Giants Re-Sign Jon Beason and Curtis Painter and Sign J.D. Walton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schwartz has the ability to play at tackle and guard.

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

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

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

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

Interviews with both players are available at Giants.com:

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Fullback John Conner (Video)
  • Offensive Lineman Brandon Mosley (Video)

Giants Re-Sign Trumaine McBride, Peyton Hillis, and Dallas Reynolds

 Posted by
Mar 112014
 
Trumaine McBride, New York Giants (December 15, 2013)

Trumaine McBride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Re-Sign Trumaine McBride, Peyton Hillis, and Dallas Reynolds: According to multiple press reports, the Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agents cornerback Trumaine McBride and running back Peyton Hillis.

McBride’s contract is reportedly a 2-year, $3.1 million deal; Hillis’ contract is reportedly a 2-year, $1.8 million deal.

According to Newsday, the New York Giants have re-signed exclusive rights free agent guard/center Dallas Reynolds. No contract terms were provided.

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

March 11, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

  • The New York Daily News is reporting that unrestricted free agent safety Ryan Mundy (New York Giants) is unlikely to re-sign with the team.
  • The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are one of three teams with serious interest in unrestricted free agent offensive guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs). The NFL Network is reporting that the Schwartz will sign with either the Giants or Rams.
  • NJ.com is reporting that the Giants are unlikely to sign unrestricted free agent centers Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) and Brian de la Puenta (New Orleans Saints). However, The New York Daily News and New York Post are reporting that the Giants are making a big push to sign Dietrich-Smith.
  • CBS and NFLNetwork are reporting that unrestricted free agent defensive end Justin Tuck (New York Giants) is likely to re-sign with Giants.
  • The Baltimore Sun is reporting that unrestricted free agent defensive end/tackle Arthur Jones, who the Giants had expressed interest in, will sign with the Indianapolis Colts.
  • CSN Bay Area is reporting that the Giants have made a contract offer to unrestricted free agent running back Rashad Jennings (Oakland Raiders).

More Details on Re-Structured Contracts for Chris Snee and Steve Weatherford: According to NFL Player Association records, right guard Chris Snee’s 2014 base salary was reduced from $6.75 million to $2 million (not the $1.1 million reported in the media). Records also indicate that punter Steve Weatherford’s 2014 base salary was reduced from $2.025 million in 2014 to $900,000. Weatherford’s base salaries in 2013 ($2.175 million) and 2014 ($2.325 million) were not changed.

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Salary Cap: Updated: Giants salary cap situation heading into free agency by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants and 2014 NFL Free Agency: NFL free agency: How Giants look by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

 

Kevin Gilbride Defends Himself; LB Jameel McClain Visits Giants

 Posted by
Mar 062014
 
Kevin Gilbride, New York Giants (December 9, 2012)

Kevin Gilbride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Kevin Gilbride Defends Himself: Kevin Gilbride, who retired as offensive coordinator of the New York Giants in January, spoke publicly on Thursday night at the PKD Foundation benefit in Manhattan. Some speculate that Gilbride only retired because he knew he would be fired. On the contrary, Gilbride said he told his wife before the 2013 season began he would retire unless he was offered a head coaching job in 2014.

“If I wanted to stay coaching I would have stayed with the Giants,” said Gilbride.

Gilbride is blamed by many for the demise of the Giants’ offense, which fell from 14th to 28th. Head Coach Tom Coughlin has said that Gilbride would not have been forced out, but team President/CEO John Mara and General Manager Jerry Reesse have said that it was time for a change on offense.

“I’m kind of surprised to hear (Jerry Reese) say that,” Gilbride said. “No one had figured that offense out for 24 years. To think that they figured it out this year would be pretty ludicrous. I think it was pretty obvious what the problems were. We had a confluence of injuries, we were very weak on the offensive line. We had some guys who struggled. We started six different offensive tailbacks, three different fullbacks, three different right guards, four different centers…You’re not going to have anything (with that). You can say it’s the offense, but it’s pretty clear what the problem was.”

“I certainly have expressed (roster talent) concerns for a number of years,” Gilbride said. “It wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when it was going to happen.”

In a shot at Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle, another issue according to Gilbride was that the Giants only had  “one guy playing” at wide receiver (Victor Cruz). Gilbride thought John Mara’s comments about it taking so long for Jerrel Jernigan to be a factor on game day were a “cheap shot”.

“I didn’t understand it,” said Gilbride. “Because (Jernigan) had chances as a kick returner and he’d played before and hadn’t played well. I think it’s a great tribute to (Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gibride) and (Quarterbacks Coach Sean Ryan) that developed him and that he got on the field.”

When asked about the Giants’ prospects in 2014, Gilbride responded, “They have to get some players. If the players come back, if (Chris) Snee comes back healthy and (David) Baas comes back healthy. The running back situation is a little scary – they have to get somebody there. But if they can get somebody there and if (Kevin) Boothe comes back the inside three will be stable. I know they’re going to look for a tight end. There are a lot of holes that need to be filled.”

“If they shore up some of the supporting cast, I think they’ll be fine,” said Gilbride. “Last year we went into the year with some question marks at some spots and sure enough those question marks were all answered in a negative fashion. Between that and the confluence of injuries, it just wasn’t going to happen.”

LB Jameel McClain Visits Giants, But Leaves Without Contract: Linebacker Jameel McClain, who was cut by the Baltimore Ravens last month is a salary-cap related move, visited the New York Giants on Thursday but left without a contract. He had visited with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday and is scheduled to meet with the Minnesota Vikings next.

New York Giants Interested in Center Evan Dietrich-Smith?: FOXSports1 is reporting that the New York Giants may be interested in pursuing soon-to-be unrestricted free agent center Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) if the Packers do not re-sign him and center David Baas is released.

Jon Beason Representing Himself in Contract Talks: Soon-to-be unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason recently fired his agent and will be representing himself in his contract talks.

Starting on Saturday, March 8, NFL teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents on other teams. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00PM ET on March 11. Because Beason will be representing himself, teams will not be able to contact him until March 11. So the Giants will have three more days to negotiate exclusively with Beason.

Articles on the New York Giants and 2014 NFL Free Agency:

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

  • Running Back Andre Brown (Video)
  • Running Back Peyton Hillis (Video)

Articles: Ben McAdoo, Peyton Hillis, Henry Hynoski, Hakeem Nicks, Mathias Kiwanuka, Jon Beason

 Posted by
Jan 162014
 
Jerald Ingram, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Jerald Ingram was fired on Wednesday – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Article on the New York Giants Personnel Department: Why has Big Blue’s personnel department not been held accountable? by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Articles on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo:

Article on Running Back Peyton Hillis: Giants free agents: Running back Peyton Hillis jump-started his career by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on Fullback Henry Hynoski: Giants free agents: Fullback Henry Hynoski is perfect fit in Ben McAdoo’s offense by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on Wide Receiver Hakeem Nicks: Would franchising Nicks make sense? by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on Defensive End Mathias Kiwanuka: Money matters: Mathias Kiwanuka a financial decision Giants have to make by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Linebacker Jon Beason: What will it cost to keep Jon Beason? by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Quotes: Former Green Bay Packers QB Graham Harrell on how new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo can help QB Eli Manning: “I think Ben’s going to be tough on him. He’s going to coach him hard. That’s one thing I really respected about him while he was there. He tried to coach everyone tough. That can be tough, especially with Aaron who’s had so much success, who is such a good player. Well, now (McAdoo) s walking into a place with another quarterback who’s obviously a proven great player, a guy that’s won a lot of games, won Super Bowls. But Ben’s the kind of guy that’s going to come in and demand a lot out of him, expect a lot out of him, expect a lot of preparation…I definitely think that’s going to help with turnovers and stuff like that, just the preparation side, the demand that Ben’s going to put on him. And the Green Bay offense, or the offense that Ben’s going to bring to New York is going to be an offense that sets the quarterback up for success…I think he’s going to be good for Eli. I think Eli is a really good quarterback and can play in any offense, but I think Eli will be a great fit for Ben’s offense. I think it’s going to be a good match for each other. I think it can be set up for a fun year for the Giants.”

December 26, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Dec 262013
 
Michael Cox, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Michael Cox Being Congratulated After a Big Kickoff Return – © USA TODAY Sports Images

December 26, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Thursday were WR Rueben Randle (knee), WR Victor Cruz (knee/concussion), TE Adrien Robinson (knee), OG Brandon Mosley (hand), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), CB Trumaine McBride (groin), and CB Jayron Hosley (illness).

Cruz and Mosley have already been ruled out of the game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Mosley will have surgery on his broken hand on Friday.

“Rueben has a little bit of swelling in his knee, so they want to take a look at it,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “Hopefully it’s not going to be much. Time to time he has some issues…In our work yesterday he kind of limped around a little bit, so they took him in and looked at it and it was a little bit swollen this morning.”

OG David Diehl (knee), DT Cullen Jenkins (shin/quad), and CB Terrell Thomas (knee) were limited in practice.

RB Andre Brown (concussion) and RB Peyton Hillis (concussion) fully practiced. “(Brown and Hillis) did well, both of them,” said Coughlin. “There didn’t seem to be any issues.”

December 26, 2013 New York Giants Coach Media Sessions: Transcripts and video clips of Thursday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

December 26, 2013 New York Giants Player Media Sessions: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on the New York Giants and College Scouting: Giants’ scouts striking out by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Offseason: NY Giants can be contenders again in 2014 by following this five-point plan by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Articles on New York Giants Quarterbacks:

Article on RB Michael Cox: Giants rookie running back Michael Cox in line for more carries by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

New York Giants 15 – Philadelphia Eagles 7

 Posted by
Oct 272013
 
Linval Joseph, New York Giants (October 27, 2013)

Linval Joseph Sacks Matt Barkley – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Defeat Philadelphia Eagles 15-7: The New York Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 15-7 on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The victory was the second win in a row for the Giants and their first road victory in eight games. The Giants are now 2-6 overall and 1-2 in the NFC East.

With the Cowboys falling to the Lions, though New York is still in last place in the division, the Giants are unbelievably only two games out of first place in the terrible NFC East.

“The key to the turnaround has been our enthusiasm,” said safety Antrel Rolle after the game. “After the 0-6 record, the coaches and players got together and we got on the same page. There were a lot of in-depth conversations. There was a lot of speaking as men to men, understanding your strengths and weaknesses and just the coaches and players being on the same page at the same time. As well as the coaches trusting the players and the players trusting the coaches and I think it’s definitely shown in our performance.”

The Giants did not score a touchdown, but controlled the game, holding advantages in total net yards (325 to 201), net yards rushing (88 to 48), net yards passing (237 to 153), total offensive plays (71 to 58), and time of possession (38:05 to 21:55). The Giants only committed one turnover (on special teams), while forcing three turnovers. On the downside, the Giants were penalized 11 times for 92 yards and were 0-2 in red zone opportunities.

For the second game in a row, the Giants’ defense shutout an opponent. The Eagles had 11 offensive possessions in the game. Three ended in turnovers, two on downs, and six with punts.

Four of the Giants’ six first-half possessions resulted in field goals. After a three-and-out on the Giants’ first drive, New York got the ball back three plays later with an interception by Rolle. The Giants then drove the ball 57 yards in nine plays to set up a 40-yard field goal by PK Josh Brown. The Eagles went three-and-out on their second possession and the Giants responded with a 7-play, 45-yard drive that ended with a 44-yard field goal by Brown. The Eagles picked up one first down and punted and the Giants went 48 yards in 12 plays, resulting in yet another Brown field goal, this one from 33 yards out. The Eagles picked up one more first down on fourth possession and then punted. Up until this point, halfway through the second quarter, the Eagles only had accrued two first downs in the game. The Giants responded with a 9-play, 53-yard drive and a 46-yard field goal by Brown.

With 2:24 left in the half, QB Matt Barkley replaced the ineffective QB Michael Vick. The Eagles quickly drove from their own 20-yard line to the Giants’ 2-yard line with 1:14 left in the half. But on 1st-and-goal, Barkley was sacked by CB Terrell Thomas. Barkley fumbled and LB Jacquian Williams recovered the loose ball at the Giants’ 12-yard line.

At the half, the Giants led 12-0.

The Eagles received the football to start the third quarter and Philadelphia again moved the ball, driving from their own 25 to the Giants’ 26-yard line. But after a sack by DE Mathias Kiwanuka, Barkley’s 4th-and-10 pass fell incomplete and the Giants took over on downs.

Neither team could pick up a first down on each of their next two possessions, resulting in four punts. At the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter, New York put together their final scoring drive of the game, driving 32 yards in nine plays to set up a 27-yard field goal as the Giants went up 15-0 with 12:23 to play.

Both teams then exchanged punts again. The Eagles went for it on 4th-and-20 with 5:20 left in the game from the Giants’ 46, but the play only picked up five yards. The Giants could not run out the clock and with 4:19 to play, long snapper Zak DeOssie’s snap went over punter Steve Weatherford’s head and the Eagles recovered the loose ball for a touchdown. Giants 15 – Eagles 7.

Rolle recovered the Eagles’ onsides kick. Despite a delay of game penalty, the Giants were able to at least pick up one first down before punting with 36 seconds left in the game. Two plays later, safety Will Hill ended the game by picking off a deep sideline pass by Barkley at the Giants’ 38-yard line.

Offensively, QB Eli Manning finished the game 25-of-39 for 246 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Wideouts Victor Cruz (seven catches for 86 yards) and Hakeem Nicks (7 catches for 51 yards) were the leading receivers. RB Peyton Hillis carried the ball 20 times for 70 yards while RB Michael Cox chipped in with 19 yards on nine carries.

Defensively, Terrell Thomas had a team-high 11 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Safeties Antrel Rolle and Will Hill both had interceptions, and Rolle also had a sack. DE Mathias Kiwanuka and DT Linval Joseph each had sacks too. LB Jacquian Williams recovered a fumble. The Giants had four sacks overall, coming into the game with only six on the season.

On special teams, Josh Brown was 5-for-5 on field goal attempts. But the Giants gave up their fourth special teams touchdown this season.

Video highlights are available at NFL.com.

Injury Report: WR Victor Cruz left with a stinger but returned. X-rays were negative.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Post-Game Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s post-game press conference are available at Giants.com.

Player Post-Game Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of post-game media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Post-Game Notes: Inactive for the Giants were QB Ryan Nassib, RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), RB David Wilson (neck), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), OC Dallas Reynolds, DT Shaun Rogers (knee), and CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring).

October 25, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Oct 252013
 
Victor Cruz, New York Giants (October 6, 2013)

Victor Cruz – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 25, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Friday were RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), RB David Wilson (neck), and DT Shaun Rogers (knee). Wilson has been officially ruled “out” of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday; Jacobs and Rogers are “doubtful.”

Practicing on a limited basis were TE Adrien Robinson (foot), LB Spencer Paysinger (ankle), CB Corey Webster (groin), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), and CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring). Hosley is “doubtful” for the game on Sunday; Robinson and Webster are “questionable,” and Paysinger and Thomas are “probable.”

S Cooper Taylor (shoulder) fully practiced and is “probable” for the game.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday press conference are available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Coughlin Corner: Keep the winning attitude by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on General Manager Jerry Reese: Reese has some explaining to do by Johnette Howard of ESPNNewYork.com

Articles on the Giants Special Teams:

David Baas May Have Injured MCL Again

 Posted by
Oct 222013
 
New York Giants Fans (October 21, 2013)

Giants Fans Finally Celebrate a Win – © USA TODAY Sports Images

David Baas May Have Injured MCL Again: According to press reports, center David Baas may have injured the MCL in his left knee again. Baas suffered an MCL injury to the same knee in the preseason, causing him to miss two preseason and one regular season games.

October 22, 2013 Tom Coughlin Media Press Conference: The transcript of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Tuesday media conference call is available in The Corner Forum.

New York Giants on WFAN: The audio of Tuesday’s WFAN interviews with the following players are available at CBSNewYork.com:

DE Mathias Kiwanuka on ESPN Radio: The audio of Tuesday’s ESPN Radio interview with DE Mathias Kiwanuka is available at ESPN.com.

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: Hoping Comebacks Have Just Begun by Harvey Araton of The New Times

Article on LB Jon Beason and RB Peyton Hillis: Upon Further Review: New players’ impact by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Sights and Sounds from Giants-Vikings Game: A sights and sounds video from the Giants-Vikings game is available at Giants.com.

Article on the Giants-Vikings Game: Giants rewind: Luck needed for first win by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Notes: The Giants have allowed three punt return touchdowns this season – the most such scores given up the by Giants since 1959, when four opponents scored on punt returns.

New York Giants 23 – Minnesota Vikings 7

 Posted by
Oct 222013
 
Rueben Randle, New York Giants (October 21, 2013)

Rueben Randle Scores from 24 Yards Out – © USA TODAY Sports Images

The New York Giants Win Their First Game of the Season, Defeat Minnesota Vikings 23-7: The New York Giants defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 on Monday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It was the Giants’ first victory of the 2013 NFL season, as the Giants are now 1-6 overall.

The Giants’ defense pitched a shutout as Minnesota’s only points came on an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Vikings were held to 30 net yards rushing on 14 running plays and recently-acquired QB Josh Freeman, starting his first game for Minnesota, struggled all night with his accuracy. Freeman only completed 38 percent of his throws, finishing the game 20-of-53 for 190 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. And quite a few of those completions and yards came in garbage time after New York went up 23-7.

Not counting their two-play possession at the end of the first half, the Vikings had five first-half possessions. Four ended in punts and another with a missed 53-yard field goal. The Vikings only manged four first downs and 91 yards in the first half. It wasn’t much better in the second half as the Vikings only managed one first down and 23 yards on their first four possessions of the second half. Besides forcing three punts, the defense also forced a turnover when S Antrel Rolle picked off Freeman at the Giants’ 5-yard.

Minnesota only somewhat started to move the football after the Giants took a 23-7 advantage with 11 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. But each of the Vikings’ final three drives ended with a turnover on downs.

Offensively, the Giants did not exactly impress, but they did enough to win the game. The Giants were held to 64 yards rushing with recently-signed RB Peyton Hillis carrying the ball 18 times for 36 yards and a touchdown and rookie RB Michael Cox carrying the ball 11 times for 23 yards. QB Eli Manning finished the game 23-of-39 for 200 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.

The Giants received the football to start the game and drove 68 yards in 17 plays on their opening drive to set up a 35-yard field goal. On their fourth possession of the first half, the Giants drove 82 yards in seven plays to take a 10-7 lead when Manning hit WR Rueben Randle for a 24-yard touchdown. New York did not do much offensively for the rest of the half as the Giants only picked up two first downs and 42 yards on their other five possessions, all resulting in punts, including one returned for the aforementioned touchdown.

In the second half, the Giants’ offense continued to struggle. After two three-and-outs, New York was handed a gift when the Vikings’ punt returner fumbled the ball away without being touched. Long snapper Zak DeOssie recovered the loose ball at the Minnesota 3-yard line and two plays later Hillis scored from one yard out. Giants 17 – Vikings 7.

The Giants’ best drive of the half came on the ensuing possession as New York drove 75 yards in 16 plays to set up a 23-yard field goal and a 20-7 advantage. Then DE Damontre Moore forced the Vikings’ returner to fumble the ensuing kickoff. LB Jacquian Williams recovered at the Minnesota 18-yard line. New York was not able to pick up a single yard but PK Josh Brown nailed his third field goal of the game, this one from 36 yards out and the Giants went up 23-7. The Giants could not pick up a first down when attempting to run out the clock on their next two possessions, but Minnesota’s pathetic offense could not take advantage.

Video highlights are available at NFL.com.

Injury Report – Baas Hurt Again: OC David Baas left the game early with an injury to his left knee and will have an MRI taken on Tuesday. “I can’t catch a break,” Baas said after the game.

DE Justin Tuck dislocated a finger but said he was fine.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Post-Game Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s post-game press conference are available at Giants.com.

Player Post-Game Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of post-game media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Post-Game Notes: Inactive for the Giants were QB Ryan Nassib, RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), RB David Wilson (neck), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), DT Johnathan Hankins, CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring), and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder).

Eagles Sign LB Emmanuel Acho from Giants’ Practice Squad: The Philadelphia Eagles signed LB Emmanuel Acho from the Giants’ Practice Squad on Monday. Acho was added to the Giants’ Practice Squad in September after the Eagles had waived him.

October 19, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

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Oct 192013
 
Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants (October 10, 2013)

Brandon Jacobs – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 19, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Saturday were RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), RB David Wilson (neck), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (illness), DT Shaun Rogers (knee), and CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring). Wilson and Hosley have officially been ruled “out” of Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs, Pierre-Paul, and Rogers are “questionable” for the game.

Practicing on a limited basis were TE Adrien Robinson (foot), CB Corey Webster (groin), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder). Robinson and Taylor are “questionable” for the game; Webster and Thomas are “probable.”

OC David Baas (neck) fully practice and is “probable” for the game.

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: Giants, the Stalwarts of a City, Suddenly Can’t Make It There by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Articles on QB Eli Manning:

Articles on the Giants Running Backs:

Article on OC David Baas: Return of center Baas could boost Giants offensive line by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

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