Aug 302014
 
John Conner, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

John Conner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants made 22 roster moves on Saturday in order reduce the roster to 53 players as required by the NFL.

In addition, the Giants activated linebacker Jon Beason from the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List. Beason passed his physical and can now practice for the first time since injuring his foot on June 12 during an Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice. “He’s ready to practice,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “You need that kind of dynamic leadership. The guy loves the game, he loves to play it. He’ll have the biggest smile on his face come Monday when he trots out there.”

The Giants waived or terminated the contracts of the following players:

  • QB Curtis Painter
  • RB Kendall Gaskins
  • RB Michael Cox
  • FB John Conner
  • WR Julian Talley
  • TE Kellen Davis
  • OL Rogers Gaines (waived/injured)
  • OL Mark Asper
  • OL Jamaal Johnson-Webb
  • OL Adam Gress
  • DE Israel Idonije
  • DE Jordan Stanton
  • DT Kelcy Quarles
  • LB Dan Fox
  • LB Terrell Manning
  • CB Bennett Jackson
  • CB Chandler Fenner
  • S Thomas Gordon

The Giants also placed the following players on season-ending Injured Reserve, although this doesn’t preclude the team from making an injury settlement:

  • WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring)
  • WR Mario Manningham (calf)

The Giants also placed the following players on the Reserve/Suspended List for violating NFL drug policies:

  • OL Eric Herman (4-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs)
  • CB Jayron Hosley (4-game suspension for illegal drugs)

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

“There were a lot of good, competitive positions, even going into Thursday night’s game with New England,” Coughlin said. “Many of the young guys were competing, not only for roster spots but for the practice squad. That is an important concept as well. It is in the best interest of the clubs to be able to go to their practice squad, if the need is there, for a player who has been in your meeting rooms the entire summer and fall.”

With Painter being cut, Ryan Nassib will be the only quarterback on the roster behind Eli Manning. “Ryan Nassib made big strides,” Coughlin said. “I think that his third and fourth preseason games were outstanding. You see definite improvement. You see the work that he’s put in. He’s been a very good student and he’s applied that to the field. What I really liked is he did have a poor preseason game and he came back with two good ones. That showed me, he didn’t do it by talking, he did it by working.”

Speaking of the competition at fullback between Conner and Henry Hynoski, Coughlin said, “Two very good players. Both guys can play in this league. Very, very close. Both of them are physical. They’ll knock the heck out of you. Utmost respect for John Conner, I think he’s a heck of a player and a great competitor and a good man. He doesn’t say a word, just goes and does his job. Give me all of those you can find.”

Preston Parker, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Preston Parker – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Coughlin on WR Preston Parker, who made the team: “Preston’s been around a little bit. Preston also has the punt return/kickoff return ability. Right now that’s very critical for us, because Odell Beckham was going to be the punt returner.”

Coughlin on keeping Kerry Wynn over Israel Idonije at defensive end: “We had tremendous respect for Izzy (Idonije) because of the quality of man he is. He came in here and whatever we asked him to do, he did. He battled, he competed. The other night he played a lot of nice snaps. At this point in time, the idea of developing the young player was first and foremost on your minds as we put the roster together…I like the fact that (Wynn) has very good size and he runs well. He flashed in the preseason and he is a young prospect that works hard, studies hard. We think he has a lot of upside.”

“They’re great stories and that’s what this thing is all about,” Coughlin said. “Your needs are much deeper than seven picks in the draft or sometimes you’re not in position to help yourself in free agency because of the cap, so this is still the source. And when a young guy comes along and they look like they’ve got a high end, you’re excited about it. Especially when they work hard, they study hard, it’s important to them and they have great desire. You can see it on some of these kids’ faces that this means so much to them, and quite frankly it re-energizes me.

“Even on a day like this where I have to let people go, when I see what the game means to certain players and when I see that, then I think there’s hope, to be honest with you. I do. Not just hope here, hope for everybody in this world because we’re not going through the motions. They love it. They love what they’re doing, they love the game. That’s how it all starts. For the normal young person that comes along and plays this game, it started with the love of the game. You compete, it’s about competitors. It’s still about competitors and people who are determined to be the best that they can be at what they do. That’s what reinforces me.”

