Apr 142017
 
Kerry Wynn, New York Giants (October 4, 2015)

Kerry Wynn – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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KERRY WYNN VISITS THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS…
New York Giants restricted free agent defensive end Kerry Wynn visited the New England Patriots on Wednesday. Wynn received an original-round tender (1-year, $1.797 million) from the Giants before free agency began, meaning that the Giants have the right to match any offer from another team. But since Wynn was an undrafted rookie free agent, the Giants would receive no compensatory pick for losing Wynn if they chose not to match the offer.

Wynn saw his playing time decrease in 2016 (11 percent of defensive snaps). He played in 14 regular-season games with no starts and finished the year with 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Wynn was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played in 34 regular-season games, with seven starts, for the Giants in his three years with the team. Wynn has a nice combination of size, strength, and overall athletic ability. Wynn is a better run defender than pass rusher as he lacks dynamic quickness on the outside pass rush. He is able to play defensive tackle in pass-rush situations.

ARTICLES…

Mar 072017
 
Kerry Wynn, New York Giants (August 27, 2016)

Kerry Wynn – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS DEFENSIVE END KERRY WYNN TENDERED…
ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants have tendered restricted free agent defensive end Kerry Wynn at the original-round, $1.797 million level. The tender allows the Giants to match any offer from another team to retain his services. But since Wynn was not drafted, the Giants would not receive any draft pick compensation.

Wynn saw his playing time decrease in 2016 (11 percent of defensive snaps). He played in 14 regular-season games with no starts and finished the year with 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Wynn was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played in 34 regular-season games, with seven starts, for the Giants in his three years with the team.

For a full list of the team’s free agents, see the New York Giants 2017 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

ARTICLES…

Feb 132017
 
Damon Harrison, New York Giants (January 1, 2017)

Damon Harrison – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants defensive line underwent a major overhaul in 2016, and the changes were perhaps THE major reason why the team’s defense improved from dead last in the NFL to 10th in terms of yardage and 2nd in terms of points allowed. The Giants went from 24th in run defense in 2015 (121.4 yards per game, 4.4 yards per carry) to 3rd in 2016 (88.6 yards per game, 3.6 yards per carry).

The key to sparking the dramatic turnaround were the high-priced, high-profile free agent additions of defensive end Olivier Vernon (5-years, $85 million) and defensive tackle Damon Harrison (5-years, $46 million). These two were a major upgrade over defensive ends Robert Ayers/George Selvie and defensive tackles Markus Kuhn/Cullen Jenkins. Harrison is arguably the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in the game and earned first-team All-Pro honors after making the switch from a 3-4 nose tackle with the New York Jets to a 4-3 defensive tackle. Vernon was slowed by a serious hand/wrist injury but played virtually every snap and earned second-team All-Pro honors.

Jason Pierre-Paul (JPP) rebounded nicely from a 2015 offseason catastrophic fireworks accident that left him permanently maimed. After a slow start on the pass-rushing front, the line was rounding into peak form until a groin tear/sports hernia injury sidelined JPP for the final four regular-season games and post-season contest. Unfortunately, the dropoff was noticeable. As a unit, the line finished with 24.5 sacks in the regular season (up from 16 in 2015).

THE STARTERS

In his first season with the Giants, Olivier Vernon was slowed early by a serious left hand/wrist injury but he ended up starting every game and playing 94 percent of all defensive snaps. Vernon finished with 63 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He was also named second-team All-Pro. Vernon was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Dolphins. The Giants signed him as a free agent in March 2016. Vernon lacks classic size, but he is a very strong, athletic end with long arms and a non-stop motor. He is one of the better two-way ends in football and is equally disruptive against the run and the pass. Vernon can get heat on the quarterback from both the end and tackle positions, and gets a lot of hits on the quarterback.

Jason Pierre-Paul started 12 games in 2016, but missed the remainder of the season with groin and sports hernia injuries that required surgery. He finished the year with 53 tackles, seven sacks, eight pass defenses, and three forced fumbles. Pierre-Paul was drafted in the 1st round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants. His best season came in 2011 when he accrued 86 tackles and 16.5 sacks. After not missing a game in his first three years with the Giants, Pierre-Paul has not completed a full season in three of the last four years, including 2013 (herniated disc and shoulder injuries) and 2015 (fireworks accident that permanently maimed his right hand). Pierre-Paul has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism. When healthy and focused, Pierre-Paul can be an explosive, disruptive difference-maker against both the run and the pass. His tremendous wingspan helps him to bat passes down at the line of scrimmage (42 career pass defenses and 2 interceptions). As a pass rusher, he can beat blockers with both power and movement skills. Pierre-Paul is a very good run defender, both at the point-of-attack as well as in backside pursuit.

In his first season with the Giants, Damon Harrison had a superb year, starting every game and finishing the regular season with career highs in tackles (86) and sacks (2.5). Harrison was named first-team All-Pro. Harrison was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Jets after the 2012 NFL Draft. The Giants signed him as an unrestricted free agent in March 2016. Harrison is a strong, mammoth player with surprising athleticism for someone so large. He is a rock against the run, able to hold the point-of-attack against the double-team block. He may be the NFL’s best inside run defender. Though Harrison is a better run defender than pass rusher, he will flash at times getting after the quarterback.

Johnathan Hankins started every game and finished the 2016 regular season with 43 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. Hankins was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Giants. Hankins has excellent size, strength, and overall athleticism. He is a stout run defender who occasionally flashes on the pass rush.

THE RESERVES

The Giants signed Romeo Okwara as an undrafted free agent after the 2016 NFL Draft. Not only did he make the team, but he was a surprisingly-strong contributor as a rookie. Okwara played in every game with four regular-season starts (36 percent of defensive snaps), and finished the year with 25 tackles, one sack, and two pass defenses. Okwara looks the part with excellent size and arm length. He’s a hard worker with a fine motor. While Okwara is a good athlete, he lacks dynamic quickness to excel as outside pass rusher. He flashes more when rushing from the defensive tackle position. Okwara is a solid run defender, but he can still improve his consistency in this area.

Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Giants, Owamagbe Odighizuwa’s has not developed as hoped or expected. Hamstring and foot injuries caused him to miss 12 games of his rookie season. He missed two regular-season games in 2016 with a knee injury and the playoff game with a hamstring injury. In his 18 regular-season games, Odighizuwa has been credited with just six tackles and one pass defense. Odighizuwa looks the part. He is a strong, well-built, and athletic defensive end with long arms and huge hands. Odighizuwa has the ability to play defensive tackle in pass rushing situations. He is a hard worker who simply has not been able to put it together yet.

Kerry Wynn saw his playing time decrease in 2016 (11 percent of defensive snaps). He played in 14 regular-season games with no starts and finished the year with 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Wynn was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played in 34 regular-season games, with seven starts, for the Giants in his three years with the team. Wynn has a nice combination of size, strength, and overall athletic ability. Wynn is a better run defender than pass rusher as he lacks dynamic quickness on the outside pass rush. He is able to play defensive tackle in pass-rush situations.

The primary reserve at defensive tackle, Jay Bromley played in 15 regular-season games with no starts. He received 22 percent of defensive snaps and finished the season with 14 tackles and one sack. Bromley was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Giants. He has played in 39 regular-season games with just four starts. Bromley combines decent size, strength, and overall athletic ability. He has improved his play against the run since coming to the Giants but he has not developed into the inside pass rusher hoped for when he was drafted.

The Giants claimed Robert Thomas off of waivers from the Carolina Panthers in September 2016. He played in eight regular-season games with no starts (6 percent of defensive snaps) and finished the year with five tackles and one sack. Thomas was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Washington Redskins after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Redskins (2014-15), Seahawks (2015), Patriots (2015), Dolphins (2015), and Panthers (2016). Thomas is a big, strong tackle who plays hard.

PRACTICE SQUAD

Stansly Maponga was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2016. Maponga was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. From 2013-2014, he played in 24 regular-season games with no starts, accruing eight tackles, one sack, and two fumble recoveries. The Falcons waived Maponga before the start of the 2015 season. The Giants signed Maponga off of the Practice Squad of the Falcons in December 2015, and he ended up playing in two games for New York. Maponga is an athletic lineman who flashes on occasion as a pass rusher.

Jordan Williams was signed to the Practice Squad in December 2016. Williams was originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2015 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Jets (2015) and Miami Dolphins (2015-2016). He has good size.

Jan 062017
 
Landon Collins, New York Giants (October 23, 2016)

Landon Collins – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JANUARY 6, 2017 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle) has officially been ruled out of Sunday’s playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (hamstring) is “doubtful.”

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (back), cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (ankle), safety Nat Berhe (concussion), right tackle Bobby Hart (forearm), and tight end Jerell Adams (shoulder) are “probable” for the game.

MARSHALL NEWHOUSE TO START AT RIGHT TACKLE?…
ESPN is reporting that Marshall Newhouse will likely start at right tackle against Green Bay on Sunday. Bobby Hart had started 13 games in a row at right tackle until a forearm injury sidelined him in the regular-season finale against the Redskins. Hart is now officially listed as “probable” for the playoff game but apparently has lost his starting job to Newhouse.

SIX GIANTS VOTED ALL-PRO…
The following New York Giants have been voted to the Associated Press All-Pro team:

  • DT Damon Harrison (1st team)
  • S Landon Collins (1st team)
  • WR Odell Beckham, Jr. (2nd team)
  • DE Olivier Vernon (2nd team)
  • CB Janoris Jenkins (2nd team)
  • CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2nd team)

Harrison and Collins are the Giants’ first AP All-Pro first-team selections since defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in 2011.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
Transcripts of media sessions with Ben McAdoo are available in The Corner Forum and 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:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
There is no press availability to the team on Saturday. The Giants play the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin on Sunday at 4:40PM ET.

Dec 072016
 
Jason PIerre-Paul, New York Giants (October 23, 2016)

Jason PIerre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JASON PIERRE-PAUL’S SEASON PROBABLY OVER AFTER SURGERY…
In a shocking development, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had surgery Wednesday morning to repair the groin/sports hernia injury he suffered during Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pierre-Paul is expected to miss at least six weeks. There is a chance Pierre-Paul could return if the Giants make the playoffs and win one or two playoff games.

“We wish JPP a speedy recovery, but we have to move on,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “You can’t expect one person to jump in and fill his shoes. He’s a very talented player. We’ll use all hands on deck.”

McAdoo was asked if the Giants would put him on season-ending Injured Reserve. “Too early to tell,” replied McAdoo. “We’re going to monitor. He just got out of surgery a little while ago. We’ll see how he feels and how he progresses.”

DECEMBER 7, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle), defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (quadriceps), safety Nat Berhe (concussion), and wide receiver/returner Dwayne Harris (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.

“They just want to make sure that I am full-go on Sunday, so it is really just taking it a day at a time and not really trying to push myself,” said Hankins.

Defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (knee), linebacker Mark Herzlich (concussion), cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (ribs), and left guard Justin Pugh (knee) practiced on a limited basis.

“I am feeling good,” said Pugh. “Obviously today was a little half and half, it wasn’t a full practice and tomorrow will be good to see, you get uppers on, get pads on, see how I am feeling, so that will be the true test… My knee is feeling great, so I have all intentions of going out and playing on Sunday. We just have to make sure that we are taking the right steps and like I keep saying, I feel like a broken record, making sure that we don’t have any setbacks, but every day I am feeling good, so it is solid.”

Running back Shane Vereen (tricep), who is currently on Injured Reserve, continued to practice.

“There’s a chance that we may have a package for Shane if he’s ready to go (against the Cowboys), said Head Coach Ben McAdoo.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
The transcript of Ben McAdoo’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:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice at 12:20PM on Thursday.

Aug 282016
 
New York Giants Celebrate First Preseason Win (August 27, 2016)

New York Giants Celebrate First Preseason Win – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS 21 – NEW YORK JETS 20…
Ben McAdoo won his first game as head coach of the New York Giants on Saturday as the Giants defeated the Jets 21-20 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants overall preseason record now stands at 1-2.

The Giants trailed 0-7 at halftime as the starting offense continued to struggle mightily with the defense keeping the Giants in the game. In seven first-half drives, the Giants offense only generated 47 total net yards and three first downs. The starting offense also went three-and-out to start the 3rd quarter. Minus left guard Justin Pugh, the Giants offensive front was not able to handle the Jets extremely-talented defensive line. Quarterback Eli Manning finished the game 10-of-15 for 65 yards and one interception – which was partially caused by wide receiver Odell Beckham making a business decision by cutting off his route to avoid a big hit. The Giants had five yards rushing at the half on 12 carries (0.4 yards per rush).

Special teams were also a problem as the Giants allowed a blocked punt – terrible whiffs on attempted blocks by safety Justin Currie and running back Orleans Darkwa – in the 1st quarter. The Giants also allowed punt returns of 52 and 28 yards by the Jets.

The starting defense played well. The Giants allowed three first downs on the Jets first drive of the game, but only three more first downs on the other six Jets possessions of the first half. After a blocked punt set the Jets up on the Giants 15-yard line, the defense immediately got the ball back as defensive tackle Damon Harrison sacked quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, forcing a fumble that defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins recovered. The only Jets points in the first half came after Manning’s interception set the Jets up at the Giants 30-yard line. A perfect back-shoulder throw by Fitzpatrick to wide receiver Eric Decker for a 22-yard score despite tight coverage from cornerback Janoris Jenkins gave the Jets the halftime advantage.

In the second half, the Jets extended their lead to 10-0 after a 5-play, 18-yard drive set up a 55-yard field goal. Late in the 3rd quarter, after a 21-yard punt return by running back Bobby Rainey and a 15-yard face-mask penalty set the Giants up at the Jets 47-yard line, wide receiver Tavarres King gained 20 yards on an end around and then scored from 27 yards out on a pass from quarterback Ryan Nassib. Jets 10 – Giants 7.

The Jets responded with a drive that reached the Giants 23-yard line early in the 4th quarter. But on 3rd-and-10, linebacker J.T. Thomas deflected a pass that was intercepted by defensive end Kerry Wynn and returned 73 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. The Jets immediately regained the lead by driving 75 yards in seven plays and a 10-yard passing touchdown. After a three-and-out by the Giants and the ensuing 52-yard punt return by the Jets, Gang Green went up 20-14 with a 29-yard field goal with 6:26 to play.

The Giants drove from their own 26-yard line to the Jets 5-yard line but turned the ball over on downs with 3:33 left in the game. The Giants got the ball right back when defensive tackle Davon Coleman tipped a 3rd-and-7 pass that was intercepted by safety Andrew Adams at the 11-yard line. Two plays later, Nassib hit King with an 11-yard catch-and-run for the game-winning touchdown with 2:25 to play.

Nassib finished the game 6-of-19 for 69 yards, two touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Sixteen Giants caught passes but no one had more than two catches. Both of King’s two receptions went for scores. King also was the leading rusher with 20 yards on one carry. Running back Shane Vereen (11 yards on six carries) was the only other play to break single digits as the Giants only rushed for 39 yards on 20 carries.

Wide receiver Victor Cruz, playing in his first game since 2014, played 32 snaps (29 plays) and had one catch for four yards.

Defensively, both Wynn and Adams had interceptions and Hankins recovered the fumble caused by Harrison’s sack. Defensive Romeo Okwara also had a sack. Harrison and defensive end Olivier Vernon combined for 12 tackles.

Video highlights/lowlights are available at Giants.com.

INJURY REPORT…
Not playing were left guard Justin Pugh (shoulder), tight end Will Johnson (burner), tight end Matt LaCosse (knee), safety Darian Thompson (shoulder), and safety Mykkele Thompson (concussion).

Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (ribs), linebacker B.J. Goodson (concussion), cornerback Leon Hall (concussion), and fullback Nikita Whitlock (foot) all left the game and did not return. ESPN is reporting that Casillas has a cracked rib. “He has a rib injury. I’ll know more tomorrow,” said a tight-lipped Head Coach Ben McAdoo after the game. Whitlock was seen on crutches and in a protective boot after the game in the locker room.

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

ARTICLES…

Nov 112015
 
Justin Pugh, New York Giants (October 4, 2015)

Justin Pugh – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
WR Victor Cruz (calf), TE Larry Donnell (neck), LG Justin Pugh (potential concussion protocol), RG Geoff Schwartz (ankle), LB J.T. Thomas (ankle), and LB Uani ‘Unga (neck) did not practice on Wednesday.

The Giants issued a statement that said Cruz will “continue to build on the straight line running he did last week with the hope of expanding as the week progresses.”

Donnell began running on the side.

Pugh has been experiencing headaches and is being evaluated to determine if needs to undergo the concussion protocol. Schwartz will practice on Thursday.

(Late Update: Pugh was examined today by an independent neurologist, and the conclusion from that exam is that Pugh is suffering from the effects of dehydration/heat, not a concussion).

CB Prince Amukamara (pectoral) practiced on a limited basis without contact. CB Leon McFadden (groin) was also limited.

OT Will Beatty (pectoral – PUP) continued to work on an undisclosed basis.

JOSH BROWN NAMED “NFC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK”…
New York Giants place kicker Josh Brown has been named the “NFC Special Teams Player of the Week” for his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. Brown made all four of his field goal attempts – from 35, 35, 53, and 44 yards – in the Giants’ 32-18 victory. The 53-yarder was his longest field goal of the season. Brown is the second Giant to win this award in three weeks as Dwayne Harris won it for his performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.

HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN…
The transcript of Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
The following transcripts and video of player media sessions on Wednesday are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

GIANTS-BUCCANEERS: SIGHTS AND SOUNDS…
A sights and sounds video from the Giants’ 32-18 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is now available at Giants.com.

ARTICLES

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday and hold physical recovery cycles on Friday in advance of Sunday’s home game against the New England Patriots.

Oct 122015
 
Larry Donnell, New York Giants (October 11, 2015)

Larry Donnell – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS 30 – SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 27…
The New York Giants rallied late in the fourth quarter to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 30-27 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night. The victory improved New York’s overall record to 3-2 and first place in the NFC East.

All looked lost when the 49ers drove 80 yards to score the go-ahead touchdown with just 1:45 left in the game. At this point, San Fransisco led 27-23. But quarterback Eli Manning orchestrated an 8-play, 82-yard drive that culminated with a dramatic, game-winning 12-yard touchdown throw to tight end Larry Donnell with 21 second to play.

The 49ers received the football to start the game and moved 55 yards in eight plays to set up a successful 43-yard field goal. The Giants tied the game on their first possession by traveling 76 yards in nine plays to set up a 22-yard field goal as the drive stalled inside the 10-yard line. Manning found wide receiver Odell Beckham for a 49-yard gain on this initial possession.

Shane Vereen, New York Giants (October 11, 2015)

Shane Vereen – © USA TODAY Sports Images

After forcing San Francisco to punt on their second possession, the Giants put together a 14-play, 81-yard drive that resulted in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Manning to running back Shane Vereen on 3rd-and-goal. The big play on the drive was a 31-yard pass to Beckham on 3rd-and-7. Giants 10 – 49ers 3.

After another San Fransisco punt, the Giants moved the ball 43 yards in 10 plays to set up place kicker Josh Brown’s second successful field goal, this one from 41 yards out. Giants 13 – 49ers 3. However, the 49ers cut into that lead by driving 76 yards in 11 plays and kicking a 22-yard field goal late in the first half.

The Giants blew an opportunity for more points before intermission as New York drove 66 yards in less than a minute to reach the 49er 14-yard line. But Manning was picked off in the end zone on an ill-advised pass with five seconds to play. At the half, the Giants led 13-6.

The Giants received the ball to start the second half but punted after picking up one first down. The 49ers then tied the game on their initial possession of the second half by driving 88 yards in 10 plays. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick found wideout Anquan Boldin for a 3-yard score. Giants 13 – 49ers 13.

After the Giants and 49ers exchanged punts, New York drove the ball 61 yards in seven plays near the end of the third quarter and Manning found Beckham for a 17-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. Giants 20 – 49ers 13. However, the Giants defense could not hold the advantage as San Fransisco responded with another long touchdown drive, this time 80 yards in 11 plays with Kaepernick hitting tight end Garrett Celek for a 5-yard score on 3rd-and-goal.

The Giants responded with a long scoring drive of their own, marching 74 yards in 14 plays. However, the Giants had to settle for another short field goal, this time from 24 yards out as the Giants went ahead 23-20 with 4:29 to play.

New York’s defense fell apart again, as the 49ers scored their third long touchdown drive of the second half. In just seven plays, San Fransisco went 80 yards with running back Carlos Hyde scoring from two yards out to put the 49ers up 27-23 with 1:45 to play.

Then came the dramatic game-winning drive. Manning scrambled for 11 yards and then threw to Vereen for 11 and 16 yards. Disaster almost struck on 1st-and-10 from the 49er 44-yard line when Manning’s deep pass initially appeared to be intercepted, but replay overruled the pick as the ball hit the ground. Two plays later, on 3rd-and-10, Manning hit Vereen for a 24-yard gain. After an 8-yard pass interference penalty was called on the 49ers against Beckham, Manning found Donnell for the game winner from 12 yards out with 21 seconds to play.

