Giants Re-Structure Dexter Lawrence; Jihad Ward and Parris Campbell Depart

 Posted by
Mar 212024
 
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (October 29, 2023)

Dexter Lawrence – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS RE-STRUCTURE DEXTER LAWRENCE…
In order to create more salary cap space, the Giants have re-structured the contract of defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. Last year, the Giants and Lawrence agreed to a 4-year, $90 million contract extension that included a $22 million signing bonus and $60 million in guaranteed money.

In the re-structuring, the Giants have converted $10 million of his base salary into an additional signing bonus, creating $7.5 million in additional cap space. Lawrence’s base salary in 2024 was set to be $16 million.

VIKINGS SIGN JIHAD WARD…
The Minnesota Vikings have signed New York Giants unrestricted free agent outside linebacker Jihad Ward. In his second season with the Giants, Jihad Ward remained a solid but unspectacular player whose value came more from reliability and veteran presence in the locker room. Ward played in all 17 games with nine starts, finishing with just 24 tackles, five tackles for losses, a career-high five sacks, nine quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He played in 59 percent of all defensive snaps.

The 6’5”, 287-pound Ward was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He has spent time with the Raiders (2016-2017), Dallas Cowboys (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2018-2019), Baltimore Ravens (2019-2020), and Jacksonville Jaguars (2021). The Giants signed Ward as an unrestricted free agent from the Jaguars in March 2022. Ward has played in 102 regular-season games with 35 starts, 20 of which have come with the Giants in the past two seasons.

EAGLES SIGN PARRIS CAMPBELL…
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed New York Giants unrestricted free agent wide receiver Parris Campbell. The contract is reportedly a 1-year deal.

The Giants signed Parris Campbell as an unrestricted free agent from the Indianapolis Colts in March 2023. After a solid training camp, Campbell did not deliver the goods despite playing in the first 12 games with three starts. Wan’Dale Robinson took his slot position and Campbell ended up being declared inactive by the team for the last five games. Campbell finished with just 20 catches for 104 yards (5.2 yards per catch).

The 6’1”, 208-pound Campbell was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Colts. He had an injury-plagued first three seasons in Indianapolis, missing extensive time in 2019 (sports hernia, broken hand, broken foot), 2020 (MCL and PCL knee injury), and 2021 (broken foot). From 2019-2021, he only played in 15 games, catching a total of 34 catches for 360 yards and two touchdowns. Campbell finally played in all 17 games in 2022 with 16 starts. He finished the year with 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns.

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

Giants 2023 Positional Breakdown: Linebackers

 Posted by
Jul 062023
 
Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants (December 18, 2022)

Kayvon Thibodeaux – © USA TODAY Sports

With New York Giants training camp beginning in late July, BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) breaks down each of the team’s positional groups until the players report at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Linebackers

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: Injuries and disappointing performances significantly impacted both the inside and outside linebacker positions for the New York Giants in 2022. Heading into last year’s training camp, it appeared that Blake Martinez and Tae Crowder would be the starting inside linebackers with top pick Kayvon Thibodeaux and second-year Azeez Ojulari manning the outside spots. The Giants had also drafted Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers to compete inside. The team signed Jihad Ward in free agency for the outside spot, where they also hoped Elerson Smith would justify his selection in the 4th round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Martinez, who was coming off an ACL injury, never really seemed to connect with the defensive coaching staff and was cut before the season started. Wink Martindale talked up Crowder to the press, but continued disappointing play led to his benching after the bye week and being cut in December. Beavers was a pleasant surprise in training camp and the 6th rounder was quickly elevated to the first team. However, he tore his ACL in the second preseason game and was lost for the year.

All of this left the team scrambling for inside linebackers. Austin Calitro was signed in late July. He started a couple of games in September and was then benched, being inactive or not playing until he was cut in November. After choosing not to re-sign him in free agency, the Giants re-signed Jaylon Smith to the Practice Squad in late September and the 53-man roster in early October. He soon entrenched himself as a starter, playing in 13 regular-season games with 11 starts (72 percent of defensive snaps in those games). Landon Collins, who the team converted from safety to inside linebacker, was signed to the Practice Squad in October and the 53-man roster in December. Collins played in six regular-season games with one start. Also in late December, the team signed Jarrad Davis off of the Practice Squad of the Lions. Davis was pressed into service immediately, starting the regular-season finale and the two playoff games at inside linebacker.

Somewhat tellingly, the defensive staff never turned to 2020 late-round draft picks Cam Brown and Carter Coughlin. But they did with rookie 5th-rounder Micah McFadden. He played in all 17 regular-season games with seven starts (39 percent of defensive snaps). However, McFadden was inconsistent and a healthy scratch for both playoff games.

