Dec 252023
 
Adoree' Jackson, New York Giants (December 25, 2023)

Adoree’ Jackson – © USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 33 – NEW YORK GIANTS 25
The New York Giants made a game out of it, but untimely letdowns on offense, defense, and special teams plus questionable officiating led to another defeat. The Giants lost to the Eagles 33-25 at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, falling to 5-10 on the season. The Giants were also officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The overall team stats were one-sided in favor of the Eagles. They led in first downs (28 to 14), total net yards (465 to 292), net yards rushing (170 to 106), net yards passing (295 to 186), and time of possession 34:38 to 25:22). Philadelphia was also markedly better on 3rd and 4th down conversions. The Giants did win the turnover battle two to one.

The Eagles dominated the first half. The Giants went three-and-out on their first possession and then gave up a 54-yard punt return that set the Eagles up at the New York 13-yard line. Two plays later, quarterback Jalen Hurts rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. The Giants responded with their only scoring drive of the half, a 10-play, 41-yard affair that set up a successful 52-yard field goal by place kicker Mason Crosby. Eagles 7 – Giants 3.

Philadelphia’s second possession traveled 72 yards in 18 plays, lasting over eight minutes. Nevertheless, New York’s defense held in the red zone with the Eagles settling for a 28-yard field goal early in the 2nd quarter. The Giants went three-and-out, followed by a bad punt and 12-yard return. With the Eagles starting at their own 48-yard line, it took them only three plays to score on a 36-yard touchdown pass. Eagles 17 – Giants 3.

New York gained 12 yards and punted for the third time in four possessions. The Giants’ defense then forced their first three-and-out. The offense converted on two 4th-and-1’s, but were stopped on their third 4th-and-1 effort, turning the ball over on downs at the Philadelphia 25-yard line. The Eagles added another field goal before halftime with an 11-play, 72-yard drive. However, the officials handed the Eagles this field goal opportunity. Hurts was tackled in-bounds as time expired, but the officials called a bogus delay-of-game penalty on linebacker Bobby Okereke when he jumped on the loose football.

At the half, the Eagles led 20-3. Head Coach Brian Daboll also decided to bench quarterback Tommy DeVito in favor of Tyrod Taylor at the break.

The Giants caught a break at the start of the second half as two Eagles collided on the kickoff return, causing a fumble that linebacker Isaiah Simmons recovered at the Philadelphia 14-yard line. Three plays later, on 3rd-and-3, running back Saquon Barkley scored from seven yards out to cut the score to 20-10.

The Giants’ defense forced a three-and-out. The Giants picked up a couple of first downs and crossed midfield but were forced to punt. The Eagles then began a long drive from their own 6-yard yard line, gaining 76 yards and reaching the New York 18-yard line before an illegal block penalty pushed them back 10 yards. Then on 2nd-and-20, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson intercepted Hurts at the 24-yard line and returned the pick 76 yards for a touchdown. Barkley scored on the 2-point conversion attempt and the Giants were now only down 20-18 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Unfortunately, the Eagles responded with an 8-play, 75-yard drive that resulted a 5-yard touchdown run by running back D’Andre Swift. On this possession, the Eagles converted on 3rd-and-20. Philadelphia was up 27-18 with 11 minutes to play.

The Giants crossed midfield on the ensuing possession, reaching the Philadelphia 42-yard line. But quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s 4th-and-1 pass fell incomplete and the Giants turned the ball over on downs. The Eagles gained 32 yards in seven plays, resulting in a 44-yard field goal that extended their advantage to 30-18 with six minutes to play.

The Giants made things interesting again as it took just two plays for New York to score a touchdown. Taylor threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darius Slayton. Eagles 30 – Giants 25. However, the defense allowed the Eagles to take over four minutes off of the clock, gain 50 yards in nine plays, and add another field goal. With 1:10 left to play, the Eagles led 33-25.

The Eagles were flagged with roughing the passer on the first play of New York’s last desperate drive. Taylor then hit tight end Darren Waller for 12 yards on 3rd-and-10 as the Giants crossed midfield. The Giants missed an opportunity when Taylor’s deep pass to wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson fell incomplete. On 4th-and-8 with 26 seconds left, Taylor and Waller connected again, this time for 20 yards. But Waller was hurt on the play and it took the Giants some time to spike the ball. With four seconds left, Taylor’s last pass from the 28-yard line into the end zone was intercepted.

DeVito finished the game 9-of-16 for 55 yards. Taylor was 7-of-16 for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Tight end Daniel Bellinger was the leading receiver with four catches for 43 yards, although Slayton had 90 yards on three catches. Barkley carried the ball 23 times for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Giants only were credited with one sack, split between safety Xavier McKinney and linebacker Jihad Ward. McKinney and Okereke were each credited with 10 tackles.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ELEVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Sunday, the Giants activated OT Matt Peart from Injured Reserve. To make room for Peart on the 53-man roster, the team placed RT Evan Neal (ankle) on Injured Reserve. The Giants also activated (standard elevation) OLB Tomon Fox and PK Mason Crosby from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were TE Lawrence Cager (groin), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (knee), WR Parris Campbell, OC Sean Harlow, OLB Boogie Basham, OLB Benton Whitley, and S Gervarrius Owens.

CB Deonte Banks (shoulder) left the game in the second half and did not return.

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

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

Dec 202023
 
Isaiah Hodgins, New York Giants (December 11, 2023)

Isaiah Hodgins – © USA TODAY Sports

DECEMBER 20, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Since the Giants next play on Monday, they were not required to issue an injury report on Wednesday. However, not spotted at practice were RT Evan Neal (ankle), DL Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), DL A’Shawn Robinson (hamstring/finger), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (lower leg?), and PK Randy Bullock (hamstring).

Meanwhile, RB Gary Brightwell (hamstring) and OT Matt Peart (shoulder) have been designated for return from Injured Reserve. The Giants now have 21 days to either activate each player to the 53-man roster or keep each on IR for the rest of the season. Both were placed on Injured Reserve in late October.

THE HEAD COACH AND PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday afternoon. The team’s coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Nov 122023
 

DALLAS COWBOYS 49 – NEW YORK GIANTS 17
The Dallas Cowboys obliterated the New York Giants 49-17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday. The Cowboys swept the Giants for the third season in a row and sixth time in the last seven seasons. Dallas outscored New York 89-17 in their two games this year. The Giants are now 2-8.

The game was not as close as the lopsided final score, as the Cowboys led 28-0 at halftime and 42-7 late in the third quarter. The overall final team statistics tell the story:

  • First downs. Cowboys 32. Giants 16.
  • Third-down efficiency. Cowboys 6-of-12. Giants 0-of-12.
  • Total net yards. Cowboys 640. Giants 172.
  • Average gain per offensive play. Cowboys 8.3. Giants 3.1.
  • Net yards passing. Cowboys 472. Giants 61.
  • Time of possession. Cowboys 37:21. Giants 22:39.

At halftime, the Giants only had one first down and 27 yards while the Cowboys had 20 and 368 yards. Dallas also had ten plays of 21 or more yards in the game.

Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 26-of-35 passes for 404 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for another score for a total of five touchdowns on the day. His back-up, Cooper Rush, completed 7-of-9 throws for 68 yards and another score. Both Dallas quarterbacks were picked off once.

Quarterback Tommy DeVito finished the game 14-of-27 for 86 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. No Giants player had more than three catches. Running back Saquon Barkley carried the ball 13 times for 66 yards.

Other than the two interceptions, the defense was humiliated, allowing over 600 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns. It was the second-most yards in Cowboys’ history. The team did not sack any Cowboys’ quarterback for the fourth time in two seasons. Two receivers – CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks – combined for 324 receiving yards alone. The Cowboys also rushed for 168 yards.

GAME VIDEO LOWLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle) to the 53-man roster from Injured Reserve. The Giants also activated (standard elevation) TE Tyree Jackson and PK Randy Bullock from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were RB Deon Jackson (concussion), RT Evan Neal (ankle), OG Mark Glowinski (personal matter), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), DL Jordon Riley, S Gervarrius Owens, and PK Cade York.

LT Andrew Thomas (knee) left the game, but returned. WR Jalin Hyatt (concussion), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (concussion), CB Deonte Banks (ankle), CB Cor’Dale Flott (shoulder) left the game and did not return.

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

  • Head Coach Brian Daboll (Video)
  • QB Tommy DeVito (Video)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (Video)
  • WR Sterling Shepard (Video)
  • LT Andrew Thomas (Video)
  • OG Justin Pugh (Video)

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

Nov 012023
 
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (October 29, 2023)

Dexter Lawrence – © USA TODAY Sports

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
QB Tyrod Taylor (ribs) and TE Darren Waller (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday.

RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), RT Evan Neal (ankle), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (back), and PK Graham Gano (left knee) were limited in practice.

QB Daniel Jones (neck) fully practiced.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice again on Thursday afternoon. The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Oct 222023
 
Deonte Banks, New York Giants (October 22, 2023)

Deonte Banks – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 14 – WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 7…
It wasn’t pretty, but the New York Giants won their second game of the season by defeating the Washington Commanders 14-7 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The Giants snapped a four-game losing streak and are now 2-5 (1-1 in the NFC East).

The Giants were without starting quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) for the second game in a row, as well as three starting offensive linemen, including both offensive tackles. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (neck) also missed the game.

The contest should not have been as close as it was. Two fumbles and a dropped interception turned what should have been a blowout by the Giants into a nail-biter that was decided by a goal line stand at the end of the games.

The Giants out-gained the Commanders in first downs (16 to 14), total net yards (356 to 273), net yards rushing (106 to 76), and net yards passing (250 to 176). New York also held Washington to 1-of-15 (6.7 percent) on 3rd down. Washington won the time-of-possession battle (31:14 to 28:46) and turnover battle (2 to 1).

The two teams combined for 17 first-half offensive possessions. Washington’s eight possessions resulted in 46 yards, two first downs, seven punts, and an interception by cornerback Deonte Banks. Quarterback Sam Howell was also sacked five times, doubling New York’s league-low sack total entering the game.

Meanwhile, the Giants started off slowly with a three-and-out on their initial possession. They followed that up with a 9-play, 66-yard drive that ended with a missed 42-yard field goal by place kicker Graham Gano. Their third possession resulted in another three-and-out.

The Giants scored an offensive touchdown for the first time in the first half of game this year on their fourth possession. New York drove 88 yards in eight plays, as the team overcame a red-zone holding penalty, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw a 15-yard strike to tight end on 3rd-and-goal. The Giants led 7-0 early in the 2nd quarter.

The Giants’ fifth offensive possession resulted in their third three-and-out. But after Banks picked off Howell, the offense responded with their second and last scoring drive of the game. It took two plays, the first a 16-yard throw to Waller and the second a 32-yard catch-and-run by running back Saquon Barkley for the touchdown. With just under nine minutes to play in the first half, the Giants led 14-0.

The Giants could have put the game away had outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux held onto a pass thrown right to him. It should have been an easy defensive score, giving the Giants a 21-0 lead. Instead, both offenses sputtered for the remainder of the first half.

At the break, the Giants still led 14-0.

Washington received the ball to start the second half and promptly went three-and-out again. However, New York’s punt return woes now came to the forefront. Running back Eric Gray had muffed a punt (recovered by the Giants) early in the game and had left the contest with a calf injury. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who was now returning punts, muffed the Washington punt. It was recovered by the Commanders at the New York 21-yard line. Six plays later, including a 4th-and-1 conversion, running back Brian Robinson scored from four yards out to cut the score to 14-7 early in the 3rd quarter.

Neither team’s offense did much for the remainder of the quarter. Three New York possessions resulted in one first down and three punts. Two Washington possessions resulted in one first down and two punts.

However, the Commanders threatened to tie the game late in the 3rd quarter and early into the 4th quarter. They drove 81 yards in eight plays, reaching the red zone. There the Giants’ defense held and Washington’s 27-yard field goal attempt was blocked by defensive lineman Leonard Williams. The score remained 14-7 with 13:23 left to play.

The Giants’ offense responded with what looked like game-clinching drive. New York took 5:37 off of the clock and gained 72 yards in 10 plays. However, on 1st-and-goal from the 10-yard line, Barkley fumbled the ball away at the 8-yard line, giving Washington the chance they needed to tie or win the game with 7:46 left on the clock.

In a nearly 7-minute long possession, the Commanders gained 85 yards and six first downs in 17 plays, including another 4th-and-1 conversion. With a minute left in the game, Howell’s 4th-and-5 pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson was dropped, sealing the victory for the Giants.

Taylor finished the game 18-of-29 for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was sacked four times and rushed for 25 yards on eight carries. His leading receiver was Waller, who caught seven passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Wideout Jalin Hyatt caught two passes for 75 yards. Barkley carried the ball 21 times for 77 yards and caught three passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.

The Giants’ defense came into the game with five sacks, but got to Howell six times, including sacks by defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (2), Thibodeaux (1.5), Williams (1), safety Jason Pinnock (1), and linebacker Micah McFadden (0.5).

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated QB Tommy DeVito and OL Jalen Mayfield from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were QB Daniel Jones (neck), LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), RT Evan Neal (ankle), OC John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), OT Matt Peart (shoulder), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), and DL Jordon Riley.

Running backs Eric Gray (calf) and Gary Brightwell (hamstring) left the game in the first half. RB Saquon Barkley hyperextended his left elbow in the first half but remained in the game.

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

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

Oct 182023
 
Josh Miles, Arizona Cardinals (August 13, 2021)

Josh Miles – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS ROSTER MOVES…
The Giants have made the following roster moves:

  • Placed OL Joshua Ezeudu on Injured Reserve with a toe injury that he suffered in the game against the Buffalo Bills. Head Coach Brian Daboll said he did not know if Ezeudu will return this year; his season may be over.
  • Waived OT Jalen Mayfield from the 53-man roster and re-signed him to the Practice Squad. Mayfield was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad on Saturday.
  • Waived TE Lawrence Cager from the 53-man roster.
  • Re-signed OL Tyre Phillips to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad of the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Signed OT Josh Miles to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad of the Atlanta Falcons.
  • Signed OL Justin Pugh to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad.

The Giants originally claimed Tyre Phillips off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in early September 2022. He played in 12 games with five starts, including four games at right tackle when Evan Neal was out and the regular-season finale at left tackle. The 6’5”, 330-pound Phillips was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Ravens. He has experience playing both guard and tackle.

The 27-year old, 6’5”, 325-pound Miles was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He has played in 17 games with no starts. Miles missed all of 2022 with an undisclosed injury and was signed by the Falcons in March 2023.

The Carolina Panthers signed S Alex Cook off of the Giants’ Practice Squad to their 53-man roster.

OCTOBER 18, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The following five players did not practice on Wednesday:

  • OL Andrew Thomas (hamstring)
  • OL OL John Michael Schmitz (shoulder)
  • OL Evan Neal (ankle)
  • OL Matt Peart (shoulder)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee – maintenance day)

The following seven players were limited in practice:

  • QB Daniel Jones (neck)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (ankle)
  • OL Mark Glowinski (quad/ankle)
  • OL Shane Lemieux (biceps/groin)
  • CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck)
  • CB Cor’Dale Flott (ankle/shoulder)
  • PK Graham Gano (knee)

The following three players fully practiced:

  • RB Gary Brightwell (ankle)
  • DL D.J. Davidson (knee)
  • CB Tre Hawkins (knee)

Daniel Jones has not yet been cleared for contact. “He’s doing better,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “He’ll be out here today at practice doing some stuff. We’ll see where we’re at… He’ll be throwing, and I would say he’s eager to come back. He wants to play, but obviously, just like any player, if you’re not ready to play based on the doctor’s evaluation, we won’t put him out there, but he’s getting better. That’s why we’re going to have him out here today.

“Andrew Thomas will not participate but he is getting better. He’s going to be doing stuff with the trainers. He is getting closer… (Evan Neal’s ankle is) swollen a little bit, so we’re going to rehab him.”

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice again on Thursday afternoon. The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Oct 162023
 
Darren Waller, New York Giants (October 15, 2023)

Last play of the game – © USA TODAY Sports

BUFFALO BILLS 14 – NEW YORK GIANTS 9…
The undermanned and underdog New York Giants put up a good fight, but the Buffalo Bills came from behind in the 4th quarter to defeat them 14-9 on Sunday night at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Giants’ own comeback effort fell just short. The Giants are now 1-5 on the season.

Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback for the injured Daniel Jones. And an offensive line already missing left tackle Andrew Thomas and center John Michael Schmitz took another hit when back-up left tackle Joshua Ezeudu left the game in the first quarter with a toe injury. Nevertheless, the Giants led 6-0 at halftime despite a serious brain fart by Taylor at the end of the half that cost the Giants almost certain additional points. The Giants also had an opportunity to win the game in the waning seconds but ran out of time and chances at the 1-yard line.

The Giants actually out-gained the Bills in total net yards (317 to 297), net yards rushing (132 to 128), net yards passing (185 to 169), and time of possession (31:24 to 28:36). The Giants also won the turnover battle (2 to 0). However, the most telling stat was the Giants were 0-of-5 in the red zone while the Bills were 2-of-2.

The offense seems to have forgotten how to score touchdowns. The Giants have yet to score an offensive touchdown in the first half of a game this year and have not scored an offensive touchdown in four of their six games. The last time the offense scored a touchdown was against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

Despite each team having six possessions in the first half, the only points came on two field goals by place kicker Graham Gano. The Bills’ first-half drives resulted in three punts, a missed 52-yard field goal, a fumble forced by linebacker Bobby Okereke and recovered by linebacker Micah McFadden, and an interception deflected by Okereke and picked off by McFadden.

The Giants went three-and-out three times, each time punting the ball away. The first field goal drive came on a 12-play, 45-yard possession and the second came on a 9-play, 34-yard possession. Graham kicked field goals of 29 and 43 yards.

However, the big missed opportunity came at the end of the first half. The Giants got the ball back at their own 41-yard line after McFadden’s interception with 2:23 left on the clock before halftime. The Giants reached the 1-yard line with 14 second left, aided by a 9-yard pass interference penalty on the preceding play. With no timeouts left, Taylor mistakenly audibled to a run. Halfback Saquon Barkley was stuffed at the line of scrimmage and time expired. The Giants came away with zero points.

At the break, despite this snafu, the Giants led 6-0.

The entire 3rd quarter was taken up by each team’s first second-half possession. The Giants gained 39 yards and three first downs in just over five minutes, but punted the ball away. The Bills held the ball for almost 10 minutes, driving 89 yards in 17 plays and picking up eight first downs. The drive culminated with Buffalo’s first points of the game, a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen on 3rd-and-goal on the first play of the 4th quarter. The Bills now led for the first time, 7-6.

The Giants responded with their own scoring drive, moving the ball 79 yards in nine plays. However, after an incomplete pass on 3rd-and-1 at the 11-yard line, Head Coach Brian Daboll decided to have Gano kick the 29-yard field goal. The Giants regained the lead 9-7.

The Giants’ defense held the high-power Bills’ offense scoreless in the first half. Nevertheless, unfortunately, Buffalo again drove the field for a touchdown on their second possession of the second half. The Bills managed a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a risky 15-yard touchdown pass in traffic. Buffalo was now ahead again, 14-9, with 3:48 left to play.

The Giants gained one first down, but the drive ended with two Taylor deep shots that fell incomplete, the final one being on 4th-and-8 from the Giants 38-yard line. The Bills now had the ball back with 1:45 left to play. Nevertheless, the Bills could not advance the ball more than a yard, and their kicker missed a 53-yard field goal.

The Giants were still alive. They had the ball back at their own 43-yard line with 1:25 left on the clock. The Giants were able to run 13 plays and gain 56 yards, including an 8-yard pass interference penalty on the second-to-last play of the game. This gave the Giants the ball at the 1-yard line with no time on the clock. With one final chance, Taylor threw to tight end Darren Waller in the back of the end zone. Waller was mugged by the defender, but no penalty was called. The game ended with the Bills victorious.

Taylor finished the game 24-of-36 for 200 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He rushed the ball five times for 24 yards and was sacked three times. His leading receivers were wideout Wan’Dale Robinson (8 catches for 62 yards) and Waller (5 catches for 43 yards). Barkley carried the ball 24 times for 93 yards.

The defense held the previously prolific Bills’ offense to 14 points and less than 300 yards. The two inside linebackers led the stat sheet. Okereke was credited with 11 tackles, two tackles for losses, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble. McFadden had seven tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. The Giants had two turnovers but did not sack Josh Allen.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants placed OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle) on Injured Reserve. To fill his roster spot, the team signed OL Jalen Mayfield from the Practice Squad. Also on Saturday, the Giants activated QB Tommy DeVito and OL Justin Pugh from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were QB Daniel Jones (neck), LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), OC John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), OT Matt Peart (shoulder), DL D.J. Davidson (knee), S Bobby McCain, and S Gervarrius Owens.

OL Joshua Ezeudu (toe) left the game in the first quarter and did not return.

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

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

Oct 112023
 
Bobby Okereke, New York Giants (October 2, 2023)

Bobby Okereke – © USA TODAY Sports

OCTOBER 11, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The following eight players did not practice on Wednesday:

  • QB Daniel Jones (neck)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee)
  • TE Darren Waller (groin)
  • LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring)
  • OC John Michael Schmitz (shoulder)
  • OT Matt Peart (shoulder)
  • ILB Micah McFadden (ankle)
  • OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle)

In addition, the following six players were limited in practice:

  • RB Saquon Barkley (ankle)
  • RB Gary Brightwell (ankle)
  • OG Marcus McKethan (knee)
  • OL Shane Lemieux (groin)
  • CB Deonte Banks (ankle)
  • CB Cor’Dale Flott (ankle)

“We’re day-to-day with (Daniel Jones),” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “I’d just say let’s let it play out here. Today, he’s not practicing. We’ll see how he is the next day, then the next day after that and then I think we’ll take this all the way to the end of the week… I’m not going to get into the exact details of (the injury), but he is a little bit more sore today so we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”

“Still a little bit sore but feeling better,” said Jones. “Felt better every day since Sunday, so just continuing to listen to the doctors and trainers and trying to get better as quick as possible… the goal is still to play Sunday, that’s certainly my goal and that’s what I’m working on. I’m preparing to play like I always would and taking the advice of the doctors and trainers.”

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The Giants have restored WR Cole Beasley to the Practice Squad from the Practice Squad/Injured List. They have also signed OT Yodny Cajuste to the Practice Squad. To make room for these two, the Giants terminated the Practice Squad contracts of WR Cam Sims and CB Amani Oruwariye.

The 27-year old, 6’5”, 310-pound Cajuste was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. In four seasons with the Patriots, Cajuste played in 17 games with five starts. In May 2023, he was waived by the Patriots and signed by the New York Jets, who then cut him in August.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice again on Thursday afternoon. The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Oct 052023
 
New York Giants Fans (October 2, 2023)

© USA TODAY Sports

OCTOBER 5, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), OC John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), and OL Shane Lemieux (groin) did not practice on Thursday.

RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), RB Gary Brightwell (ankle), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), TE Daniel Bellinger (knee), RT Evan Neal (hand/ankle), OG Marcus McKethan (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (hamstring), and ILB Micah McFadden (ankle) were limited in practice.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

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

Oct 032023
 
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (October 2, 2023)

Brian Daboll – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS SIGN JUSTIN PUGH TO PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have signed offensive lineman Justin Pugh to the Practice Squad. The 33-year old, 6’5”, 311-pound Pugh was originally drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After five seasons in New York, Pugh signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, where he played five more seasons. Pugh tore the ACL in his right knee in October 2022 and missed the rest of the year. Pugh has played in 120 regular-season games with 119 starts. He has experience at playing both tackle and guard.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 BRIAN DABOLL PRESS CONFERENCE…
New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll addressed the media on Tuesday (VIDEO):

Q: We haven’t seen a lot of development from the offensive line, specifically the guys you drafted last year. On the outside, that obviously makes people question the coaching. What do you say to that? Why have those players not developed?

A: I’d say that there’s some things that we’ve improved on and obviously some things that we need to work on. Again, some of these games have led to some passing situations late in the game where they’re teeing off and that’s a collective thing, starting with us and down to the execution of the play. But certainly, we have to do a better job all the way around.

Q: Are you satisfied with the job that (Offensive Line Coach) Bobby (Johnson) has done with that group?

A: Well, I’m not satisfied with anything right now so that’s collectively as a team.

Q: How can a quarterback manage better when you know there’s going to be pressure in any offense but obviously there’s been a lot this year but what can (quarterback) Daniel (Jones) do better when that is the case?

A: I think that’s just team offensive football. There’s going to be pressure, I’d say, on a considerable amount of plays in the National Football League. Whether it’s free runners, just congestion versus jail break and there’s times where it’s just jail break and he’s got to do a good job of saving the play. Congestion, moving in the pocket, keeping our eyes downfield but again, that’s a team thing, too. Receivers being where they’re supposed to be, line working together, quarterback throwing on time, and we haven’t done a good enough job of that.

Q: Did you get any sleep last night?

A: No, not much but that’s the way it goes on night games.

Q: Have you maintained the same confidence in your team? Has the confidence in your team wavered in any way?

A: I think – look, when you’re in this position you tell them what we’re not doing right, you own it, you own it as a leader, and you come back ready to go. Again, not the start that we had hoped for, we had worked for, but a long road ahead and a lot of improvement to be done.

Q: I just wanted to ask a question about last night that drew interest it seems from the fan base. Was that tablet thrown at Daniel or was it just in his direction? There’s just been a lot of response about that.

A: No, I wouldn’t throw a tablet there. I just tossed it to the side because obviously it was a little bit of frustration but no, I wouldn’t throw a tablet at him.

Q: Speaking of frustration, (tight end Darren) Waller was not happy after the game. I think he had one target in the first half. How do you get your key playmakers involved even in a game that might be going south but I’d think you’d still want Waller to be a part of whatever this is.

A: I’d say that there were play calls for Darren but certainly can do a better job of that. I’d say there was a number of them that we just couldn’t get to. Whether it was the progression, whether it was the pressure, whether it was the read, but we have to do a better job of that as a coaching staff.

Q: You said, ‘We call things, we just can’t get to them.’ Obviously, with all these sacks and pressures, you’re not going to get to some of these things. You don’t just grade that, obviously, you’re grading each route that these guys are running. What are you seeing from them even if the ball doesn’t get out of the pocket. What are you seeing from Darren and (wide receiver) Parris (Campbell) and some of these guys and are they winning their routes? Are they at least presenting enough open space for Daniel if he can get the ball out?

A: I’d say they’re doing a good job of being where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there. Is it perfect? No. There’re certainly things we can work on there as well, but there’s not a lot of mental errors or things like that in terms of where they’re supposed to be or when they’re supposed to be there. But again, the passing game as you know is a collection of everybody doing their job and that’s what we need to do better.

Q: After the game, some of the guys were mentioning it, (safety) Xavier McKinney said something about, ‘We definitely can go sideways,’ and, ‘I know in this league, if you don’t correct things quickly, they can go south.’ Is that something you don’t want them thinking? Or is that just reality?

A: I mean, my thinking is come back ready to work tomorrow and talk about the things we need to improve and go out there and improve and ultimately play better on Sunday.

Q: I think the big picture question on all the fans’ minds is how does a team that looked so impressive last year get off to this kind of start when you guys upgraded the talent, it’s the second season in the same offensive schemes, and you kept the coordinators? Is it a chemistry thing? Is it the opposition has been so good? How do you explain this seemingly step back from last year when the core is the same and the coaches are the same?

A: Yeah, I would say every year is a new year. I’ve said that since the start of OTAs. And it is. There’s a lot of things that have to go right each game to be successful and right now we’re not there yet. We’re certainly working to be there, but we’re not there yet. And that’s what we’ll try to do this week.

Q: Is there any credence to the idea that maybe you guys are a victim of last year’s success? Like, were you guys ahead of schedule last year?

A: I don’t go back in terms of that. I just try to focus on the here and now, which is we’ve got a lot of improving to do, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.

Q: Darren Waller mentioned something about that he had to chip a lot and stay in and that kind of limited his opportunities. I wanted to know what you thought of that and if you kind of agreed with that?

A: Certainly, we used some of that where we had to keep tight ends and backs in to try to help out protection at times. The longer-developing plays, you need a little bit more time. So, there’s certainly some protection things that you have to try to do to try to push the ball down the field. Then you have to take your calculated chances of when you want to do that, and how you want to do that when you don’t.

Q: Obviously, the interactions with Daniel are something that everybody breaks down and tries to infer what happened and what’s going on. Do you plan on talking with him? Do you regret having that happen on the sideline on the field? Not just you going to him on the sideline, but also him kind of walking past you.

A: Regret what? What instance are you talking about?

Q: Just getting animated in saying that stuff to Daniel and sort of tossing the tablet.

A: No, I’m just coaching. So, I’m coaching Daniel when he comes off the field. Again, the tablet thing, I’d have to go back and see it. But again, I remember exactly what it is. We were talking about a particular play, and I just tossed it off to the side.

Q: The flip side is people could be saying you’re kind of showing up your player by doing that so animatedly on the sidelines.

A: Yeah, I’m not doing that.

Q: Along those same lines, is it a concern to you that when Daniel comes off the field and you start saying something to him about the play, that he, at least what the camera showed, was that he walked right by you. Does that reflect a disconnect in your opinion?

A: No, Daniel is a coachable person. Again, things aren’t going great. Again, I’m not exactly sure what the cameras did or did not show, but Daniel is a coachable guy. I like working with Daniel and we’ve got some things we’ve got to do better.

Q: Are you and Daniel on the same page? Both ways. Does he understand fully what you expect of him, and do you need to either alter or reevaluate your approach in how you either handle him in those moments or what you are asking him to do?

A: Yeah, I’d say Daniel and I are in constant communication, so I think we have a good understanding of one another. Again, there are certain plays that happen in game where, again, I’m not going to coach everybody the same, but I have a great appreciation for Daniel and how he approaches things.

Q: (Defensive lineman) Dexter Lawrence II said last night that he feels like he might need to hurt some people’s feelings to help get this team turned around. Is that a player in your mind just trying to lead or when you hear stuff like that, do you begin to worry about players starting to turn on each other when you are playing this way?

A: No, I know the guys that we have on this team and the coaches, and look, we’ve got a lot of work to do, make no excuses. Not how we wanted to start, but again, like I said last night, I have confidence in the players, I have confidence in the coaches.

Q: When you talk about all the things that you need to improve on, now you go into a short week and obviously whatever feelings are going on, do you as a coaching staff have to zero in on certain things and say, okay, if we can get X, Y and Z tightened up this week, you know you are not going to fix everything in such a short time before the next time you get on the field, how do you approach that?

A: Each week you have keys of the teams you’re playing and certain things you need to improve on from the week before. You try to work on those during the week, you try to hit your keys for the game and that’s pretty much consistent each week and how we approach it.

Q: Do you have priorities off of last night that you look at and say we need to fix this tomorrow, this cannot continue?

A: Yeah, I mean obviously scoring points is a premium. We got down there in the red zone, had a chance to make it a really competitive game and that one play flipped the game pretty quick. Got to do a better job of finishing early drives. I think our third down defense improved. We played much better defensively; I saw some improvement defensively. Too many penalties on special teams, so those are some hot topics.

Q: Last night you were pretty banged up on the offensive line, you already had guys out coming into the night. Are you going to have make some moves here to be able to compete this week or do you think some of these guys will be back?

A: Yeah, still waiting on all these results from the trainers here.

Q: Was there any thought on the fourth and one, the first offensive series, hey look, we are struggling to get points in the first half, kick the field goal, or has it reached the point with almost every team when you are in that position at that spot of the field, you go for it?

A: I just felt that was the right thing to do. So, again, those are stuff that we talk about throughout the week, talked about it during the drive, right where we were at. Felt comfortable with the decision and felt comfortable with the play.

Q: Why didn’t the play work in your mind? It’s a play that’s obviously become popular in the NFL.

A: Yeah, we’ve been successful for it, they did a good job of stopping it. So, got some penetration, built a wall and ended up stopping the play.

Q: Are you able to practice that play?

A: You walk through it, it’s not a live rep of practice, but we’ve been successful at it, just weren’t on that one.

Q: Were both injuries to (tight end) Daniel (Bellinger) and (center) John Michael (Schmitz Jr.) both on that play?

A: Yeah, it was.

Q: It’s hard to believe, it’s kind of a flashback to the Dallas game, where you get two guys hurt on a play that just doesn’t work.

A: Yeah, both guys got hurt on that play.