This episode of Bleav in Giants was a live postgame reaction show featuring Bob Papa and Carl Banks discussing the New York Giants’ preseason victory over the Buffalo Bills (34–25). The focus was on the Giants’ improved quarterback play, the depth and competition at several key positions (including quarterback, cornerback, running back, and tight end), and the overall increase in roster talent compared to past years. They touch on rookie Jaxson Dart's debut, strengths and weaknesses observed during the game, areas for continued improvement, and the positive culture being cultivated by coach Brian Daboll.

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02:00 – Preseason Games, Giants vs. Bills Preview

Giants Legend Carl Banks Joins NY Giants Straight Talk!

We dive deep into training camp storylines, roster battles, and the expectations heading into the season. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just getting into Giants football, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Bleav in Giants podcast, hosts Carl Banks and Bob Papa break down the New York Giants' early training camp practices. They discuss the intensity and competition during padded practices, individual player performances (like Evan Neal, Jermaine Eluemunor, Brian Burns, Darius Alexander, and others), the development of both offensive and defensive units, and notable rookie contributions. The hosts also touch on leadership dynamics, injury updates, and set expectations for the preseason games ahead.

00:01:20 Giants camp update & padded practices

Bob Papa and Carl Banks dive into early impressions from New York Giants training camp practices. They kick things off by highlighting the noticeable upgrade in overall team talent, especially on defense. Carl points out the multiple defensive looks being tested and shares excitement over standouts like Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Malik Nabers.

The discussion moves to how Russell Wilson’s leadership and “chronic positivity” are influencing the team environment, particularly among receivers like Jalin Hyatt, who appears more confident and mature this year. There's talk about the upcoming addition of pads, what that will mean for truly evaluating offensive and defensive linemen, and how young players like Deonte Banks are developing in the revamped secondary.

00:01:10 — Abdul Carter & Brian Burns

00:04:27 — Malik Nabers’ Speed and Impact

00:09:33 — Russell Wilson’s Leadership

00:10:36 — Abdul Carter’s NFL Readiness

00:16:15 — RB Depth & Offensive Impressions

00:18:47 — Jalin Hyatt’s Confidence Boost

00:24:46 — Tracking Camp Stats & Offensive Progress

00:25:52 — Roster Depth, DB Improvement

00:27:23 — Deonte Banks’ Development

00:30:24 — Coaching Changes & Impact on DBs

00:34:58 — Pads Coming On: What to Watch

00:36:37 — Tight End Coverage & Defensive Hopes

Bob Papa and Chris Bisignano kick off the Mangia Cast talking Giants football, before welcoming three-time Super Bowl champ Ed McCaffrey. Ed shares stories from his NFL career with the Giants, 49ers, and Broncos, opening up about what it was like to transition between teams and how getting cut by the Giants led him to win multiple rings. He discusses the evolution of wide receiver salaries and the importance of the position in today’s league. he guys dive into Ed’s life after football, including his family (he’s now a proud first-time grandpa!), his sons’ careers in the NFL, and the growth of McCaffrey Brands—his line of mustards, sauces, and protein snacks. Ed gives parenting insight on raising elite athletes and talks about his son Christian McCaffrey’s balance between football and being a new dad. There’s also some food talk: Bob shows how to make chicken cacciatore, Ed’s favorite Italian dish, and Ed vows to give the recipe a try. The trio wrap up by previewing the upcoming NFL season, sharing their excitement for Giants training camp, and offering their takes on some young talent to watch, noting a new positive vibe around the Giants this year.

On the latest episode of Mangia Cast, Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina joins the show to break down the NFL offseason from the possibility of adding another game and the rise of international matchups to offseason moves and the Giants and Jets sharing time slots. Plus, Bob makes linguine with clam sauce.

In this special edition of Bleav in Giants and the Mangia Cast, New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen joins the show to discuss the team's progress as they conclude OTAs and approach minicamp. He talks about the offseason, highlighting the impact of new players such as Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, and Jameis Winston on the team's dynamics. He particularly focuses on Wilson's leadership qualities and the positive energy he brings to the team.

Joe Schoen also provides insights into the team's offseason strategy, emphasizing building depth. He reflects on the challenges faced in the previous season and how the team has worked to improve in all areas. Additionally, they discuss the competitive atmosphere during OTAs, noting the intensity of practices and the competition among players. Joe shares some stories of how he became a scout, and Bob shares his carbonara recipe.

00:01:56 - Transitioning from OTAs to Mini Camp

00:02:30 - Evaluating Players During OTAs

00:02:57 - Russell Wilson's Leadership and Positivity

00:03:26 - Team Dynamics and Player Interactions

00:06:07 - Joe Schoen's Thoughts on OTAs and Downtime

00:07:09 - Concerns About Player Safety During Offseason

00:08:55 - Reflecting on Last Season's Challenges

00:10:10 - Improving Team Depth and Talent

00:11:51 - Building Team Identity and Depth

00:12:35 - Russell Wilson's Impact on the Team

00:15:09 - Jameis Winston's Role in the Quarterback Room

00:16:32 - Quarterback Room Dynamics and Competition

00:18:34 - Intensity of OTA Practices

00:19:27 - Draft Class and Player Competitiveness

00:20:42 - Abdul Carter's Impressive Skills

00:22:15 - Forming Team Identity During Training Camp

00:24:24 - Jaxson Dart's Energy and Potential

00:25:54 - Evaluating Player Performance and Accountability

00:28:35 - Offensive Line Depth and Injury Management

00:31:19 - Joe's Journey in Scouting

00:35:38 - Influential Figures in Joe's Career

00:37:51 - Instincts in Drafting Players

00:40:42 - Joe's Favorite Italian Restaurant in Jersey and Meal

Join Bob Papa and Chris Bisignano as they welcome Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Steelers and golf writer Gerry Dulac. They dive into Giants OTAs, Aaron Rodgers’ new deal, Russell Wilson’s time in Pittsburgh, and whether Jaxson Dart has a shot at starting.

Join Bob Papa & Chris Bisignano as they talk all things Football, Wine and Cooking, the finer things in life. This episode is all about the NFL Schedule release, which teams got it good and which teams got it bad. Stick around because Bob and Chris will take us to Bob's favorite restaurant in New Jersey and the OFFICIAL Chef of the Mangia Cast will take us how he makes his world famous Gnocchi. Listen in NOW and pull up a seat to the Mangia Cast!