Outside, the Giants got a huge scare early with Thibodeaux, the fifth overall player selected in the Draft. He suffered an MCL knee sprain, which originally looked far worse, in the second preseason game and missed the final preseason and first two regular-season games. The good news was that he returned, but it did take him time to get back up to speed and he started slowly. In all, Thibodeaux started 14 regular-season games, being credited with 49 tackles, six tackles for losses, four sacks, 13 quarterback hits, five pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. The high-point of his season was his “Defensive Player of the Week” performance against the Washington Commanders in Week 15 when he caused a sack/forced fumble/recovery defensive score.

When Ojulari played, he performed well, actually having the most effective pass-rush rate of any player on the roster. The problem was he wasn’t available for most of the year. Ojulari missed the first three weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury. He then hurt his right calf in training camp and missed the first two regular-season games of the season. Then in Week 4, Ojulari injured his left calf. After waiting for three weeks for it to improve, the Giants finally put him on Injured Reserve. Ojulari did not return to the active roster until early December, missing two full months. He then left the Week 16 game early with an ankle injury and barely played the following week. He was held out of the regular-season finale and then came out of the playoff game against the Vikings with a quad contusion. In all, Ojulari played in seven regular-season games with five starts. While he was only credited with 14 tackles, he flashed in his limited playing time with 5.5 sacks, the second-most on the team in 2022. He also caused three fumbles.

As bad as that was, Elerson Smith managed to top it. In his first two seasons with the Giants, Smith has been placed on Injured Reserve four times. In 2021, it was hamstring and neck injuries. Last year, the Giants placed Smith on IR in late August with a foot injury. He was activated off of IR in late October, but then went back to IR in December with an Achilles’ injury. He played in five games in 2022, accruing just three tackles. He also blocked a punt.

On the other hand, Ward ended up being a far more important defensive cog and locker-room presence than realized when he signed a 1-year contract with the Giants in March. He played in all 17 regular-season games with 11 starts (58 percent of defensive snaps), finishing the year with 43 tackles, seven tackles for losses, three sacks, 13 quarterback hits, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. It was the most-productive season in Ward’s seven-year NFL career as he offered both outside linebacker and defensive line versatility.

Two other players surprised. Most fans had written off Oshane Ximines, the team’s 3rd rounder from the 2019 NFL Draft. Ximines had a good summer, made the team, and contributed as a reserve and sometimes starter. In the end, Ximines played in 15 regular-season games with four starts (51 percent of defensive snaps). Rookie free agent Tomon Fox made the team and played in 16 regular-season games. He played in 30 percent of defensive snaps.

Quincy Roche, who spent most of the season on the Practice Squad, was promoted to the 53-man roster for a month.

Overall, very little went as planned in 2022 and the front office and coaching staff seemed like they were trying to plug new leaks all season. Injuries really impacted the outside pass rush and the inside linebacker position was never stable.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: Inside, while the team re-signed Jarrad Davis, it did not pursue re-signing Jaylon Smith and Landon Collins. Both remain unsigned by any team. By far, the team’s most expensive free agent move was signing Bobby Okereke from the Colts (4-years, $40 million). The Giants also signed Dyontae Johnson and Troy Brown as undrafted rookie free agents.

Outside, the team re-signed Jihad Ward and Oshane Ximines, though somewhat tellingly the latter did not come until after the Draft. The team also signed Habakkuk Baldonado as an undrafted rookie free agent. Quincy Roche signed with the Steelers in January.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES:  If the Giants’ defense takes a big leap forward in 2023, it will likely be due to their linebackers. For a variety of reasons, the position was not a team strength in 2022. But big things are expected from Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari as pass rushers, provided they can stay on the field. Bobby Okereke is a significant addition as a quality 3-down inside linebacker at a position crying for help. The Giants have a history of making important free agent signings at inside linebacker (Michael Brooks, Micheal Barrow, Antonio Pierce).

While the importance of the second inside linebacker is diminished in today’s NFL with so many extra defensive back packages, one of battles to watch is who nails down the position next to Okereke. Jarrad Davis was re-signed. Darrian Beavers has to prove he hasn’t lost anything coming off of an ACL injury. The coaches and players have singled out Micah McFadden this spring. Dyontae Johnson received the second-most guaranteed money of the nine rookie free agents signed. Can Cam Brown and Carter Coughlin survive another year solely as special teams players?

Outside, a real concern is depth. Ward offers value as a veteran presence and edge-setter, but he is no replacement for the starters as a consistent pass rusher. Elerson Smith simply hasn’t been able to stay healthy. One wonders if Oshane Ximines would have even been re-signed had the team selected an outside linebacker in the draft. His chief competition are two undrafted players, Tomon Fox and Habakkuk Baldonado.

ON THE BUBBLE: There are currently 15 linebackers on the 90-man roster. The Giants usually had 10 linebackers on the 53-man roster in 2022. They will probably go with 8-10 in 2023. The locks are Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Jihad Ward, and Bobby Okereke. It’s also likely the team will retain Darrian Beavers and Micah McFadden. That leaves 2-4 spots for the other nine players.

FROM COACHES AND PLAYERS: Head Coach Brian Daboll on Darrian Beavers, who was still rehabbing this spring: “He’s been in here working hard. He’ll be one of the guys on the rehab (field). Once we get out to training camp and preseason games, that’s really when the evaluation part comes in. He’s done a great job, everything we’ve asked him to do, so whenever he gets back, look forward to working with him.”

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale on Bobby Okereke: “It’s fun to watch him play because of his size, his strength, but most of all, he’s a good guy. He’s a really intelligent kid that knows football, and it’s not hard to talk football with him. So, all those things have been great.”

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale on Darrian Beavers: “What you like about him is his physicality. He was different than others out there (last year). That’s what jumped out at me. He really is going to play his rookie year this year, redshirt rookie if you will. I think there is going to be a battle there with him and J.D. (Jarrad Davis)… We’ll see. It’s all a competition right now with he and J.D., and I’ll tell you, Micah (McFadden) has really improved.”

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale on his outside linebackers: “I’m really happy with that room, and where they’re going led by Kayvon. We got Haddy (Jihad Ward) back, which I was happy about, and I told the whole defense wherever I’m at, Haddy will have a job. If he’s done playing, he can hang out with me as a coach. But I really like that room. I like its personality. Drew Wilkins does a great job with them. They’re leaders in their own right. I just think that if you’ve seen Zeez (Azeez Ojulari) and are around him all the time you can see that he’s, the best way I could describe it, a lot more sturdy this year. We’ll see how that translates because it’s a crazy league. We’ll see how that translates.”

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale on Kavyon Thibodeaux: “I love the kid. He has no ceiling. I believe that because he can do whatever he puts his mind to. After the season was over, I said I think you need to get stronger in your legs and your core. And that was his focus this year in the offseason. He’s going to get better and better every game that he plays here… Unbelievable (football IQ)… He’s an old soul guy who has a lot of aspirations and dreams, and he’s going to chase them. And that’s good for the Giants.”

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale on Azeez Ojulari being on the field with Kayvon Thibodeaux: “I think that it’s going to be good for both of them because there is not one way in which you can slide the protections. Azeez has taken care of his body. To me, he looks bigger than what he did last year and I’m exited to see him get going.”

Outside Linebackers Coach Drew Wilkins on Azeez Ojulari: “I think Azeez is moving around really well right now. He’s worked really hard in the offseason. We have a really great strength program, really great trainers. He put together a great plan, here’s areas he can attack things differently. He had one of the highest in the League sacks per rush. Making sure he’s out there and he’s rolling because when he is, he can be a problem… Right now, he’s healthy and we’re excited where he is going to take this thing.”

Outside Linebackers Coach Drew Wilkins on Kayvon Thibodeaux: “I think he is so self-motivated and he studies so much tape on his own, like all the great players around this League do, they study themselves… for him to dig deep and say ‘how can I do this better?’… that really shows he is conscientious and he really wants to get better… Whatever the tackle is giving you, you need to develop the tools to counter that and take the next move off your first move. And I think he’s done a great job with that.”

Bobby Okereke on his pass coverage strengths: “My athleticism. I’m big, I’m fast and long. But then just from a mental processing standpoint, understanding how offenses are trying to attack you and where I fit in coverage with my teammates.”

Bobby Okereke on who has impressed him: “I love Micah McFadden. I think he’s a technician, great player, smart guy. Obviously Jarrad Davis is a great leader. And Darrian Beavers is a guy who has a lot of potential.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux on what he needs to improve: “Getting sacks, finishing, there were a lot of times when I had a good pass rush that I didn’t finish. You realize the guy on the other side of the line is paid a lot of money. They’re not going to let him get touched. Continuing to sharpen the end of my rush, that third phase and make sure I start to finish.”

PREDICTIONS/CLOSING THOUGHTS: If the New York Giants are going to become serious Super Bowl contenders, they probably need their two top-seven 2022 NFL Draft picks to play like All-Pro/Pro Bowl-type players. Kayvon Thibodeaux wasn’t just drafted to be a starter. He was drafted to become a difference maker. The good news is that he flashed signs of that ability late last season. Now he has to build upon that and deliver that kind of productivity on a consistent basis.

Azeez Ojulari was actually the team’s best pass rusher when he played in 2022, but his injury situation bordered on the absurd. Point blank, this defense becomes a much different animal if Thibodeaux and Ojulari are 10-sack players. That’s not some pie-in-the-sky pipe dream. Both are capable of doubling last year’s sack totals. There is a quiet confidence with this coaching staff about Thibodeaux, like they know something is about to be unleashed.

The concern here is depth. In an ideal world, the Giants would have drafted another outside linebacker. But they only had so many picks after moving up twice in the draft. I would not discount another roster move here: a signing, a waiver-wire pick-up, or even a trade.

