Giants Tender Nick McCloud, But Not Isaiah Hodgins

 Posted by
Mar 132024
 
Nick McCloud, New York Giants (September 21, 2023)

Nick McCloud – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS TENDER NICK McCLOUD…
The New York Giants have tendered cornerback/safety Nick McCloud as a restricted free agent. Tendering a restricted free agent gives the team the right-of-first-refusal if the player is signed to an offer sheet by another team. The tender is a 1-year, $3 million contract.

While McCloud saw his playing time decrease in 2023, with his overall defensive snaps falling from 57 percent in 2022 to 28 percent in 2023, he remained a valuable and versatile reserve and sometimes starter. McCloud played in all 17 games with three starts and was credited with 28 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, and two pass defenses. He was third on the team with seven special teams tackles in 2023

The Giants claimed McCloud off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills in late August 2022. He ended up being a surprising contributor, being force-fed into the starting line-up after Adoree’ Jackson was lost for most of the second half of the regular-season. McCloud played in 14 regular-season games with eight starts, accruing 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and seven pass defenses. McCloud was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Bills after the 2021 NFL Draft.

GIANTS DO NOT TENDER ISAIAH HODGINS, WYATT DAVIS, AND JACOB EASON…
According to media reports, the Giants have chosen to not tender wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins and offensive guard Wyatt Davis as potential restricted free agents, as well as quarterback Jacob Eason as a potential exclusive rights free agent.

All three players now become unrestricted free agents, free to re-sign with the Giants or sign with another team.

After proving to be a productive and reliable late-season addition in 2022, Isaiah Hodgins did not have the type of season expected of him in 2023. Hodgins played in all 17 games with nine starts, but he finished the season with just 21 catches for 230 yards and three scores. The Giants claimed Hodgins off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills in early November 2022. He immediately saw the field, playing in eight regular-season games with five starts. He finished with 33 catches for 351 yards and four touchdowns. In the playoff game against the Vikings, Hodgins caught eight passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Hodgins was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Bills.

The Giants placed Davis on Injured Reserve in late August 2023 with an ankle injury he suffered in the preseason. He missed the entire regular season. The 6’4”, 315-pound Davis was originally selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him in late August 2022 and the Giants immediately signed him to their Practice Squad. However, a week later the New Orleans Saints signed Davis to their 53-man roster. The Saints waived him in November and he was claimed off of waivers by the Cardinals, who cut him in late December 2022. The Giants then claimed Davis off of waivers from the Cardinals. In all, Davis has played in nine NFL games with no starts.

The Giants signed Eason to the Practice Squad in November 2023, cut him in December, and re-signed him to the Practice Squad and 53-man roster in early January 2024. The 6’6”, 231-pound Eason was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts (2020-2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021-2022), Carolina Panthers (2022), San Francisco 49ers (2022), and Carolina Panthers (2023). Eason has only thrown 10 passes in two NFL regular-season games.

To see an overview of the Giants’ free agent activity, see the New York Giants 2024 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

New York Giants 27 – Philadelphia Eagles 10

 Posted by
Jan 072024
 
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (January 7, 2024)

Saquon Barkley – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 27 – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 10…
The New York Giants upset the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in the team’s final game of the 2023 NFL season. The Giants finished with a 6-11 record. The Giants will also hold the 6th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

Emblematic of the final score, the Giants out-gained the Eagles in first downs (22 to 19), total net yards (415 to 299), net yards passing (306 to 166), and time of possession (32:57 to 27:03). The Eagles did out-rush the Giants (133 to 109). The Giants won the turnover battle (4 to 1).

The Giants and Eagles exchanged punts to start the game. New York then put together a 9-play, 67-yard drive that resulted in a 24-yard field goal by kicker Mason Crosby. Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson jump-started this possession with a 33-yard catch-and-run from quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

The Eagles threatened on their second drive as well, gaining 57 yards. However, on 2nd-and-9 from the New York 27-yard line, cornerback Nick McCloud forced a fumble after a 9-yard catch. Linebacker Micah McFadden recovered and advanced the ball back to the 27. The Giants’ offense went three-and-out. The Eagles gained 34 yards but turned the football over on downs after quarterback Jalen Hurt’s pass on 4th-and-3 from their own 48-yard line fell incomplete.

New York’s fourth offensive possession began with a 3rd-and-1 conversion. Five plays later, on 3rd-and-11, Taylor found Robinson for a 26-yard gain down to the 2-yard line. Running back Saquon Barkley scored on the next snap and the Giants were up 10-0.

The Eagles went three-and-out, highlighted by a 14-yard sack by safety Dane Belton on 3rd-and-6. It took the Giants just six plays to score, with big passing plays to tight end Darren Waller for 23 yards and Robinson for 19 yards. Barkley scored his second rushing touchdown as the Giants were now up 17-0.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke sacked Hurts for a 12-yard loss and the Eagles went three-and-out again. New York then scored their third offensive touchdown in a row, highlighted by a 46-yard pass to Barkley on 3rd-and-2. Taylor then found wide receiver Darius Slayton for the 19-yard score.

The last 1:47 of the first half was eventful. On 3rd-and-8, Hurt’s deep pass was intercepted near the sideline by safety Xavier McKinney, who did a marvelous job of keeping his feet inbounds. The Giants went three-and-out. The Eagles pulled Hurts out of the game for Marcus Mariota, but his first pass was also intercepted by McKinney, setting up the Giants at the Philadelphia 12-yard line. Unfortunately, Taylor was intercepted on the next play when his pass was deflected by cornerback James Bradberry.

At the half, the Giants led 24-0.

The third quarter began with the Eagles gaining 33 yards before punting. In turn, the Giants netted 38 yards before also punting. Philadelphia finally got on the scoreboard after a 13-play, 66-yard drive ended with a 36-yard field goal. The Giants gained 21 yards and punted early in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles tightened the game to 27-10 with an 8-play, 81-yard drive that resulted in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to wide receiver Quez Watkins. However, the Giants responded with a 12-play, 72-yard drive that not only added a 21-yard field goal, but it took over six and a half minutes off of the clock.

With three and a half minutes left to play, linebacker Jihad Ward sacked Mariota, causing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Azeez Ojulari at the Philadelpha 28-yard line. The Giants could not advance the ball and Crosby missed a 45-yard field goal at the 2-minute warning. The game ended at midfield with a 6-yard sack by Ojulari.

Taylor finished the game 23-of-32 for 297 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also rushed for 38 yards on eight carries. His leading targets were Robinson (5 catches for 85 yards), Slayton (5 catches for 62 yards), and Waller (5 catches for 45 yards). Barkley was held to 46 rushing yards on 18 carries, but he did score twice and caught two passes for 51 yards.

Defensively, the Giants picked off two passes (both by McKinney) and recovered two fumbles. The Giants also generated five sacks, two by Ojulari and one each by Okereke, Belton, and Ward.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ELEVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, placed S Jason Pinnock (foot) on Injured Reserve and signed QB Jacob Eason and TE Tyree Jackson to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad. The Giants also activated (standard elevation) OT Yodny Cajuste and PK Mason Crosby from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were OC John Michael Schmitz (shin), CB Deonte Banks (shoulder), QB Jacob Eason, WR Parris Campbell, TE Tyree Jackson, DT Timmy Horne, and OLB Benton Whitley.

WR Jalin Hyatt (hamstring) left the game in the first half and did not return. CB Nick McCloud (back) left in the second half. QB Tyrod Taylor (thumb) and TE Darren Waller (burner) were injured in the first half but returned to the game.

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 and Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media on Monday morning.

Dexter Lawrence Voted to Pro Bowl; Coordinators Address Media

 Posted by
Jan 042024
 
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (December 11, 2023)

Dexter Lawrence – © USA TODAY Sports

JANUARY 4, 2024 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
S Jason Pinnock (toe) and S Dane Belton (personal) did not practice on Thursday.

QB Tyrod Taylor (back), OC John Michael Schmitz (shin), ILB Carter Coughlin (shoulder), CB Deonte Banks (shoulder), and CB Darnay Holmes (foot) were limited in practice.

DEXTER LAWRENCE VOTED TO THE PRO BOWL…
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence has been voted to the Pro Bowl. It is the second season in a row that Lawrence has earned that honor. He is the franchise’s first defensive interior lineman to be selected to multiple Pro Bowls since Arnie Weinmeister went to four in a row from 1950-1953.

Lawrence was the only Giant to be voted to the Pro Bowl this season. Running back Saquon Barkley was named a second alternate and outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was named a third alternate.

Lawrence has started 15 games this season, missing one game with a hamstring injury. He has been credited with 52 tackles, seven tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and two pass defenses.

GIANTS RE-SIGN QUARTERBACK…
The Giants re-signed QB Jacob Eason to the Practice Squad. The Giants first signed Eason to the Practice Squad in early November 2023, but cut him in early December. The 6’6”, 231-pound Eason was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts (2020-2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021-2022), Carolina Panthers (2022), San Francisco 49ers (2022), and Carolina Panthers (2023). Eason has only thrown 10 passes in two NFL regular-season games.

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 on YouTube:

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

Tommy DeVito to Start Against Packers

 Posted by
Dec 052023
 
Tommy DeVito, New York Giants (November 12, 2023)

Tommy DeVito – © USA TODAY Sports

TOMMY DeVITO TO START AGAINST PACKERS…
Head Coach Brian Daboll announced on Tuesday that quarterback Tommy DeVito will start against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Tyrod Taylor will be the back-up quarterback. Taylor is expected to be officially activated from Injured Reserve this week.

“I think Tommy’s done a good job; he’s improved in each of the games he’s played,” said Daboll. “I thought he played well the last two games, made good decisions, was accurate with the football and earned the right to play… Went back, watched all the tape, thought he played two games, good games, and obviously, things we can all work on. I thought he earned the right to play.”

GIANTS CUT TWO QUARTERBACKS…
On Monday, the New York Giants waived quarterback Matt Barkley from the 53-man roster and terminated the Practice Squad contract of quarterback Jacob Eason.

DECEMBER 5, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Because the Giants play on Monday night, the team was not required to issue an official injury report on Tuesday. DL Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) and RT Evan Neal (ankle) did not practice.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Tuesday 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 practices again on Wednesday afternoon. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

Giants Make Roster Moves at Quarterback

 Posted by
Nov 082023
 
Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones, New York Giants (October 2, 2023)

Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS MAKE ROSTER MOVES AT QUARTERBACK…
The New York Giants have placed QB Daniel Jones (ACL) on Injured Reserve and signed QB Matt Barkley to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad. In addition, the Giants have signed QB Jacob Eason and RB Hassan Hall to the Practice Squad.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Brian Daboll said rookie Tommy DeVito will start against the Dallas Cowboys.

The 25-year old, 6’6”, 231-pound Eason was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts (2020-2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021-2022), Carolina Panthers (2022), San Francisco 49ers (2022), and Carolina Panthers (2023). Eason has only thrown 10 passes in two NFL regular-season games.

The 23-year old, 5’10”, 196-pound Hall was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Cleveland Browns after the 2023 NFL Draft. He has spent time on the Practice Squads of the Browns and Arizona Cardinals this year.

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
RB Deon Jackson (concussion), RT Evan Neal (ankle), OL Sean Harlow (personal matter), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest day), and CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.

When asked about Neal, who was spotted on crutches in the locker room, Head Coach Brian Daboll responded, “I’d say he’s not great. I’d put him in the week-to-week category. Not going to say he’s definitely not going to make it, but I’d say he’s probably more week-to-week than day-to-day.”

RB Jashaun Corbin (hamstring), WR Parris Campbell (hamstring), LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), and OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle) were limited in practice.

Ojulari, who was placed on Injured Reserve in mid-October with an ankle 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. “We’re going to open Azeez up so hopefully he’ll be ready to go this week,” said Daboll.

OL Justin Pugh (ankle) and S Dane Belton (back) fully practiced.

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 Giants practice again on Thursday afternoon. The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

June 13, 2023 New York Giants Mini-Camp Report

 Posted by
Jun 132023
 
Andre Patterson, New York Giants (June 13, 2023)

Andre Patterson – © USA TODAY Sports

JUNE 13, 2023 NEW YORK GIANTS MINI-CAMP REPORT…
The first day of the New York Giants 2-day, mandatory mini-camp was held on Tuesday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. No live contact is permitted during the mini-camp, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.

“Really an extension of OTAs for us,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “We have an extra walk-through and some extra meetings after practice, but relative to our practice and how we’re doing things, it’ll be very similar as to what we’ve done the last couple weeks.

“We’re adding some more things. Today, we’ll do some more team periods but with their helmets off, we’ll do some short yardage, some goal line and introduce some more things. Keep increasing the installation, and then go out there and have some call-it periods, albeit 7-on-7 where the coordinators are just calling the plays, there’s no scripts. Try to build on our communication, our fundamentals and keep on stacking days together.”

ABSENTEES…
The only player not present was RB Saquon Barkley, who is currently not under contract as an unsigned Franchise player. “Everything that I have to say about Saquon will remain private,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Quarterback Jacob Eason worked out for the Giants today. Eason was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts and had briefs stints with the Seahawks, Panthers, and 49ers.
  • Safety Martez Manuel, an undrafted rookie free agent recently cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, was also trying out with the Giants.
  • During the install portion of practice, Ben Bredeson was the first-team center with Josh Ezeudu at left guard. John Michael Schmitz received a few first-team snaps at center with Bredeson at left guard.
  • The starting inside linebackers were Bobby Okereke and Jarrad Davis.
  • Xavier McKinney and Nick McCloud were the first-team safeties.
  • Cor’Dale Flott was the first-team slot corner. He knocked away one pass.
  • Quarterback Daniel Jones connected with wide receiver Parris Campbell five times on one 7-on-7 possession, including four in a row and one big yardage gain. Campbell was also employed out of the backfield.
  • Catching touchdowns passes mainly in 7-on-7, red-zone drills were wide receivers Parris Campbell, Darius Slayton, Jamison Crowder (twice), Collin Johnson, Jeff Smith, and David Sills (twice).
  • Safety Bobby McCain picked off quarterback Daniel Jones in the end zone. He also broke up a pass and had a pick-6 interception and return against quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
  • Wide receiver Darius Slayton beat cornerback Deonte Banks for a touchdown on a post route. On the very next play, Banks had good deep coverage against wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins.
  • Running back Eric Gray showed good moves after a catch en route for the end zone.
  • Linebacker Troy Brown intercepted a pass from quarterback Jacob Eason that was deflected off of wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
  • Linebacker Carter Coughlin broke up a pass.
  • Former New York Giants Head Coach Bill Parcells was in attendance and addressed the team after practice.
  • Former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs and defensive end Michael Strahan also attended practice.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER BRANDON BROWN…
The transcript of Brandon Brown’s press conference on Tuesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

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 on YouTube: