Dec 312023
 
Jamie Gillan and Mason Crosby, New York Giants (December 31, 2023)

So Close, But Yet So Far – © USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES RAMS 26 – NEW YORK GIANTS 25
The New York Giants came close to upsetting the red-hot Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, but untimely missed throws, dropped passes, missed tackles, penalties, and missed kicks hurt the team. The Giants lost 26-25, falling to 5-11 on the season with one more game to play.

In terms of overall team stats, the Rams held slight advantages in first downs (22 to 17), total net yards (391 to 389), net yards passing (286 to 284), and time of possession (30:11 to 29:49). Both teams rushed for 105 yards. The Giants won the turnover battle 3 to 1.

The Rams received the football to start the game, gained 54 yards on 10 plays, but had their 4th-and-3 passing attempt from the New York 21-yard fall incomplete, turning the ball over on downs. The Giants went three-and-out on their first possession. The Rams then responded with an 8-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard run for a touchdown by running back Kyren Williams. Rams 7 – Giants 0.

The Giants tied the game on their second offensive possession with a 9-play, 75-yard drive. The Giants overcame a 3rd-and-4 and 3rd-and-6 before a 24-yard end-around for the score by wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson early in the 2nd quarter.

After both teams exchanged punts, the Giants got the ball back when safety Dane Belton intercepted an overthrown pass by quarterback Mathew Stafford. However, the Giants gave the ball right back to the Rams after a failed 4th-and-1 conversion attempt at the New York 46-yard line. Eight plays later, Stafford threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-7.

The last 1:44 of the first half was eventful. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s deep pass intended for wide receiver Darius Slayton was intercepted at the Los Angeles 27-yard line. On the very next snap, Stafford completed a 16-yard pass over the middle, but cornerback Adoree’ Jackson forced a fumble that was recovered by Belton, setting up New York at the Rams’ 43-yard line. The Giants managed to gain 30 yards in the last 58 seconds to set up a 31-yard field goal as time expired. (The first attempt was blocked however the Rams were flagged with a leaping penalty).

At the half, the Rams led 14-10.

The Giants gained one first down and crossed midfield, but were forced to punt after Taylor was sacked on the team’s first drive of the second half. Then on 3rd-and-4 from the Los Angeles 18-yard line, Stafford completed a short pass to wide receiver Puka Nacua that he broke for an 80-yard gain to the New York 2-yard line. Williams scored on the next play. The Rams missed the extra point. Rams 20 – Giants 10.

After both teams exchanged punts again, the Giants overcame a 3rd-and-10 with an 11-yard completion to tight end Darren Waller. On the next snap, Taylor threw a beautiful deep pass to Slayton that was completed for an 80-yard touchdown. However, place kicker Mason Crosby missed the extra point and the Giants trailed 20-16.

Momentum continued to shift in the Giants direction as Belton intercepted his second pass on Los Angeles’ ensuing possession, setting up the Giants at the Rams’ 34-yard line. The Giants converted on 4th-and-1 at the 25-yard line, reached the 10, but were pushed back and forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal. The Giants now only trailed by one point early in the 4th quarter, 20-19.

Here is where momentum quickly shifted back to the Rams. The Giants defense allowed a quick, 3-play, 75-yard score with two chunk plays, including a 37-yard pass by Stafford and a 28-yard touchdown run by Williams. The Rams missed the extra point again, but now extended their lead to 26-19 with 12 minutes to play.

The Giants gained two first downs and reached the Los Angeles 42-yard line, but were pushed back with another sack. After an 18-yard gain on 3rd-and-19, the Giants went for it on 4th-and-1, however Taylor’s completion to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt lost a yard, turning the ball over on downs at the Rams’ 34-yard line. Both teams then exchanged punts again.

With 4:46 left to play, the Rams began another possession, gained a first down, but then Stafford was sacked on 3rd-and-7 by inside linebacker Bobby Okereke and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches. The ensuing punt was fielded by wideout Gunner Olszewski, who broke a tackle en route to a 94-yard score. Trailing by one point, 26-25, Head Coach Brian Daboll went for two. Unfortunately, Taylor badly missed a wide open running back Saquon Barkley for what should have been an easy 2-point conversion.

The Rams got the ball back with 3:27 left to play. On 3rd-and-9, linebacker Isaiah Simmons sacked Stafford for a 10-yard loss. After the punt and a 10-yard holding penalty on cornerback Darnay Holmes, the Giants had the ball on their own 35-yard line with 1:08 left to play. Barkley dropped a pass, but Taylor then scrambled for 31 yards to the Los Angeles 34-yard line. Taylor decided to spike the ball with 43 seconds left, losing a down. Oddly, the Giants ran the ball to Barkley with no timeouts. Worse, this play lost two yards. Taylor’s 3rd-and-12 pass was incomplete. Crosby’s 54-yard field goal came up short with 30 seconds to play and the Rams ran out the clock.

Taylor finished the game 27-of-41 for 319 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also was the team’s leading rusher with 40 yards on six carries. Robinson caught six passes for 55 yards and rushed for a 24-yard touchdown. Waller had five catches for 51 yards and Slayton had four catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. Barkley was held to 39 yards on 12 carries.

