BY PAUL SCHWARTZ

ALBANY – After three practices what is clearly evident is that the Giants defensive backs are in an aggressive mode.

That was on display in the morning workout, with two more interceptions – that’s seven in the first three practices – and several more deflections and near-misses that could have resulted in interceptions.

Cornerbacks Terrell Thomas and Kevin Dockery – the two players competing for the nickel back job – each had an interception and should have had more. Thomas raced in and should have held onto a misfired pass from Andre Woodson over the middle and Dockery should have hauled in an errant throw by David Carr. Another missed opportunity for the secondary came in the red zone, when Carr’s pass was tipped by safety Michael Johnson and tipped again by Thomas before Sinorice Moss was finally able to hold onto the ball, although Moss wasout of the end zone and thus out of bounds.

Other morning practice highlights:

Rookie LB Clint Sintim had a pass breakup on a throw from Carr intended for David Tyree.

It was a rough morning for the backup tight ends. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride yelled “Come on tight ends, let’s go” after a route run by Michael Matthews and later Darcy Johnson had a drop.

Danny Clark had an interception of Carr – who struggled in the morning – on a pass that deflected off the hands of Tyree. Antonio Pierce followed with a deflection of a Carr pass.

Steve Smith ran by Dockery, Eli Manning cranked up his arm and a long completion should have been the result. Smith, though, simply dropped the well-thrown pass and heard groans from the crowd.

Manning in the red zone did complete a nice fade to Domenik Hixon for a touchdown, the ball lofted beyond he reach of Corey Webster.