable to undeniable with minicamp dominance – Dean Jones, RiggosRag.com
Percy Butler is definitely making an impression.
The Washington Commanders are giving everyone a chance to showcase their skills in pursuit of different roles in 2025. One player under more pressure than most is taking on the significant challenge and thriving according to reports.
Being in a contract year makes players think differently. Once secure futures are changed quickly. Stakes are raised with financial rewards attached, and this extra urgency typically brings about improved performance levels. It’s early days, but the Commanders are starting to see more from Percy Butler when all hope seemed lost.
It’s a big year for Butler. He’s out of contract in 2026 and faces a fight to hold onto his primary backup role with the likes of Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, and Ben Nikkel breathing down his neck. It could go either way for the safety, but it’s bringing a positive response so far.
Dan Quinn singled out Butler for special praise during his media availability at Washington’s mandatory minicamp. The head coach has noted how hard the former fourth-round pick has been working away from the team, and it’s showing on the field.
This is a positive development where Butler is concerned. He’s more valued by the team by Washington’s fan base, emerging as a core special teamer while struggling to find the right consistency on the defensive rotation. His roster spot is seemingly secure, so his long-term fate rests on how much he can kick on before the time comes to decide his fate.
What comes next is down to the player. He’s managed to get the coaching staff to sit up and take notice. Butler is out to prove his worth to secure a new deal from the Commanders or elsewhere next spring. Performing well during preparations will help, but how he produces in a competitive setting will be the most telling factor.
Lane Johnson and his rotating cast of right guards continues – Dave Zangaro, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s cornerstone continues to have a new guy next to him every year.
The left side of the Eagles’ offensive line is manned by Jordan Mailata at left tackle and Landon Dickerson at left guard. They’re two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and they’re best friends on and off the field. It’s a perfect setup.
The right side of the Eagles’ offensive line?
It’s manned by All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson and an ever-revolving cast of characters lining up at right guard next to him.
“Honestly, I feel bad for Lane,” Mailata said this spring. “Lane does a hell of a job. No one ever talks about that. How many right guards has Lane played next to? And he has a stellar performance every year. If it wasn’t for Stout (offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland) and Lane, Lane being able to adapt and be as great as he is. That is the reason why we’re able to fill in that position.”
No one ever talks about that? So let’s talk about it.
Johnson, 35, has been with the Eagles since they drafted him in the first round (No. 4 overall) back in 2013 and he’s the only piece of the offensive line to be on both Super Bowl-winning teams in franchise history. He has put together an impressive Hall of Fame resume but for the last several years, he has lacked continuity with the position next to him.
From 2016-19, every game that Johnson started, his right guard was his close buddy Brandon Brooks, who was a three-time Pro Bowler during that stretch. But since then, that right guard position has changed every year and Johnson’s play hasn’t dipped.
That has really impressed Mailata, who tried to put the feat into perspective.
“Me and Landon, we have about 10,000 reps together,” he said. “If we count our time we first started together, practice, OTAs, about 10,000. That’s a lot of reps. You know the timing, you get the rhythm, you get the feel. And it’s very important and I think it shows on the film.
“When you don’t have that synchronicity, the timing’s off, the rhythm’s off, the feel’s off. But for Lane, he’s able to adapt. He’s able to find that rhythm with whoever he’s playing next to.”
