Charles Way Leaves Giants for NFL Head Office

 Posted by
Jul 022014
 
New York Giants Helmets (August 10, 2013)

© USA TODAY Sports Images

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Charles Way Leaves Giants for NFL Head Office: Charles Way, the New York Giants Director of Player Development since 2000, is leaving the team to join the NFL office as the head of the league’s Player Engagement Department. Way was a fullback for the Giants from 1995-1999 until a knee injury forced his retirement. In five seasons, the Way rushed for 1,356 yards, caught 118 passes, and scored 14 touchdowns.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to continue to advance the initiatives of the Player Engagement Department,” said Way. “I am thankful to (former Giants General Manager) Ernie Accorsi for envisioning the importance and significance of the role I have had with the Giants and grateful for the support of John Mara, Steve Tisch, Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin in implementing and developing the programs we have instituted. We will continue to build on the foundation of NFL Player Engagement that has been established over the past 25 years.”

With the Giants, Way developed and managed off-field player programs, rookie orientations, and player counseling. He also advised the players regarding career planning, educational opportunities, and team and professional requirements. Way coordinated player activities in support of the public relations and community relations programs. He was instrumental in devising new programs for the Giants,  including leadership training, professional development, and team building. Way even helped coach the team’s running backs and fullbacks.

“We appreciate the contributions Charles has made here with the Giants, and we know he will bring the same commitment and energy and passion to player engagement at the league level,” General Manager Jerry Reese said. “Our players over the years have benefitted from the programs and initiatives Charles has implemented, and Charles’ concern for their well-being and his efforts to prepare them for their lives after football is one of the reasons players feel good about this organization.”

“We wish Charles well,” Head Coach Tom Coughlin said. “He wanted to be included in everything, and I think the opportunity to include him as almost one of the football staff was beneficial. He knew what we were thinking about individual players, and he got to know the players from the time they came out of college into the professional game and as they developed professionally. Because he was able to build relationships with the players, they had great respect for him and what he was trying to achieve, and they knew that everything he did was in their best interest.”

Giants.com Q&A with WR Odell Beckham: The video of a Q&A session with WR Odell Beckham, Jr. is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Q&A with RB Andre Williams: The transcript of a Q&A session with RB Andre Williams is available at InsideFootball.com.

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Articles on the New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Big Blue Breakdown: What to Expect from Stevie Brown

 Posted by
Jun 302014
 
Stevie Brown (27), Antrel Rolle (26), New York Giants (August 4, 2013)

Can Stevie Brown (left) fill the void left by Will Hill? – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The Big Blue Breakdown enters into week No. 3 as today our panel takes a look at safety Stevie Brown.

HEALTHY AND MOTIVATED, STEVIE BROWN READY TO MAKE IMPACT ON GIANTS

Remember, if you’d like to submit a question to be put into consideration for the next BBB, simply email it to Connor Hughes ([email protected]).

QUESTION (From James in Morristown): With addition, after addition after addition made to the Giants’ secondary, the return of Stevie Brown has flown a bit under the radar. Do you believe the Giants’ safety can return to the form he displayed in 2012 when he hauled in a league-high eight interceptions? How important is it that he appears healthy and ready to go?

CONNOR HUGHES/ Big Blue Interactive

Stevie Brown, New York Giants (August 24, 2013)

Stevie Brown injured his knee in the third preseason game of 2013 – © USA TODAY Sports Images

It’s really tough to gauge exactly what should be expected from a player returning from a serious knee injury, especially the season directly after. While most players return the next year after they are injured, it usually takes two full seasosn to see the ‘old’ version of the player back on the field. With that being said, the fact Brown was injured in the preseason certainly favors him returning to form.

But that ‘form’ is what is in question. Before joining the Giants, Brown played a combined 23 games for the Oakland Raiders and Indianapolis Colts… he never recorded a single interception. Brown then burst onto the scene for the Giants with eight, tying for a league-lead.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m pulling for Brown, think he’s a player with a great attitude who does everything the right way…but I’m not sold just yet. In 2012, Brown filled in quite often for an injured Kenny Phillips. When Phillips was with the Giants, defensive coordinator Perry Fewell adjusted his scheme to let Phillips roam 15-20 yards beyond the defense tracking down deep balls. When Phillips was injured, Brown took his place.

Brown’s eight interceptions were impressive, but more of a result of offensive coordinators testing him. Quarterbacks  forced some his way, Brown made them pay.

Theoretically, the Giants’ ‘best case scenario’ would have been a safety tandem of Antrel Rolle and Will Hill with Brown roaming deep. With Hill gone, can Brown become a complete safety? Can he play in the box?

The fact Brown is healthy is big, very big, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves as it’s not Charles or Rod Woodson stepping back on the field. I hope Brown proves he’s a top-tier safety in the NFL, I just don’t know exactly who Brown is yet..healthy or not.

JORDAN RAANAN/NJ.com

Having Brown back is huge for the Giants now that Will Hill has been exiled to unemployment. Brown gives them a starting-caliber safety to play alongside Antrel Rolle, if he returns to previous form.

Stevie Brown, New York Giants (May 29, 2014)

Stevie Brown – Photo by Connor Hughes

But that’s a big if. It often takes until the second season off injury for most players (Adrian Peterson not included) to really get back. Brown is only nine months removed from surgery and was still slightly limited at OTAs and minicamp.

Even when Brown is at full strength, Hill is the better, more complete, player. Hill did it all last season, and was the perfect complement to Rolle with his impressive range. To expect Brown, off a serious knee injury, to provide similar sideline-to-sideline coverage is unrealistic. To expect him to have that good a year is wishful thinking.

And then there is the question of whether Brown really was that good in the first place. He had a nice 2012 season with the Giants, no doubt. But that was his fourth team in three years in the NFL. In four professional seasons, Brown has 12 career starts. He’s far from a given even if he’s healthy.

Considering the Giants situation, they’re hoping Brown is back. They’re praying he was for real. I have my doubts.

ART STAPLETON/The Record

The best development out of the spring for the Giants is without question the health of Stevie Brown. The fact he’s where he is must be considered a huge positive step, but cautiously it remains just the first one. Toss in Will Hill’s release and Brown’s pairing with Antrel Rolle could emerge as a potential strength on a transitioning team in search of them rather than what would be a weakness without him.

Go back to Brown’s interception against the Jets last August and prior to that, when he fell to the turf with that ACL injury: he was locked in as a starter and Will Hill was an afterthought because of his pending suspension, relegated to working with the third and fourth string in training camp. Brown broke out in 2012 and in some ways I believe some still view his performance was a fluke. We’re not talking about Brown returning to an All-Pro level, because despite those interceptions, there were clearly some flaws in his game (coverage especially).


But in reality, Brown and Rolle can be as effective as Rolle and Hill, and the Giants need that kind of play from their safeties to solidify a secondary whose greatest strength – at least on paper – will be in its ability to cover. Brown and Rolle can roam if Amukamara, DRC and Thurmond do their jobs at CB.

With all the uncertainty involved with the rehab of injuries for Will Beatty, Chris Snee and Mario Manningham, not to mention Jon Beason’s foot, the presence of Brown is just as important and maybe more so than any of them. Brown’s absence would leave a gaping hole that the Giants would have an even harder time filing a year later.

CONOR ORR/The Star-Ledger

I think it’s completely reasonable to expect Stevie Brown to be on a pitch count this summer. He started jogging toward the end of last season and could cut and sprint by the Super Bowl, but the first year following an ACL tear is always the toughest. Just ask Terrell Thomas. Brown was lucky that his happened when it did, which allowed him a full season under team supervision to rehab, but it’s still less than a year removed from the injury.

Brown is extremely important to what the Giants are trying to do on defense this season. The three safety look will be in heavy rotation to make up for the loss of Will Hill. That’s why they will be careful with Brown and will space out his workload during training camp and in the preseason. Behind him are a pair of safeties, Nat Berhe and Cooper Taylor, who aren’t likely ready for that much responsibility.

PATRICIA TRAINA/Inside Football, Bleacher Report, Sports Exchange

Stevie Brown appears to have made amazing progress in his return from ACL surgery. I’ll admit that I was surprised to see him do as much as he did this spring given the nature of his injury. I thought he might be limited until training camp.

With that said, it’s important that he not try to overdo things as that’s how you can reinjure yourself. I think the training staff is going to closely monitor Brown’s progress and put him on a “pitch count” for the summer so that he doesn’t overdo it.

Can Brown return to his 2012 form? The optimist in me says, “Yes,” but the realist in me says that’s a tough question to answer right now considering the spring practices were run at half speed.

Personally, I’m of the opinion that you’re never quite the same once you’ve had surgery, so I don’t quite know how to answer that question right now. I would need to see how he does when the practice tempo cranks up and we see how he responds to that.

Regarding the importance of him being ready to go, I think that can be said of all players. If Brown passes the litmus test, that would be huge because it would allow Perry Fewell to run the three-safety set that he so enjoys using.

If Brown suffers a setback, then they’re left with just Antrel Rolle and Quintin Demps as their veterans with any significant experience, which means the three-safety set probably gets put on the back burner (unless Cooper Taylor has a strong showing).

So yes, it’s definitely important for Brown to be on the field, and for that to happen, I suspect they’ll be managing his reps very carefully because they are counting on him this year.

ED VALENTINE/Big Blue View

For the Giants’ secondary to be as good as advertised, the answer to this question has to be yes. The Giants absolutely need Brown to play full-time and to play well, in 2014. That doesn’t mean we have any clue how healthy Brown will be, or how well he will play.

Stevie Brown, New York Giants (December 9, 2012)

Stevie Brown – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Fact is, we really don’t know how good Brown is. He had a nice run in 2012, with those eight interceptions in just 11 starts. He was, however, also part of a defense that surrendered 13 plays of 40 yards or more through the air, second-worst in the league. How much of that was on Brown? We don’t know, but the primary job of the safety is to prevent the big play. The Giants did not do that well in 2012.

There is also the fact that Brown was released by the Oakland Raiders and Indianapolis Colts after single seasons during which he never really received an opportunity.

The question really shouldn’t be will Brown return to his 2012 form? Aside from his health, the question really is what kind of player Brown actually is.The Giants will find out. For their sake, Brown’s 2012 performance better not have been a mirage.

Q&As: David Wilson, Stevie Brown, and Curtis Painter

 Posted by
Jun 272014
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with RB David Wilson: The video of a Giants.com Q&A session with RB David Wilson is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Player Q&As:

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: 9 reasons Giants fans should be optimistic by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning makes an appearance at Ramsey Dunkin’ Donuts by Rebecca Greene of the Ramsey Suburban News

Article on RB David Wilson: David Wilson waits and imagines by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Still-hungry Victor Cruz a rare Giants rock by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Defensive Tackles: Big Blue Morning: Defensive tackle rotation by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Cornerbacks: Is Big Blue ‘deeper than ever’ at corner? Who won’t make the cut? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on S Quintin Demps: Quintin Demps: Why the Giants like him as their third safety by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Jon Beason Has Broken Bone, Torn Ligament in Foot

 Posted by
Jun 132014
 
Stevie Brown and Jon Beason, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Jon Beason After He Injured His Foot – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Jon Beason Has Broken Bone, Torn Ligament in Foot: The New York Giants announced on Friday that middle linebacker Jon Beason suffered a ligament tear and a small fracture to the sesamoid bone in his right foot during Thursday’s Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice.

While Beason remains hopeful he will return early in the 2014 regular season, the Giants did not announce any projected timetable for his return. And since Beason will undergo further evaluation by specialists on Monday, the treatment options, including possible surgery, have not yet been decided upon. Unidentified team sources have told the media that surgery is likely and that Beason may be out three months.

“The prognosis is X amount of time and (the regular-season opener on September 8th) is within that timeframe,” said Beason in the team’s press release. “I expect to be back (for that game). If not, I’ll be back as soon as I can. That’s really how you have to look at it. If it’s not 16 (games played), maybe it’s 15 or 14. Whatever it is, you want it to be that number as opposed to one.”

Beason was hurt defending a pass play during practice.

“It’s just one of those things – you have freak injuries,” Beason said. “I was just changing directions. I would say that the movement was a little unorthodox, I was flexing with the big toe in the ground and then I pivoted on it all the way around. It’s a movement that I often do that allows me to come in and out of my breaks faster. I literally felt like I stepped in like a sprinkler head hole. I just felt it give right away, so the next step I knew I couldn’t put the foot down.

“I had a bad feeling. I really felt that I that I had torn the extensor, which is the tendon with the muscle, it’s how your big toe functions. That would have been season-ending. So at least now there’s a procedure, possibly. We haven’t decided if it’s something that’s invasive or something that you just kind of let heal on its own. The timeframe is about the same, but it’s not season-ending, so I’m happy about that.

“I know that mentally you can’t get down on yourself. You have to understand the situation and what you can control. The toughest part is knowing that there are a lot of people obviously in the locker room, the coaching staff, the organization and even the city that are counting on me to do my part and do it well. And it’s unfortunate because I worked so hard training. I feel great, I’m in good shape, I’m moving around a lot faster than I have in recent years. To have this setback kind of gets you back down to ground zero and then you have to work yourself back into football shape again. That’s disheartening, but it’s something that I think I can accomplish even under bad circumstances.”

The specialist who Beason will see on Monday is someone who Beason has a relationship with. He operated on Beason’s ruptured left Achilles tendon in 2011. Beason also had microfracture surgery after the 2012 NFL season.

“He knows my body,” Beason said. “I think the world of him. I was impartial to doing it here with (the Giants doctor), but I think they wanted to make me feel comfortable to go down there and get a second opinion. He wants to do some more tests to determine what he thinks is best and then those two will sit down and figure out the best plan for me.

“I’m prepared for (their decision). I know what I have to do and I’m going to do it well. I’m certain that we’ll get the result we need. I’m in good hands, the proper methodology, and it should work and then you go from there. It’s easy when you’re driven, you have a goal in mind and that’s to play on the opener and obviously be the best player I can be to help this organization win, help my teammates win and to have a successful season. That’s it.”

New York Giants Waive WR Kris Adams: According to the NFL transactions wire, the New York Giants have waived WR Kris Adams. The Giants had signed Adams in January 2013 after he had spent some time with the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Indianapolis Colts. However, Adams broke his left ankle during the 2013 preseason and missed the entire season on Injured Reserve. Because of this move, we have updated the Transactions, Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Articles on the New York Giants OTAs:

Article on QB Ryan Nassib: Backup QB Nassib continues to struggle with Giants by Bart Hubbuch of The New York Post

Articles on S Stevie Brown:

Healthy and Motivated, Stevie Brown Ready to Make Impact on Giants’ ‘D’

 Posted by
May 312014
 
Stevie Brown (27), Antrel Rolle (26), New York Giants (August 4, 2013)

Stevie Brown and Antrel Rolle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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There’s one name that often gets omitted when the new faces that will be donning blue in 2014 are talked about.

There’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the high profile, prized free agent acquisition of General Manager Jerry Reese. Lining up next to him is Walter Thurmond III, a player whose talk seems to emulate that of a corner whom he shared Seattle’s secondary with. There’s Geoff Schwartz, J.D. Walton and draftee Odell Beckham Jr., too.

But one player has gone near unnoticed, sliding quietly back to the position he held two years ago.

“I know what I can do,” Stevie Brown said. “It’s just continuing to prove it.”

In 2012, Brown proved that not only did he have the potential to be a starting safety in the NFL, but a pretty good one at that. After signing with the Giants following two sub-par years in Oakland and Indianapolis, Brown broke out. Playing in all 16 games for the first time in his career, the former seventh-round pick recorded 76 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recovers and tied for the league lead in interceptions with eight.

Brown was a key component in New York feeling comfortable letting former first-round pick Kenny Phillips walk in free agency, all but penciling the 26-year-old in opposite Antrel Rolle atop the depth chart.

Entering last season, Rolle and Brown began to talk, boasting claims the two had the potential to be the best safety tandem in the NFL, but versus the Jets in the third preseason game of the season, all that chatter was put on hold. Brown intercepted a Geno Smith that sailed high and behind intended target Kellen Winslow.

As he had done so many times the season before, Brown began to work his way up the field. The safety picked up 15 yards, attempted to cut at the 28 yard line, but immediately dropped to the ground without being touched.

“Just a routine play really. I was returning an interception and kind of hit the turf wrong,” Brown said. “It was one of those things where I thought I would just be able to walk off and then I noticed it was kind of burning a little big longer than normal.

“The doctor came out there and looked at me and told me, ‘Your ACL is probably torn.’ I just kind of looked at him and said, ‘Don’t tell me that.’”

An MRI the next day confirmed the doctor’s early prognosis. Brown had ruptured his ACL; his season was over.

Stevie Brown, New York Giants (August 24, 2013)

Stevie Brown – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“It was one of those things where I may have been down for about two days, but you can’t get better being down on yourself. ” Brown said. “I flipped it into getting back into rehab mode and getting back for this year.”

Despite knowing his contract expired following the conclusion of 2013, Brown continued to rehab and be a prominent figure around the Giants’ organization. He was with the team week in, and week out, feeling even more pain than the burning sensation in his knee knowing his team needed him, but he couldn’t help.

When the season concluded, and the Giants missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, Brown was free to sign with any team he wanted. His agent fielded a few calls, tested the waters, but when a decision needed to be made, Brown had no hesitation in returning to the Giants.

“At the end of the day, this is where I wanted to be,” Brown said.

With Will Hill continuing to struggle with the words, “No thanks,” the decision is one that has the Giants’ front office doing cartwheels. The troubled safety, who filled in admirably when Brown went down, is facing a six-game suspension and his career with the Giants is in question. In three seasons, Hill has faced suspensions in each. This season marks his second consecutive following a positive test for marijuana.

While still early, Brown doesn’t appear to be limited and has stated he’s been a full participant in all aspects of practice. The Michigan alum is medically cleared and is moving well both in and out of breaks.

When the Giants took the field for the first on-field practices of their organized team activities, Brown was back next to Rolle taking the majority of the first-team reps. During the second practice, which was open to reporters, Brown lined up next to Rolle for all but two snaps.

“I didn’t really expect anything, but I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Brown said. “I knew that I was going to work and wherever I fell on the depth chart is where I fell. Just keep going from there.

“Right now they have me next to ‘Trel so I’m staying next to ‘Trel.”

Giants Cut Josh Freeman; Claim Rogers Gaines

 Posted by
May 302014
 
Justin Tuck, New York Giants (October 21, 2013)

Justin Tuck sacking Josh Freeman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Cut Josh Freeman; Claim Rogers Gaines: The New York Giants have released quarterback Josh Freeman, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent last month from the Minnesota Vikings. The team also claimed offensive lineman Rogers Gaines off of waivers from the Chicago Bears.

BBI scouting report on Rogers Gaines:

The Giants claimed Rogers Gaines off of waivers from the Chicago Bears in May 2014. Gaines was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2013 NFL Draft. He played at Tennessee State University where he was named first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference. The Ravens waived him in August 2013. The Bears signed him to their Practice Squad in September 2013. Gaines has excellent size (6’6”, 329lbs) with long arms. He is a good athlete for his size. However, he is needs a lot of technique work and development.

Because of this move, we have updated the Transactions, Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Giants.com Q&A With Safety Stevie Brown: The video of a Giants.com Q&A session with safety Stevie Brown is available at Giants.com.

Will Beatty Won’t Be Ready Until the Fall?

 Posted by
May 292014
 
Will Beatty, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Will Beatty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

May 29, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing at Thursday’s Organized Team Activity (OTA) workout were WR Mario Manningham (knee), LT Will Beatty (leg) and OG John Jerry (knee).

When asked about Beatty and Manningham, Head Coach Tom Coughlin responded, “Supposedly they’ll be ready for the fall.”

Coughlin also revealed that Jerry had arthroscopic knee surgery. “He had a knee, he comes out here and the knee swells,” Coughlin said. “We’ll hold him inside. He had a little procedure (debridement of the knee), a scope, so he might not work this spring but he’s here…He may have a day when he’s a little bit sore and we’ll back off the snaps. Today coming after the first one, he didn’t have any issues at all. We just let him do what he can do.”

RB David Wilson (neck) also did not participate in contact drills as he has not yet been cleared for contact. Wilson said he will have another MRI taken on his neck on June 4. “He is in an area where he’s not supposed to have any contact,” said Coughlin. “He’s out there running and feels good. You’d never know that he’s having issues.”

The good news is that QB Eli Manning, who is coming off of arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, practiced. “He’s so far ahead,” said Coughlin. “When we started out I didn’t think I would have him for anything (in the spring). We’re about two or three days into phase two (of the offseason program) and he’s running around. I’m trying to slow him down but he feels good.”

RG Chris Snee, who is coming off of offseason hip and elbow surgery, practiced. “He looks good,” said Coughlin. “He looks very good.”

S Stevie Brown, who tore the ACL in his left knee last preseason, also practiced. “Stevie’s had a good winter,” said Coughlin. “He’s been in here rehabbing the whole time. He’s gone through both the first and second phases very well. He’s running very well so we’re very happy with that. He does have some… we’re watching him, let’s put it that way. He is what we call limited but he has been able to demonstrate that he has prepared himself well.”

New York Giants Complete Second OTA Practice: The New York Giants held their second of 10 Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on Thursday. No live contact is allowed in OTA practices, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) was at Thursday’s OTA practice.  See New York Giants OTA Day 2: Quick Hits and Tidbits.

Giants.com also provided the following two summaries: Giants players that stood out at OTA’s and Five things we learned at OTA practice.

New York Giants OTA practices:

  • May 28-30
  • June 2-3
  • June 5
  • June 9-10
  • June 12-13

The offseason program will culminate on June 17-19 with a mandatory, full-team mini-camp.

May 29, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Thursday are available at Giants.com.

May 29, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Q&A with CB Walter Thurmond; 2014 NFL Draft Articles

 Posted by
May 012014
 
Walter Thurmond, Seattle Seahawks (November 17, 2013)

Walter Thurmond Returns an INT for a TD – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Bleacher Report Q&A with CB Walter Thurmond: Walter Thurmond Talks Will Hill, Victor Cruz, Coach Coughlin and the 2014 Giants by Brad Gagnon of BleacherReport.com

Articles on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft:

Article on the New York Giants Quarterbacks: Giants QB Competition: Setting the odds on who will be Eli Manning’s backup by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Safety Stevie Brown: Giants: Stevie Brown heard from other teams, but always knew he’d be back by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on Former Giants Offensive Lineman David Diehl: David Diehl: I played 11 seasons without a single concussion by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Quotes: Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy on the New York Giants: “I’m not paying attention to the Giants. What have they done? Signed some guys. Big deal.”

New York Giants Offseason Program Media Day: Recap and Memorable Moments

 Posted by
Apr 222014
 
Victor Cruz, New York Giants (April 22, 2014)

Victor Cruz – Photo by Connor Hughes

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Day Two of the New York Giants Offseason Program: Tuesday was day two of the New York Giants nine-week offseason workout program. The Giants are currently in “phase one” of the program (April 21 – May 4) with activities limited to voluntary strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation.

BigBlueInteractive.com will soon publish a number of feature articles based on today’s content, but here are some brief highlights:

  • Guard Chris Snee wasted no time before cracking the first joke of the day. When the 32-year-old was asked about all of the new faces, he responded, “I requested a team photo” in order familiarize himself with the team. Snee said the new offense is “different” from what he’s used to. Snee said he has been given no indication that he will be held back as he recovers from offseason hip and elbow surgery. Snee said has no limitations and is 100 percent.
  • Safety Antrel Rolle said he “loved” what has been done with the secondary this offseason and the goal during this portion of the offseason program is to build chemistry. When asked about cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Rolle said he feels that Rodgers-Cromartie, in his seventh year, has matured, and is a huge addition to the defense. With defensive end Justin Tuck in Oakland, Rolle was asked if he will take on any additional leadership roles: “I’m just go out there and play ball. I just know how to be Antrel…I think there should be 53 leaders on this team.”
  • Will Hill, who reportedly will be suspended by the NFL for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing or abusive substances, was was not made available to the media. Several players offered their support to the troubled safety.
  • Defensive end Robert Ayers said one of the main reasons that he decided to come to New York was the tradition and opportunity. Also, his late father, who passed away last year, said he used to wish Ayers would play for the New York Giants. Ayers also said that he plans on playing a bunch of different positions as it is what the management and coaches want. “They ask everyone to do everything….I look forward to doing whatever they ask me to do.”
  • Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul caught the attention of everyone when he alerted the media that he now weighed in at 270 pounds, down from the 285 pounds he played at last season. If you remember, Head Coach Tom Coughlin has made several comments in the past about Pierre-Paul being overweight. “I feel good at that weight,” said Pierre-Paul. After rehabbing his shoulder over the offseason, Pierre-Paul said he’s 100 percent right now and expects no limitations. Also, when asked if his role will change with Tuck in Oakland, Pierre-Paul said, “Not at all.” Pierre-Paul said he “didn’t get the memo” on Will Hill. Pierre-Paul said if Hill misses time, losing Hill would be a blow, but the defense would be “alright.”
  • Quarterback Eli Manning talked to the media in a walking boot. He said the surgery on his ankle went well and things are progressing very quickly. Manning told the media that with this being his first surgery, he’s being smart with it. Manning said when he started his training and running for the season he could tell something wasn’t right. He went for some additional MRI’s and developed a plan to see what was the best way to approach the injury. After consideration, he and the doctors felt surgery was best bet rather than waiting. “This will ensure I’m back at 100 percent for training camp,” said Manning. Prior to his informal workouts at Duke University, Manning had gotten a cortisone shot. He felt that once that wore off the injury and pain would return.
  • Left tackle Will Beatty said that the doctors have all given him positive reports and he’s “out here moving around.” Beatty said that he is hanging on every word from the doctors and doing whatever they say. He said that because the team has not gone full-contact, he hasn’t tested himself in that regard. Beatty said he plans on being 100 percent by the start of the season but was more non-committal about being ready for the start of training camp. Beatty talked about new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, saying he’s very “Energetic” and has “a lot of positive things to add to the team.” Beatty said that McAdoo came in the first day and told the team, “Our goal is to be a top-four offense, have an elite top-four QB, make it to the Super Bowl.”
  • Right tackle Justin Pugh talked to the media and said the new offense is similar to the one he ran in Syracuse and “I’m very comfortable in it.” He said, “It’s up-tempo and we’re going to be moving the ball.” Coughlin had told Pugh that he wanted him heavier, so he gained 10 pounds, he’s up to 315. “I’m stronger than ever,” said Pugh.
  • Cornerback Walter Thurmond III may have brought some of Richard Sherman’s personality with him to New York. The corner said he views himself as “the best slot corner in the league” and said the Giants secondary can be as good, if not better, than Seattle’s “Legion of Boom.”Thurmond says he looks forward to matching up with the Redskins now that they have Desean Jackson. He also said the difference between New York and Seattle: “Guys are a bit older here.” Thurmond got a solid laugh out of the media when asked the similarities between cornerbacks Prince Amukamara and Richard Sherman saying, “They’re a little different,” before bursting into laughter.
  • Wide receiver Rueben Randle has a very, very soft voice, and it was a little tough to make out everything he was saying. What he did say is that his original plan was to attend Duke University with fellow wide receivers Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz, but “something came up.” From listening to Victor Cruz talk later in the day it seemed to be a family issue. He contacted Eli Manning to inform him once he became aware he could not participate in those workouts. Randle also went on to say that he is “ready” to step up as the starter. As far as the offense, Randle does not see much difference aside from the terminology.
  • Linebacker Jon Beason seems very comfortable with the New York media. He stated that he does feel that this is his defense as it “comes with the territory of being the signal caller and mike linebacker.” Beason said that he did his research before representing himself as his own agent in free agency. He said one of the reasons he wanted to be his own agent was he wanted to be “directly involved” and not “a little kid playing telephone.” There were other teams interested in Jon Beason’s services, but the Giants contacted Beason at 3:52 on Tuesday, only minutes before free agency began.
  • Quarterback Josh Freeman talked to the media for an extended period of time. He said he feels great coming in and last year, “Didn’t turn out how I had hoped.” He said he can’t pinpoint what has caused his career to go downhill since being considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league. “A couple things just didn’t go my way.” One of the things that drew Freeman to New York was the history and tradition, but also to learn things from Eli Manning.
  • Wide receiver Victor Cruz said he enjoys the new offense. It’s a “high-powered offense” and “high octane.” Also, Cruz said the offense in similar with the type of routes and compared it to Green Bay’s offense. Cruz was asked if he could tell at Duke University if Eli was impacted by his ankle injury. He said he could not and “it may have been something he was battling internally.”Cruz said he has taken on a stronger leadership role, including grabbing some of the younger guys, taking them off to the side, and “letting them know how valuable they are to this team and the receiving corp.” Cruz went on to say that the new offense is based less off of body language.
  • Running back David Wilson was excited and as animated as ever. In January, Wilson underwent a surgical procedure to fuse vertebrae to repair a herniated disc in his neck. Wilson said he expects to be cleared for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) but admitted it will come down to the doctors. Wilson said he feels great, and all that is holding him back “is a picture” (MRI) allowing him to resume his football career. Wilson was asked if he sees himself as a No. 1 back and he said he does, but in today’s NFL the feature back doesn’t exist. “Way the game is played today, it’s not gonna be one guy,” said Wilson.
  • Running back Rashaad Jennings said that he thinks the backfield has a lot of talent and potential. He said all are trying to “mesh into the system” and they will “spend a lot of extra time as a unit.”

An “all-access” video of Monday’s activities is available at Giants.com.

New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips from Tuesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on Today’s Offseason Program Media Day: Player interviews: 10 things we learned by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on the New York Giants Offense: Eli Manning, Giants envision their offense being similar to the Packers by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: QB Eli Manning: I’ll be ready for camp by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on RB David Wilson: David Wilson ‘expects to’ be cleared for OTA’s next month by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on CB Walter Thurmond: Walter Thurmond: Giants secondary can be better than Seahawks ‘Legion of Boom’ by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Hakeem Nicks Signs with Indianapolis Colts; Jameel McClain Signing Official

 Posted by
Mar 142014
 
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants (December 8, 2013)

Hakeem Nicks – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Hakeem Nicks Signs with Indianapolis Colts: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) has signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal is reportedly a 1-year, $3.5 million contract plus another $2 million in incentives.

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

Jameel McClain Signing Official: The New York Giants officially confirmed that they have signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Jameel McClain. The deal is reportedly a 2-year, $4.1 million contract and includes a $600,000 signing bonus.

McClain was released by the Baltimore Ravens in late February.

“It was a mixture of surprise and disappointment,” McClain said. “You learn with more time in this league that it’s a business and sometimes they make business decisions that most people don’t understand. It just was one of those things that was like, ‘Dust yourself off and try again.’”

“(Signing with the Giants is) an opportunity,” McClain said. “I believe in opportunity and I believe that everything happens for a reason. Now I get a chance to re-create myself. I get a chance to re-create my own identity without being placed with any label. No disrespect to anything that I’ve been through or anybody anywhere else, but when you get into this position you have to choose the best for your family, the best for your career, the best for your longevity. This was one of those circumstances for me where I could come here and create myself and compete and be the player that I want to be or the player that I can be.

“I love this organization. I love the tradition here. The players are amazing. I had the opportunity to talk to a few. Being close to home is very important. I’m a family man, I have a lot of nieces and nephews that I need to be next to. It’s a great opportunity for me, in all honesty.

“I’ve got a chip on my shoulder the size of a golden nugget. I’m all the way there. Every time that I get a little itch, God always slaps me in the back of the head and says, ‘Jameel, you’ve got a long way to go.’ I signed a little deal and then after that I got hurt, that was God slapping me on the back on the head. Once I came back from that injury then I get cut, so that’s God slapping me on the back of the head again, just saying, ‘Your job is to be the underdog.’ For the world to see that the underdog can make it possible, that’s my destination, that’s going to be my journey. I know it and I accept it.”

McClain will now have to adjust from the 3-4 defense to the 4-3.

“I really think people do make too much of it,” said McClain. “Football is football. Maybe it’s not so much for me because I believe I’m so versatile a player. I’ve played every position. None of that really scares me at all. It all just seems so familiar.”

McClain missed the Ravens’ post-season Super Bowl run in 2012 because he was on Injured Reserve with a spinal cord contusion.

“I missed that, so I really don’t have a ring,” said McClain. “I feel I have a chance to win one with his organization. Winning is everything. If you’re in this game, you should only be playing to win and to compete. Without that, what are we left with? A bunch of numbers on the board? It really doesn’t mean anything. I play this game to win, I play this game for respect and this organization does that at the highest level. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

A video interview with Jameel McClain is available at Giants.com.

Shelley Smith Signs with Dolphins: Unrestricted free agent offensive guard Shelley Smith (St. Louis Rams) has signed a 2-year, $5.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Smith visited the Giants on Wednesday.

Giants.com Interview with S Stevie Brown: A video of a Giants.com interview with safety Stevie Brown is available at Giants.com.

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