August 28, 2014 New York Giants Articles

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Aug 282014
 


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Giants.com Interview with S Antrel Rolle: The video of Tuesday’s Giants.com interview with safety Antrel Rolle is available at Giants.com.

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: Giants not scared to talk ‘championship’ by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Andre Williams, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Andre Williams – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Articles on the New York Giants Running Backs:

Article on TE Daniel Fells: Giants TE Daniel Fells likely to receive first-team snaps vs. Patriots team that dumped him last year by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants Linebackers:

Article on S Nat Berhe: Giants rookie check-in with Nat Berhe: ‘The Missile’ or ‘The Icebox’? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on PK Brandon McManus: NY Giants keep Eagles from getting kicker Brandon McManus by Stephen Lorenzo and Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Giants Receive Good News on Geoff Schwartz; Brandon McManus Traded

 Posted by
Aug 262014
 
Geoff Schwartz, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Geoff Schwartz – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, articles from BBI today:

August 26, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Tuesday were WR Odell Beckham, Jr. (hamstring), WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring), OG Geoff Schwartz (toe), OG Brandon Mosley (back), OT James Brewer (back), OT Charles Brown (shoulder), DT Markus Kuhn (ankle), LB Jon Beason (PUP – foot), and CB Prince Amukamara (groin).

The Giants received relatively good news on Schwartz, who was being examined by Dr. Robert Anderson on Monday. Schwartz will not need surgery to repair his dislocated right big toe. Schwartz will be in a boot for 7-10 days before beginning a rehabilitation program. After that, he availability will be determined on a week-to-week basis.

“This is just a minor setback,” said Schwartz. “I plan on attacking the rehab program so I can get back on the field as soon as possible with my teammates and help us win games.”

“He is very optimistic and hopefully it is going to mean the recovery is going to be as fast as possible,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “You know how I am. I hear the news and I say, ‘Okay, let’s see how this goes.’ Obviously you can’t rush him back but it sure would be good to get him back ASAP rather the other way around. It is not going to be easy for him. He is a big man.”

“I hope (Mosley returns soon),” said Coughlin. “He is up and moving, so that is a good sign…All I know is that hopefully (Mosley and Brewer) both will be back as soon as possible. They both feel better today.”

“I think (Amukamara) is (making good progress),” said Coughlin. “He is feeling pretty good.”

Brandon McManus Traded to Denver Broncos: The Giants announced Tuesday morning that they had waived PK Brandon McManus, along with making 14 other roster moves. However, before that paperwork was finalized, the Denver Broncos made the Giants an offer and traded for McManus. Though not officially announced, the pick is believed to be a conditional 7th round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.

“I think Brandon will kick in this league,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He’s a very powerful young man. Needs a little bit of work on the finer kicks, but certainly he demonstrated his ability to kick it through the back of the end zone.”

August 26, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Tuesday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

August 26, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Tuesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on the New York Giants Offense:

Article on WR Preston Parker: Meet the Giant who was broke and building tiki huts last year by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on the New York Giants Place-Kicking Battle: Why the Giants went with Josh Brown over Brandon McManus at kicker by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

New York Giants Make 15 Roster Moves, Including Marcus Harris and Cooper Taylor to IR

 Posted by
Aug 262014
 
Marcus Harris, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Marcus Harris – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants made 15 roster moves on Tuesday in order to each the NFL roster limit of 75 players.

The Giants placed safety Cooper Taylor (foot) and wide receiver Marcus Harris (hip) on season-ending Injured Reserve. Taylor is expected to undergo surgery to repair the sesamoid bone in his foot. Harris will undergo surgery to repair the labrum in his hip. (Oddly, Harris’ injury had previously been described as a shoulder injury).

The Giants waived/injured linebacker Justin Anderson (hamstring) and defensive end Emmanuel Dieke (knee).

Lastly, the Giants waived the following 11 players:

  • WR Travis Harvey
  • TE Xavier Grimble (injury settlement)
  • TE Jerome Cunningham
  • OG John Sullen
  • DT Everett Dawkins
  • LB Spencer Adkins
  • CB Charles James
  • CB Ross Weaver
  • S C.J. Barnett
  • S Kyle Sebetic
  • PK Brandon McManus

(UPDATE: In a late move, the Giants have reportedly traded Brandon McManus to the Denver Broncos for a conditional draft pick, reportedly conditional 7th round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft).

Because of these moves, we have updated the Transactions, Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

The final cuts to the 53-man roster must be made by 4:00PM on Saturday, August 30th, the day after the Giants-Patriots preseason finale.

12 New York Giants Don’t Make Trip to Canton; NYG Articles

 Posted by
Aug 022014
 
Will Beatty, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Will Beatty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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12 New York Giants Don’t Make Trip to Canton: Twelve injured New York Giants did not make the trip to Canton, Ohio on Saturday to play the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game. The Giants not traveling with the team include:

  • RB David Wilson (neck)
  • WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring)
  • WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring)
  • LT Will Beatty (migraine)
  • TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring)
  • OL Eric Herman (hip)
  • DE Robert Ayers (ankle)
  • DT Mike Patterson (shoulder)
  • LB Jon Beason (foot)
  • LB Spencer Paysinger (concussion)
  • CB Trumaine McBride (hip)
  • CB Bennett Jackson (ankle)

NY Post Q&A with RB Andre Williams: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with Andre Williams by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on QB Eli Manning: Does Giants QB Eli Manning belong in the Hall of Fame? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com and Connor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on QBs Ryan Nassib and Curtis Painter: Nassib, Painter in battle for Giants’ backup quarterback spot by Mark Cannizzaro of The New York Post

Article on QB Ryan Nassib and OT Justin Pugh: Pugh & Nassib to face former ‘Cuse coach Sunday by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on FB Henry Hynoski: Giants’ Hynoski has plenty to prove by Jeff Roberts of The Bergen Record

Article on WR Rueben Randle: Rueben Randle set for leading role in Giants’ offense by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

Article on Place Kickers Josh Brown and Brandon McManus: Strong-Legged Kickers Put Giants in a Quandary, and It’s Good by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Article on the New York Giants-Buffalo Bills Preseason Game: Things to watch as the Giants kick off the 2014 season in the Hall of Fame Game by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Articles on Former Giants DE Michael Strahan:

July 27, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report and News

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Jul 272014
 
New York Giants Training Camp (July 27, 2014)

New York Giants Training Camp – Photo by Connor Hughes

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today:

July 27, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: LB Jon Beason (foot – PUP), WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), WR Trindon Holliday (leg), and TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring) did not practice.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if it was a little disappointing that Beckham has not practiced yet at camp. “It’s more than that,” replied Coughlin. “You’re trying to put a team together. We saw too much of that in the spring. It’d be nice to get him back practicing. He actually looks pretty good moving around, catching the ball, not favoring anything. I’m just hoping it’s a real short amount of time.”

“(The trainers are) not going to let him go if he’s in the danger of hurting himself,” said Coughlin. “That’s all there is to it. I can stand there and fight all I want, but it’s not going to happen. When they feel he can go and not risk any recurring injury, they’ll let him go…I think there has been (some improvement).”

Coughlin on Holliday: “He did something catching a punt. Hopefully, it’s not much.”

Coughlin on Grimble: “Minor hamstring strain a couple of days ago.”

July 27, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Sunday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

July 27, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Sunday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

7 things we found out during media hour by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

New York Giants Practice Reports:

Article on New York Giants Training Camp: Giants put on the pads; Linemen talk benefits by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on QB Ryan Nassib: Ryan Nassib expected growing pains, eventual improvement at Giants training camp by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on New York Giants Running Backs:

Articles on the New York Giants and the Fullback Position:

Article on the New York Giants Linebackers: Linebackers becoming a Big Blue strength by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on Former Giants DE Michael Strahan: Move to left end early in his career set Michael Strahan on a path to the Hall of Fame by Bob Glauber of Newsday

Article on the New York Giants Place Kicking Competition: Giants’ kicker battle: ‘No Tonya Hardings’ by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

July 22, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report; Tom Coughlin Presser

 Posted by
Jul 222014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today:

July 22, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: LB Jon Beason (foot – PUP) did not practice. “We were obviously disappointed about Jon (Beason) when he got hurt, but we are really excited about the fact that he seems to be doing really well,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “I watched his treatment the other day, and boy, if he has a tender foot, he’s hiding it well. I think he is making really good progress.”

LB Jameel McClain was carted off of the field with a foot issue. “He thought it was a shoe issue, an irritation in his foot, but it was over one of the metatarsals, so (the medical staff) brought him in to look at that,” said Coughlin. “I’m hoping that this is just a matter of a sore foot with Jameel, so we’ll see.”

According to subsequent press reports, x-rays on McClain’s foot were negative. The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants “are proceeding cautiously, however, and if his foot is sore on Wednesday they will likely send him for an MRI.”

OG Brandon Mosley left practice early due to an upset stomach. LT Charles Brown, TE Xavier Grimble, and LB Spencer Adkins left the field with heat-related issues.

OG John Jerry was limited in practice. “He was hurt all spring and was sick all summer,” said Coughlin. “He’s out, he’s lost some weight and he’s trying to get back in it, so it will take a while.”

July 22, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The video from Tuesday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at Giants.com.

July 22, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Tuesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

7 takeaways from Player Interviews by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Team Motto: Coughlin taps battlefield legends in message to Big Blue by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on Team President/CEO John Mara and the 2014 New York Giants: NY Giants owner John Mara looks for bounce back year, NFC East title by Gary Myers of The New York Daily News

Article on the New York Giants Offense: The sure sign you’re looking at a new Giants offense now by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on QB Eli Manning: How the Giants plan to restore Eli Manning to elite level by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Articles on WR Victor Cruz:

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Articles on Former Giant OG Chris Snee:

Brandon McManus Ready for Giants Kicker Competition

 Posted by
Jul 222014
 
Brandon McManus, Temple Owls (September 8, 2012)

Brandon McManus is hoping to win the Giants’ kicker competition – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Brandon McManus, Temple Owls (October 27, 2012)

Brandon McManus – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Signing the contract was easy. The New York Giants didn’t have a kicker on their roster and Brandon McManus was looking for a shot.

Telling his Philadelphia Eagle fan family he was now a member of Big Blue? Eh, not so much.

“They told me they disowned me,” McManus said, laughing.

Growing up 40 miles from Philadelphia, McManus recalls many Sundays spent packed into Lincoln Financial Field with his parents to watch the Eagles play. There was the yelling, the screaming and the cheering. He, like his family, became a die hard.

McManus wanted nothing more than to mimic those that he had watched on the field since he was three years old. He started playing football in middle school and continued in high school. He excelled at kicking and turned the passion into a scholarship to Temple University.

In the four years he suited up for the Owls, McManus established himself as arguably the best kicker to play for the program. Among others, McManus set the record for points scored (338), field goals made (60), field goal percentage in a season (82.4) and extra points made in a game (9). All while dealing with the elements impacting Temple’s home stadium, Lincoln Financial Field.

After graduating, McManus signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. He fought tooth-and-nail with Adam Vinatieri for a spot on the Colts’ final 53-man roster. The competition was close, but Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano elected to go with the veteran Vinatieri.

“Last year was great,” McManus said. “I kind of mold my game around Adam being a clutch performer at the end of games. That’s what he’s known for in his career is the clutch Super Bowl kicks.”

While it’s yet to be seen if McManus has a ‘clutch’ gene, what has been on display is his leg strength. McManus says he feels completely comfortable kicking from 60-yards out, comparing it to an extra point. In last year’s preseason, he kicked a 50-yard field goal with ease against the Giants.

Watching from the opposite sideline, New York was impressed. So, when Giants’ kicker Josh Brown had his contract expire at the end of last year, the team wasted no time in acting on McManus, signing him to a ‘future contract’ on Jan. 2.

“I really like McManus,” Giants’ special teams coordinator Tom Quinn said. “I liked him coming out (of Temple). He went to Indy for last training camp and preseason and I thought he was a really good kicker. He’s kicked in the northeast at a high level. I think he’s got a real big upside once it all starts clicking for him.”

McManus hopes the light has already been turned on. If he wants to be New York’s kicker, he’ll once again have to battle a veteran. Two months and 10 days after signing McManus, the Giants brought back Brown.

Brown has kicked 254 field goals in his 12-year NFL career.

Tom Quinn, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2012)

Tom Quinn (left) was impressed with McManus at temple – © USA TODAY Sports Images

McManus is 1-for-1 in the preseason.

“I knew no mater what it was going to be a competition,” McManus said. “I came in here during (organized team activities) and tried to work hard every day. I tried doing my best and we both performed at such a high level this offseason. “

The Giants were one of several teams to reach out to McManus with a contract as a kicker. Two others called him with a chance to punt. Aside from the accolades McManus earned at Temple as a kicker, he holds the school’s record for punt average at 45.4 yards per kick

“It was a lot of fun punting,” McManus said. “It gave me a different dynamic of the game. It was the first time since middle school I had the ball in my hands because when I’m kicking it never is.

“With kicking I used to put so much pressure on myself and I was so critical of myself. When I went out there to punt I just relaxed and it was such a different view of the field. “

McManus admits he sees himself as a kicker first, punter second, but wouldn’t throw away an opportunity to do both. Yet before he gets too far ahead of himself, he knows there’s a roster spot that needs to be won first before double-dipping on special teams.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t thought at all about the fact the Giants’ play his family’s beloved Eagles twice a year. Nor has it failed to cross his mind that often times the games come down to a two-to-three point difference.

“Hopefully when we play them we don’t blow them out of the water,” McManus said. “If I could set up for a game-winning kick, that would be great.”

But would there be a little hesitation from Mom knowing her son was about to single-handedly defeat her beloved Birds??

“Oh no, they’ll definitely be rooting for me,” McManus said with a smile. “My parents are all for me now.”

Giants 2014 Positional Breakdown: Special Teams

 Posted by
Jul 182014
 
Trindon Holliday, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Trindon Holliday – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With New York Giants training camp beginning next week, BigBlueInteractive.com concludes our break down of each of the team’s positional groups. We finish by looking at this year’s special teams.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Special Teams

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: For the most part, the specials of the New York Giants in 2013 were quite poor. The exception was PK Josh Brown who made 23-of-26 field goals (88.5 percent) with a long of 52 yards. In addition, half of Brown’s kickoffs (35-of-70) resulted in touchbacks. P Steve Weatherford was inconsistent. He started off poorly but improved as the season wore on. In 2013, Weatherford, averaged 46.9 yards per punt with a net average of 38.2. The usually reliable long-snapper Zak DeOssie had a poor snap against the Eagles that resulted in a touchdown.

Punt coverage was terrible. The Giants were 3rd-worst in the NFL in opposing punt return average (13.6 yards per return) and allowed three punts to be returned for touchdowns.

Kickoff coverage was better as the Giants were 9th-best in the NFL, allowing an average of 21.8 yards per return.

The Giants return game was not good. The Giants were 26th in the NFL in punt returns, averaging only 7.2 yards per return. WR Rueben Randle was the primary punt returner, averaging 8.2 yards per return with a long of 32 yards.

The Giants were 27th in the NFL in kickoff returns, averaging only 21.2 yards per return. The Giants tried a number of players with similar results, including RB Michael Cox (21.8 yards per return) and WR Jerrel Jernigan. RB David Wilson (24.7) had a bit more success on his limited number of returns.

In sum, the return yardage differential between the Giants and their opponents was too great, making it tougher for the Giants offense and defense and easier for the oppositions’ offense and defense. The Giants also gave up four special teams touchdowns.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: The primary punter, kicker, and long snapper all return though it appears that Josh Brown will face a bit of a challenge from strong-legged place kicker Brandon McManus.

On paper, it appears the Giants dramatically improved their stable of returners with the additions of Trindon Holliday, Quintin Demps, and Odell Beckham, Jr.

Holliday has averaged over 27 yards per kickoff return and 9 yards per punt return in his career, including a total of six return touchdowns the last two seasons (three kickoff, three punt). Demps has also averaged over 27 yards per kick return and has two career kickoff return touchdowns. Beckham was a dynamic kickoff and punt returner at LSU.

Who will form the cover teams and blockers on returns remains to be seen. Newcomers CB Zack Bowman (ex-Chicago Bears) and CB Bennett Jackson (Notre Dame) have strong special teams reputations.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: Trindon Holliday is a home-run threat every time he touches the football as his six career return touchdowns in the last two seasons indicate, including two returns for touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. However, he has major fumbling issues (10 lost in the last two seasons). Can the Giants improve his ball security?

David Wilson, New York Giants (December 9, 2012)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Will David Wilson, if he is medically cleared (neck), be allowed to compete in the kickoff return game? Just two years ago, he set a team record with 1,533 kickoff return yards, averaging 26.9 yards per return. Same question regarding Odell Beckham…will the Giants seriously allow him to compete as a punt returner?

Based on comments from the coaches, Brandon McManus is more than an extra leg so his competition with Josh Brown will be more interesting than usual.

It’s not sexy, but the Giants have to find players who can do a better job of blocking for the returners and covering opposing returners. They need some headhunters out there.

ON THE BUBBLE: Trindon Holliday if he doesn’t fix his fumbling issues or show more than he has to date at wide receiver. There will only be one roster spot for Josh Brown vs. Brandon McManus. Brown is the reliable, experienced veteran, but he’s 35. McManus has the big leg but is a big unknown.

Tom Quinn, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2012)

Tom Quinn and Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Tom Quinn on the gunners:  “(Zack) Bowman, (Bennett) Jackson, we’re really excited about those two. Charles James continues to do well so it will be exciting to see those guys run down and cover punts.”

Quinn on Trindon Holliday: “His speed’s an asset, that’s for sure. He’s a strong guy for his size, ball security obviously will be his biggest focus once we start putting pads on and start knocking him around a little bit.”

Quinn on Brandon McManus: “I really like McManus, I liked him coming out. He went to Indy for last training camp and preseason and I thought he was really a good kicker coming out of Temple. He’s kicked in the northeast at a high level, he did all three so I think he’s got a real big upside once it all starts clicking for him.”

Quinn on Quintin Demps: “Demps, we’re real excited to have him. He’s been consistent in this league and explosive. He’s a legitimate number one kickoff returner for us. He runs with good size and he has a real good understanding of the schemes. He’s been great with all teams. A real leader, coming in likely to start and he’ll be able to contribute on special teams.”

PREDICTIONS:

Eric Kennedy – I may go down in flames with this prediction but I think Trindon Holliday finds a home with the Giants both a less mistake-prone kickoff/punt returner and factor on offense as a role player. I think the Josh Brown vs. Brandon McManus battle could be very telling in terms of where this team actually thinks it is as viable Super Bowl competitor. If they believe they are rebuilding, the choice may be McManus.

Connor Hughes – It’s hard to think of a unit that was worse than the Giants’ offensive line last year, but the special teams sure give them a run for their money. Truly, things couldn’t have gotten much worse for Tom Quinn’s squad and there is only up to go from here. I’m very, very high on the addition of Trindon Holliday and Quintin Demps. While Demps may not have the touchdown returns, if he’s able to get the Giants the ball on the 30-35 yard line regularly it’ll pay huge dividends. Holliday, meanwhile, is the little spark plug the Giants have never really had on special teams.

During their prime, Willie Ponder and Domenik Hixon each were explosive, but none can match what Holliday can do when he’s ‘on.’ The ex-Bronco and Texan is electric and will take at least one to the house this year. If he can hold on to the ball…he may turn out to be one of the bigger acquisitions the Giants made this offseason.

The Giants’ coverage unit should also see improvements this year. Zack Bowman has excelled in the role throughout his career and Bennett Jackson had similar success in college. Barring injuries, I’m expecting to see vast improvements from the special teams.

FINAL DEPTH CHART:

Eric Kennedy – Trindon Holliday (kickoff and punt returner), Josh Brown (place kicker), Steve Weatherford (punter), Zak DeOssie (long snapper)

Connor Hughes – Quintin Demps (kickoff returner), Trindon Holliday (punt returner), Josh Brown (place kicker), Steve Weatherford (punter), Zak DeOssie (long snapper)

Q&As: Jim Herrmann, Eli Manning, Adrien Robinson; NYG Articles

 Posted by
Jul 152014
 
Jim Herrmann, New York Giants (October 28, 2012)

Jim Herrmann – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with Linebackers Coach Jim Herrmann: The video of a Giants.com Q&A with Linebackers Coach Jim Herrmann is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Player Q&As: Transcripts of Q&A sessions with the following New York Giants players are available at InsideFootball.com:

Article on New York Giants Training Camp Battles: Giants have plenty of jobs up for grabs as training camp nears by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Article on QB Eli Manning and WR Odell Beckham, Jr.: Eli Manning works with NY Giants rookie receiver Odell Beckham at Manning Passing Academy by Kevin Armstrong of The New York Daily News

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Article on DT Mike Patterson: 10 Giants you should know when training camp begins: Mike Patterson by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the New York Giants Linebackers:

Articles on the New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Article on PK Brandon McManus: North Penn grad Brandon McManus eyes opportunity to kick for Giants by Tom Layberger of The Reporter

Tom Coughlin Was Prepared to Fight for Kevin Gilbride

 Posted by
Jan 042014
 
Eli Manning (10), David Carr (8), Sean Ryan, Curtis Painter (17), Kevin Gilbride, New York Giants (July 28, 2013)

Sean Ryan and Kevin Gilbride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin Was Prepared to Fight for Kevin Gilbride: According to The Daily News, had Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride not retired on Thursday, Head Coach Tom Coughlin was prepared to fight to keep Gilbride in his discussions with team President/CEO John Mara and General Manager Jerry Reese. Those organizational discussions reportedly began on Thursday and will continue into next week. The Daily News says, “Knowing Mara’s intention to replace Gilbride, Coughlin told at least one person ‘I’m not going to let that happen.'” The Daily News adds that it is unknown how far Coughlin was willing to go if Mara insisted on firing Gilbride. A source informed The Daily News that Coughlin told Gilbride he was going to fight for him, but Gilbride said there was no need since he had decided to retire.

“The first thing that I said to our owners is that I’m responsible for the coaches,” Coughlin said said on WFAN on Friday. “To think that there’s any one individual who is responsible for the circumstances that we found ourselves in, that’s crazy. Kevin Gilbride is an excellent football coach, he’s an excellent teacher and communicator. His players do respond to him. He works very, very hard at his trade. He has made his mark on this organization.”

Mike Sullivan Not a Shoo-In for Offensive Coordinator?: According to various press reports, team sources have said that it is premature to label Mike Sullivan as the favorite to be the next offensive coordinator of the Giants. Sullivan, who was Tampa Bay’s Offensive Coordinator in 2012-13, was on Coughlin’s staff from 2004-11, first as wide receivers coach, then quarterbacks coach.

Daily News: More on the Assistant Coaching Front: According to The Daily News, a source told the paper that Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gilbride, the son of the Giants’ recently retired offensive coordinator, is expected to retain his job.

However, two sources told the paper that Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn and Quarterbacks Coach Sean Ryan may be let go next week, possibly as early as Monday.

Giants Sign PK Brandon McManus: The Giants have signed PK Brandon McManus to a reserve/future contract. Because of this move, we have updated the Transactions, Free Agent Signings (with scouting report), 2014 Free Agency Scorecard, and Roster sections of the website.

Article on General Manager Jerry Reese and QB Eli Manning: Now it’s on GM to rebuild Eli Manning’s offense by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on QB Eli Manning: Thirty-three thoughts on Eli Manning by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Giants need to add pieces to offensive line by Tom Rock of Newsday