After noon on Sunday, the Giants can sign 10 players to their Practice Squad, if they are not claimed off of waivers first.

“The practice squad is not taken lightly,” Coughlin said. “There are a lot of things that go into making choices and one of the things that’s really important, that has to be stressed, this summer is that we’ve got it to 10. And that’s a very important thing, the fact that we can have 10 practice squad guys means a lot in terms of your ability to prepare. Because as you go through the season and you have the various nicks that occur during the course of it and players can’t practice, at least you can continue to service your first groups with your practice squad players. That helps tremendously because the drain always comes.

“If a two becomes a one, then who services the other side of the ball? That’s a major concern for us at this level, because you have to continue to improve. People don’t realize that, it is about improvement and it’s not just about games, it’s about improving and your chance to improve on the practice field is so important.”

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: Embarking on a New Path by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

NY Post Q&A with WR Victor Cruz: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with Victor Cruz by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Aug 102014
 
John Conner, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

John Conner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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August 10, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Fullback John Conner suffered a concussion on the final play of Saturday’s Giants-Steelers preseason game.

“They are calling (it a concussion),” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He is going through the protocol. I think anytime you are dinged and you come to the sideline that is the way it is going to be treated today. His eyes were bright and he was smiling when I left the locker room so I was a little bit surprised. It will be precaution and safety first so he will go through the protocol and who knows if he really is feeling as well as I thought he looked last night. Maybe that can all be accomplished in time for us to see where he will be at this week in terms of practice and play. I don’t know if anything is being ruled out just yet (in terms of the next preseason game on Saturday).”

Regarding wide receiver Odell Beckham, who has missed almost all of training camp with a hamstring injury, Coughlin said, “He is going to practice tomorrow on an individual basis, and then they are going to assess where he is. If he can do a little more, then maybe he will do a little bit more, but if he can’t then we will keep it strictly with individual (drills).”

August 10, 2014 Tom Coughlin Conference Call: The transcript from Sunday’s conference call with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at BigBlueInteractive.com.

Article on the Giants-Steelers Game: Giants vs. Steelers observations: Ben McAdoo plays it safe again with new offense by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants Passing Game: Tom Coughlin: Giants aren’t going down ‘miscommunication route again’ like last year by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Running Backs Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams: Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams are filling in nicely after loss of David Wilson by Bob Glauber of Newsday

Article on WR Odell Beckham: The Giants’ potential savior still sits on the sidelines by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Giants still unsure what they have with their offensive line by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Jul 022014
 
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With the New York Giants reporting to camp in less than a month, BigBlueInteractive.com is breaking down each of the team’s positional groups from now until July 21. Our first article concentrated on the team’s quarterbacks. Now let’s take a look at the running backs and fullbacks.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Running Backs and Fullbacks

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants (October 27, 2013)

Brandon Jacobs – © USA TODAY Sports Images

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: Just a year ago, the New York Giants appeared to be “set” at running back with a 1-2 punch of Andre Brown and David Wilson. But the injury-prone Brown broke his leg in the preseason, causing him to miss half the season. He started the final eight games and finished with 139 carries for 492 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. The Giants showed no interest in re-signing Brown in the offseason and he is now a Houston Texan. 2012 1st round draft pick David Wilson only played in five games before being placed on Injured Reserve with a career-threatening neck injury that required surgery in January. He started four games and finished 2013 with 146 yards on 44 carries (3.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown. He also fumbled the ball away twice. Da’Rel Scott made the team, was cut, then re-signed, and then placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury.  Scott played in five games with one start in 2013, finishing the season with 73 yards on 20 carries (3.7 yards per carry). The Giants chose not to bring him back. Michael Cox, the Giants 7th pick in the 2013 Draft, played in 14 games as a rookie with one start. But he only carried the football 22 times for 43 yards (2.0 yards per carry). With injuries to Brown, Wilson, and Scott, ex-Giant Brandon Jacobs and Peyton Hillis were mid-season roster additions. But Jacobs arrived as damaged goods, started only one game, and was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee condition that forced his retirement in January. Hillis ended up playing in seven games with one start. He finished the season with 73 carries for 247 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

At fullback, 2013 was a disaster for Henry Hynoski, who missed virtually all of the offseason work with a knee injury (MCL/chip fracture) suffered in an OTA, then fracturing his shoulder and being placed on Injured Reserve in September. John Conner was signed off of the street to replace Hynoski and he performed well as a physical lead blocker in 13 games with seven starts.

Overall, the New York Giants finished 29th in rushing, averaging a paltry 83.2 yards per game and 3.5 yards per rush.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: The Giants had no interest in bringing back Andre Brown and Da’Rel Scott, and Brandon Jacobs has retired. David Wilson, Michael Cox, Peyton Hillis, Henry Hynoski, and John Conner return. Kendall Gaskins, who spent time with the Bills and Titans as a rookie, was signed to the Practice Squad in December and returns in 2014. The Giants made a big push to sign ex-Jaguar and ex-Raider Rashad Jennings to a 4-year, $10 million contract. The team drafted the nation’s #1 rusher Andre Williams in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: The two main story lines are the health status of David Wilson and the Hynoski-Conner competition at fullback. Wilson is scheduled to undergo another exam on his next the day camp starts – July 21st – to determine if he can be cleared for football contact. If cleared, the explosive Wilson needs to prove he can stay healthy, hold onto the football, protect the QB, and become an instinctive play-maker. Many fans and media types believe Hynoski is the front runner for the fullback spot, but John Conner may be the better blocker, receiver, and yes, runner. The other main question is who will be the #2 back off of the bench behind Rashad Jennings. Will it be Wilson, Peyton Hillis, or Andre Williams?

ON THE BUBBLE: It would appear that Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams are locks to make the team. If he is cleared for contact, and barring a complete lack of development, the former #1 pick David Wilson is likely to make the squad. Peyton Hillis, Michael Cox, and Kendall Gaskins are fighting for one, possibly two roster spots. Don’t automatically write any of these guys off. Even Gaskins has caught the attention of the coaches.

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Craig Johnson on Andre Williams:  “A big fit (for our scheme). He’s a big, strong physical runner. He led the nation in rushing last year in college football. He is strong, he’s a very explosive runner. I hear that from the defense, they say, ‘Man, that guy has really got it going.’ I’m really excited to see what he’s all about and you can tell, he runs hard.”

Johnson on David Wilson: “He’s got tremendous talent. It’s obvious to see that that. Good hands. I can’t wait to watch him get out there when he gets cleared to show what he can do.”

Johnson on Michael Cox and Kendall Gaskins: “Two guys you probably haven’t heard much about, Michael Cox, a second-year back that was a late draft choice last year, big, strong, physical, can make plays. I’m looking forward to seeing him and Kendall Gaskins, both of them, in pads. They’re young guys, they want to prove it. They’re hungry and they want to go after it. All the backs are pretty good size and pretty physical so I’m excited about the position.”

PREDICTIONS:

Peyton Hillis, New York Giants (December 1, 2013)

Peyton Hillis – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Eric Kennedy – Rashad Jennings, Peyton Hillis, and Andre Williams make this a very big and physical backfield. Considered somewhat of a journeyman running back, I firmly believe that Jennings will blossom in New York not only as a physical, no-nonsense north-south runner, but an incredibly reliable and consistent receiver out of the backfield. He is a natural receiver. I also think he will become a team leader. Some expect Peyton Hillis to be cut, but I see him becoming a John Kuhn-type receiver/runner/pass protector in Ben McAdoo’s scheme. I could see him becoming the third-down back due to his pass pro and receiving skills. I love Henry Hynoski, but I think John Conner is the better blocker, receiver, and runner.

Connor Hughes – I like Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings, too. I believe both are upgrades over Andre Brown and Brandon Jacobs. With that being said, I truly believe the ‘X’ factor for the Giants in the backfield is David Wilson.

Wilson spent the offseason in the weight room packing on the muscle, is still lightning in the bottle and the only player at the position that has the ability to break off a touchdown on any carry. If he’s healthy, I see him as a player that can run for 1200-1400 yards annually. Last year, Wilson struggled, but as the season went it became more evident that that was more of a result of the team’s porous offensive line than the former first-round pick.

I love Wilson’s attitude, he never doesn’t have a smile on his face and is more motivated than ever to get back on the field. Once he does? Look out.

FINAL DEPTH CHART: Running Backs – Rashad Jennings (1), David Wilson (2), Peyton Hillis (3), Andre Williams (4), Michael Cox (cut), Kendall Gaskins (cut)

Fullbacks – John Conner (1), Henry Hynoski (cut)

Jun 252014
 
John Conner, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

John Conner thinks he has what it takes to be the Giants’ fullback – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Don’t get John Conner wrong; he loves every part of his game that led to the nickname ‘The Terminator.’

He loves blocking, knocking opponents over and being his team’s personal battering ram. But there’s a part of his game that is often omitted when his skill set is brought up. A talent that may be exactly what he needs to fend off Henry Hynoski as the Giants’ fullback on the final 53-man roster.

“I can catch the ball a little bit, too,” Conner said. “And I can run.”

Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Conner’s ball skills have never truly been on display. As Rex Ryan’s personal draft pick, Conner was labeled a hard-nosed fullback destined to pave the way for whomever lined up in the Jets’ backfield. But before he played a down in the NFL, he earned Hollywood fame for his role in HBO’s Hard Knocks his rookie season.

John Conner, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Conner wants to show he’s as a weapon with the ball in his hands – © USA TODAY Sports Images

On the show, which follows an NFL team throughout its training camp, Ryan told a story about a time he was scouting a linebacker. While watching film, a fullback from Kentucky stood out, blocking and knocking over everyone in his way. Each draft, the Jets would give Rex Ryan one pick to select anyone he liked. He fell in love with the fullback, making Conner his selection.

HBO’s cameras ate up the story, making Conner one of the spotlighted players on the series. He was nicknamed ‘The Terminator,” a name that still holds today.

“It was cool as a rookie to get all that publicity,” Conner said before being interrupted by teammates who all growled ‘Terminator,’ causing the 27-year-old to attempt to hide a smile.

Conner made the Jets roster his first two seasons, but was waived in 2012 via injury settlement. The fullback sprained his MCL and Lex Hilliard played well enough in his absence for the Jets to feel confident cutting ties.

He then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals where he once again found himself on Hard Knocks. This time, the story didn’t have a Cinderella ending. Conner was cut when the Bengals decided the team didn’t need a prototypical fullback, electing to go with former tight end Orson Charles.

John Conner, Cincinnati Bengals (July 28, 2013)

Conner failed to make the Bengals roster last year – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“I’m shocked,” Conner said on the show. “But it’s a business.”

Conner worked out for the Bills before agreeing to a two-year contract with the Giants four weeks into last season. The Ohio native filled in admirably for an injured Henry Hynoski in an offense that perfectly suited his talents. There was an abundance of two-back sets in former coordinator Kevin Gilbride’s offense.

Then the season ended, Gilbride retired and Ben McAdoo was hired. A new offense – one Conner admits doesn’t appear to use the fullback as much – is in the process of being implemented and Hynoski is back and healthy. Once again, ‘The Terminator’ finds himself in a position battle.

“I love competition, it brings out the best in people. As long as it’s fair, I love it,” said Conner, who spent noticeable time in the weight room this offseason. “Being a fullback, you kind of expect that you’re going to compete every year.

“I feel like the last few years in the NFL I’ve reached the point where I’ve become a top-tier fullback in the league. I just want to go out there and have a healthy competition, there’s nothing wrong with a healthy competition.”

Throughout OTAs and the Giants’ mandatory mini-camp, there’s been no clear indication of who exactly is atop the depth chart. At times, Hynoski is the first one out. Other times, it’s Conner.

“Henry and John have both done a nice job,” McAdoo said. “We mix, we’re in and out of personnel groups and those types of things at this point. You like to use the fullback. The way I was raised, a fullback’s a big part of the things you do.”

While the fullback will be guaranteed to have a role in the new offense, what exactly it will be asked to do is anyone’s guess. McAdoo has never called plays in his NFL coaching career. Neither Hynoski nor Conner has been asked in their career to be a ‘weapon’ on offense.

John Conner, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

John Conner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

No matter what is asked of the position, Conner believes he can do it.

“I absolutely think I can be a weapon,” Conner said. “A lot of people just don’t get a chance to see that part of my game because I’ve always been seen as a lumberer.”

Unlike Conner’s past competitions, no matter how this one shapes up, HBO won’t be there to document it. While the Giants were one of eight teams that could potentially be ‘forced’ to do the show, the Atlanta Falcons stepped up and volunteered.

Conner was well aware New York was eligible to be featured. In fact, he was almost preparing for it.

“It seemed like they just followed me around,” Conner said, laughing. “I kept thinking like, man, three times? That would have been crazy.”

Jun 252014
 
Rashad Jennings (23) and Kyle Sebetic (25), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Rashad Jennings and Kyle Sebetic – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with Quarterbacks Coach Danny Langsdorf: The video of a Giants.com Q&A with Quarterbacks Coach Danny Langsdorf is available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Q&A with QB Ryan Nassib: The video of a Giants.com Q&A session with QB Ryan Nassib is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Player Q&As:

Article on WR Rueben Randle: Giants see more focused Rueben Randle by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Tight Ends: NY Giants GM Jerry Reese still high on Adrien Robinson and Larry Donnell as Big Blue seeks answer at tight end by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Big Blue Morning: Offensive line health by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Defensive Line: Big Blue Morning: Left defensive end by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on LB Dan Fox: Dan Fox could be surprise of linebacker group by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on CB Zack Bowman: What Zack Bowman brings by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Kickoff/Punt Return Game: Sizing up Giants’ return options by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Jun 192014
 
Odell Beckham (13) and Zack Bowman (31), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Odell Beckham and Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Mini-Camp Ends: The third and final day of the New York Giants mandatory, 3-day mini-camp was held on Thursday. Practice was called after only a few minutes when rain started to fall. Head Coach Tom Coughlin chose not to continue practice within the team’s indoor facility.

The rookies will spend one more day at Quest Diagnostics Center. Players are off until scheduled to report to Quest Diagnostics Center on July 21 for the start of summer training camp.

For more on today’s practice, see:

For more on Wednesday’s practice, see:

New York Giants Sign OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins: The Giants have signed street free agents OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins. To make room for these two, the Giants waived OT Steven Baker and DT Eathyn Manumaleuna.

BBI scouting report on OT DeMarcus Love:

  • The Giants signed DeMarcus Love as a street free agent in June 2014. Love was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him in October 2013 and he was then picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who waived him in June 2014. Love has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He needs to play with more nastiness and fire. He also needs to improve his overall technique in order to make it at the NFL level.

BBI scouting report on DT Everett Dawkins:

  • The Giants signed Everett Dawkins as a street free agent in June 2014. Dawkins was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Dallas Cowboys signed Dawkins off of the Vikings Practice Squad in November 2013, but waived him three weeks later. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Buccaneers waived Dawkins in June 2014. Dawkins is a 3-technique tackle who lacks ideal size, but he is quick and athletic and can be disruptive. He needs to add size and strength. Dawkins is not overly stout against the run. He needs to play with better leaverage.

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com or BigBlueInteractive.com:

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo:

Article on Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell: Fewell optimistic about Giants’ D, naturally by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: NY Giants QB Eli Manning insists he has a lot of good years left by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Article on the New York Giants Running Backs: Giants’ Backfield Runs Into the Great Wide Open by Alex Raskin of The Wall Street Journal

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Giants: Victor Cruz out to show more by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on WR Corey Washington: Low on Giants’ depth chart, Corey Washington stands tall by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on TE Adrien Robinson: Adrien Robinson the favorite to start for Giants at tight end? Think again by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on DE Robert Ayers and CB Walter Thurmond: Newcomers Ayers, Thurmond getting used to Giants by Jim Hague of The Sacramento Bee

Article on CB Charles James: New and Improved Charles James Flashing with Giants by Connor Hughes of BigBlueInteractive.com

Mar 122014
 
J.D. Walton, Denver Broncos (August 26, 2012)

J.D. Walton (50) – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Re-Sign Jon Beason and Curtis Painter: According to The NFL Network, the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason. In addition, the Giants have officially announced they they have re-signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Curtis Painter. Terms for both players are not yet known.

Because of these moves, we have updated the TransactionsNew York Giants Free Agent Signings (with scouting reports), and New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

New York Giants Sign J.D. Walton: The New York Giants have officially signed unrestricted free agent center J.D. Walton (Washington Redskins). Details of the contract are not yet known.

Because of this move, we have updated the TransactionsNew York Giants Free Agent Signings (with scouting report), and New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

Keith Rivers Signs with Bills: Unrestricted free agent linebacker Keith Rivers (New York Giants) has signed a 2-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.

Because of this move, we have updated the TransactionsNew York Giants Free Agent Losses (with scouting report), and New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

Geoff Schwartz and Rashad Jennings Official – Contract Details: The Giants officially confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed unrestricted free agents offensive guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs) and running back Rashad Jennings (Oakland Raiders).

According to the player’s agent, Schwartz’s deal is a 4-year, $16.8 million contract with $6.2 million guaranteed. CSN Bay Area is reporting that Jenning’s contract is a 4-year, $14 million deal with $3 million guaranteed.

“When I was a rookie, I almost didn’t get drafted and I was so excited to maybe become a Giant,” said Schwartz. “Now, it finally happened. It’s one of those franchises where, when they come calling, you can’t really say no. I’m overjoyed. I think when I look back after I kind of get over the initial signing of the contract it’ll be such a pleasure.”

“I’m so excited to be here for so many reasons,” Jennings said. “One, the Giants organization and the history of it. The magnitude of it, the culture, to be a part of that red, white and blue again. It’s funny because I went to Liberty University, those are the same colors I wore. I’m back on the east coast and now I can talk on the phone with people and not feel awkward because of the three-hour time difference, it will kick you in the butt sometimes. I’m closer to home, closer to family, I’m with the team that wanted me.”

Schwartz has the ability to play at tackle and guard.

“I’m best at guard,” Schwartz said. “I’ve played right guard lots in my career and I know that (Chris) Snee is still here, so I will be starting at left guard. I just feel more comfortable there. But I’ve played tackle, I started 11 games at tackle and played lots of other games at tackle, so I can do a lot of it. It’s just nice to be able to come into a place where they want you in a position and you can kind of go from there.”

“I think part of the fun of coming into work every day is that kind of interaction between offensive linemen,” said Schwartz. “Wherever you go you want to have that bond and building that bond is through kind of joking and mocking, but also hard work and some of the other thing that O-linemen are known for. I’m excited to meet everybody and kind of get going when April comes around. I think I do a good job of integrating well in the locker room. I do a good job of trying to learn the system. It’s tough every year to do that. Now hopefully I’ve found a home and I’ll be here for many years and kind of integrate into the system.”

“I have the same attitude every year since college,” Jennings said. “Go in, earn the respect of my teammates and my coaches, lock down the playbook and go show my worth and earn a starting position. That’s my mentality every year and I look forward to being used however they see my talents fitting here. I did an interview a couple weeks ago and they said, ‘What’s your idea of going through free agency?’ I said, ‘It’s my job to show one team that they’re right.’ I’m glad to show the Giants that they’re right.”

“I always tell people there are not too many ways you can run power, there are no too many ways you can run inside/outside zone,” Jennings said. “It’s just the terminology you’ve got to pick up, understand the flow, the chemistry of the system. That does take some time and that’s why we have OTAs. I am looking forward to it. But as far as going from playbook to playbook, it doesn’t phase you. You become a student of the game.”

Interviews with both players are available at Giants.com:

  • OG Geoff Schwartz (Video)
  • RB Rashad Jennings (Video)

Peyton Hillis and Trumaine McBride Official: The New York Giants officially confirmed on Wednesday that they have re-signed unrestricted free agents running back Peyton Hillis and cornerback Trumaine McBride.

O’Brien Schofield Deal Not Finalized: The Giants have not officially sign unrestricted free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield because Schofield did not pass the team’s physical on Wednesday. The Giants are concerned about one of his knees and thus there is no deal. The New York Daily News and ESPN are reporting that the deal may not be ultimately dead, but the previous terms (2-year, $8 million contract) may have to be renegotiated. NJ.com is reporting that a source says the deal is dead.

March 12, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

  • DT Linval Joseph on what the New York Giants offered before he signed a 5-year, $31.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings: “I know it was nowhere near the Vikings number, I can say that.”
  • ESPN is reporting that unrestricted free agents (UFAs) defensive end Just Tuck (New York Giants) and cornerback Terrell Thomas (New York Giants) are visiting the Oakland Raiders today. SFGate.com is reporting that RB Andre Brown (New York Giants) is also visiting the Oakland Raiders today.
  • According to the Lions, UFA Henry Hynoski (New York Giants) will visit the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
  • The NFL Network is reporting that UFA Tracy Porter (Oakland Raiders) arrived in New York on Tuesday to visit the Giants. He left today without a contract.
  • ESPN is reporting that UFA offensive guard Shelley Smith (St. Louis Rams) is visited the Giants on Wednesday. He is now on his way to visit with the New England Patriots.
  • The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inquiring about cornerback Darrelle Revis before he was cut by Tampa Bay Wednesday afternoon.
  • UFA wide receiver/returner Jacoby Jones, who visited the Giants on Wednesday, has re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens (4-year contract).
  • UFA cornerback Corey Graham (Baltimore Ravens), who the Giants had expressed some interest in, has signed a 4-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Giants.com Inside the Film Room: Video breakdowns of the following Giants players are available at Giants.com:

  • Fullback John Conner (Video)
  • Offensive Lineman Brandon Mosley (Video)
Feb 012014
 
Michael Strahan, New York Giants (January 28, 2014)

Hall of Famer Michael Strahan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Michael Strahan Elected to Hall of Fame: Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (1993-2007) was officially elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Strahan played 15 seasons for the Giants and holds the team record for most regular-season games played with 216. He was voted to seven Pro Bowls and named All-Pro six times (four times first-team, two times second-team). Strahan was also named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and 2003. He accrued 141.5 sacks as a Giant. He still holds the NFL’s single-season sack record with 22.5 and is fifth all-time on the NFL’s career sack list.

“From the time that he retired, I always felt that he would be simply waiting for the mandatory time requirement before he became a Hall of Famer,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “That’s what I always thought he would be and rightfully so. He takes his place along with the great, great defensive players of the game and the great Giants of the game who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame”

“It’s hard to find guys with everything, but this guy had everything…size, speed, power, toughness, endurance, motor, smarts, leadership, heart, love for the game, but what I admired most about Michael was his pride,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “No matter what the circumstances were, when he walked out on that field on Sunday, he was going to give it ALL to you. There aren’t many guys who can say that.”

“I’m thrilled for Michael,” said New York Giants President/CEO John Mara. “He was one of the greatest players in franchise history. Without him, there’s no way we would have won Super Bowl XLII. Not only was he a huge part of that team because of his play on the field, he was the leader of that defense. The other players looked up to him. He established a mark for consistency during his outstanding 15-year career. Very few people played the position as well as he did, particularly because he played the run as well as being a great pass-rusher. He was a leader and a great player and I’m delighted that he is going to his rightful place in Canton.”

“He’s a Hall of Famer player,” said former Giants General Manager Ernie Accorsi. “And I said this when he played: I’m sure there are others, but I have never seen an elite pass rusher that played the run as well as he did. Because it doesn’t happen. Now believe me, I understand the strategy that a lot of it was to negate his pass rush. But I know that (Vince) Lombardi used to run at Deacon Jones. You just didn’t run at Michael Strahan. That wasn’t going to do you any good at all. You might slow down his pass rush, but he was going to make the play. I’ve never seen someone who was that good against the run, and he wasn’t that big. He played with leverage and technique and his brains. He had talent, don’t get me wrong, but he was such a smart player.”

Coaches, teammates and opponents congratulate Strahan by Giants.com.

See the Hall of Fame Giants section of BBI for a complete list of Giants in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bob Papa on ESPN Radio: The audio of Friday’s ESPN Radio interview with New York Giants radio play-by-play voice Bob Papa is available at ESPN.com.

Fullback John Conner on ESPN Radio: The audio of Friday’s ESPN Radio interview with fullback John Conner is available at ESPN.com.

Article on Defensive Ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora: Osi Umenyiora: I told Justin Tuck he should stay with Giants by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants Four Super Bowl Victories: Carl Banks recalls Giants’ four Super Bowl triumphs by Bob Herzog of Long Island Newsday

Article on Former Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree: Super Bowl 2014: Former Giant David Tyree ‘catches on’ every year during Super Bowl week by Dan Duggan of NJ.com

Article on Former Giants Defensive End Leonard Marshall: Super bowl memories: Former Giants DE Leonard Marshall talks key sacks by A.J. Perez of NJ.com

Dec 202013
 
James Brewer, New York Giants (September 29, 2013)

James Brewer – © USA TODAY Sports Images

December 20, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – Offensive Line and Wide Receiving Corps Hurting: Not practicing on Friday were RB Peyton Hillis (concussion), WR Victor Cruz (knee/concussion), OG David Diehl (knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), and S Cooper Taylor (hamstring). Hillis, Cruz, Pierre-Paul, and Taylor have been officially ruled out of the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Diehl is “doubtful” for the game.

WR Jerrel Jernigan (knee), OG James Brewer (ankle), DT Cullen Jenkins (shin/quad), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), and CB Trumaine McBride (groin) were limited in practice. Jernigan and Brewer are “questionable” for the game; Jenkins, Thomas, and McBride are “probable.”

December 20, 2013 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday media session are available at Giants.com

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Coughlin Corner: Injuries are no excuse by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

December 20, 2013 New York Giants Player Media Sessions: Video clips of Friday’s media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on the New York Giants 2013 Season: Bad season from NY Giants doesn’t erase decade of success by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Article on RB Michael Cox: Michael Cox aims to be contributor for Giants with Peyton Hillis out by A.J. Perez of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Article on DE Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck’s value on free-agent market and what it will take for Giants to re-sign him by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Dec 012013
 
Mathias Kiwanuka, New York Giants (December 3, 2012)

Mathias Kiwanuka – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Article on the 2012-2013 New York Giants: Giants’ Decline Stands at 12 Months, 16 Games and Counting by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Article on the New York Giants and 2014: With NY Giants season all but over, we take a Big Blue look at ’14 by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Articles on the New York Giants Offense:

Article on RB Andre Brown: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with … Andre Brown by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on FB John Conner: Four Downs: FB John Conner talks about life as a lead blocker by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on WR Hakeem Nicks: Benching vs. Cowboys ‘in the past’ for Nicks by Bart Hubbuch of The New York Post

Article on OC/OG Kevin Boothe: Kevin Boothe takes center stage on Giants’ offensive line by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Articles on the New York Giants Cornerbacks: