Jets Coach Saleh Praises Daboll, Giants Ahead of Joint Practice

As is tradition, the New York Giants will play the New York Jets in for their preseason finale on Saturday, Aug. 24.

The dress rehearsal may not play host to the city’s biggest stars for long (if at all), but that won’t take away from the fan bases’ collective enjoyment. From last year’s quips between Aaron Rodgers and Jihad Ward to Giants legend Victor Cruz putting himself on the map, the exhibition has had no shortage of storylines throughout the years.

Unsurprisingly, this rendition will be preceded by a joint practice between the two teams, giving each other an opportunity to compete against hostile opponents and take their frustration out on the enemy instead of their own.

On Tuesday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke about communicating with Giants head coach Brian Daboll and what he expects this week.

“Yeah, he loves FaceTime, doesn’t like talking, he likes FaceTime,” Saleh said with a laugh . “But yeah we’ve been in constant communication about getting this thing set up. I like working with Dabes. He speaks the right language, he preaches the right messaging. They’re building a world-class organization with regards to character and all that. So, (I'm) looking forward to working with him.”

The Giants’ first joint practice of training camp came by virtue of the Detroit Lions, who they’d go on to beat 14-3 in the preseason opener. The practices, though, were more melee than instruction.

Fights broke out several times over the course of two days, essentially wasting both sides’ time and energy. Both coaches will hope their combined efforts are more fruitful, and there’s plenty to gain. The Jets’ trio of corners, for example, would be far better than anyone the Giants’ receivers have lined up against the summer, and having to deal with edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux is a challenge for an offensive line that hasn’t had to block Haason Reddick just yet.

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Neither coach wants to see skirmishes at practice, and the Jets have made it known that there will be consequences if they throw punches. Frustration happens, but punches get you ejected during games.

Saturday night may mean more to the fans and the bottom-roster talents than the stars featured on MetLife Stadium walls, but if there’s even a chance Rodgers plays, the eyes of the football world will descend upon East Rutherford.