Offensively, the Giants accrued 30 first downs and 525 total yards (84 rushing, 441 passing). The team was 9-of-14 (64 percent) on third down, but only 3-of-6 (50 percent) in red zone opportunities. Manning finished the game 41-of-54 for 441 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. His leading receivers were Vereen (8 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown), Beckham (7 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown), wide receiver Dwayne Harris (6 catches for 72 yards), and Donnell (6 catches for 35 yards and a touchdown). Running back Rashad Jennings carried the ball 11 times for 46 yards and Vereen five times for 24 yards.

Defensively, the Giants allowed 22 first downs and 380 total yards (124 rushing, 256 passing). The 49ers were 8-of-14 (57 percent) on third down and 3-of-4 (75 percent) in the red zone. Defensive end Damontre Moore had both of New York’s sacks, but the Giants rarely pressured Kaepernick. The Giants did not force a turnover.

Video highlights/lowlights are available at Giants.com. A video of the locker room celebration is also available.

INJURY REPORT…
WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), WR Rueben Randle (hamstring), LG Justin Pugh (ankle), LB Jon Beason (concussion), CB Trumaine McBride (possible aggravation of groin injury) all left the game with injuries. Beckham returned to the game.

“Sure, I was (reluctant to put Beckham back in the game),” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “We were trying to win a game. He wanted to go. The medical people said let him go. I let him go. We’ll see what he is like tomorrow.”

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

POST-GAME NOTES…
Inactive for the Giants were WR Victor Cruz (calf), TE Jerome Cunningham (knee), DE Robert Ayers (hamstring), DE George Selvie (calf), LB Devon Kennard (hamstring), LB Jonathan Casillas (calf), and OT Bobby Hart.

The Giants broke a three-game losing streak on Sunday Night Football and improved their Sunday night record to 20-26-1, including 10-12 at home.

QB Eli Manning’s 41 completions and 54 pass attempts were career highs. Manning’s 41 completions were a franchise record. His 441 yards were the third-highest total of his career. Manning completed a career-high 15 consecutive passes over three series spanning the third and fourth quarters.

The victory was the 102nd of Manning’s career (94 regular season, eight postseason). That is a franchise record. Manning had been tied with Phil Simms (95 regular season, six postseason).

This was the 27th time that Manning has rallied the Giants from a fourth-quarter deficit or tie to win a regular-season game. He’s also done it five times in the postseason, including two Super Bowls. It was Manning’s first game-winning drive since October 5, 2014 vs. Atlanta.

DANIEL FELLS MRSA UPDATE…
According to an NFL.com report on Sunday, tight end Daniel Fells’ health situation had become far more serious. Fells, who has been hospitalized with a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) staph infection since last weekend, was moved to the Intensive Care Unit on Friday. He has undergone five surgeries to treat the infection with additional surgeries planned. There is a chance that Fells’ foot may need to be amputated.

However, NJ.com is reporting that Fells has responded better this weekend to a new antibiotic and FOXSports is reporting is reporting that his fever has dipped.

“We dedicated the game to Daniel Fells and his family, and thank God we were able to give him the game ball,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants’ 30-27 victory over the 49ers. “Fells has had two very good days in a row…His MRI came back without any issues. Thank God and hopefully he will just continue in that direction and have this cleared up so he can go home and see his kids.”

ARTICLES…

Oct 092015
 


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INJURY REPORT – CRUZ, AYERS, SELVIE, KENNARD OUT…
WR Victor Cruz (calf), DE Robert Ayers (hamstring), DE George Selvie (calf), and LB Devon Kennard (hamstring) have officially been ruled out of Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

“(Kennard has) had a very good start to the season, so obviously we lose his energy, his enthusiasm, his love of the game, his physical play,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “It’s unfortunate that he’s out this week, but hopefully he’ll be back soon.”

LB Jonathan Casillas (calf), CB Jayron Hosley (concussion), and CB Trumaine McBride (groin) are “questionable” for the game.

TE Jerome Cunningham (knee), LT Ereck Flowers (ankle), and DT Markus Kuhn (knee) are “probable.”

Meanwhile, NJ.com is reporting that TE Daniel Fells, who is on Injured Reserve, underwent a fourth surgical procedure on Thursday to treat his methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) staph infection in his ankle. A fifth procedure is also scheduled for this weekend. The Giants had thought Fells was getting better and thought he might have been released from the hospital on Thursday.

“(Fells is) still (the hospital) and from what I understand, he’s still running a temperature,” said Coughlin. “We’re all praying for him, believe me.”

HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with Tom Coughlin are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants will hold a 45-minute, full-speed practice on Saturday that is not open to the media. The Giants face the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday night.

Oct 052015
 


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DANIEL FELLS HAS STAPH INFECTION, SEASON OVER…
The New York Giants announced on Monday that tight end Daniel Fells has developed a staph infection, which was discovered during treatment of what the team is calling a “chronic ankle condition.” According to NJ.com, Fells reportedly underwent multiple surgeries to treat the infection. He will be placed on season-ending Injured Reserve.

“It was very unfortunate with Daniel,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “It went from early in the week being a junkie ankle to a serious situation. I just talked to him a little while ago, he feels upbeat about it. He’s just looking forward to getting things under control so he can get out of the hospital.”

HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN…
Tom Coughlin addressed the media by conference call on Monday:

Good afternoon everyone. We were certainly pleased to look at this tape because I thought our demeanor, the effort, the enthusiasm with which we played, the excitement—I thought the stadium there in Buffalo was electric. I liked the way that we responded to it. We worked well, particularly late in the week. Because of the nature of the Buffalo team, a very good team, their sophisticated defensive scheme, outstanding special teamers, outstanding returners with a very good offensive team that had scored 32 points on New England, that was the number one rush team in the league etc…

We had a lot of very sophisticated adjustments within the nature of the game plan on offense and I liked the way the approach was. I liked the way they focused, I liked the way the players prepared themselves. I think defensively we definitely set the tone with a number of three and outs in the first half. Offensively, the first half was pretty much the way we would want it to go, as well. I thought the interesting thought there was the objective on special teams was to do an outstanding job at coverage, punt coverage and kickoff coverage. And we did. And on defense, to first of all stop the run and, of course, all that falls in line there. Try to win the physical battle and the turnover battle. So our defensive team held Buffalo to a very low percentage on third down. We did not do much better on the offensive side. But as I said, we were plus-one and we won just by a little bit the time of possession. So we were pleased to be able to go on the road and to play against a very good team and to come away with a win.

Q: How impressed were you with the offensive line given the early injury to Ereck Flowers and how formidable the Bills pass rush is? Can you talk a little about their performance on Sunday?

A: Well, I will. I will say this—they did perform well. They’ve done a nice job with that. We pass protected well, we did end up with one sack. Quite frankly, that should have been picked up as well. We did have some occasions to run the ball. We rushed for 92 yards, they rushed for 55 yards. So we had more yards there. Again, we prepared well, there was an awful lot that went into it from a cerebral standpoint in the game. The guys did a good job with it. You would like to have the third quarter, maybe come back and do a better job there. Obviously the penalty on the screen really knocked us out of some opportunities there because the ball was down way deep into their territory. But we did do a good job, and we did protect the passer. The ball did come out quickly and that was the nature of the game.

Q: How has Marshall Newhouse done in particular in your estimation?

A: He’s done a good job, he’s done a good job. He’s come in and he’s worked hard and he’s been very good up front in terms of communication. He’s a smart guy. So he’s worked himself in very well.

Q: A lot of your players last night and a couple guys today talked about, it seemed like after the 0-2 start your energy level rose a little bit higher. Is that a conscious thing that you did, stay upbeat and stay the course?

A: Yeah, the obvious. Whether the energy level came up from whatever level it currently is, I don’t know about that. But I do know that it puts a fire in our belly without a doubt to be 0-2 and I didn’t think we were an 0-2 team. We needed to do something about it. So we tried to inspire our guys to believe in themselves and come together as a team, to play the four quarters. Forget about the score and play each play as hard as you possibly can and don’t let any of the circumstances get into your head. And the coaches all did a great job of, again, continuing to express the feelings that I had and keeping the energy level very high and coaching the heck out of them and being excited about it. Trying to surround ourselves with guys that are excited to compete and believe that we can win. All of those things went into it, without a doubt.

Q: Tom, you used this word to your team last night after the game and the word keeps coming out. “Relevant.” Why that choice of word?

A: Well, it’s always good to be, at this point in time in a season, looking at our start and to know that you’re in the mix, you’re in the hunt. I chose that word to make them understand it’s a word that puts you in position, but you’re not there. You’ve got a long way to go and that’s the significance of that term.

Q: You put Fells on I.R. Do you have a corresponding roster move? When did that happen?

A: Well, we’ll see about that, the move. It was very unfortunate with Daniel. It went from early in the week being a junkie ankle to a serious situation. I just talked to him a little while ago, he feels upbeat about it. He’s just looking forward to getting things under control so he can get out of the hospital. With that being the case, we would have a roster move, but we’ll make sure we take our time, do our due diligence on that.

Q: Eli threw his first interception on Sunday. What did you see from that play? Was it more a product of maybe trying to force the pass or could Rueben Randle maybe have fought a little bit harder for the ball?

A: Well, you can look at it any way you want to. The error goes to me, because I wanted to score. I wanted to be in a position at that point to score a touchdown. And then on fourth down, if we didn’t score, we would kick the field goal. But there’s different ways to play that. I asked Rueben about it, he said when the contact came from the corner, he was kind of knocked back a little bit and wasn’t able to completely finish. And I’m sure if you really bore down on him, he could have maybe run the route just a little bit better. I think Eli had thrown a similar type of pass to him for a touchdown earlier in the game. The ball had been thrown low and in a spot where Rueben was going to get it and nobody else was going to get it. I’m sure Eli would probably say something to that effect as well. Give some credit to the corner. The corner played that pretty well.

Q: Getting a chance to look back on it, do you regret throwing the ball there in that spot?

A: No, I don’t regret the call, I regret the result. I do understand completely the consequences of the decision that you could make or couldn’t make there. However, as I explained, I was looking for an opportunity on third down to score a touchdown. If we didn’t, we would kick the field goal on fourth down. That was the entire concept.

Q: Right now, you two rookie tight ends and Larry Donnell, who doesn’t have a tremendous amount of experience himself. Is this somewhere you feel you need a veteran in that spot in some way, shape or form?

A: Well, it would be nice, but that type of a player may or may not be available. We’ll have to see where that exactly stands. Larry has played a significant number of snaps here in the early part of the season and he seems to have grown into that role. We’d like to be supportive in other ways. If we can do with what we have here, fine. If there is something that we can look into that will improve us in other areas, then so be that, too.

Q: I know he dropped the pass, but what did you see from Will Tye?

A: Well, I thought it wasn’t too big for him. I thought that he did a decent job of blocking. There was a couple of decent, good plays and probably one poor play. He did have the drop on a second and one, which would have converted to a first down, no doubt. But for the first time out of the box, he went out there and handled it well in terms of emotion and that type of thing.

Q: Owa Odighizuwa played 40-something defensive snaps in his first NFL game. How do you think he did?

A: You know what, he obviously hasn’t played in quite some time and that was a factor there. But he got in there, he mixed it up. He made a really nice play on the quarterback where he kept the ball on the option. He got himself in position a couple of times where he could have been able to apply some pressure perhaps with a little bit better movement to the quarterback and the passing game. He got in there, he got his feet wet.

Q: Do you have an update on any of these injured guys—Devon Kennard or Jayron Hosley and maybe how Ereck Flowers came out?

A: Well, Flowers seemed to come out okay. This morning, he looked very good when he was here in the building. The trainers and the doctors felt that he was actually a little bit better about the position that he’s in right now than he was a week ago. So that was good. The other guys, I do not have anything on.

Q: How about Victor Cruz? Victor said that Monday was going to be a big day for him to come in and see how that injection went?

A: I don’t think we have anything to update on Victor.

Q: Is there anything with Jason Pierre-Paul? Is he scheduled to come in any time soon?

A: I have no knowledge of any such information.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts or audio of Monday’s media sessions with the following players:

NOTES…
The Giants are 8-1 in regular-season games vs. AFC East opponents under Tom Coughlin and 2-0 in the post-season.

QB Eli Manning increased his career total passing yards to 40,731. That moved him past Hall of Famer Joe Montana (40,551) and into 13th place on the NFL’s career list. Former Giant Kerry Collins is 12th with 40,922.

WR Odell Beckham has now played in 16 NFL games or a full season. He owns the records for catches (115) and receiving yards (1,612) in the first 16 games of a career.

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players are off Tuesday and return to practice on Wednesday to start preparing for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.