Defensively, Okereke led the team with 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a tackle for a loss. Simmons and linebacker Jihad Ward each had a sack and Nunez-Roches had a half-sack. Belton picked off two passes and recovered a fumble.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ELEVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, placed TE Lawrence Cager (groin) on Injured Reserve and signed ILB Darrian Beavers to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad. The Giants also activated (standard elevation) WR Dennis Houston and PK Mason Crosby from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were CB Deonte Banks (shoulder), WR Parris Campbell, WR Dennis Houston, OC Sean Harlow, DT Timmy Horne, OLB Benton Whitley, and S Gervarrius Owens.

RT Tyre Phillips (right knee) and S Jason Pinnock (foot) were injured in the game. It is feared that the injury to Phillips is serious. Pinnock was wearing boot in the locker room, but he said x-rays were negative.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

CRAIG FITZGERALD DEPARTS GIANTS…
The Florida Gators have hired Craig Fitzgerald to be their new director of football performance. Fitzgerald had been the Giants’ director of strength and performance since 2020 when he was hired by then head coach Joe Judge.

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media on Monday.

Dec 172023
 
John Michael Schmitz and Tommy DeVito, New York Giants (December 17, 2023)

John Michael Schmitz and Tommy DeVito – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 24 – NEW YORK GIANTS 6
The New York Giants saw their faint chance for an improbable late-season playoff push all but officially end on Sunday with the team’s disappointing 24-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome. The Giants fell to 5-9 with three games left to play.

The overall team stats reflected the outcome of the game. New Orleans out-gained New York in first downs (20 to 12), total net yards (296 to 193), net yards rushing (87 to 60), net yards passing (209 to 133), and time of possession (33:27 to 26:33). Neither team turned the football over, but the Saints sacked quarterback Tommy DeVito seven times while the Giants only got to quarterback Derek Carr once.

The Giants had five offensive possession in the first half. The first and fifth resulted in field goals while the other three resulted in punts. New York’s initial drive only travelled 37 yards in nine plays, but it set up a successful 56-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock. However, Bullock was lost for the game on the ensuing kickoff with a hamstring injury.

The next two offensive drives by the Giants lost a total of 13 yards. The Giants reached the New Orleans 35-yard line on their fourth possession before being pushed back and having to punt. Despite DeVito being forced to leave the game late in the first half after his head hit the turf, New York’s final possession gained 39 yards in 13 plays, setting up punter Jamie Gillan’s successful 40-yard field goal. (DeVito returned in the second half).

Meanwhile, the Saints had four offensive possession in the first half. Three of them only gained a total of 32 yards and two first downs. However, their second possession resulted in an 11-play 68-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown pass by Carr.

At the half, the Saints led 7-6 with each team only generating about 100 yards of offense.

The game got away from the Giants in the third quarter. New Orleans first drove 68 yards in 10 plays, culminating with a 23-yard touchdown pass by Carr. The Saints followed that up with a 6-play, 25-yard drive that ended with a 50-yard field goal. New York’s response? Six plays, -8 yards, and two punts. The Saints were now ahead 17-6.

New Orleans put the game away with their third straight scoring drive of the second half.  The 11-play, 65-yard possession ended with Carr’s third touchdown throw of the game and gave the Saints a commanding 24-6 lead with just under 11 minutes to play.

New York’s final two possessions of the game gained 92 yards and four first downs, but both ended with turnovers on downs.

DeVito completed 20-of-34 passes for 177 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was sacked seven times. Sadly, he was also New York’s leading rusher with 36 yards on four carries. Running back Saquon Barkley was held to 14 yards on nine carries.

After a respectable first half, the defense allowed three straight scoring drives in the second half. They forced no turnovers and accrued just one sack and two quarterback hits.

GAME VIDEO LOWLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated TE Darren Waller from Injured Reserve. To make room for Waller on the 53-man roster, the team waived S Bobby McCain.

Inactive for the game were RT Evan Neal (ankle), WR Parris Campbell (knee), RB Jashaun Corbin, OLB Boogie Basham, and S Gervarrius Owens.

PK Randy Bullock (hamstring) left the game in the first half and did not return.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media on Monday.

Dec 122023
 
Randy Bullock, New York Giants (December 11, 2023)

Randy Bullock – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 24 – GREEN BAY PACKERS 22
The New York Giants upset the Green Bay Packers 24-22 in dramatic fashion on Monday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York won the game with a 37-yard field goal as time expired. The Giants have now won three games in a row to improve their overall record to 5-8.  Miraculously, the Giants are only one game out of the final playoff spot in the NFC.

The overall team statistics were as close as the final score. The Packers had one more first down than the Giants (19 to 18), but the Giants had more total net yards (367 to 326). The Giants out-rushed the Packers 209 to 123 but the Packers had more net passing yards, 203 to 158. Both teams lost two fumbles and the the Packers also threw an interception.

Green Bay received the ball to start the game. Their first two drives combined for 24 yards, a first down, and two punts. Meanwhile, the Giants picked up two first downs on their first possession before punting. A 15-yard penalty on the Packers’ punt team set up the Giants at the Green Bay 32-yard line on New York’s second possession. However, the Giants could not advance the ball and kicker Randy Bullock missed his 48-yard field goal attempt.

