Atlanta Falcons 17 – New York Giants 14

 Posted by
Sep 262021
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (September 26, 2021)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA FALCONS 17 – NEW YORK GIANTS 14…
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New York Giants 17-14 on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Atlanta secured the game on a 40-yard field goal as time expired. The Giants are now 0-3 on the season, and have lost two games in a row on a walk-off, game-winning field goal by the opponent.

At halftime, former Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning had his #10 jersey retired and was inducted into the team’s “Ring of Honor.”

The Giants out-gained the Falcons in first downs (21 to 18), total net yards (346 to 296), net yards rushing (100 to 69), net yards passing (246 to 227), and time of possession (31:51 to 28:09). The turnover battle was tied with each team losing a fumble that did not lead to points. The Giants were flagged eight times for 53 yards in penalties, however.

The Giants’ defense played well for most of the contest except for the now predictable late collapses at the end of the first half and at the end of the game. The Falcons had six possessions in the first half, with the first four resulting in a total of four first downs and four punts. However, their fifth drive started with 2:09 left in the first half, and the Falcons were able to drive 44 yards in six plays and 36 seconds to score a go-ahead touchdown. The Falcons got the ball one more time before intermission after a turnover, but the Giants defense forced a turnover of its own when linebacker Azeez Ojulari sacked the quarterback and forced a fumble that linebacker Lorenzo Carter recovered.

Not counting the kneel down at the end of the first half, the Giants had five first-half possessions of their own. Two were very long drives. The Giants’ first possession of the game picked up 73 yards on 11 plays; the Giants’ third possession gained 73 yards on 15 plays. The problem was New York settled for two short field goals with both possessions stalling inside the red zone. This gave the Giants a 6-0 lead that they held until the Falcons scored a touchdown late in the half. Then tight end Evan Engram fumbled the ball away at the New York 38-yard line after a 13-yard catch late in the half.

At the break, the Falcons led 7-6.

Neither team scored in the 3rd quarter with both teams punting twice. However, late in this quarter, the Giants did begin a 10-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a go-ahead touchdown by running back Saquon Barkley from one yard out. Quarterback Daniel Jones then ran for a score on the 2-point conversion and the Giants were up 14-7 with just under 13 minutes to play in the game.

Unfortunately, the New York defense could not hold the lead and immediately gave up a 15-play, 72-yard drive to the Falcons that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 14-14 with just over four minutes to play.

With the game on the line, the New York offense picked up two first downs, but stalled at mid-field when Jones was sacked for nine yards on 2nd-and-10. With less than two minutes to play, the Giants punted the ball back to Atlanta.

The result was predictable. Starting at their own 20-yard line, Atlanta easily drove into field goal range with pass completions of 28 and 25 yards on two of their first three plays. The Falcons gained three more yards before kicking the game-winning, 40-yard field goal with no time left on the clock.

Jones completed 24-of-35 passes for 266 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also ran the ball eight times for 39 yards and was sacked twice. His leading receiver was Barkley, who caught six passes for 43 yards. Wide receiver Collin Johnson caught five passes for 51 yards and wide receiver Kenny Golladay caught four passes for 64 yards. Barkley carried the ball 16 times for just 51 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Falcons were held to 296 total yards and 69 yards rushing. Defensive linemen Austin Johnson and Leonard Williams each had sacks in addition to Ojulari, who forced the fumble that Carter recovered.

Video highlights are available at Giants.com.

Video of quarterback Eli Manning’s #10 jersey retirement and “Ring of Honor” induction at halftime is also available at Giants.com.

ROSTER MOVES, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants signed WR C.J. Board and OC Jonotthan Harrison to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad. The team also placed LB Cam Brown (hamstring) on Injured Reserve.

Inactive for the game were RB Devontae Booker, LB Justin Hilliard, CB Sam Beal, CB Josh Jackson, and Nate Ebner (quad).

LB Blake Martinez (knee), WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring), and WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) all left the game in the first half with injuries and did not return.

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

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

Wednesday Giants Injury Report; Team Roster Moves

 Posted by
Sep 222021
 
Billy Price and Ben Bredeson, New York Giants (September 16, 2021)

Billy Price and Ben Bredeson – © USA TODAY Sports

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The New York Giants practiced on Wednesday at Quest Diagnostics Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“The main focus on Monday was really on the New York Giants, touching base with things we did earlier in the season, some schemes going forward, some personnel looks,” said Head Coach Joe Judge before practice. “Today will be a padded day for us getting after it, some up-tempo, really get working together as a team.”

NT Austin Johnson (illness), LB Cam Brown (hamstring), and S Nate Ebner (quad) did not practice on Wednesday.

RB Saquon Barkley (knee), WR Kenny Golladay (hip), TE Evan Engram (calf), TE Kaden Smith (knee), and S Logan Ryan (hamstring) were limited in practice.

GIANTS ROSTER MOVES…
As expected, the New York Giants have placed offensive lineman Nick Gates (broken left leg) on Injured Reserve. Gates will miss the rest of the 2021 NFL season.

The team has also signed center Jonotthan Harrison, offensive tackle Foster Sarell, and safety Steven Parker to the Practice Squad.

The Giants signed Harrison to a reserve/future contract in January 2021, but cut him in late August. The 30-year old, 6’4”, 300-pound Harrison was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as undrafted rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Colts (2014-2016), New York Jets (2017-2019), and Buffalo Bills (2020). Harrison has played in 84 regular-season games with 42 starts.

The 23-year old, 6’6”, 322-pound Sarell was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2021 NFL Draft. The Ravens waived him in late August. He spent a few days on the Ravens’ Practice Squad in September.

The 26-year old, 6’1”, 210-pound Parker was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Los Angeles Rams after the 2018 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Rams (2018-2019), Miami Dolphins (2019-2020), Minnesota Vikings (2020), and Dallas Cowboys (2020). Parker has played in 22 regular-season games.

To make room for these players, the Giants terminated the Practice Squad contracts of running back Dexter Williams and tight end Ryan Izzo. The Las Vegas Raiders signed offensive tackle Jackson Barton off of the Giants’ Practice Squad.

HEAD COACH JOE JUDGE…
The transcript of Joe Judge’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:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice again on Thursday afternoon (12:30-2:30PM). The coordinators, position coaches, and select players will also address the media. Former QB Eli Manning will also address the media regarding his pending entry into the team’s “Ring of Honor.”

Giants Trade for Ben Bredeson, Reduce Roster to 53 Players

 Posted by
Aug 312021
 
Ben Bredeson, Baltimore Ravens (August 28, 2021)

Ben Bredeson – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS TRADE FOR BEN BREDESON…
The New York Giants have acquired by trade offensive guard Ben Bredeson from the Baltimore Ravens. In return for the Giants’ 4th-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Giants received Bredeson and the Ravens’ 5th-round selection in 2022 (acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs) and 7th-round selection in 2023.

Ravens Receive:
Giants 4th-round 2022 Selection

Giants Receive:
Ben Bredeson
Ravens 5th-round 2022 Selection (from Chiefs)
Ravens 7th-round 2023 Selection

The 23-year old, 6’5”, 315-pound Bredeson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Ravens. He played in 10 games with no starts as a rookie.

NEW YORK GIANTS REDUCE ROSTER TO 53 PLAYERS…
On Tuesday, in order to meet the NFL’s 53-man roster limit, the New York Giants made the following 27 roster moves:

Remain on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List:

  • CB Aaron Robinson (core muscle)

Placed on Injured Reserve:

  • WR Austin Mack
  • WR Alex Bachman
  • OG Ted Larsen

Waived or contracts terminated:

  • QB Brian Lewerke
  • RB Corey Clement
  • RB Sandro Platzgummer
  • WR David Sills
  • WR Matt Cole
  • WR Damion Willis
  • TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart
  • TE Jake Hausmann
  • OC Jonotthan Harrison
  • OC Brett Heggie
  • OG Kenny Wiggins
  • OL Chad Slade
  • OL Jake Burton
  • OL Jackson Barton
  • DL David Moa
  • DL Elijah Qualls
  • DL Willie Henry
  • LB Ifeadi Odenigbo
  • LB Devante Downs
  • LB Ryan Anderson
  • LB Niko Lalos
  • CB Madre Harper
  • S Chris Johnson
  • S Jordyn Peters
  • LS Casey Kreiter

According to the team’s press release, Kreiter will be re-signed.

August 7, 2021 New York Giants Training Camp Report

 Posted by
Aug 072021
 
New York Giants Training Camp (July 29, 2021)

New York Giants Training Camp – © USA TODAY Sports

AUGUST 7, 2021 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their 10th full-team summer training camp practice on Saturday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Practices are not open to the public this year.

“We’ll continue on our normal progression,” said Head Coach Joe Judge before practice. “Today will be a lot like yesterday, a lot more team emphasis, getting the guys on the field, hearing the calls, executing and playing football. We’re lucky we have a full officials crew here from the NFL today, so that’s always good reinforcement back to our players, good communication with our players and make sure we eliminate penalties. That’s always a focus of ours. Tomorrow’s a players’ day off, so in terms of the rest of the day, we’re going to make sure we have a good day on the field. We’ll talk to the team briefly afterwards, get them off their feet, get them some much needed rest and then get them back here on Monday ready to work.”

GIANTS SIGN S CHRIS JOHNSON…
The New York Giants have signed safety Chris Johnson. The 25-year old, 6’3”, 200-pound Johnson was originally signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Texans (2019), Philadelphia Eagles (2019), and New Orleans Saints (2019-2020). Johnson has not yet played in a regular-season NFL game.

INJURY REPORT – LEVINE TOILOLO PLACED ON IR…
WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), WR Darius Slayton (unknown), RB Gary Brightwell (unknown), LB Lorenzo Carter (calf), LB Azeez Ojulari (unknown), LB Elerson Smith (hamstring), LB Trent Harris (unknown), and WR Austin Mack (hamstring) did not practice on Saturday.

DL Dexter Lawrence (unknown) was limited.

As expected, the Giants have placed TE Levine Toilolo (torn Achilles’ tendon) on Injured Reserve, ending his season.

The following players remain on various PUP and reserve lists:

  • Reserve/COVID-19 List: TE Rysen John
  • Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List: RB Saquon Barkley (knee), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), LB Oshane Ximines (hamstring), and CB Aaron Robinson (core muscle)
  • Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List: LB Ryan Anderson (back)
  • Reserve/Injured: TE Levine Toilolo (torn Achilles’ tendon), WR Derrick Dillon (unknown) and RB Mike Weber (hip flexor)

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • RG Will Hernandez was flagged for a false start on the first play of practice and was replaced by Nate Solder for a play.
  • Jonotthan Harrison received some first-team snaps at center with Nick Gates playing guard.
  • In 11-on-11, full-team goal-line drills, RB Devontae Booker ran for a touchdown (Booker scored on another TD run later in practice). QB Daniel Jones then found WR C.J. Board for a touchdown with CB Rodarius Williams and S Logan Ryan in coverage. Board continues to impress.
  • WR Alex Bachman caught touchdown passes from QB Mike Glennon.
  • PK Ryan Santoso hit two field goals from 50+ range, but missed a 50+ range field goal late in practice.
  • Second-team offensive line struggled in pass protection, with DL David Moa and LB Cam Brown constantly pressuring QB Mike Glennon.
  • QB Daniel Jones threw a perfect pass to WR John Ross over the middle of the defense, beating CB James Bradberry. Ross turned on the jets and scored a long touchdown.
  • LB Ifeadi Odenigbo got to QB Daniel Jones on one pass rush.
  • CB Darnay Holmes made a diving interception of a pass from QB Mike Glennon. Holmes later broke up a short throw to WR Alex Bachman.
  • TE Kaden Smith and OG Kenny Wiggins were flagged with false starts. They were replaced by TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart and OL Jake Burton.
  • QB Mike Glennon threw a perfect fade pass to WR David Sills for a touchdown.
  • DL Leonard Williams was very disruptive throughout practice, in the backfield on both running and passing plays.

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1424076625671454722

HEAD COACH JOE JUDGE…
The transcript of Joe Judge’s press conference on Saturday 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:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players are off on Sunday and return to practice on Monday.

As Players Report to Training Camp, Giants Place 10 on PUP and Reserve Lists

 Posted by
Jul 222021
 
Kadarius Toney, New York Giants (May 14, 2021)

Kadarius Toney – © USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, New York Giants rookies reported early to summer training camp at the team’s facilities in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Quarterbacks, first-year players, and rehabbing injured players reported on Thursday. The bulk of the team reports next Tuesday with the first summer training camp practice being held on Wednesday.

With the first practice fast approaching, the Giants made 10 roster transactions on Thursday:

  • WR Kadarius Toney was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List. Toney is currently in COVID protocols and participating in team meetings remotely.
  • RB Saquon Barkley (knee), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), RT Matt Peart (back), OC Jonotthan Harrison (hamstring), LB Oshane Ximines (hamstring), and CB Aaron Robinson (core muscle) were placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. Players on the Active/PUP list can be activated at any time during training camp. If they are still on the list at the final roster cutdown to 53, they must either be activated or moved to the Reserve/PUP list. Players on the Reserve/PUP list must be inactive for the first six weeks of the season.
  • LB Ryan Anderson (back) and RB Sandro Platzgummer (hamstring) were placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List. They can can return to practice when they are medically cleared.
  • RB Taquan Mizzell (hamstring) was placed on Injured Reserve.

New York Giants Assistant Coaching News; Giants Sign Two Players

 Posted by
Feb 012021
 
Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee Volunteers (December 12, 2020)

Jeremy Pruitt – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS HIRE JEREMY PRUITT…
Although not officially announced, the New York Giants have reportedly hired former University of Tennessee Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt in an unidentified capacity. Pruitt was fired by the University of Tennessee on January 18 for recruiting violations. Before serving as head coach at Tennessee, the 46-year old Pruitt was the defensive coordinator at Florida (2013), Georgia (2014-2015), and Alabama (2016-2017).

  • 2018-2020: Head Coach, University of Tennessee
  • 2016-2017: Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach, University of Alabama
  • 2014-2015: Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach, University of Georgia
  • 2013: Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach, University of Florida
  • 2010-2012: Defensive Backs Coach, University of Alabama
  • 2007-2009: Director of Player Development, University of Alabama
  • 2005-2006: Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach, Hoover High School (Alabama)
  • 2004: Defensive Backs Coach, Hoover High School (Alabama)
  • 2001-2003: Assistant Coach, Fort Payne High School (Alabama)
  • 2000: Defensive Coordinator, Plainview High School (Alabama)
  • 1999: Defensive Backs Coach, University of West Alabama
  • 1998: Defensive Backs Coach, Plainview High School (Alabama)
  • 1997: Graduate Assistant, University of Alabama
  • Pro Experience: None
  • Collegiate Experience: Defensive Back, Middle Tennessee State University (1993-1994)/University of Alabama (1995-1996)
  • Born: May 28, 1974

GIANTS INTERVIEW MIKE DEVLIN…
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the New York Giants have interviewed Mike Devlin for the team’s vacant offensive line coaching position. The 51-year old Devlin has served as offensive line coach of the New York Jets (2013-2014) and Houston Texans (2015-2020) in recent years. Before that, he was the tight ends coach on the Jets (2006-2012). 

The Giants fired Offensive Line Coach Marc Colombo in mid-November 2020 and replaced him with Dave DeGuglielmo for the final eight games of the season. DeGuglielmo’s contract expired in January. The Athletic reported that the Giants wanted DeGuglielmo to return, but the two sides could not reach an agreement on a new deal. That could still happen according to The New York Post, but for now, the Giants are searching for other options.

VIKINGS INTERESTED IN TYKE TOLBERT…
The NFL Network is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings will interview New York Giants Wide Receiver Coach Tyke Tolbert for the team’s offensive coordinator vacancy. Tolbert has coached the Giants’ wide receivers since 2018, under both head coaches Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge.

LIONS AND VIKINGS INTERESTED IN ANTHONY BLEVINS…
ESPN is reporting that the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings recently interviewed New York Giants Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Anthony Blevins for special teams coach vacancies. Blevins served as a special teams assistant coach with the Cardinals (2013-2017) and Giants (2018-2019) in recent years. Head Coach Joe Judge moved him to assistant defensive backs coach in 2020.

GIANTS SIGN CENTER…
The New York Giants have signed center Jonotthan Harrison to a reserve/future contract. The deal is reportedly a 1-year, $2 million contract. The 29-year old, 6’4”, 300-pound Harrison was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as undrafted rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Colts (2014-2016), New York Jets (2017-2019), and Buffalo Bills (2020). Harrison has played in 84 regular-season games with 42 starts.

GIANTS RE-SIGN PUNTER/KICKER…
The New York Giants have re-signed punter/kicker Ryan Santoso to reserve/future contract. Santoso was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2018 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Lions (2018-2019), Montreal Alouettes (2019, 2020), and Tennessee Titans (2019). Santoso spent 2020 on the Giants’ Practice Squad after the team signed him in early September. Santoso has only played in three NFL games, solely as a kickoff specialist.