Mar 232016
 
Rueben Randle, New York Giants (December 28, 2014)

Rueben Randle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Rueben Randle has signed a 1-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. NJ.com is reporting that the deal is worth $1.025 million with potential to earn more through incentives. The NFL Network says the deal could be worth more than $3 million and includes $500,000 in guaranteed money.

Randle had recently visited the Los Angeles Rams, but he did not receive a contract offer from the Rams.

Randle, a 2nd round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, remains a frustrating performer. With Victor Cruz unable to play in 2015, the Giants needed consistent productivity from Randle and did not get it. Indeed, despite starting all 16 games, his numbers dropped from 71 catches for 938 yards in 2014 to 57 catches for 797 yards in 2015. He did increase his touchdown total from three to eight.

Randle is the third free agent to leave the Giants this month, joining cornerback Prince Amukamara (Jaguars) and defensive end Robert Ayers (Buccaneers). For a complete list of remaining unsigned unrestricted free agents, see the Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Mar 232016
 
Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (February 24, 2016)

Ben McAdoo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MORE FROM BEN MCADOO AT NFL SPRING MEETINGS…
New York Giants Head Coach Ben McAdoo answered questions from the press on Wednesday at the NFL spring meetings in Florida. McAdoo made the following comments (video is available at Giants.com):

  • On the offseason strength and conditioning program: “We’re making some renovations in the weight room. We wanted to be a little more forward thinking down there. I hired Aaron Wellman, who’s a guy – he and I go back a long ways. Open it up a little bit down there, do a little bit more movement-based, little more stick and move, so to speak, like you play the game. It’s going to reflect the way we practice, as well, with that mentality. We want to hit the ground running. When we step into the weight room, when we step onto the field, treat it all the same that way.”
  • On reducing injuries: “When you look at injuries, I don’t think you can just point your finger at one area. I think it’s something that we’re going to take a look at a variety of areas – whether it’s the way we practice, it’s how we practice, the intensities and the loads that we use there, the duration of practices. Again, take a look at the weight room as well, nutrition will play a factor. Sleep is huge, and probably the best tool for recovery. So we’re going to take a look at everything, (including) scheduling. Everything is a factor…First things first, in the season we’re going to give players Monday off. We’ll bring guys in on Tuesday to keep things a little more consistent that way, to give them an opportunity to get their rest. Because the NFL schedule now, on Sunday’s you play at a variety of different times. We’re on the East Coast, we’re not centrally located, so flying in and out, you get back at different times on Sundays if you do have a later game. We’ll take a look at that. We’ll vary the times that we’re on the field. Our end time will always be the same, what time we hit the field will be a reflection of the load of that day or the workload that we’re going to have that day. Just things like that.”
  • On convincing DE Olivier Vernon to come to the Giants: “We felt like we were recruiting in college again. We had everybody in the room passing the phone around, and just letting him know what we think of him. For me, it was simple. Going into the game on Monday night (vs. Miami last December) when we came down here to play, he was one of the most disruptive players I saw on film last year. We wanted him to be a part of it. QB rating differential is big in the game today, and the more you can impact the quarterback from a defensive standpoint, from that defensive end standpoint, from his blindside, the tougher it makes it on the opponent. We feel that he’s going to make a big impact for us, obviously.”
  • On QB Eli Manning: “Eli, I still think his best football is in front of him. I still think he’s going to take another jump. He really bought into the system and likes the controls that he has there. The fundamental part of things was probably the toughest thing for him to get used to, but he’s bought into the footwork and the training. Having another year under his belt with the reads is going to clean things up for him. He knows what he likes now, and it’s natural for him. He’s not thinking as much as he was the first year, and even toward the early part of the last year. It comes a little more naturally for him. Eli puts a lot of time and effort into making sure he’s prepared and ready to go. He did some things last year that changed up his upper body routine, the way he trained his upper body, the way he warmed up his upper body, and the way he cooled it down. It made an impact, it was noticeable. I think that he finished last year stronger than he did at any point in time in ’14. That was encouraging. I’m sure he’s out there right now working to get better.”
  • On what he wants Manning to work on: “Before he left, he and I had a conversation about some different things that we liked, that we didn’t like, and what we can make better. Eli’s a pro. He’s no spring chicken, so he knows what he needs to do to get ready. The only thing I ask him not to do is don’t mess with that throwing motion, because his throwing motion is pretty flawless. But anything else, anything he can do to get better and get stronger and stay healthy, we’re all for it and we’ll support it.”
  • On Manning’s durability: “Let’s knock on wood on that one. He is a durable guy. He’s a tough guy. He doesn’t get a lot of credit for that, and that factors in that as well. He plays through a lot. We need to do a good job of keeping him upright. To be able to push the ball down the field a little more, it takes a little longer to do that, so we would like to do that, so we need to keep him upright. We are throwing the ball down the field because we have some guys who can make plays down the field for us. Again, he’s in the office every day in the season. He’s in there every day. He’s like a coach on Tuesday’s in the past, and I assume he’ll be that way on Monday this year. The way he prepares, the way he takes care of his body. He’s a tough, gritty guy that he probably doesn’t get enough credit for.”
  • On whether WR Odell Beckham, Jr. should have been ejected from last year’s game against the Carolina Panthers: “That’s an interesting question. There are some things that I would have liked to have done different in that game. I look in the mirror first, and I feel that I could have helped that situation better…Odell and I have talked. A few weeks ago we sat down, we were talking about things; not football, just about life in general. I’m excited for Odell going into his third year. He really has an opportunity to put himself in that upper tier of player. He’s had some great production. And I also look forward to him growing into a leader. I feel that he can do that for our organization and for our team.”
  • On whether he has concerns about Tom Coughlin’s occasional visits to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center: “No, I don’t have those concerns. As long as Tom’s around, we want to welcome him and use him as a resource. We welcome him…Tom’s a phenomenal resource and was a mentor of mine. Anytime I can use him, I’m going to use him.”
  • On who will be the team’s play caller: “Am I going to call plays? There’s a possibility…I love calling plays…I think as an offensive play caller, you’re part of game management right from jump street; it’s a natural part of things. When defensive coaches get an opportunity to be coaches, it’s a little different. I think they may have to spend a little more time preparing themselves for the game management part of things. Being in the same room as the quarterback for years, I think that part of it comes natural. As far as who’s going to call plays for us this year, that hasn’t been determined. You’ll know the first Sunday of the season…I’m not willing to disclose. It’s a competitive advantage or disadvantage.”
  • On the team’s late-game time-management issues: “We’re going to have a game management team, so to speak. We’re going to meet, as we iron it out, it’s either going to be on Saturday mornings or Friday afternoons, depending on the schedule, and make sure we’re on the same page going into the game, and we’re seeing the same things as the game develops…It’s like anything else. It starts with communication first. We need to have open lines of communication. We need to be on the same page, especially at the end of games. You want to end each half with the ball. So the more we can be on the same page, have open lines of communication and have guys being willing to speak up at the end of games to make sure that gets done, it’s important.”
  • On DE Jason Pierre-Paul: “He came in and signed, sat down across the desk from me, and I really liked the look in his eye. It seems like he’s motivated, he has a chip on his shoulder, he’s going to have his legs underneath him. He’s going to have an offseason and a training camp under his belt. What he went through last year, for him to jump in and be as disruptive as he was says a lot about him. As far as the hand goes, we know he’s going to be a disruptive player. He’s going to get used to playing his hand in the condition that it is. Like I said before, I liked the look in his eye. He’s going to have a chip on his shoulder. He’s going to have an opportunity to train with his hand being in that condition, which will give him an opportunity to experiment and see how he can play with it and what’s best to put on it.”
  • On WR Victor Cruz: “What we need to do with Victor is we need to be smart. I think his knee feels pretty good and he’s just rehabbing the calf and when he’s ready to go we’ll put him out there. But it’s a little early to tell right now.”
  • On the Giants’ running backs: “Looks a lot, at this point, like we left it last year. Rashad (Jennings) took the bull by the horns, and that was great to see at the end of the year. Shane (Vereen) was a good addition; (he was) second on the team in receiving, played about 38 percent of the snaps. So that part was encouraging. A lot of guys are giving up on Andre (Williams). Don’t give up on Andre. He’s going into his third year and he’ll continue to grow. No one is going to outwork him. And then Orleans (Darkwa) is a guy who is a natural runner. He’s a good special teams player for us, he’s a core guy. He’s going to be in the mix as well.”
  • On the right side of the offensive line: “John Jerry is a battler now. He’s going to go out there, he’s going to give you what he has, and he’s going to fight you. We like John Jerry. Marshall Newhouse was a guy that we brought in for depth reasons. He stepped up when he had his opportunity and he played well for us. We’re glad to have Marshall back. He’s a smart guy who’s played a lot of football and he has some flexibility there. He’s just not a right tackle, he can play on the left side and he can play inside as well. At one point in time in Green Bay he had the ball in his hand a little bit just learning to snap, so he does have some flexibility for a veteran, which is nice to have.”
  • On Justin Pugh playing left guard: “I like having Justin at left guard. I think having that interior side of the pocket on the left side nice and solid for a right-handed quarterback is pretty important. We’re going to look at things and if we need to make adjustments we’ll make adjustments, but you’d hate to keep moving Justin. Give him a chance to grow at one spot.”
  • On offensive lineman Bobby Hart: “He’s a young guy who is developing and he has some flexibility, which is nice. He’s a player who likes to play football, he gets ball, so that gives him an opportunity to be flexible. He’s done a lot of work on himself physically to get in good condition. He’s a guy who has some opportunity for growth.”
  • On who might step up at safety: “(Nat) Berhe is definitely one of them. (Bennett) Jackson is one of them. There are a lot of guys who can factor in there. (Mykkele) Thompson. We’re going to get them healthy and get them out there and let them compete for it. We need to get them in and take a look at them, but to a certain degree they’ll each be able to contribute (in the spring workouts).
  • On young players who may surprise: “Guys going from their first year to their second year can make a jump, but also guys going from their second year to their third year like Andre Williams is a guy who can make a jump for us. Geremy Davis is a guy on the offensive side of the ball that I know it’s important to him. He works his tail off and I’m sure he’s out there right now working his tail off to get better and can help us and make a jump on special teams as well. On the defensive side Jay Bromley is a guy who can make a jump for us.”
  • On unrestricted free agent PK Josh Brown: “We’re looking at all our options. Being an offensive coach the last couple years, Josh has been great, he’s been money, he’s been accurate. We definitely value that part of his game…You look at everything that’s available and you make your decisions from there. It’s not a one guy thing, it’s, ‘Here’s what’s out there, here’s what’s available,’ and you take a look at everything and you weigh your options.”
  • On the new rule that spots the ball at the 25-yard line after a touchback on a kickoff: “Touchbacks at the 25, I think it’s probably good for safety reasons, because the kickoff is a play that, even taking the wedge out of things, there are some big collisions right there. But I think it would encourage returners to stay in the end zone maybe a little bit more.  I like the kickoff as a part of the game, but with that being said, we do have to take the injury part of things into consideration. Maybe I like it a little more, because we have Dwayne Harris and he’s an exciting player back there for us. Shane Vereen does a nice job as well. We’ve been pretty good in the return game…I think it would make the end of games interesting. If it’s a two-score game and you score, on the kickoff do you use a mortar kick, what type of kick do you use to give you a chance to get the ball back? I think it would make an impact.”
  • On the NFC East: “I think the division is getting better, and I think it’s getting more competitive. You see the turnaround that Washington made last year, they’re going to be a formidable opponent. Obviously Dallas, when they get their quarterback (Tony Romo) back, is a pretty darn good football team and has a good roster. Philadelphia, that’s a team right there that we’ve struggled with and we need to play better against.”
  • On whether he’s started working on the logistics for the Giants’ trip to London: “Absolutely. The week I got the job. We’re still finalizing some things. Look forward to the trip, should be a great experience for the organization, for the players. It will be great for our game.”

GIANTS.COM INTERVIEW WITH VICTOR CRUZ…
A video of a Giants.com “Insider” interview with wide receiver Victor Cruz is available at Giants.com.

ARTICLES…

Mar 142016
 
Rueben Randle, New York Giants (September 24, 2015)

Rueben Randle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MARCH 14, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT NEWS AND RUMORS…
The official NFL free agency signing period began on March 9th. Here is the latest news and rumors regarding the New York Giants:

  • The NFL Network reports that unrestricted free agent wide receiver Rueben Randle (New York Giants) will be visiting the Los Angeles Rams, the first of several scheduled visits.
  • CBS Sports reports that unrestricted free agent left tackle Russell Okung (Seattle Seahawks) has contract offers on the table from the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions. The Seahawks and 49ers are also said to be interested in his services. Okung, who is representing himself in contract negotiations, met with the Giants last Friday. The 28-year old Okung was originally drafted in the 1st round (6th overall pick) of the 2010 NFL Draft. Okung needed left shoulder surgery to repair a dislocation suffered in the 2015 playoffs and reportedly is still recovering from that procedure.
  • The NFL Network had reported that the New York Giants were one of three teams “in the mix” for the services of unrestricted free agent safety Chris Conte (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). But Conte re-signed with the Buccaneers on Sunday.
  • ESPN reports that the New York Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield (Atlanta Falcons), but Schofield told the Giants “no thanks.” The Giants pursued Schofield in free agency two years ago, but Schofield failed the team’s physical at that time.

NEW YORK POST Q&A WITH OLIVIER VERNON…
Olivier Vernon on $85M, 6-game chicken wing ban and sacking Brady by Steve Serby of The New York Post

ARTICLES…

Feb 222016
 


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HARRY HULMES PASSES AWAY…
Harry Hulmes III, who served in various roles with the New York Giants for 25 years, has passed away at the age of 88.

Hulmes joined the Giants in 1984 as an assistant to then-General Manager George Young. Hulmes later became the special assistant to the general manager until 1998. From 1998 to 2008, Hulmes served as a scout for the team.

“Harry was an instrumental part of our success under George Young,” said team President and CEO John Mara. “While he may have operated behind the scenes, he was an invaluable member of our front office and was George’s right hand man for many years. He was beloved by everyone at the Giants and around the NFL. It is s very sad day for all of us.”

“Harry was one of the true gentlemen in the NFL,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “I loved hearing him read his very detailed game day scouting reports on players. Some of them would start like this, ‘It was a brisk, sunny fall afternoon and the wind was blowing out of the northeast at 10 miles-per-hour. Nonetheless, the stadium was packed, and both teams seemed ready to go.'”

“GIANTS INSIDER” Q&As…
Video clips of Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

Jan 042016
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (January 3, 2016)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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TOM COUGHLIN STEPS DOWN AS HEAD COACH OF THE GIANTS…
In a move that was somewhat expected, Tom Coughlin is stepping down as head coach of the New York Giants. Coughlin served as head coach of the team for 12 seasons, guiding the franchise to five playoff berths, three division titles, two NFC Championships, and two NFL Championships. He coached the Giants to a 102-90 regular season record and 8-3 post-season record. Coughlin had more wins in franchise history of any coach except for Steve Owen. However, the team has had three losing seasons in a row and has missed the playoffs six times out of the last seven years.

The Giants will hold a press conference on Tuesday morning at 10:30AM with Coughlin, team president/CEO John Mara, team chairman/executive vice president Steve Tisch, and team general manager Jerry Reese.

“I met with John Mara and Steve Tisch this afternoon, and I informed them that it is in the best interest of the organization that I step down as head coach. I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization,” said Coughlin in a prepared press release.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of the New York Football Giants. This is a not a sad occasion for me. I have spent 15 years with this organization as an assistant and head coach and was fortunate to be part of three Super Bowl winning teams. A Lombardi Trophy every five years is an achievement in which we all take great pride.

“Obviously, the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons.

“I think it has been evident these last 12 years here how much pride I take in representing this franchise. I am gratified and proud that we were able to deliver two more Lombardi trophies to the display case in our lobby during that time. That is a tribute to our players and staff, and it was truly fulfilling to be the leader of those teams.

“I appreciate the support of John and his family and Steve and his family, and of Jerry Reese and his staff. I think our organization is a great representation of what I mean when I talk about ‘team’.

“Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife Judy and our four children and their spouses and our 11 (soon to be 12) grandchildren. None of this would have been possible without their unconditional love and support.”

Mara, Tisch, and Reese also commented by press release.

“It is difficult to come up with words adequate to describe the appreciation we have for everything Tom Coughlin has done for our franchise,” Mara said. “In addition to delivering two Super Bowl titles, Tom represented us with class and dignity, and restored the pride to our entire organization. He has all the qualities you could ever ask for in a head coach, and set very high standards for whoever will succeed him.”

“On behalf of my family, I want to thank Coach Coughlin for how he has represented our franchise for the past 12 years,” said Tisch. “He embodies the beliefs of this organization and everything the New York Giants stand for. I respect his decision, and while I appreciate Tom’s perspective and attitude, at the same time, I am a bit saddened today because we are losing a man who is just as good a person as he is a coach. He is a Hall of Famer in every regard.”

“My years with Coach Coughlin have been an amazing opportunity to work with one on the best coaches the NFL has seen and one of the best people that I’ve met in my lifetime,” Reese said. “The GM/Coach relationship is of the utmost importance in this business, and I’m grateful for the relationship we had.”

FOXSports is reporting that Coughin is not retiring and remains interested in coaching if the right opportunity presents itself.

According to press reports, team ownership met in the morning before meeting with Coughlin at 1:00PM. Coughlin met with staff and players in the morning but did not share any insights about his status. He then met with the coaching staff after his early afternoon meeting with ownership.

REPORT – JERRY REESE SAFE…
According to NFL.com, New York Giants General Manger Jerry Reese’s job is safe. He will not be fired.

GIANTS INTERESTED IN CHIP KELLY?…
According to Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, the New York Giants are said to be one of several teams interested in interviewing Chip Kelly for their head coaching vacancy. Kelly, who served as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-2015, was recently fired by the team. The other teams reported to be interested in Kelly include the 49ers, Browns, and Titans.

EAGLES INTERESTED IN BEN MCADOO?…
According to FOXSports, New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo is one of several potential head coaching candidates for the Philadelphia Eagles. Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase and Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin are also said to be drawing interest from the Eagles.

SEAN PAYTON INTERESTED IN GIANTS?…
According to CBS Sports, New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is interested in becoming the Giants next head coach. Payton served as the offensive coordinator with the Giants under Jim Fassel from 2000-2002. However, the Saints are reportedly seeking a second-round draft pick for Payton.

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

ARTICLES…

Jan 012016
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants, (October 27, 2013)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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REPORT – TOM COUGHLIN TO RESIGN…
Mike Garafolo of FOXSports is speculating that Tom Coughlin may resign as head coach of the New York Giants on Monday. “A lot of people are talking right now as if it is an inevitability that on Monday he is going to resign,” said Garafolo. “I am hearing that from a lot of people.”

Garafolo later followed up with BigBlueInteractive.com, “That’s me reading the tea leaves, not a straight report from a definitive source. We’ll see.”

NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
RT Marshall Newhouse (concussion), S Craig Dahl (concussion), and S Cooper Taylor (concussion) have been officially ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

WR Dwayne Harris (back/shoulder) and DE Jason Pierre-Paul (ankle) are “questionable” for the game.

GIANTS.COM Q&A WITH TOM COUGHLIN…
The transcript of a Giants.com Q&A session with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at Giants.com.

ARTICLES…

Dec 242015
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (December 20, 2015)

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GIANTS SIGN BEN EDWARDS TO 53-MAN ROSTER…
The New York Giants have signed wide receiver Ben Edwards to the 53-man roster from the team’s Practice Squad. Edwards fills the roster spot created by wide receiver Odell Beckham’s suspension.

Edwards was eligible to play in the NFL in 2014, but sat out the year recovering from an ACL knee injury. The Giants originally signed Edwards after the 2015 NFL Draft, but waived/injured him in July after he pulled his hamstring during the June mini-camp. The Giants signed him to the Practice Squad in November 2015. Edwards lacks ideal size and timed speed, but he is a quick receiver who plays faster than he times. Edwards runs very good routes, adjusts well to the football, and has good hands. He has experience playing in the slot and returning punts.

The Giants also re-signed wide receiver Julian Talley to the Practice Squad. This is Talley’s third stint on the team’s Practice Squad this season. Talley was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2012 NFL Draft. Talley spent most of the 2013 and 2014 seasons on the team’s Practice Squad, although he did play in two games each season. He does not yet have an NFL catch. Talley is a tall, thin receiver with good overall athletic ability. He lacks ideal speed, but is smooth and fluid with good hands. Talley has gotten better each year.

NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
LT Ereck Flowers (illness), DT Markus Kuhn (knee), LB Devon Kennard (foot), LB James Morris (quad), and S Cooper Taylor (concussion) did not practice on Thursday.

WR Dwayne Harris (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis. “It felt pretty good,” said Harris after practice. “I think it’s probably going to be a game time decision how much I play on special teams and offense. Right now we’re just planning about how I feel.”

RB Orleans Darkwa (illness) and DE George Selvie (concussion) fully practiced.

HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN…
The transcript of Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Thursday 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 Thursday are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
There is no media access to the Giants on Christmas. The team will have a 45-minute, up-tempo “walk-thru” practice on Saturday that is not open to the media. The Giants play the Vikings in Minnesota on Sunday.

Dec 152015
 


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NEW YORK GIANTS 31 – MIAMI DOLPHINS 24…
The New York Giants ended their three-game losing streak on Monday night by defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-24 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Garden, Florida. With the win, the Giants improved their overall record to 6-7, keeping pace with the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the NFC East.

In a wild game that featured five lead changes, the stars of the contest for New York were quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham. Manning only missed on four passes, completing 27-of-31 attempts for 337 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Beckham caught 7-of-9 passes thrown in his direction for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Dolphins received the ball to start the game, but quickly turned it over on the third offensive snap. Safety Landon Collins forced tight end Dion Sims to fumble the ball, which was recovered by defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul at the Miami 36-yard line. The Giants gained 19 yards to set up a 35-yard field goal by place kicker Josh Brown.

Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (December 15, 2015)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

On their second possession, the Dolphins responded with an 11-play, 74-yard drive that culminated with a 14-yard touchdown run by running back Lamar Miller. Miami now led 7-3. After both teams exchanged punts, the Giants regained the lead 10-7 with a 9-play, 70-yard effort that ended with 6-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Rueben Randle on 3rd down.

Back came the Dolphins as they quickly went back on top after a 7-play, 67-yard drive. Miller scored his second touchdown of the game, this one an impressive, tackle-breaking 38-yard run. Miami 14 – Giants 10.

After both teams exchanged punts, the Giants turned the ball over at their own 25-yard line when running back Andre Williams botched a hand-off from Manning. The Dolphins were forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal, however, and extended their advantage to 17-10. With just 1:52 to go before halftime, the Giants drove the length of the field in 68 seconds to tie the game. The big play was a 45-yard strike from Manning to Beckham. Two plays later, Manning hit tight end Will Tye for a 5-yard touchdown.

At the half, the game was tied 17-17.

After the Giants went three-and-out to start the second half, the Dolphins scored their last points by driving 61 yards in just six plays to go ahead 24-17. Wide receiver Kenny Stills beat cornerback Prince Amukamara for a 47-yard touchdown on 3rd-and-7.

The Giants tied the game 24-24 on their second possession of the half with a 9-play, 80-yard affair that ended with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Beckham. The play was originally ruled incomplete but overturned as Beckham did a marvelous job of keeping his feet in bounds.

Miami struggled to move the ball the rest of the contest. The Dolphins’ final four possessions of the second half only gained 55 yards and three first downs, as each drive ended with a Miami punt.

The Giants had a chance to go up by a field goal late in the 3rd quarter after a 51-yard drive, but Brown missed his 48-yard field goal attempt and the game remained tied. Nevertheless, on New York’s ensuing possession which began at their own 4-yard line, the Giants scored their game-winning points. On first down, running back Rashad Jennings gained 12 yards. On the very next snap, Manning found a wide open Beckham for an 84-yard score and a 31-24 lead that would hold up as the final score.

Odell Beckham, New York Giants (December 15, 2015)

Odell Beckham – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Miami’s last serious scoring thread came on the following possession. The Dolphins gained two first downs and reached the New York 31-yard line. But a holding penalty and three incomplete passes stalled the drive.

Both teams then went three-and-out. With 4:39 left in the game, the Giants were able to successfully run out the clock by gaining 35 yards and three first downs.

Offensively, the Giants gained 429 total net yards (92 rushing, 337 passing), were 5-of-11 on 3rd down (45 percent), and were 3-of-4 (75 percent) in the red zone. Aside from Beckham’s big night, Randle, wide receiver Dwayne Harris, and Tye had five catches each. Jennings carried the ball 22 times for 81 yards.

Defensively, the Dolphins gained 363 total net yards (128 rushing, 235 passing), were 7-of-16 on 3rd down (44 percent), and 1-of-2 (50 percent) in the red zone. Defensive end Robert Ayers had the Giants’ only sack of the game.

Video highlights/lowlights are available at Giants.com.

INJURY REPORT…
Left tackle Ereck Flowers re-injured his high ankle sprain in the 4th quarter and did not return. Defensive tackle Markus Kuhn suffered a knee injury in the 3rd quarter and did not return. Left guard Justin Pugh and right guard John Jerry suffered burners in the 2nd quarter but returned. Wide receiver Odell Beckham missed the first drive of the second half with cramps, needing an IV, but returned. LB J.T. Thomas tweaked his ankle but returned. Defensive end George Selvie left the game in the 4th quarter, being evaluated for a concussion.

POST-GAME REACTIONS…
Video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Tom Coughlin and the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Video)
  • QB Eli Manning (Video)
  • RB Rashad Jennings (Video)
  • WR Odell Beckham (Video)
  • WR Rueben Randle (Video)
  • TE Will Tye (Video)
  • LG/LT Justin Pugh (Video)
  • CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Video)

POST-GAME NOTES…
Inactive for the Giants were LB Devon Kennard (hamstring/foot), S Brandon Meriweather (knee), WR Geremy Davis, DE Stansly Maponga, OG Adam Gettis, OT Emmett Cleary, and CB Tramain Jacobs.

GIANTS-VIKINGS FLEXED TO SUNDAY NIGHT…
The NFL has flexed the New York Giants-Minnesota Vikings game in Minnesota on December 27 from 1:00PM to 8:30PM EST. The game will now be televised on NBC.

DAMONTRE MOORE CLAIMED BY DOLPHINS…
Defensive end Damontre Moore, who was waived by the New York Giants on Friday, has been claimed off of waivers by the Miami Dolphins.

ARTICLES…

Dec 112015
 
Damontre Moore, New York Giants (August 14, 2015)

Damontre Moore – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS WAIVE DAMONTRE MOORE…
In a surprise move, the New York Giants have waived defensive end Damontre Moore, the team’s 3rd round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

“We made the move today in the interest of both parties,” said General Manager Jerry Reese.

NFL.com is reporting that Moore was waived, in part, because he got into a fight with a teammate before practice. According to ESPN.com, Moore’s release was “due to repeated violations of team rules and behavior and maturity issues that have not improved during his three years in the NFL” and “that the decision to waive him was based on the accumulation of issues, not just one fight.”

ESPN.com also said that Moore repeatedly responded poorly to efforts by teammates, coaches, and team officials to take practice more seriously and “feuded openly with some team officials, including general manager Jerry Reese, when confronted about his behavior.”

Moore played in 11 games in 2015 with no starts, accruing 23 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Despite being healthy, Moore was inactive in Week 7 against Dallas, presumably for his late hit against the Eagles the week before.

NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
DE Robert Ayers (neck) and LB Devon Kennard (hamstring/foot) did not practice on Friday. Ayers was a new addition to the injury report after fully practicing on Thursday.

LT Ereck Flowers (ankle), RT Marshall Newhouse (back) and S Brandon Meriweather (knee) were limited in practice. Flowers returned to practice after not practicing on Thursday.

TOM COUGHLIN AND THE COORDINATORS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches 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…
Instead of practicing, the Giants will hold a “recovery day” on Saturday. The players will select two of six recovery stations, based on seniority. Their choices are massage, yoga, FMS (Functional Movement Screen) exercises designed for the individual, air compression boots, contrast bath (between a hot and cold tub), and self-massage with stick rollers and elastic bands.

The Giants will also have a 45-minute, up-tempo “walk-thru” practice on Sunday that is not open to the media. The Giants play the Miami Dolphins on Monday.

Dec 082015
 
Zak DeOssie, New York Giants (November 3, 2014)

Zak DeOssie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS PLACE LARRY DONNELL AND ZAK DeOSSIE ON INJURED RESERVE…
The New York Giants have place tight end Larry Donnell (neck) and long snapper Zak DeOssie (wrist) on season-ending Injured Reserve. Donnell injured his neck on December 1st in a game against the New Orleans Saints and has missed the last four games. DeOssie had not missed a game in his 8-year career. He appeared on the team’s injury report on Saturday with the wrist injury but played in the game against the New York Jets. According to The New York Daily News, DeOssie has ligament damage in the wrist that will require surgery.

To fill the vacant roster spots, the Giants signed cornerback Tramain Jacobs and long snapper Danny Aiken to the 53-man roster.

The Giants signed Jacobs to the Practice Squad in September, promoted him to the 53-man roster in early November, and re-signed him to the Practice Squad nine days later after he had played in two regular-season games. Jacobs was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2014 NFL Draft. He played in three games as rookie after spending nine weeks on Baltimore’s Practice Squad. Jacobs finished the season on Injured Reserve with a thigh injury. The Ravens waived Jacobs in August 2015.

Aiken was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. Since then, he has spent time with Bills (2011), New England Patriots (2011-14), and Carolina Panthers (2015). He played in 63 regular-season games and 10 postseason games for the Patriots, including Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants.

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The New York Giants have signed offensive tackle Jake Rodgers and cornerback Leon McFadden to the Practice Squad. The vacancies were created when the Giants signed linebacker James Morris and cornerback Tramain Jacobs to the 53-man roster.

Rodgers was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons waived him in early September. Rodgers is a developmental prospect with a nice combination of size and athletic ability.

The Giants signed McFadden off of the Practice Squad of the Arizona Cardinals in October 2015, but waived him on December 5th after he had played in two games. McFadden was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played in all 16 games as a rookie with two starts. The Browns waived him in August 2014. Since then, he has spent time with the Jets, 49ers, Cardinals, and Giants. McFadden played in seven games for the 49ers in 2014. The 49ers waived him in September 2015.

RUEBEN RANDLE ON WFAN
The audio of Tuesday’s WFAN Radio interview with wide receiver Rueben Randle is available on CBS New York’s website.

NOTES…
Wide receiver Odell Beckham’s 2,459 yards is the highest total ever for a player in his first 24 games.

Beckham is the first receiver in Giants history with five consecutive 100-yard games.

Wide receiver/returner Dwayne Harris became the first player in Giants history with touchdowns on a punt return, kickoff return, and a reception in the same season.

Quarterback Eli Manning’s 72-yard touchdown pass to Beckham was his 14th career completion of at least 70 yards. The Giants have scored on all of them.

The Giants have rushed for at least 100 yards just twice in their first 12 games for the first time in their history.

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players return to practice on Thursday to start preparing for Monday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.