One of my questions is what is the true upside of Tomon Fox? The dream scenario would be for Elerson Smith to prove all doubters wrong, but I’m not counting on that.

The Giants have been scrambling for an inside linebacker ever since Antonio Pierce was released in early 2010. They got a couple of good years out of Blake Martinez but there hasn’t been much other than that. The only big ticket free agent the team signed in the offseason was Bobby Okereke. No one else was even close to the $40 million he got, either in 2022 or 2023 with Joe Schoen at the helm. Wink got his start in the NFL coaching inside linebackers. He wanted this guy.

Ideally, Darrian Beavers recovers fully from his ACL and Micah McFadden shows us why he’s been receiving praise this spring. A name to watch is Dyontae Johnson. The coaches have him calling the defense (green dot) with the backups.

FINAL DEPTH CHART: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Jihad Ward, Tomon Fox, Oshane Ximines, Bobby Okereke, Jarrad Davis, Micah McFadden, Darrian Beavers

I would not be shocked to see someone not on the roster take the spot of Ximines or Fox.

Look for the team to attempt to sign Habakkuk Baldonado and Dyontae Johnson to the Practice Squad.

Giants Re-Sign Jihad Ward and Darius Slayton

 Posted by
Mar 162023
 
Jihad Ward, New York Giants (December 4, 2022)

Jihad Ward – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS RE-SIGN JIHAD WARD AND DARIUS SLAYTON …
The New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agents defensive lineman/linebacker Jihad Ward and wide receiver Darius Slayton. Media sources say Ward’s contract is a 1-year deal. Slayton’s contract reportedly is a 2-year, $12 million deal with incentives that could reach another $4.5 million.

The Giants signed Ward as an unrestricted free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2022. Ward surprisingly became an important on-field and locker-room veteran presence for the rebuilding ball club. He played in all 17 regular-season games with 11 starts (58 percent of defensive snaps), finishing the year with 43 tackles, seven tackles for losses, three sacks, 13 quarterback hits, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. It was the most-productive season in Ward’s seven-year NFL career. The 6’5”, 287-pound Ward was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He has spent time with the Raiders (2016-2017), Dallas Cowboys (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2018-2019), Baltimore Ravens (2019-2020), and Jaguars (2021). Ward has played in 85 regular-season games with 26 starts. While not flashy pass-rush presence, Ward is a tough, gritty edge-setter against the run. He also also shift inside when called upon.

Slayton began the 2022 season as the team’s 7th wideout, barely making the 53-man roster. Due to the revolving door at the position, by the end of the season, he was entrenched as a starter. Slayton played in 16 regular-season games with 11 starts, catching 46 passes for a team-leading 724 yards (15.7 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. However, he also dropped seven passes, or nearly 10 percent of his opportunities. The Giants drafted Slayton in the 5th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in 14 games with nine starts, catching 48 passes for 740 yards and eight touchdowns. But Slayton has not really progressed since that impressive debut season, only catching seven total touchdown passes from 2020-2022, while also dropping 19 passes during that same timespan. Slayton combines decent size (6’1”, 194lbs) with very good overall athleticism and speed. Slayton can stretch the field and get deep. He can adjust well to the football, but his hands are very suspect, even being prone to double-clutching passes he does catch. Slayton is also not a very physical receiver and can have issues beating press coverage.

For a listing of the team’s free agents, see the New York Giants 2023 Free Agency Scorecard.

BOBBY OKEREKE PRESS CONFERENCE…
Linebacker Bobby Okereke, who the Giants acquired as an unrestricted free agent from the Indianapolis Colts, addressed the media on Thursday. The transcript of this press conference is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

New York Giants 20 – Washington Commanders 20

 Posted by
Dec 042022
 
Graham Gano, New York Giants (December 4, 2022)

Graham Gano – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 20 – WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 20…
The big game against the New York Giants and Washington Commanders ended in an unsatisfying 20-20 tie on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants are now 7-4-1 on the season and 0-2-1 in the division.

In terms of overall team statistics, Washington held clear advantages in first downs (25 to 20), total net yards (411 to 316), net yards rushing (165 to 134), net yards passing (246 to 182), and time of possession (41:11 to 28:49). Both teams turned the ball over once with fumbles.

The Giants received the football first to start the game, picked up one first down, and then turned the ball over when quarterback Daniel Jones fumbled at the end of a 5-yard run on 2nd-and-5. Washington recovered at the New York 48-yard line. The Commanders reached the Giants’ 3-yard line but were forced to settle for a 21-yard field goal.

The Giants quickly went three-and-out on their second possession. Washington responded with an 8-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Taylor Heinicke to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who broke a tackle on the play to score. The Commanders were now up 10-0 with just under two and a half minutes to play in the 1st quarter.