The Packers broke the scoreless tie at the end of the first quarter with a 7-play, 62-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. Green Bay converted on 4th-and-1 with a one-yard pass that barely picked up the first down (it was originally ruled that cornerback Deonte Banks had tackled the receiver short of the marker). The Packers made the Giants pay with a 35-yard pass to running back A.J. Dillon on the next play. Wide receiver Jayden Reed then scored on a 16-yard end around.

The Giants responded with a touchdown drive of their own, moving the ball 75 yards in eight plays. Out of the Wild Cat formation, running back Saquon Barkley handed off to wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who picked up 32 yards. Barkley scored around left end on the next play from five yards out to tie the game at 7-7.

Green Bay again moved the ball on their next possession, gaining 48 yards. However, on 3rd-and-2 from the New York 27-yard line, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux forced quarterback Jordan Love to fumble after he gained a yard on a run. Safety Xavier McKinney recovered at the 27. The Giants gave the ball back to the Packers near midfield a few plays later when Barkley was stuffed for no gain on 4th-and-1. But two snaps after that, safety Jason Pinnock intercepted a deep pass from Love and returned it 21 yards to the New York 44-yard line.

The Giants went three-and-out. The Packers then drove 65 yards in 10 plays to set up a 36-yard field goal that gave them a 10-7 lead right before halftime.

New York’s short-yardage issues continued on their first drive of the second half. Barkley lost a yard on 3rd-and-1 and the Giants were forced to punt. Green Bay’s returner muffed the punt, picked it up, and fumbled when hit by cornerback Darnay Holmes. Linebacker Benton Whitley recovered the fumble at Green Bay’s 31-yard line. On 2nd-and-6, quarterback Tommy DeVito ran for 26 yards down to the one-yard line. Barkley then scored to give the Giants a 14-10 lead.

It was now the Giants who had issues on special teams. After forcing the Packers to kick the ball away, the punt grazed safety Bobby McCain and was recovered by Green Bay at the New York 14-yard line. The defense held and the Packers were forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal.

The Giants responded with an impressive 10-play, 75-yard drive that extended their advantage to 21-13. DeVito completed a nine-yard pass to tight end Daniel Bellinger on 3rd-and-9. A run by DeVito and two by running back Matt Breida gained 29 yards. DeVito then connected with Robinson on for 25 yards off a flea flicker. On 3rd-and-7, DeVito scrambled to his right and threw a perfect pass to wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins in the end zone for an 8-yard score.

The Packers threatened on their next possession, reaching the Giants’ 16-yard line. Banks tackled Reed for a 1-yard loss on a double reverse. On 3rd-and-11, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari combined for 10-yard sack. The Packers then missed the 45-yard field goal attempt with just under 11 minutes left in the game. Nevertheless, after the Giants went three-and-out, the Packers cut the score to 21-16 with a 48-yard field goal after a 7-play-54 yard drive.

The Giants got the ball back with 5:30 left to play, ahead by five points. New York’s ground game kicked into overdrive. Barkley picked up six yards, then 17. On his third carry in a row, he broke off a 34-yard run. However, he stumbled and fumbled the ball away at the 15-yard line. The Packers recovered the loose ball and returned it 50 yards to the New York 36-yard line.

This dramatic turn of events got worse for New York as the Packers converted on 3rd-and-1, 3rd-and-4, and then 3rd-and-goal from the six-yard line for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:33 left to play. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the Packers now led 22-21.

The final kickoff resulted in a touchback. DeVito’s first three passes resulted in short completions of 5, 7, and 9 yards to the New York 46-yard line. Then came a huge 32-yard completion to Robinson down to the Green Bay 22-yard line. Barkley then ran three times for 4, -3, and 3 yards. With two seconds on the clock, Bullock came out to attempt the game-winning 37-yard field goal. He nailed it and the Giants walked off with the win.

DeVito finished the game 17-of-21 for 158 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He was not sacked, rushed for 71 yards on ten carries, and finished with a quarterback rating of 113.9. His leading receiver was Robinson, who caught six passes for 79 yards. Barkley carried the ball 20 times for 86 yards and two touchdown.

Defensively, Banks led the defense with 12 tackles and a pass defense. Thibodeaux and defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson each had eight tackles. The Giants had two sacks, and Ojulari was credited with three quarterback hits.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

INACTIVES AND INJURY REPORT…
Inactive for the game were WR Parris Campbell (knee), RT Evan Neal (ankle), RB Jashaun Corbin, OLB Boogie Basham, and S Gervarrius Owens.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media on Tuesday.

Dec 042023
 
Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants (October 15, 2023)

Tyrod Taylor – © USA TODAY Sports

TYROD TAYLOR DESIGNATED FOR RETURN…
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been designated for return off of Injured Reserve. The Giants now have 21 days to either activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on IR for the rest of the season. Taylor was placed on Injured Reserve in early November with a rib injury he suffered in Week 8 against the New York Jets.

On November 28, the Giants released tight end Tommy Sweeney from the team’s Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List. Sweeney was placed on the NFL in late August after he had suffered an undisclosed medical issue on the sidelines while not practicing during training camp. Sweeney did miss part of the 2020 NFL season with myocarditis. The Giants signed Sweeney as an unrestricted free agent from the Buffalo Bills in March 2023.

On November 30, the Giants signed WR Dylan Drummond to the Practice Squad. To make room for Drummond, the team terminated the Practice Squad contract of OLB Oshane Ximines.

