The New York Giants practiced on Monday for the first time this summer at the construction zone in East Rutherford, N.J. known as the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
The facility is undergoing a massive, multi-pronged renovation that is not expected to be completed until 2028.
The Giants understand that they are not in West Virginia any longer, and that they are going to have to work around the construction as they go through the season.
“It’s not Taj Mahal over there,” Harbaugh said. “We have to
make it better. It’s as good as we could do right now, but you kind of learn real quick what you need. The thing I really appreciate about the organization is that the ownership here will do whatever it takes.”
Harbaugh used the grass practice fields at Quest as an example of ownership’s willingness to do whatever is necessary.
“The fields were playing poorly in the spring,” Harbaugh said. “They went to work on the fields. We actually hired somebody, too. And the fields played great today. They were great. It was a major improvement.”
Harbaugh admitted that the construction impacts the way the team operates, but knows they will have to learn to make the best of the situation.
“We’re going to be in here for probably two seasons so they can build this over here. It’s going to be incredible. But that’s where we’re going to be operating on it,” Harbaugh said. “So, we have a lot of work to do to make that better. But the players didn’t bat an eye. They understand the circumstances. And it’s gritty. So, maybe it’s just what we needed. Maybe God said, “I need you to be a little grittier as a football team, so we’re going to put you in this park over here.”
Edge defender Brian Burns said it was “good to be back home,” and didn’t seem bothered by the construction.
“It’s just conditions,” Burns said. “Ain’t really got nothing to do with what’s going on between these lines.”
Harbaugh cheered Dart’s slide
Our practice report detailed how defensive players cheered when quarterback Jaxson Dart slid while scrambling on a third-down play. Harbaugh said he cheered, too.
“I did,” Harbaugh said. “I clapped. I applauded. I applauded when he did that. It was great.
“Critical situation drill. We were trying to get a third or fourth down, but mostly third down, like anywhere from three to five in a drive in a game where the offense can win the game in the fourth quarter with a conversion. So, play calls and execution to get that first down, that was what that was. So, we had a great play. He came open. He ran around the corner, got the first down, slid inbounds, kept the clock running. All those things were well done.”