New York finally got on the scoreboard on their third possession. The Giants gained 45 yards in eight plays to set up a 48-yard field goal by place kicker Graham Gano. After a quick three-and-out by the Commanders, which was aided by an 8-yard sack by defensive lineman Justin Ellis, the Giants tied the game. Jones connected with wide receiver Darius Slayton on a 55-yard deep throw. On 3rd-and-7, Jones then ran for 10 yards down to the Washington 13-yard line. On the next snap, running back Saquon Barkley scored from 13 yards out.

The Commanders regained the lead on their next possession with a 12-play, 51-yard drive. The key play was a defensive holding penalty called on cornerback Fabian Moreau on 3rd-and-7 which gave Washington a first down. The Commanders kicked a 42-yard field goal to take a 13-10 advantage.

The Giants’ final possession of the first half began with 2:23 on the clock. After a first down and a 21-yard run by Barkley, the Giants were at the Washington 30-yard line with 1:07 left with all three timeouts. But the Giants did not handle the clock well in the last minute, despite converting on 3rd-and-10 and 3rd-and-1, and settled for a 27-yard field goal on 2nd-goal from the 9-yard line with five seconds left.

At the half, the game was tied 13-13.

The second half started well for New York. On 3rd-and-8, Heinicke was sacked by linebacker Azeez Ojulari. The ball came loose and Ojulari recovered the fumble at the Washington 20-yard line. Jones ran for seven yards on 3rd-and-4. Two plays later, he threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins as the Giants were now up 20-13. Unfortunately for New York, these would be the last points they would score on the day.

The Giants pinned Washington at their own 5-yard line on the ensuing kickoff, but the Commanders neared midfield before punting. The Giants went three and out near the end of the 3rd quarter. The Commanders then drove 40 yards but missed a 52-yard field goal with just over 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter.

After two more punts by the Giants and one by the Commanders, Washington began their game-tying drive with 3:43 left in the game. Starting from their own 10-yard line, the Commanders drove 90 yards. The key play was a 20-yard completion on 4th-and-4 from Washington’s own 27-yard line. Heinicke then completed a pass of 25 yards down to the New York 28-yard line. He then threw to wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who avoided a couple of tackles en route to the score with 1:45 left on the clock. The game was tied at 20-20.

The Giants went three-and-out again. Washington picked up two first downs but were stopped at their own 38-yard line. The Commanders punted and Jones knelt on the ball once from the New York 16-yard line with 13 seconds left. After scoring a touchdown early in the 3rd quarter on a short field, the Giants’ offense only had one first down for the remainder of the 3rd and all of the 4th quarters, netting just one yard.

The Giants won the toss, picked up one first down and then punted. The Commanders picked up one first down and then also punted. The Giants reached the Washington 45-yard line but could get no closer. Head Coach Brian Daboll decided not to go for it on 4th-and-3. The Commanders got the ball back with 1:36 but could not move the ball. Washington was very fortunate that Heinicke did not fumble the ball when he was blindsided for a sack by linebacker Kayvon Thibodeux near the end zone. The Giants got the ball back with 28 seconds left at their own 43-yard line. New York gained 17 yards. With five seconds left, Gano’s 58-yard field goal attempt came up short and the game ended.

Jones finished the game 25-of-31 for 200 yards and one touchdown. He was also the leading ground gainer for New York with 12 carries for 71 yards. Barkley ran the ball 18 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. The leading receiver was Slayton, who caught six passes for 90 yards.

Defensively, the Giants were credited with five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. The sacks were by Ellis, Ojlari, Thibodeaux, defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence, and linebacker Jihad Ward.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated OLB Azeez Ojulari and S Tony Jefferson from Injured Reserve. The team also waived TE Tanner Hudson and signed TE Nick Vannett to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) DL Vernon Butler and CB Zyon Gilbert from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were WR Kenny Golladay (illness), OG Josh Ezeudu (neck), OG Shane Lemieux (toe), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), TE Lawrence Cager, OLB Elerson Smith, and CB Darnay Holmes.

DL Leonard Williams (neck) 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.

Dallas Cowboys 28 – New York Giants 20

 Posted by
Nov 242022
 
Julian Love, New York Giants (November 24, 2022)

Julian Love – © USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS COWBOYS 28 – NEW YORK GIANTS 20…
An undermanned New York Giants team played a gutty first half against the Dallas Cowboys, but were overwhelmed by three straight second-half touchdowns. The Giants lost 28-20 on Thanksgiving and fell to 7-4 on the season.

Aside from the scoreboard, the Cowboys also held team statistical advantages in first downs (26 to 21), total net yards (430 to 300), net yards rushing (169 to 90), net yards passing (261 to 210), and time of possession (34:09 to 25:51). A big difference was the Cowboys were 7-of-11 on 3rd down (63.6 percent) while the Giants were just 3-of-11 (27.3%) and 0-of-2 on 4th down. New York did win the turnover battle two to zero.