The 23-year old, 6’0”, 186-pound Drummond was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent September-November on the team’s Practice Squad until he was cut on November 29. Drummond was elevated to the 53-man roster for one game in October.

The Giants drafted Ximines in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In five seasons with the Giants, Ximines played in 48 regular-season games with nine starts, accruing 71 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

JALIN HYATT EARNS “ROOKIE OF THE WEEK” HONORS…
On November 30, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was named “Rookie of the Week” for his performance against the New England Patriots in Week 12. In that game, Hyatt caught five passes for 109 yards, including receptions of 41, 29, and 22 yards.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The team returns to practice on Tuesday afternoon. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

Nov 262023
 
Jason Pinnock, New York Giants (November 26, 2023)

Jason Pinnock celebrates – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 10 – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 7
In an ugly football game played by two bad football teams, the New York Giants prevailed 10-7 against the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the win, the Giants improved their overall record to 4-8.

Like last week’s game against the Washington Commanders, the Giants came up on top because of turnovers. New York won the turnover battle three to one, with two interceptions setting up both scores by the Giants. The game was secured when the Patriots missed a 35-yard field goal with three seconds left that would have sent the game into overtime.

Overall, New England out-gained the Giants in first downs (18 to 10), total net yards (283 to 220), net yards rushing (147 to 58), and time of possession (34:06 to 25:54). The Giants did pass for more net yards (162 to 136).

The Giants and Patriots each had seven first-half possessions. The results:

  • Giants: Fumble, punt, punt, punt, punt, touchdown, punt.
  • Patriots: Punt, punt, interception, punt, interception, punt, end of half.

The Giants actually drove deep into Patriots’ territory on their first possession, with quarterback Tommy DeVito throwing a 29-yard deep pass to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. But two plays later, New York fumbled the ball away at the New England 26-yard line. After four consecutive punts, cornerback Deonte Banks intercepted a deep pass from quarterback Mac Jones at the New York 43-yard line near the end of the 1st quarter. However, following a 19-yard run by running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants were halted again and punted.

After the Patriots and Giants exchanged two more punts, inside linebacker Bobby Okereke intercepted Jones at the New York 19-yard line and returned the interception 55 yards to the New England 26-yard line. DeVito threw a 12-yard pass to Hyatt on 3rd-and-8 to the 12-yard line. Then on 3rd-and-10, DeVito found wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins for the 12-yard catch-and-run for the score.

Both teams exchanged punts again in the final two minutes of the first half. At the break, the Giants led 7-0.

The Patriots benched Mac Jones at halftime with Bailey Zappe now playing at quarterback to start the 3rd quarter. New England proceeded to tie the game on their first possession of the second half, driving 60 yards in 11 plays, including a 4th-and-1 conversion. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored from seven yards out.

In the first half, the New York offense generated eight first downs and 155 yards of offense. In the second half, the Giants only managed two more first downs and 65 more yards, with 20 of those wiped out due to penalties. Not counting the final kneel down, the Giants had four possessions with three ending in punts. The second and last “scoring drive” was a 7-play, 8-yard possession that resulted in a 42-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock after an interception by safety Xavier McKinney. The Giants went ahead 10-7 with just over eight minutes to play.

Both the Patriots and Giants exchanged punts before the Patriots had one final chance to tie or win the game. Starting at midfield, New England kept the drive alive by converting on 4th-and-4. Then a 13-yard run by Stevenson reached the New York 22-yard line. The Patriots gained five more yards on the next three plays, setting up a game-tying, 35-yard field goal attempt. However, kicker Chad Ryland missed wide left with three seconds to play. Giants win.

DeVito completed 17-of-25 passes for 191 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He was sacked six times. His leading target was Hyatt who caught five passes for 109 yards. Barkley was held to 46 yards on 12 carries.

Playing without nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, the defense held the Patriots to just 283 yards, but surrendered another 147 yards on the ground. The Giants intercepted three passes and generated two sacks (1.5 by linebacker Jihad Ward and 0.5 by linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux). McKinney was credited with 10 tackles, two pass defenses, and one interception. Okereke had eight tackles, two passes defenses, and an interception.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated RB Eric Gray off of Injured Reserve. Gray was placed on IR last month with a calf injury.

Inactive for the game were RT Evan Neal (ankle), NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), RB Jashaun Corbin, OLB Boogie Basham, and S Gervarrius Owens.

DL Jordon Riley (finer) and ILB Carter Coughlin (hip) left the game with injuries.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
General Manager Joe Schoen, Head Coach Brian Daboll, and select players will address the media on Monday.

Nov 222023
 
Micah McFadden, New York Giants (November 19, 2023)

Micah McFadden – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS CUT CADE YORK…
The New York Giants have waived place kicker Cade York from the 53-man roster. York was signed by the Giants off of the Practice Squad of the Tennessee Titans almost three weeks ago. He did not play in a game for the Giants.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
RB Saquon Barkley (rest day), WR Darius Slayton (neck), RT Evan Neal (ankle), NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), and ILB Bobby Okereke (hip/rib) did not practice on Wednesday.

RB Eric Gray (ankle), WR Sterling Shepard (hip), LT Andrew Thomas (knee), OT Tyre Phillips (knee), and CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion) practiced on a limited basis.

OC John Michael Schmitz (finger) fully practiced.

