Mar 202023
 
Jon Feliciano, New York Giants (January 21, 2023)

Jon Feliciano – © USA TODAY Sports

JON FELICIANO SIGNS WITH 49ers…
New York Giants unrestricted free agent center Jon Feliciano has signed a 1-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Feliciano is the third unrestricted free agent to depart from the team this offseason, joining center/guard Nick Gates and safety Julian Love.

The Giants signed Feliciano in March 2022 after he was cut by the Buffalo Bills. The Giants converted him from guard to center, where he started 15 regular- and two post-season games, missing one game due to a neck injury and the other a healthy scratch in the regular-season finale. Feliciano had an up-and-down year. His veteran presence and knowledge of Brian Daboll’s offense helped the offensive team. While he brought a toughness, feistiness, and grittiness to the line, his athletic limitations proved to be an issue against better opponents. Feliciano was also flagged six times (four holding, one ineligible downfield, and one taunting penalty).

The 6’4”, 325-pound Feliciano was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He signed as a free agent with the Bills in March 2019. Feliciano has now played in 97 regular-season games with 54 starts. He is a versatile player who can play both guard positions and center.

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

GIANTS ADD CORNERBACK…
The Giants have signed cornerback Leonard Johnson, a cornerback from Duke University who tore the ACL in one of his knees while training before the 2022 NFL Draft. Because of the injury, Johnson went undrafted and did not sign with any NFL team last year.

DARIUS SLAYTON PRESS CONFERENCE…
Wide receiver Darius Slayton, who the Giants re-signed as an unrestricted free agent, addressed the media on Monday. The transcript of this press conference is available in The Corner Forum, while the video is available on YouTube.

Jan 222023
 
Matt Breida, New York Giants (January 21, 2023)

Matt Breida – © USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 38 – NEW YORK GIANTS 7…
The New York Giants Cinderella season came to a crashing end in Philadelphia on Saturday night as they were crushed 38-7 by the Eagles. The Giants finished their surprising 2022 campaign with a 9-7-1 regular-season record and a 1-1 post-season record.

The overall final team statistics were almost as one-sided as the final score. The Eagles out-gained the Giants in first downs (26 to 13), total net yards (416 to 227), net yards rushing (268 to 118), net yards passing (148 to 109), and time of possession (35:43 to 24:17). The Eagles won the turnover battle 1-0 and were 4-of-5 in the red zone. Philadelphia was also an astonishing 10-of-14 (71.4 percent) on 3rd-down conversion attempts while the Giants were 1-of-3 on 4th down.

The contest was basically over by halftime. The Eagles scored touchdowns on four of their five first-half possessions while the Giants were shut out. Philadelphia’s drives:

  • 8 plays, 75 yards, touchdown,
  • 8 plays, 52 yards, touchdown.
  • 3 plays, -3 yards, punt.
  • 9 plays, 63 yards, touchdown.
  • 14 plays, 67 yards, touchdown.

Meanwhile, the Giants’ first drive ended with quarterback Daniel Jones getting sacked on 4th-and-8 at the Philadelphia 48-yard line. On the second play of their second possession, Jones was intercepted by former Giants’ cornerback James Bradberry at the Philadelphia 46-yard line. New York’s other three first-half possessions resulted in a total of 17 yards, no first downs, and three punts.

At the half, the Eagles led 28-0. The first-half stats were equally bad, with the Eagles holding huge advantages in first downs (18 to 3) and total yards (258 to 64).

The second-half of the game was pretty anti-climatic. Both teams exchanged three-and-outs to start the 3rd quarter. The Giants then drove for their only score of the game, a 10-play, 88-yard effort that ended with a direct snap to Saquon Barkley, who handed off to fellow running back Matt Breida for an 8-yard touchdown. With 6:15 left in the 3rd quarter, the Giants trailed 28-7.

The Eagles picked up two first downs and then punted on again on their second possession of the second half. New York then also picked up two first downs, but Head Coach Brian . Daboll decided to punt the ball away on 4th-and-6 from the New York 42-yard line early in the 4th quarter, down by three touchdowns.. The Eagles responded with a 15-play, 70-yard drive that lasted almost eight minutes and resulted in a 30-yard field goal. With just over five minutes in the game, New York now trailed 31-7.

The final minutes were just as ugly. The Giants did convert on 4th-and-16 from their own 17-yard line. But four plays later, they turned the ball over on downs with an incomplete pass on 4th-and-8 from their own 36-yard line. On 3rd-and-9, the Eagles broke off a 35-yard touchdown run at the 2-minute warning.

The Giants then ran the ball three times in their final five plays simply to end the game.

Jones finished the game 15-of-27 for 135 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He ran the ball six times for 24 yards, but was sacked five times. Wideout Richie James was the leading receiver with seven catches for 51 yards. No other Giant had more than 21 yards receiving. Barkley broke off a 39-yard run in the 3rd quarter, but was held to 22 yards on his other eight carries.

The defense also played a bad game, allowing an unacceptable 268 yards rushing and only stopping the Eagles four times on 14 third-down conversion attempts. The Giants only had one sack and one pass defense. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was never hit except for the one sack. The team also did not force a turnover.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Friday, the Giants activated (standard elevation) WR Makai Polk and CB Zyon Gilbert from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were WR Makai Polk, OG Jack Anderson, OG Wyatt Davis, DL Henry Mondeaux, ILB Micah McFadden, CB Rodarius Williams, and CB Zyon Gilbert.

CB Cor’Dale Flott suffered a hamstring injury 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…
Players will be available in an open locker-room setting on Sunday. General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media on Monday.

Nov 202022
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (November 20, 2022)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

DETROIT LIONS 31 – NEW YORK GIANTS 18…
The New York Giants were soundly beaten by the Detroit Lions 31-18 on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the loss, the Giants fall to 7-3. Worse than the loss was a plethora of injuries suffered by New York, including starting cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson (knee) and Fabian Moreau (ribs), offensive linemen Tyre Phillips (neck) and Jon Feliciano (neck), wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), and safety Jason Pinnock (jaw). An early report indicates that Jackson may miss 3-5 weeks with an MCL sprain. Robinson’s knee injury appeared to be serious.

Some of the overall team statistics were misleading. The Giants out-gained the Lions in first downs (25 to 23), total net yards (413 to 325), and net yards passing (324 to 165). But on a very windy day, the Lions out-rushed the Giants 160 to 89. Most importantly, they won the turnover battle 3 to 0 and were 4-of-5 in red zone efficiency.

The Giants received the ball to start the game, but quickly went three-and-out. On their initial possession, the Lions moved the ball 64 yards in 11 plays, being halted for the only time in the red zone and settling for a 24-yard field goal. The Giants impressively responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Daniel Jones. The Giants converted on a 4th-and-1 near midfield and a 3rd-and-7 on this possession. However, the extra point was missed. Giants 6 – Lions 3.

Detroit punted twice and New York once in the next three possessions. However near the 6-minute mark in the 2nd quarter, Jones threw his first interception since Week 3. The pick was returned 20 yards to the Giants’ 18-yard line. It took the Lions just three plays to regain the lead for good as running back Jamaal Williams scoring from four yards out. Lions 10 – Giants 6.

The Giants continued to self-destruct as running back Gary Brightwell muffed the ensuing kickoff. He recovered but an illegal block by cornerback Nick McCloud moved the ball back to the 6-yard line. New York picked up two first downs and punted. However, Jamie Gillan’s punt traveled only 25 yards. With just 2:19 left on the clock, the Lions were able to drive 68 yards in seven plays with Williams scoring his second rushing touchdown of the game. The half ended with Jones being sacked on 3rd-and-15 near midfield.

At the break, the Lions led 17-6.

Special teams issues continued for the Giants as the second half began. The Lions returned the kickoff 36 yards to their own 44-yard line. Nine plays later, Williams ran for his third touchdown of the game and the rout was on, Lions 24 – Giants 6.

The Giants picked up one first down on their first drive of the second half, but then Jones was intercepted for a second time on 4th-and-5 from the Lions’ 45-yard line. The interception was returned 38 yards to the New York 41-yard line. The New York defense did force a three-and-out, but the Giants were pinned back at their 7-yard line. The Giants gained three first downs, but punted on 4th-and-10 from the Detroit 49-yard line.

Detroit went three-and-out again. The Giants finally responded with their second scoring drive, moving the ball 67 yards in nine plays with running back Matt Breida scoring from three yards out. Jones ran for 15 yards on 4th-and-1 on this drive. However, Graham Gano missed his second extra point. Lions 24 – Giants 12 early in the 4th quarter.

With the New York defense forcing another punt on the ensuing drive, things could have gotten interesting but the Giants gave the ball right back when wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins fumbling the ball away at the New York 33-yard line after a catch. Four plays later, running back D’Andre Swift rushed for Detroit’s fourth rushing touchdown of the game. Lions 31 – Giants 12 with just over six minutes to play.

The Giants made the scoreboard look a tad more respectable by driving 75 yards in six plays. Jones connected with wide receiver Richie James for a 9-yard score. However, tight end Lawrence Cager dropped the 2-point conversion attempt. Lions 31 – Giants 18.

The Lions recovered the onside kick. With 4:19 left in the game, Detroit picked up two first downs and ran out the clock.

Jones finished the game 27-of-44 for 341 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was also the team’s leading rusher with 50 yards on seven carries. Before he left with a knee injury, Robinson led all receivers with nine catches for 100 yards. Running back Saquon Barkley was held to 22 yards on 15 carries (1.5 yards per rush).

The defense allowed 160 yards rushing. They did not sack the quarterback and were credited with only three quarterback hits and three pass defenses. The defense also did not create a turnover.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated OG Shane Lemieux from Injured Reserve. Lemieux suffered an unspecified foot or toe injury in the first preseason game and was placed on Injured Reserve at the end of August.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) TE Lawrence Cager from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster on the same day.

Inactive for the game were TE Daniel Bellinger (eye), RT Evan Neal (knee), WR David Sills, OG Jack Anderson, ILB Austin Calitro, and OLB Quincy Roche.

RT Tyre Phillips (neck), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), CB Fabian Moreau (ribs), OC Jon Feliciano (neck), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), and S Jason Pinnock (jaw) were injured and did not return. According to TheScore, Jackson suffered a sprained MCL and is expected to miss 3-5 weeks. Robinson was spotted on crutches after the game. Pinnock was taken to the hospital.

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.

Oct 022022
 
Gary Brightwell, New York Giants (October 2, 2022)

Gary Brightwell – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 20 – CHICAGO BEARS 12…
The New York Giants gutted out a tough 20-12 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, but the team lost a plethora of key players to injury. Quarterback Daniel Jones (ankle), quarterback Tyrod Taylor (concussion), wide receiver Kenny Golladay (knee), offensive tackle Evan Neal (neck), offensive guard Mark Glowinski (ankle), defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux (ankle), outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (back), outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (calf), cornerback Aaron Robinson (knee), and safety Julian Love (concussion) all left the game due to injuries.

The Giants are now 3-1 on the season.

The overall team statistics were relatively equal. The Giants out-gained the Bears in first downs (21 to 16), total offensive plays (61 to 60), total net yards (333 to 304), and time of possession (31:17 to 28:43). However, the Giants held a big advantage in rushing yards (262 to 149) while the Bears doubled the Giants in net yards passing (155 to 71). The Giants won the turnover battle 3 to 2.

The Giants received the football to start the game, but quickly went three-and-out and punted. Chicago’s first possession resulted in a 10-play, 65-yard drive that stalled inside the red zone. The Bears settled for a 29-yard field goal and a 3-0 early lead. New York responded quickly. A mixture quarterback Daniel Jones’ passes and running back Saquon Barkley carries moved the ball to the Chicago 21-yard line in five plays. Then on a designed run, Jones scrambled 21 yards for a touchdown. The Giants were now up 7-3.

On Chicago’s ensuing drive, their second of the contest, quarterback Justin Fields connected on a 56-yard pass on the first play of the possession. However, for the second time, the Bears were forced to settle for a short field goal inside the red zone. The 22-yard kick cut the score to 7-6 near the end of the first quarter.

The Giants gained a couple of first downs on their third possession, but were forced to punt. The Bears once again moved the ball on their third possession, driving 53 yards. But on the 10th play, at the New York 27-yard line, Fields was sacked by outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari. The ball came loose and outside linebacker Kavyon Thibodeaux recovered at the 25-yard line. The Giants kept up the momentum as the offense then drove 75 yards in seven plays. Barkley broke off a 29-yard run to start the drive. Jones connected on passes of 18 and 15 yards, the latter coming on a highlight-reel run after the catch by Barkley on 3rd-and-9. Jones finished the possession off with his second touchdown run of the game, this one from nine yards out. Giants 14 – Bears 6.

The Giants’ defense finally forced a three-and-out on the Bears’ fourth possession. However, wide receiver Richie James fumbled the punt away, with the Bears recovering at the New York 35-yard line. The Bears gained one first down, reaching the 23-yard line, but settled for yet another field goal. Giants 14 – Bears 9. Neither team scored on their final possessions of the half.

Chicago received the ball to start the 3rd quarter and immediately proceeded to cut into the Giants’ lead once again. The Bears gained 58 yards in nine plays, but for the third time in the game, settled for a red zone field goal. Giants 14 – Bears 12. That would be the last points Chicago scored on the day.

After both teams exchanged punts, the Giants moved the ball 60 yards in five plays to set up a successful 44-yard field goal by place kicker Graham Gano. The big play play on this drive was a 40-yard pass interference penalty against wide receiver Darius Slayton. Giants 17 – Bears 12 near the end of the 3rd quarter.

Chicago went three-and-out. Tyrod Taylor, who was now in the game for the injured Daniel Jones at quarterback, gave the ball right back as his deep pass intended for Slayton was intercepted at the Chicago 7-yard line. Nevertheless, the New York defense held again, forcing another three-and-out. The Giants’ offense then put together their final scoring drive of the game, a 13-play, 54-yard effort that took 6:34 off of the clock and resulted in a 43-yard field goal by Gano. Giants 20 – Bears 12.

With 5:31 left in the game, the Bears picked up a first down, but were stuffed on 3rd-and-2 at their own 45-yard line. The Bears’ head coach decided to punt with 3:15 left, the kick being downed at the New York 3-yard line. The Giants could only gain four yards and punted with 2:13 left. However, it was Chicago’s turn to fumble the punt away, the muffed kick being recovered by running back Gary Brightwell at the Chicago 37-yard line.

Barkley picked up 13 yards on the first play of the ensuing possession. However, the Giants failed to put the game away as Gano missed the 37-yard field goal with 17 seconds left. The Giants had to sweat out a series of desperate laterals on the final play of the game before safety Dane Belton recovered a fumble at the Chicago 28-yard line.

Jones finished the game 8-of-13 for 71 yards. He also rushed the ball six times for 68 yards and two touchdowns. The leading receiver was tight end Daniel Bellinger who caught three passes for 23 yards. Barkley carried the ball 31 times for 146 yards.

Defensively, the Giants were credited with six sacks, including two by defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and one each by linebackers Tae Crowder, Jihad Ward, Azeez Ojulari. There was also a team sack. Crowder led the defense with 11 tackles.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants signed ILB Jaylon Smith from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster. The team had a vacant roster spot and did not have to make a corresponding roster move.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) WR Marcus Johnson and DL Henry Mondeaux from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster on the same day.

Inactive for the game were WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), DL Leonard Williams (knee), CB Cor’Dale Flott (calf), CB Nick McCloud (hamstring), OT Tyre Phillips, and ILB Austin Calitro.

QB Daniel Jones (ankle), QB Tyrod Taylor (concussion), WR Kenny Golladay (knee), OT Evan Neal (neck), OG Mark Glowinski (ankle), DL Henry Mondeaux (ankle), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (back), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), CB Aaron Robinson (knee), and S Julian Love (concussion) all left the game due to injuries.

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

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

Sep 272022
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (September 26, 2022)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS COWBOYS 23 – NEW YORK GIANTS 16…
The New York Giants lost their first game of the 2022 season by falling 23-16 to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants are now 2-1. The Cowboys have defeated the Giants 10 times in the last 11 meetings between these two teams.

The overall team stats were not lopsided. Dallas held advantages in firsts downs (23 to 22), total net yards (391 to 336), net yards rushing (176 to 167), net yards passing (215 to 169), and time of possession (32:42 to 27:18). There was only one turnover in the game and it came on New York’s final possession. Both teams struggled on 3rd down, but the Cowboys converted on a key 4th-down conversion attempt in the 4th quarter.

The bulk of the 1st quarter was taken up by two Dallas drives and one by New York. The Cowboys ran five plays and punted on their initial possession. The Giants responded with an 11-play, 54-yard drive, but had a 47-yard field goal attempt blocked by Dallas. The Cowboys then drove 55 yards in 10 plays to set up a successful 26-yard field goal that gave them a 3-0 lead with just over two minutes left in the quarter.

New York tied the game up 3-3 on their second possession of the game, another time-consuming drive that picked up 51 yards in 14 plays and set up place kicker Graham Gano for a successful 42-yard field goal. Unfortunately for the Giants, running back Tony Pollard broke off a 46-yard run on the first play of the ensuing Cowboys’ possession. The defense held inside the red zone to force another field goal. Cowboys 6 – Giants 3.

Neither team scored for the remainder of the first half. The Giants could not pick up a first down and punted. The Cowboys picked up two first downs and punted. The Giants gained 33 yards, but turned the ball over on downs on 4th-and-10 at the Cowboys’ 47-yard line with eight seconds left. Dallas then attempted a 59-yard field that was no good.

The Giants received the ball to start the second half and proceeded to immediately tie the game up at 6-6 after driving 42 yards in 10 plays. Gano kicked a 51-yard field goal. After a three-and-out by the Cowboys, the Giants maintained momentum with their only touchdown drive of the night. On the sixth play of the 77-yard possession, running back Saquon Barkley broke off a 36-yard cutback run that gave New York a 13-6 advantage with 5:31 left in the 3rd quarter.

The Cowboys immediately responded with their first touchdown drive of the night, marching 75 yards in 9 plays with running back Ezekiel Elliott scoring from one yard out on 3rd-and-goal. The game was now tied at 13-13 near the end of the quarter.

New York reached midfield but was forced to punt. Starting at their own 11-yard line, Dallas began an 11-play, 89-yard drive that put them ahead for good. The key play was a 4-yard pass completion on 4th-and-4 from the Giants’ 41-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Cooper Rush found wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the 1-yard score and a 20-13 advantage.

The Giants could not gain a first down and punted again. The Cowboys returned the kick 28 yards to the New York 35-yard line. They only needed nine yards to set up a successful 44-yard field goal. With just under six minutes to play, the Cowboys were up by 10 points, 23-13.

Aided by a face-mask penalty on the Cowboys, the Giants reached the Dallas 22-yard line before an intentional grounding penalty pushed New York back. Gano kicked a 51-yard field goal with 3:37 left, making the score 23-16.

The Cowboys gained one first down and punted. The Giants had the ball with 1:45 left on the clock, but they were starting from their own 9-yard line with no timeouts. On 2nd-and-15 from the 16-yard line, quarterback Daniel Jones’ pass for wide receiver David Sills was intercepted when Sills fell down. Making matters worse is that wide receiver Sterling Shepard appeared to suffer a serious, non-contact knee injury on this play. He had to be carted off the field. Rush then knelt on the ball to end the game.

Jones finished the night 2o-of-37 for 196 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. Jones was sacked five times, officially hit 12 times, and was victimized by a number of dropped passes. No Giants’ player had more than 49 yards receiving. Barkley carried the ball 14 times for 81 yards and one score that gained almost half of his yardage total.

New York’s defense did not accrue a sack or turnover. The Dallas quarterback was only hit twice and the Giants only were credited with one tackle for a loss.

Video highlights are available on NFL.com.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Monday, the Giants activated DL Henry Mondeaux and CB Fabian Moreau from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), DL Leonard Williams (knee), CAaron Robinson (appendix), CB Nick McCloud (hamstring), CB Justin Layne (concussion), and OLB Tomon Fox.

WR Sterling Shepard injured his left knee on last offensive play of the night for the Giants. He had to be carted off of the field.

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

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

Aug 072022
 
Kenny Golladay, New York Giants (July 29, 2022)

Kenny Golladay – © USA TODAY Sports

AUGUST 7, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT… (by Sy’56)

Today was a little less eventful. I was glad to see they were in full pads, as I wasn’t sure what to expect considering the scrimmage from two nights ago and a game this Thursday night.

The team’s focus was red-zone offense/defense. All plays were inside the 10-yard line from what I saw, with several inside the 5-yard line. Because of this, the offensive play-calling was run-dominant. A lot of traffic, a lot of running into piles, and standing on the sideline was not the most ideal view for it. But with that said, here are some observations:

OFFENSE

-The clear emphasis for the running backs was hitting the holes. No dancing behind the line of scrimmage. Daboll was on Saquon Barkley about that right away and he responded well. Barkley was full of juice, he lowered his pads, and sent a few violent jolts into tacklers. I think we sometimes forget Barkley is 225+ pounds and creates burst in a very short amount of time. Physical running, however, is more about mindset than size. It was good to see him take the coaching and respond with a few powerful runs. For those wondering about the speed and acceleration, it is 100% there. He scored a TD on an outside run of about 8-10 yards where he outran angles of safety Julian Love and corner Darnay Holmes.

-Matt Breida appears firmly planted as the team’s number two back. He seemed a little bounce-happy on his attempts.

-Antonio Williams was clearly the most physical downhill runner. The sounds he created when running into linebackers was different from everyone else.

-Evan Neal is a roller coaster. He shined on a couple down blocks where he came from his RT spot into the defensive tackles and got great movement. The running lanes he can create are massive. But overall I would say he got beat too often for TFLs. I counted two. He also allowed a sack to Jihad Ward. His approach here looks too all-or-nothing.

-Mark Glowinski and Jon Feliciano are definite upgrades over who’s been playing inside in recent years. But Leonard Williams had their number today. While I do like the push these guys get off of the line, something they had very little of last season, they weren’t sustaining good positions today.

-Josh Ezeudu played exclusively at left guard today. His hands were accurate, and the footwork looked really good. He continues to impress with pro traits considering where NYG got him in the draft.

-My biggest negative from the day was the inability of the tight ends to control their engagements. Daniel Bellinger, Jordan Akins, Austin Allen, Chris Myarick all lost more than they won. NYG had some success running inside but they rarely had success running outside of the tackle. In addition, the power-run defenders the defense uses on the edge (more on them below) were de-cleating the likes of Allen and Myarick multiple times and stuffing the inside lanes. This is going to be a problem for the running game unless they get someone else in here.

-Not much we can say about the quarterbacks, as Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor combined for about 8-9 passes. Taylor threw a couple of outstanding throws and he continues to find Keelan Doss all over the field. He has been making a name for himself.

DEFENSE

-I put extra attention on the defensive line today and I’m glad I did. This is a really powerful, big, stout group. I think some don’t realize how big of a human Leonard Williams is. Williams, Dexter Lawrence, and Jihad Ward epitomize “heavy hands.” Ward and Williams both had a TFL each. The former was abusing the tight ends from the outside.

-More on Ward: he plays the unique hybrid OLB role that Wink Martindale deploys. He is a heavy-footed, stiff athlete in space. His change of direction looks lethargic, but he hides it well. He plays such a powerful and savvy game. He feels blocks, keeps his pad level low, and anticipates the action. He also appears to have taken one of the leadership roles on this team. Fun dude to watch play and if he is used correctly, which I think he will be, he will be a difference maker in the running game especially.

-Justin Ellis was the fourth lineman on the field in their “base” package for this goal line-type defense. He made arguably the most impressive TFL of the day. Another huge body with such powerful traits. I expect this red-zone defense, notably against the run, to be a formidable unit.

-If you did not know Blake Martinez tore his ACL last year, you would have no idea right now. His burst and agility in traffic were outstanding.

-The backups were a little less dominant. Elerson Smith was abusing Austin Allen. He de-cleated him twice and sent him on to his back once. While his movement still looks a bit manufactured, he swallows so much space in a hurry. Easy bend, great length, and a strong lockout game. He is clicking and I expect to see him make an impact this season.

-A 3rd stringer who made two standout plays today is Ryder Anderson, UDFA rookie from Indiana. He has the size and body that Martindale is going to want behind Ward. If I made a list of three of the most impressive undrafted guys, he’s on it.

-Rookies Micah McFadden and Darian Beavers appear firmly planted into the backup jobs at ILB. Beavers rotated in with the 1’s at a point. Both got fooled badly on misdirection/play-action.

-Rookie D.J. Davidson is yet another young, big body inside and he has now flashed two times in a row. He beat Evan Neal on an inside move Friday night and made two plays at the line of scrimmage today. He is sneaky-quick.

-I’m curious to see if Quincy Roche is going to make this team. His power is notably a step behind the guys in front of him and I think Martindale will err more on the side of size and strength.

-Safety Nathan Meadors made the play of the day on an interception on a ball from Davis Webb. He came across and made an acrobatic grab, reaching the ball at the apex of his leap.

SUMMARY

My main takeaway, if I had to choose one, was the upside I see out of this defensive front to stuff the run. For the personnel on this team last year, they underachieved. They allowed 4.5 yards per carry (10th worst in league). While that isn’t solely on the defensive line and missing Martinez was a factor, I expect them to be MUCH better in 2022. Martinez is back, Lawrence is in a better role for his play style, the Williams + Ward duo can be dangerous, and the depth is great. I will be curious to see what they do with Ward when Ojulari comes back.

Offensively, we all know this is going to be an uphill fight but I have little doubt it will be better than what we have seen in recent seasons. The scheme itself, I expect to be better and the OL will be improved. The concern I have from watching today is what these tight ends can contribute. It is one thing to struggle as a blocking force if big contributions are coming in the receiving game. I don’t see either here.

I plan to be at camp tomorrow, Tuesday is up in the air.

ROSTER MOVE – MARCUS McKETHAN DONE FOR THE SEASON…
The Giants announced on Saturday that rookie offensive lineman Marcus McKethan tore the ACL in his right knee during Friday’s scrimmage. He was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the entire 2022 NFL season. The Giants selected McKethan in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. 

For a young player to have a non-contact injury, it was tough,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll on Sunday. “But he’s in good spirits. So, he’ll have to start rehabbing. But we’ll try to do whatever we need to do. Whatever it needs to do, we’re going to try to do.”

INJURY REPORT…
The following players remain on injury lists:

  • Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List: WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles), OC Nick Gates (leg), and OT Matt Peart (knee)
  • Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List: LB Azeez Ojulari (hamstring)

WR David Sills (unknown), TE Ricky Seals-Jones (unknown), LB Carter Coughlin (unknown), CB Rodarius Williams (returning from ACL), and S Dane Belton (broken left collarbone) did not practice.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Sunday 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 at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice Monday morning (10:00AM-noon). The practice is open to the public. The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Jun 072022
 
Leonard Williams and Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants (June 7, 2022)

Leonard Williams and Kayvon Thibodeaux – © USA TODAY Sports

JUNE 7, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS MINI-CAMP REPORT…
The first day of the New York Giants 3-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 it’s just an extension of the OTAs is really what it is,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “Had an extra walk-through. Everything else is pretty much the same. One thing we’ll do different is watch practice after since we got a little bit more time after this practice. But the structure of practice, that will all be the same… It really is an extension of what we’ve been doing with a little bit more time meeting and an extra walk-through.

We’ve been at it for a long time with the extra (mini-) camp. We’ve had two. Guys have had great attendance. Feel very good about where we are at in terms of the spring and what we’ve got accomplished. Thrown a lot at them. The guys have come in every day with really blinders on ready to work and get better and taking it day by day. Great appreciation for the work ethic that those guys have put in and the coaches. Long way to go, but we’ve got a lot accomplished this spring.”

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.

I’ll probably be pretty vague most of the time,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll when asked for injury updates.

Thibodeaux participated in walk-thru drills, Golladay participated in individual drills, and Robinson participated in individual and team drills. Thomas also participated in some drills early in practice.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Officials were present for practice.
  • First-team offensive line: LT Joshua Ezeudu, LG Shane Lemieux, OC Jon Feliciano, RG Mark Glowinski, and RT Evan Neal.
  • Second-team offensive line: LT Devery Hamilton, LG Ben Bredeson, C Jamil Douglas, RG Marcus McKethan, and RT Matt Gono.
  • Third-team offensive line: LT Roy Mbaeteka, LG Josh Rivas, C Ben Bredeson, RG Max Garcia, and RT Korey Cunningham.
  • With all of the injuries at wide receiver, the first-team receivers were  C.J. Board, David Sills, and Richie James. Rotating in with this unit was Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Travis Toivonen. Toivonen was active catching the ball.
  • First-team defense included DL Leonard Williams, DL Dexter Lawrence, OLB Azeez Ojulari, CB Adoree’ Jackson, S Xavier McKinney, and S Julian Love.
  • Jihad Ward and Elerson Smith also received many first-team reps at outside linebacker as did Michael Jacquet at cornerback and Dane Belton at safety.
  • When the Giants went with a 3-man line, the other lineman was usually David Moa or Justin Ellis.
  • A blitzing defensive front got good pressure on the quarterbacks for much of practice. The defense clearly looked ahead of the offense.
  • In full-team, 11-on-11 drills, S Dane Belton blitzed twice and probably would have “sacked” the quarterback.
  • QB Daniel Jones would have also been “sacked” on back-to-back redzone plays later in practice. By one account, he was not terribly accurate, finishing 13-of-21.
  • When the offense did make a play, it usually involved RB Saquon Barkley catching the ball.
  • WR Richie James was also active catching the football.
  • CB Aaron Robinson broke up one pass from QB Daniel Jones. CB Cor’Dale Flott also flashed in coverage when Jones was at quarterback and broke up a pass.
  • CB Zyon Gilbert broke up a QB Tyrod Taylor pass.
  • LB Carter Coughlin broke up a pass.
  • By one account, QB Tyrod Taylor finished 8-of-13.
  • RB Matt Breida caught a few passes from QB Tyrod Taylor.
  • Catching touchdown passes were RB Saquon Barkley (from QB Daniel Jones), RB Matt Breida (from QB Tyrod Taylor), and RB Antonio Williams (from QB Davis Webb).
  • TE Jordan Akins caught a couple of passes from QB Davis Webb.
  • Practice ended with QB Davis Webb picking up a bad snap and hitting WR Alex Bachman in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

    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 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 AND JETS TO HOLD JOINT PRACTICES DURING TRAINING CAMP…
    Head Coach Brian Daboll revealed on Tuesday that the Giants and New York Jets will hold joint practices at the Giants’ Quest Diagnostics practice facility in August during training camp.

    “Yeah, plan is right now we’re going to do it,” Head Coach Brian Daboll said. “I think it’s good to practice with the guys from down the street, play in a different conference. I know Jets Coach (Robert) Saleh. He’s a really good coach. We’ve had some good talks. I think it’s a good chance to come out here and be competitive against some other players that you’re not practicing against throughout the summer as long as you do it the right way. We want to treat those guys that they’re just like our teammates when you’re practicing. So, I think that coach and I have had some good conversations and looking forward to it.”

    Mar 162022
     
    Jarren Williams, New York Giants (January 2, 2022)

    Jarren Williams – © USA TODAY Sports

    NEW YORK GIANTS RE-SIGN JARREN WILLIAMS AND CASEY KREITER…
    The Giants have re-signed exclusive rights free agent cornerback Jarren Williams and unrestricted free agent long snapper Casey Kreiter.

    The Giants signed Williams to the Practice Squad in late September 2021 and the 53-man roster in December. He ended up playing in six games with two starts (49 percent of snaps in those games) and finished the season with 17 tackles and one pass defense. In the two games that he started, Williams impressed in one and struggled in the other. Williams was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. The Giants signed signed Williams in early August 2020 after he was waived by the Cardinals. He spent most of 2020 on the Giants’ Practice Squad, but did play in two games exclusively on special teams.

    The Giants signed long snapper Kreiter s an unrestricted free agent from the Denver Broncos in April 2020. The 6’1”, 250-pound Kreiter was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2014 NFL Draft. After spending two camps with the Cowboys, Kreiter made the Denver Broncos in 2016. He made the Pro Bowl for his performance in 2018.

    GIANTS DO NOT TENDER JAKE FROMM AND J.R. REED…
    The Giants have not tendered quarterback Jake Fromm and safety J.R. Reed, both of whom were set to be an exclusive rights free agents on Wednesday. This means the team is unlikely to want to re-sign either.

    The Giants signed Fromm to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills in late November 2021. Due to injuries to the other quarterbacks and the ineffective play of Mike Glennon, Fromm unbelievably was thrust into the starting line-up for two games and coming off the bench in a third. The results were not good, with Fromm completing 45 percent of his passes for 210 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He finished with a terrible 38.9 quarterback rating and was 0-2 as a starter. The 6’2”, 215-pound Fromm was originally drafted by the Bills in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

    The Giants signed Reed off the Practice Squad of the Los Angeles Rams in late October 2021. He played in eight games with New York with no starts (10 percent of defensive snaps in those games) and was credited with 13 tackles. He saw extensive time in two mid-season games, playing poorly in one and better in the next. The 6’1”, 194-pound Reed was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2020 NFL Draft. The Jaguars waived him in September 2020. Reed was then signed by the Rams, where he spent time on both their Practice Squad and 53-man roster. He has played in a total of 16 games, with no starts.

    For an overall of the Giants’ free agency activity, see the New York Giants 2022 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

    GIANTS OFFICIAL 2022 NFL DRAFT ORDER…
    After the awarding of 39 compensatory picks to various NFL teams, the 2022 NFL Draft order has been officially established. (The Giants did not receive any compensatory picks for their 2021 free agent losses). The Giants have nine picks, as follows:

    • 1st Round (5, 5th overall)
    • 1st Round (7, 7th overall)
    • 2nd Round (4, 36th overall)
    • 3rd Round (3, 67th overall)
    • 3rd Round (17, 81st overall) (from Miami)
    • 4th Round (7, 112th overall) (from Chicago)
    • 5th Round (4, 147th overall)
    • 5th Round (30, 173rd overall) (from Baltimore)
    • 6th Round (3, 182nd)

    MEDIA SESSION WITH JON FELICIANO…
    The video of the media session with center/guard Jon Feliciano is available on YouTube.

    Feliciano confirmed that the Giants will use him at center.

    “I’ve been in a lot of people’s ears for a lot of years trying to get into the center position,” Feliciano said. “I honestly think it’s my best position, and I’m just really excited to finally get to show what I’ve got… It was definitely – I wanted to play center. There were other teams that were talking, and I believe in myself, and I believe that the center position is where I’ll be best. Thankfully, (offensive line coach) Bobby (Johnson) and (head coach Brian) Daboll agreed and we got it to work out.

    “Going back to my Oakland days, I had a guy, Rodney Hudson, who’s a top-tier, one-two center, the last 10 years. I got to pick his brain and learn from him, and (former Raiders’ offensive line coach) Mike Tice, and (his assistant) Tim Holt, I took those four years of being a rotational guy, a backup guy, to learn a position that I didn’t play in college (Miami). In college, I played both tackles and then left guard.

    “So, from those first four years I got to learn center and I really fell in love with it. Just the responsibility that is on your hands to come in every week and everything is basically on you. You’ve got to know the defense. You’ve got to make all the calls for the guys around you. I take a lot of pride in knowing that stuff.”

    Mar 142022
     
    Mark Glowinski, Indianapolis Colts (December 5, 2021)

    Mark Glowinski – © USA TODAY Sports

    NEW YORK GIANTS SIGN MARK GLOWINSKI AND JON FELICIANO…
    The New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent offensive guard Mark Glowinski (Indianapolis Colts). The deal is reportedly a 3-year, $20 million contract that included $11.4 million in guaranteed money.

    The team also signed guard/center Jon Feliciano, who was cut by the Buffalo Bills last week. The deal is reportedly a 1-year contract.

    The 29-year old, 6’4”, 310-pound Glowinski was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The Colts claimed him off of waivers in December 2017. Glowinski has played in 95 regular-season games with 74 starts. In the last three years with the Colts, he has started 46-of-48 games at right guard. He is a solid, physical, and dependable player who performs better as a run blocker.

    The 30-year old, 6’4”, 325-pound Feliciano was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He signed as a free agent with the Bills in March 2019. Feliciano has played in 82 regular-season games with 39 starts, including 31 with the Bills in the last three seasons, mostly at guard. He is a versatile player who can play both guard positions and center. Feliciano did miss 15 regular-season games with shoulder, pectoral, calf, and COVID-19 issues the past two seasons.

    AUSTIN JOHNSON AND KEION CROSSEN DEPART IN FREE AGENCY…
    Unrestricted free agents nose tackle Austin Johnson and and cornerback Keion Crossen have signed contracts with other teams. Johnson signed a 2-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Crossen signed a 3-year, $10.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.

    With the departure of Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency, Johnson became the team’s full-time nose tackle in 2021. Johnson started all 17 games (57 percent of all defensive snaps) and finished the season with 66 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, one pass defense, and one fumble recovery. In his sixth NFL season, this was a career year for Johnson who started off very strong and faded a bit down the stretch. Johnson was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. The Giants signed him  as an unrestricted free agent from the Titans in March 2020.

    The Giants acquired Crossen by trade from the Houston Texans in August 2021 in exchange for a 6th-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Crossen played only 23 snaps on defense, but was a standout on special teams, where he led the team with 11 special teams tackles. He played in 16 games, missing one game due to COVID. The 5’10”, 185-pound Crossen was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He was traded to the Texans in August 2019. In four NFL seasons, Crossen has played in 59 regular-season games with four starts in 2020 for the Texans.