The Giants received the football to start the game, gained 20 yards on the first play, but then were forced to punt. The Cowboys picked up one first down on their first possession and decided to go for it on 4th-and-2 from their own 40-yard line. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was stuffed by linebacker Jaylon Smith, turning the ball over on downs. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw a 23-yard pass to tight end Chris Myarick. After a sack, a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins was nullified due to tackle Tyre Phillips being illegally downfield. Two incomplete passes and an intentional grounding penalty led to the Giants settling for a 57-yard field goal by Graham Gano.

The Cowboys crossed midfield on their second possession, but quarterback Dak Prescott was intercepted by cornerback Rodarius Williams at the New York 30-yard line. The Giants went three-and-out. The ensuing Dallas drive went 93 yards in 11 plays, lasting over six minutes, and resulted in Elliott scoring from six yards out. Cowboys 7 – Giants 3 early in the 2nd quarter.

The Giants responded with their own touchdown as New York drove 75 yards in nine plays. The Giants benefited from a defensive holding penalty on 3rd-and-2. The big play was then a 44-yard strike from Jones to wide receiver Darius Slayton down to the 1-yard line. Two plays later, running back Saquon Barkley scored from one yard out. Giants 10 – Cowboys 7.

After both teams exchanged three-and-outs, Dallas drove into Giants territory. But at the 2-minute warning, a Prescott pass was deflected by cornerback Darnay Holmes and intercepted by Julian Love. He returned the ball 17 yards to the New York 27-yard line. With 1:50 left on the clock, the Giants gained 44 yards in eight plays to set up a 47-yard field goal as time expired.

At the half, the Giants led 13-7.

The Cowboys imposed their will on the Giants with three straight touchdown drives after the break. Dallas drove 75 yards in 14 plays, 44 yards in six plays, and 80 yards in 10 plays as Dallas went up 28-13 with nine minutes left in the game.

Meanwhile, a key turning point for the Giants offensively came on their first possession of the second half after the Cowboys had regained the lead 14-13. Facing a 4th-and-1 from their own 45-yard line, Jones threw an errant short pass to Barkley, who dropped what would have been a first down. Dallas then proceeded to score their second touchdown of the half on the short field. The Giants gained a couple of first downs on their second drive and then punted the ball away early in the 4th quarter. That’s when Dallas drove for their third touchdown of the half.

Trailing by 15 points with less than nine minutes to play, the Giants reached the Cowboys 39-yard line by then turned the football over on downs with 3:12 left to play. The Cowboys drove to the New York 28-yard line but missed a 46-yard field goal. With 1:13 left on the clock, the Giants scored a garbage-time touchdown by driving 64 yards in seven plays with wide receiver Richie James catching a 1-yard touchdown. The Cowboys recovered the onside kick with seven seconds left.

Jones finished the game 21-of-35 for 228 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. His leading receiver was James who caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Barkley was held to just 39 yards on 11 carries.

The Giants did force two turnovers, but they also gave up over 430 yards of offense. The team generated no sacks although outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was credited with five quarterback hits. The Giants also had six tackles for losses.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants signed OL Devery Hamilton and S Trenton Thompson to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad. To make room for these two players, the Giants waived ILB Austin Calitro and OLB Quincy Roche.

The Giants activated (standard elevations) OL Korey Cunningham and S Terrell Burgess from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster on the same day.

Inactive for the game were TE Daniel Bellinger (eye), OC Jon Feliciano (neck), OG Josh Ezeudu (neck), OG Shane Lemieux (toe), RT Evan Neal (knee/illness), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), and CB Fabian Moreau (oblique).

CB Cor’Dale Flott left the game with a concussion and did not return.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • Head Coach Brian Daboll (Video)
  • QB Daniel Jones (Video)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (Video)
  • OLB Jihad Ward (Video)
  • CB Darnay Holmes (Video)
  • S Julian Love (Video)

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

Thursday’s New York Giants Injury Report; Coordinators Address Media

 Posted by
Sep 152022
 
Jihad Ward, New York Giants (September 11, 2022)

Jihad Ward – © USA TODAY Sports

SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), OL Devery Hamilton (illness), CB Aaron Robinson (appendicitis), and CB Nick McCloud (hamstring) did not practice. Robinson underwent an appendectomy on Wednesday and has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), OC Jon Feliciano (lower leg), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), and S Jason Pinnock (shoulder) were limited in practice on Thursday.

S Dane Belton (clavicle) 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 on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice again on Friday afternoon (12:15-1:45PM). Head Coach Brian Daboll, position coaches, and select players will also address the media.

New York Giants 21 – Tennessee Titans 20

 Posted by
Sep 112022
 
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (September 11, 2022)

Saquon Barkley – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 21 – TENNESSEE TITANS 20…
The New York Giants pulled off a stunning upset in their opening game of the 2022 NFL season by defeating the Tennessee Titans 21-20 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday afternoon. The win was New York’s first victory in their opener since 2016.

