New York Giants & Jets Joint Practice Recap. Who won?
"Welcome back to NYGST! I’m Tim D, and today we’re diving into the opening day of the 2025 joint practices between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, held on Tuesday, August 12, in Florham Park. The pads were on, the intensity was high, and both teams brought heat—but by the end, one unit clearly had the upper hand."
Setting the Scene:
"The Giants and Jets kicked off a two-day joint practice—ameliorating preparation for their upcoming preseason matchup. While the Jets looked for offensive rhythm, the Giants' defensive front was eager to establish dominance."
Giants’ Defensive Front Dominates
The Giants’ defense was the standout, especially the front seven. Edge rushers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux pressured quarterbacks relentlessly, recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss. The run defense looked much improved, with McFadden, Thibodeaux, and others stuffing early rushes.
Abdul Carter’s Electric Debut
Rookie Abdul Carter made an unforgettable impression, praised for his athleticism, swim move, and versatility. Coaches and opposing players alike took notice.
Giants' Offense—Inconsistent, But Late Spark
The Giants’ offense struggled early. With several starters sidelined (Nabers, Hyatt, Evan Neal, Andrew Thomas), the line faltered, giving up pressures and sacks. In 11-on-11 drills, they were uneven. However—credit where it’s due—the offense found a rhythm during red-zone work: Russell Wilson connected thrice, including a seam route to Theo Johnson. Jaxson Dart also showed promise with some crisp throws.
Jets’ Offensive Line Holds… Sometimes
The Jets’ O-line had a mixed performance—some solid protection early, but later breakdowns under the Giants’ relentless rush. Justin Fields showed flashes but was eventually pressured into difficulty; coaches called the outcome on the trench battles inconclusive.