Gray, who was placed on Injured Reserve in October with a calf injury, has been designated for return. The Giants now have 21 days to either activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on IR for the rest of the season.

QB Daniel Jones underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair the torn ACL in his right knee.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The team will practice on Thursday, but there will be no media availability to the team on Thanksgiving. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media on Friday.

Nov 192023
 
Isaiah Simmons, New York Giants (November 19, 2023)

Isaiah Simmons – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 31 – WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 19
The New York Giants won their third game of the season by defeating the Washington Commanders 31-19 on Sunday at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The Giants are 3-8 on the season, having swept the Commanders.

The story of the game was turnovers. The Giants did not turn the ball over while the Commanders turned it over six times. On the other hand, the Giants had no rushing yards until the last play of the 3rd quarter and allowed nine sacks to the Commanders.

Overall, the Commanders out-gained the Giants in first downs (28 to 13), total net yards (403 to 292), net yards rushing (174 to 91), net yards passing (229 to 201), and time of possession (34:51 to 25:09). The turnovers were the great equalizer.

The Giants received the ball to start the game, picked up 19 yards, and then punted. On the fourth snap of Washington’s first drive, quarterback Sam Howell’s deep pass down the middle was intercepted by cornerback Nick McCloud at the New York 13-yard line. The Giants went three-and-out on their second possession.

On the second snap of Washington’s second drive, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott forced tight end Logan Thomas to fumble after a short catch. Safety Xavier McKinney recovered the ball at the Washington 45-yard line. Three plays later, on 3rd-and-13, quarterback Tommy DeVito threw a 24-yard strike to wide receiver Darius Slayton. On the very next snap, DeVito threw a deep pass to running back Saquon Barkley in the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown. Giants 7 – Commanders 0.

The Commanders responded with a 9-play, 70-yard drive that stalled at the New York 5-yard line. Washington settled for a 23-yard field goal to cut the score to 7-3. The Giants and Commanders then exchanged three-and-outs. On New York’s fifth possession, they gained 41 yards, but could not convert on 3rd-and-2 and 4th-and-2 at the Washington 34-yard line, turning the ball over on downs.

After another three-and-out by Washington, New York went ahead 14-3 with a 6-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 40-yard touchdown pass from DeVito to Slayton. A key play on this possession with DeVito connecting with wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson for 11 yards on 3rd-and-8.

Washington responded again to the Giants’ score, this time driving 75 yards in 12 plays. With just over a minute and a half to play before halftime, Howell scrambled from seven yards out for a touchdown. The extra point was missed and the Giants led 14-9. Both teams had the ball once more before the break, but the score remained the same at halftime.

Washington received the ball to start the second half, but Nick McCloud forced the Commanders’ kick returner to fumble. Safety Gervarrius Owens recovered the loose ball at the Washington 34-yard line. Two sacks by Washington pushed New York back 11 yards and the team was forced to punt. The Commanders then kept the ball over seven and half minutes, driving 68 yards in 13 plays. They settled for a 42-yard field goal, cutting the Giants’ lead to 14-12.

The Giants gained 21 yards on a pass play to start their next possession before a penalty and sack stalled the drive. The Commanders were threatening to score again late in the 3rd quarter when inside linebacker Bobby Okereke forced the ball carrier to fumble. Fellow inside backer Micah McFadden recovered the ball at the New York 32-yard line.

The Giants ground game finally got going on the last play of the 3rd quarter with Barkley breaking off a 36-yard run to the Washington 32-yard line. DeVito then connected with tight end Daniel Bellinger for a 26-yard gain. Two plays later, on 3rd-and-goal, DeVito threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Barkley. The Giants were up 21-12 with 13:32 to play.

On their ensuing drive, Washington picked up one first down. Then on 3rd-and-10 from their own 38-yard line, Howell threw a poor deep pass that was intercepted by cornerback Darnay Holmes. The Giants proceeded to drive 46 yards in seven plays, setting up place kicker Randy Bullock for a 36-yard field goal that gave the Giants a 24-12 advantage with less than seven minutes to play.

With nothing coming easy to the 2023 New York Giants, Washington cut the score to 24-19 on their next possession. On this 12-play, 75-yard drive, the Commanders overcame a 3rd-and-20, 4th-and-10, and 4th-and-1 to keep the drive alive. The Giants got the ball back with 2:16 left in the game and were unable to pick up a first down.

Down by five, the Commanders started at their own 19-yard line with 1:49 left in the game. Washington picked up 20 yards on two plays. An interception by cornerback Tre Hawkins was erased due to Hawkins’ own illegal contact penalty, giving Washington another first down. Howell then converted on 3rd-and-2 and the Commanders were at the New York 43-yard line.

After a false start penalty on Washington moved them back five yards, safety/linebacker Isaiah Simmons sealed the game by picking off an underthrown pass from Howell and returning it 54 yards for a defensive touchdown with 16 seconds left on the clock. Ball game.

DeVito completed 18-of-26 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was sacked nine times. His leading receivers were Slayton (4 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown) and Barkley (4 catches for 57 yards and two touchdowns). Barkley also carried the ball 14 times for 83 yards.

Defensively, the Giants picked off three passes and recovered two fumbles (another fumble being recovered on special teams). Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was credited with two sacks with nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and outside linebacker Jihad Ward also getting to Howell. The defense also had six tackles for losses and eight pass defenses.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated (standard elevation) TE Tyree Jackson and PK Randy Bullock from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were RT Evan Neal (ankle), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), S Bobby McCain (illness), RB Deon Jackson, OT Joshua Miles, DL Jordon Riley, and PK Cade York.

WR Darius Slayton (arm) left the game and did not return.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media by conference call on Monday.

Nov 162023
 
New York Giants Defense (November 5, 2023)

New York Giants Defense – © USA TODAY Sports

NOVEMBER 16, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
RT Evan Neal (ankle)and CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion) did not practice on Thursday.

RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), WR Jalin Hyatt (concussion), LT Andrew Thomas (knee), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (concussion), OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), ILB Bobby Okereke (hip), CB Deonte Banks (ankle), and CB Cor’Dale Flott (shoulder) were limited in practice.

QB Tommy DeVito (left shoulder), RB Deon Jackson (concussion), S Xavier McKinney (rib), and S Jason Pinnock (thumb/ankle) fully practiced.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The team practices again on Friday. Head Coach Brian Daboll, the position coaches, and select players will also address the media.

Oct 092023
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (October 8, 2023)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

OCTOBER 9, 2023 BRIAN DABOLL PRESS CONFERENCE…
New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll addressed the media on Monday (VIDEO):

Q: Do you have an update on (quarterback) Daniel Jones’ neck? His condition at this time.

A: Yeah, I’d say we’re optimistic, he’s feeling better today so think he’s moving in the right direction. See where he is, obviously, when he comes back on Wednesday but he doesn’t feel terrible today.

Q: Do you have results from the x-ray and the scan he got today?

A: No, I’m waiting to meet with these doctors after but I’m optimistic after talking to him.

Q: Is that optimistic about this week, you mean? Or about his condition?

A: Yeah, about this week.

Q: When things are going the way that they’re going right now, I know you and (General Manager) Joe (Schoen) and everybody on your staff knows that staying the course is the right way to go and believing what you’re doing but, how difficult is it? What’s the dynamic in terms of making sure your locker room understands that’s the way to go and not to panic and think the sky’s falling?

A: Again, that’s stuff that we’ve talked about since day one. You know you’re going to go through some adversity. When that is, you never know, but you are consistent with your approach. Players are in right now, we looked at a small sample of tape in the team meeting. Now they’re with their coordinators and the position coaches and looking at some of the things that went well and obviously some of the things that didn’t go well and working to improve those.

Q: I know you’re probably in communication with (President and Chief Executive Officer) John Mara a lot and what not. Can you characterize how that’s been going with those guys because I’m sure this is not what they expected as well.

A: Yeah, we have a great ownership group. We communicate on the daily basis about things we can improve on and yeah, great ownership group.

Q: Between the game ending and now that we’re on Zoom with you, what message have you sent to players about this season, about the next game, about frankly turning this thing around if you can?

A: Really the same. You come in, you look at the tape, you go through some of the things that were good and that can help you along the way. Then, look at a few things that are not where you want them to be. They meet with their coaches, coordinators, meet with their position coaches and you put this game to bed and get ready for next week when they leave.

Q: Where is your level of hope on (tackle) Andrew Thomas and (running back) Saquon (Barkley) this week?

A: I think that has yet to be determined here so we’ll see. I think Saquon’s probably closer than Andrew Thomas is.

Q: Your offensive line obviously struggled yesterday and a player or so really took it to heart. You want players who care, I certainly understand that, but how do you rebuild confidence in a player or players that you might still need because of what the numbers are on a roster?

A: You have to get with them again this week, all of the guys, not just offensive line – everybody. Obviously, we all need to improve. Coach them on the details, go out there, do what you need to do in practice and then have the confidence to go out there in the game to execute it.

Q: How much of a relief is it with Daniel? This is a guy who missed six games not too long ago. Necks funky things, you’ve got to err on the side of caution. How much of a relief is this with him?

A: I want to get back upstairs and meet with the trainers and the doctors so just having talked to him, he said he’s feeling probably better than maybe he thought he’d feel. So, I’m just going to hold off until I get an update and go through that but optimistic after talking to him.

Q: The scan will tell a lot though, right? Guys feel good and much better but if there’s something on there that they say “that’s a little something” – a neck, you’re not going to push a guy out there, right?

A: Yeah, we’ll cross that bridge once I get more info. Again, he feels pretty good today.

Q: We asked you a little bit yesterday obviously, how he played. It seemed difficult to assess at times how he played because of what was going on.

A: Yeah, I think he made some good throws under a good amount of pressure. I mean that throw that he made to (tight end) Darren (Waller), he took a little punch step and was ready to throw it and there was somebody on him right now and he put it where he needed to put it. There were times where he had a little bit more time, the little double move to Waller, but I’d say he threw some balls under pressure and escaped and made some plays. Certainly, have to do a good job of protecting him.

Q: Would you consider the throw to (wide receiver Darius) Slayton as one of those? That seemed pretty close.

A: Yeah, it was close, that was just very, very close. Daniel is a very tough competitor and he took some shots and I’d say he is a tough competitor.

Q: I know there is a ton of tape you can watch and a bunch of analytics you can look at, but do you ever sit down and say to yourself, I don’t understand why this is not working this year? I mean, is there a gut feeling that you can go by?

A: No, you just watch the tape. We played, I’d say complementary football to a degree yesterday, but we didn’t finish in the redzone, and we gave up 10 explosive plays and didn’t get any. So, when you’re not finishing drives and scoring, and they are getting three plays over 60 yards and 10 plays near 300. Our defense did a good job of taking care of the ball, obviously scoring. Offensively, we did a good job of protecting the ball, but not scoring. Other games are different. We had a very poor turnover ratio margin, we had to try to get that fixed. So, each game is a little bit different. Obviously, not where we want to be, but we are working to improve on that.

Q: Overall though, do you get the sense that the team is improving?

A: Yeah, I’d say certain things each week, and then there is certain things that, whether you take a step back or they are not as good, we got to work on fixing those. It was a start relative to the three turnovers that our defense got, and not turning the ball over, but there is certainly a lot of other things that were in play that caused us to have the results that we had.

Q: First, was (wide receiver) Parris Campbell, was he next in line to be your quarterback the other day?

A: Yeah, he was. We had another kind of wildcat runner, too, so that play that (quarterback) Tyrod (Taylor) lost his wind, we were set to go with another player.

Q: I’m curious how do you move forward with your offensive line right now? Obviously, it’s been problematic, you’ve been kind of going through guys and the protection has been probably leaky at best. How do you go about trying to get that fixed at this point now that we are going into the sixth week of the season?

A: Yeah, get into the classroom, go through it and then get out there on the practice field.

Q: What about personnel wise? Do you have anything, would you like to stick with the same guys? Is there a unit that you have in mind that you want to keep them on certain sides, move guys around at this point?

A: Well, again, that’s why you rotate guys around in training camp. It’s not because you want to all the time, it’s because guys have to get used to playing different spots because there are injuries. So, I think we’ve had quite a different roster lineups relative to the offensive line and that’s something we’re working on to improve and we’ll continue to do that.

Q: Any update on (offensive lineman Marcus) McKethan?

A: McKethan, I think he’ll be okay.

Q: Two position groups for you, I’ll start with receiver. Do you think there’s any credence to the idea that rotating six (receivers) the way you guys are doing is not allowing anybody to maybe get in a groove and you have to shorten that rotation at all?

A: Are you talking about for receivers?

Q: Yeah.

A: No, we’ll play all our guys. Again, it all works together. Protection, creating separation, being where we’re supposed to be, right reads, everything plays in together relative to the passing game.

Q: With the way the state of the offense is, what can they do?

A: No, I’d say they’ve been where they needed to be most of the time. They’re doing a good job of creating space and giving the quarterback platforms and areas to throw the football. Got to finish some of the catches that we had an opportunity to make, but it all works together.

Q: Then the other position group was back to the offensive line. I always hear coaches say, ‘I’ll never ask a player to do something that they can’t do.’ So, what gives you confidence that McKethan – through all the rotations that you did during summer, he never got a first team rep when we were there – can be a first-team guard? Or that (offensive lineman Joshua) Ezeudu, who I think got first-team left tackle reps in the two weeks after we stopped coming to practice, but not during training camp, can play left tackle? What gives you confidence that you’re asking guys to do something that they can actually do if they didn’t do it all summer?

A: Yeah, two young players that are improving. Surely would like to have some plays back, just like everybody else would, but right mindset. They’re working to improve every day.

Q: You’ve coached in a lot of different places for a lot of different head coaches. Where do you go in your coaching DNA during a time like this for your team? What lessons do you sort of cling to from your past?

A: It’s a week-to-week, day-to-day proposition of trying to improve. That’s the focus, that’s what you can control, so, that’s what we do.

Q: I know you’ve probably had this coming game circled on your calendar at some level, you and Joe. Does the status of your team now and where you are affect that at all, the excitement or the urgency of going back to Buffalo?

A: Look, it’s the next game. Been in this league a long time, played against a lot of different teams that I’ve worked for or players that I’ve coached. Tremendous amount of respect for the Buffalo Bills organization, (Bills Owner/CEO/President) Terry Pegula, (Bills General Manager) Brandon Beane, (Bills Head Coach) Sean McDermott, all their coaches and players. But our focus is always on us, first and foremost, getting ready to play a game. They’re a really good team. So, we’ll have our work cut out for us.

Q: I just wanted to clarify with Marcus, is he going to be okay for this week do you mean, or just okay long term?

A: I think, again, I don’t want to jump too far ahead. I guess we’ll have a better answer for you on Wednesday. I’m optimistic for this week. But again, a lot can happen between now and when we get to play.

Q: I just wanted to clarify on a couple of injuries I don’t think we asked about today. (Outside linebacker) Azeez Ojulari’s ankle, where does that stand?

A: More on Wednesday for you.

Q: Some guys like (center) John Michael Schmitz (Jr.), (inside linebacker) Micah McFadden, two guys who missed the last game, how do you feel about their statuses this week?

A: I’d say too early to tell on both those guys.

Q: Lastly, (cornerback Deonte) Banks, (cornerback) Adoree’ (Jackson), (wide receiver) Wan’Dale (Robinson) are also guys who got banged up a little bit yesterday. Any concern there with any of them?

A: No. I think Wan’Dale, as of right now, and again, this could change, will probably be down on Wednesday just because of his knee. I don’t think it’ll be anything to keep him out of the game.

Who are the other two?

Q: Deonte Banks and Adoree’?

A: Adoree’, nothing. I’d say limited probably for Tae, but I don’t think anything that’ll keep him out at this point.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players are off on Tuesday and there is no media availability to the team. The players return to practice on Wednesday.

Oct 082023
 
New York Giants Defense (October 8, 2023)

Giants defense gave up over 500 yards

MIAMI DOLPHINS 31 – NEW YORK GIANTS 16…
For the fourth time in five games, the New York Giants were obliterated by their opponent, this time losing 31-16 to the Miami Dolphins. Worse, quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a neck injury in the 4th quarter. X-rays were taken after the game and he will undergo further scans on Monday. Jones suffered a neck injury in Week 12 in 2021, which caused him to miss the rest of that season.

As for the game, it was more of the same for the Giants. New York still has not scored an offensive touchdown in the first half of a game this season, and did not score an offensive touchdown in this game. An offensive line already missing three players lost another during the contest. Jones was sacked six times and back-up quarterback Tyrod Taylor was also sacked once. The defense finally created a turnover, actually three, but gave up over 500 yards of offense.

Miami out-gained New York in first downs (22 to 15), total net yards (524 to 268), net yards rushing (222 to 85), and net yards passing (302 to 183). The Giants did win the time of possession (35:59 to 24:01) and turnover (3 to 0) battles.

The Giants received the ball to start the game, picked up one first down, and then punted. The Dolphins then easily drove 89 yards in eight plays to take a 7-0 early lead with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throwing a 2-yard touchdown pass. The Giants held the ball for more than seven minutes on their second possession, but only netted 38 yards on 13 plays. Place kicker Graham Gano missed his 55-yard field goal on the first play of the 2nd quarter.

Miami’s second possession ended when safety Xavier McKinney forced running back De’Von Achane to fumble with linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux recovering the loose ball at the New York 38-yard line. However, the Giants’ offense went three-and-out. The ensuing punt was downed at the 6-yard line. Three plays later, Achane redeemed himself with 76-yard touchdown sprint to give the Dolphins a 14-0 advantage.

New York’s offense finally put points on the board on their fourth and final possession of the first half, as the team took another six minutes off of the clock with a 13-play, 44-yard drive that ended with a 49-yard field goal by Gano to cut the score to 14-3 with 3:41 left before halftime.

Highlighted by a 64-yard pass to wideout Tyreek Hill, it only took Miami two plays to reach the Giants’ 4-yard line. However, on 3rd-and-goal, Tagovailoa’s pass to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was deflected by linebacker Bobby Okereke and intercepted in the end zone by safety Jason Pinnock. He returned the pick 102 yards for a defensive touchdown.

Despite the one-sided game, the Giants only trailed by four points with 1:35 to play. Miami’s offense did put more points on the board before halftime, moving 50 yards in nine plays to set up a 40-yard field goal.

At the half, the Dolphins led 17-10.

A back-breaker occurred early in the 3rd quarter. On Miami’s third play, on 3rd-and-4, Tagovailoa completed a 69-yard touchdown to Hill. In less than a minute, the score was now 24-10. The Giants responded with a couple of first downs and punted. Nevertheless, New York was still very much alive when Okereke intercepted Tagovailoa on 3rd-and-4, returning the ball to the Miami 22-yard line. A holding penalty on reserve offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield pushed the Giants back on 3rd-and-3 and the team settled for a 37-yard field goal by Gano. Dolphins 24 – Giants 13.

For all intents and purposes, the Dolphins put the game away on their next possession. An 8-play, 75-yard drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown run at the end of the 3rd quarter. Every yard of this possession was gained on the ground.

Both teams went three-and-out early in the 4th quarter. Jones was then knocked out of the game on the first play of the second New York possession of the quarter. Taylor replaced him at quarterback with the Giants only netting 18 yards in 10 plays to set up a 51-yard field goal to make the score 31-16 with just under nine minutes to play.

After another three-and-out by the Dolphins, Taylor and the Giants gained 66 yards on 13 plays, but the possession ended with Taylor being tackled just short of the first-down marker on 4th-and-3 at the 19-yard line with 1:21 left to play. The Dolphins then ran out the clock.

Jones was 14-of-20 for 119 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was sacked six times and left the game injured. Taylor was 9-of-12 for 86 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He was sacked once. The leading receiver was tight end Darren Waller with eight catches for 86 yards. Running back Eric Gray led the team in rushing with just 25 yards on 12 carries. Running back Matt Breida had 21 yards on nine carries.

Defensively, the Giants allowed over 500 yards of offense, including chunk plays of 76, 69, and 64 yards. The Giants finally did create their first turnovers of the year, with three, including a defensive score. Thibodeaux had the team’s only sack.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated offensive linemen Jaylon Thomas and Jalen Mayfield from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), OC John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), OL Shane Lemieux (groin), ILB Micah McFadden (ankle), DL Jordon Riley, and S Gervarrius Owens.

QB Daniel Jones (neck), OG Marcus McKethan (knee), and OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle) all left the game with injuries. QB Tyrod Taylor also had the wind knocked out of him and CB Deonte Banks injured his ankle late in the contest.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media by conference call on Monday.