The overall team stats were as even as the final score. Both teams picked 19 first downs. The Giants held a slight advantage in total net yards (394 to 359). However, the Giants dramatically out-rushed the Titans 238 yards to 93, while the Titans held a clear advantage in net passing yards (266 to 156). Both teams had issues with 3rd-down conversions (2-of-10 for the Giants and 3-of-11 for the Titans).

The first half was pretty much all Tennessee and the Giants were fortunate that the scored was only 13-0 at halftime. The Giants’ six first-half possessions only resulted 27 offensive snaps for 131 yards, seven first downs, four punts, one turnover off a fumble by quarterback Daniel Jones, and time expiring on the final drive.

Meanwhile, The Titans scored a touchdown on their first possession after a quick three-and-out by New York, followed by 46-yard punt return. It only took five plays for the Titans to easily move the remaining 45 yards as quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Giants’ defense forced a three-and-out on Tennessee’s second possession, but the Titans did manage a 10-play, 65-yard drive and a 7-play, 37-yard drive that both resulted in field goals.

Tennessee received the ball to start the second half, but the New York defense forced a quick three-and-out. On the Giants’ first offensive snap of the second half, running back Saquon Barkley broke off a 68-yard run down the left sideline. After two carries for 13 yards by running back Matt Breida, Barkley ran four yards for the touchdown. However, the extra-point attempt failed. Titans 13 – Giants 6.

New York’s defense forced its second straight three-and-out of the half. After Barkley lost one yard, Jones threw a deep pass to wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who broke a tackle and raced into the end zone, completing a 65-yard play. In a little over two minutes, the game was now tied at 13-13.

However, the Titans regained momentum on their third possession by driving 75 yards in nine plays. Tannehill threw a 23-yard touchdown to running back Dontrell Hilliard. Tennessee was now up 20-13 with just under three minutes to go in the third quarter.

Both teams exchanged three-and-outs and punts. The Giants were forced to punt yet again, but immediately got the ball back when the Titans’ returner muffed the punt. Safety Jason Pinnock recovered the ball for New York at the Tennessee 11-yard line. This golden opportunity was lost when Jones threw an ill-advised pass that was intercepted in the end zone on 3rd-and-7.

The Titans picked up one first down but were forced to punt with about five and a half minutes to play. On the ensuing possession, the Giants drove 73 yards in 12 plays. During this game-winning drive, Barkley broke off a 33-yard run, fortunately fumbling out-of-bounds. Four plays later, Jones picked up a first down on 4th-and-1 on a bootleg to the left. Barkley gained 14 yards on three straight runs and Jones then threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Myarick with 1:06 left on the clock. Eschewing the tie, Head Coach Brian Daboll went for the risky two-point conversion, knowing that if it failed, his team would lose. The play succeeded with a shovel pass to Barkley. Giants 21 – Titans 20.

The game was not over, however. Starting at their own 30-yard line, Tennessee converted on two 3rd-and-4 situations via defensive holding penalties to cross midfield with 23 seconds left. Apparent disaster struck when Tannehill then completed a 21-yard play to the New York 27-yard line with 18 seconds left. Tannehill lost two yards before spiking the ball to stop the clock with four seconds left.

The Giants escaped with the victory when Titans’ place kicker Randy Bullock missed the 47-yard game-winning attempt as time expired.

Jones finished the game 17-of-21 for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Barkley carried the ball 18 times for 164 yards (9.1 yards per carry) and one touchdown. He also was the team’s leading receiver with six catches for 30 yards.

Defensively, All-Star running back Derrick Henry was held to 82 yards on 21 carries (3.9 yards per carry). Linebacker Tomon Fox had the team’s only sack.

Video highlights are available at Giants.com.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated OLB Quincy Roche and S Tony Jefferson from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), S Dane Belton (clavicle), HB Antonio Williams, WR Darius Slayton, OL Tyre Phillips, and CB Justin Layne.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) left the game in the first half and did not return. CB Nick McCloud (hamstring) left the game in the second 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 at Giants.com:

GIANTS LOSE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN TO CARDINALS…
On Saturday, the Arizona Cardinals signed offensive lineman Max Garcia off of the New York Giants’ Practice Squad. The Giants signed Garcia as an unrestricted free agent from the Arizona Cardinals in March 2022. The 6’4”, 309-pound Garcia was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. The Cardinals signed him as an unrestricted free agent in March 2019. Garcia has played in 93 regular-season games with 52 starts. In 2021, he started 11-of-15 games for the Cardinals.

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

June 8, 2022 New York Giants Mini-Camp Report

 Posted by
Jun 082022
 
Richie James, New York Giants (June 7, 2022)

Richie James – © USA TODAY Sports

JUNE 8, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS MINI-CAMP REPORT…
The second day of the New York Giants 3-day, mandatory mini-camp was held on Wednesday 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.

INJURY REPORT…
Players wearing red jerseys because of injury issues included WR Kenny Golladay, WR Kadarius Toney, WR Sterling Shepard, LT Andrew Thomas, OC Nick Gates, OT Matt Peart, ILB Blake Martinez, OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, CB Aaron Robinson, CB Darnay Holmes, and CB Rodarius Williams, among others.

Golladay participated in individual drills while Toney and Shepard worked on the side.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • For the second day in a row, the Giants had four tryout players in attendance: WR Keelan Doss, WR Isaiah Ford, TE Jaeden Graham, and DL Kobe Smith.
  • It was a lighter practice on Wednesday, with only one full-team, 11-on-11 period, which was in the red zone. Approximately the last 30 minutes of practice was an extended walk-thru without helmets for both the offense and defense.
  • Both rookie tight ends Daniel Bellinger and Austin Allen received first-team reps.
  • In 7-on-7 drills, QB Davis Webb threw a nice deep pass to tryout player WR Keelan Doss.
  • In full-team, 11-on-11 drills in the red zone, QB Daniel Jones threw a touchdown passes to RB Saquon Barkley, WR Wan’Dale Robinson, and WR C.J. Board.
  • DL Leonard Williams knocked down a QB Daniel Jones pass.
  • QB Tyrod Taylor threw a “beautiful” fade pass to WR Richie James, who made an over-the-shoulder catch for a touchdown. Taylor also ran for a touchdown.
  • QB Davis Webb threw touchdown passes to WR Austin Proehl and WR Collin Johnson.
  • Wide receivers David Sills and Robert Foster both made nice sideline catches. Sills also caught a deep pass from QB Daniel Jones.
  • CB Maurice Canady caused two incompletions, including one pass defense.
  • PK Graham Gano kicked a 53-yard field goal to end practice. The reward was the team did not have run after practice.

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 at Giants.com.

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:

Giants Sign Matt Breida and Jihad Ward; Falcons Sign Lorenzo Carter

 Posted by
Mar 212022
 
Matt Breida, Buffalo Bills (November 21, 2021)

Matt Breida – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS SIGN MATT BREIDA AND JIHAD WARD…
The New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agents running back Matt Breida (Buffalo Bills) and defensive end Jihad Ward (Jacksonville Jaguars).

The 27-year old, 5’10”, 195-pound Breida was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the San Francisco 49ers after the 2017 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the 49ers (2017-2020), Miami Dolphins (2020), and Buffalo Bills (2021). Breida has played in 64 regular season games with 19 starts, rushing the ball 466 times for 2,281 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. He also has caught 83 passes 729 yards and six touchdowns. In 2021 with the Bills, Breida played in nine games, only carrying the ball 26 times for 125 yards and one touchdown. He also caught seven passes for 72 yards and two touchdown. Breida has fumbled the ball seven times in his career.

The 27-year, 6’5”, 290-pound Ward was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He has spent time with the Raiders (2016-2017), Dallas Cowboys (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2018-2019), Baltimore Ravens (2019-2020), and Jaguars (2021). Ward has played in 68 regular-season games with 15 starts, accruing 91 tackles, 12 tackles for losses, 10 sacks, and three fumble recoveries. In 2021 with the Jaguars, Ward played in all 17 games with one start and finished the year with 32 tackles, three tackles for losses, and two sacks.

For an overview of the team’s free agent activity, see the 2022 New York Giants Free Agent Signings and New York Giants 2022 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

FALCONS SIGN LORENZO CARTER…
The Atlanta Falcons have signed New York Giants unrestricted free agent linebacker Lorenzo Carter to a 1-year contract.

A year after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon in 2020, Carter surprisingly bounced back quickly in 2021 and played possibly the best football of his career down the stretch of the season. Carter started all 14 games that he played in (66 percent of defensive snaps), missing three mid-season games with an ankle injury. He finished with career-high stats in tackles (44) and sacks (5) while also being credited with six tackles for losses, eight quarterback hits, one interception, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

The Giants drafted Carter in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played in 15 games with two starts as a rookie, and then started 12-of-15 games in 2019. Carter missed 11 games in 2020 due to the Achilles’ injury.

For an overview of the team’s free agent activity, see the 2022 New York Giants Free Agent Losses and New York Giants 2022 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

GIANTS RE-STRUCTURE GRAHAM GANO’S CONTRACT…
ESPN is reporting that the Giants and place kicker Graham Gano have agreed to a contract re-structure. The Giants converted $2.63 million of Gano’s salary into a bonus, creating $1.753 million in cap space. A void year was also added to his contract, which was set to expire after the 2023 season.

MEDIA SESSIONS WITH PLAYERS…
The media sessions with following recently signed players are available at Giants.com: