Feb 122015
 
Terrell Thomas, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Terrell Thomas – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Former New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas has announced his retirement from the NFL. Thomas was originally drafted in the second-round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Giants. The 30-year old Thomas played four seasons with the Giants (2008-2010 and 2013) but missed the 2011 and 2012 seasons after tearing and then re-tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee before each season, the first time in a preseason game and the second time in a training camp practice. Thomas had also torn the right ACL in college.

Thomas returned to play for the Giants in 2013, playing in all 16 games with seven starts, finishing the season with 67 tackles, one sack, seven pass defenses, one interception, and one forced fumble. However, the Giants chose not to re-sign him as an unrestricted free agent during the 2014 offseason. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks in July but did not make the team.

Thomas finished his NFL career by playing in 60 regular-season games with 40 starts with the Giants. He accrued 298 tackles, three sacks, 45 pass defenses, 12 interceptions, and seven forced fumbles during that time frame.

Terrell Thomas, New York Giants (October 6, 2013)

Terrell Thomas – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“Terrell was smart and tough and a very good player,” said General Manager Jerry Reese in the team’s press release. “He quickly became a ‘pro’s pro’ during his time with the Giants.”

“Terrell was a very unique defensive corner,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He had outstanding cover skills, he was physical and would tackle and you could blitz him from the outside. He was a very smart player and devoted to the game. He took great pride in being a physical corner, and frankly, before the injuries, we thought we had a very good corner for a long time.”

“I had no idea (the last game I would play would be on December 29, 2013 as a New York Giant),” Thomas said. “I thought I had two more years. I thought I was about to be a top free agent and continue my career for two more years and show God’s grace. But He had a different plan for me.

“I thought I was going to have an active free agency. The number one thing was the doctors would not approve my knee. Every team, G.M., coaches, they loved me and wanted me, and thought I had a great year after coming back from all the ACL injuries. They thought that I would be better last year. But the doctors wouldn’t approve me.

“Knowing the game of football, being 29 with three ACL (injuries), I just figured my time is short. I can keep chasing a dream, but I was blessed to be able to come back and play that one year. To be able to show my family and fans, my daughter and myself that I worked hard enough to overcome some significant injuries and I became the second player in NFL history to come back from three ACLs. I didn’t play with a brace. I am proud of my accomplishments. I have been through a lot and I overcame it. I am a smart dude and I am not going to chase football. Football is not chasing me. I feel like my time is over. I was blessed enough to play six years in the NFL. I lived my dream, and now it is time for the next chapter of my life.

“(The injuries) hopefully (are) not going to haunt me til my days end, but that is just life. That is probably the hardest part that I had to deal with, that I was on the verge of being a very great player. The Giants, coach (former Cornerbacks Coach Peter) Giunta, coach (Safeties Coach David) Merritt, (former Defensive Coordinator) Perry Fewell, and Tom Coughlin really instilled confidence in me and made me believe in myself and really brought out the best of me as a football player. I just felt like I left something out there. I felt that I had a lot to prove for myself and the organization. I am so thankful for the opportunity that they gave me. When I realized the time was over, I always wanted to retire a Giant. Once you are a Giant, you are always a Giant. I was just so grateful for the organization, for one, drafting me and for two, sticking with and believing in me all those years. Because if I was with any other organization, I don’t think I would have had the chance to come back in 2013.

“What means the most to me about my time with the Giants is the man I became. Growing up a California kid and moving all the way to New York, 3,000 miles away, and coming to an organization with so much class and integrity and having a head coach who really taught me about morals and values and being a man of your word, I will never forget that. Being five minutes early and how important it is, and how you come to work and the preparation that you put in is what you get out. We had some great coaches there, some great years. I won a Super Bowl. My first year, I was an NFC East champion. I led the team in tackles. I had some really great years in New York. I learned a lot about myself. Just being a Giant. I had some great teammates.

“The biggest thing is what the organization taught me. Coach Coughlin taught me about integrity and doing what you say you are going to do. It goes a long way in life, and I think that has really prepared me for my next chapter in life. That is why I am so honored to retire a Giant, more importantly, why I wanted to. I felt like I owed them something, and I am just thankful for the opportunity they allowed me. It was a tough decision that I had to make, but I just feel that it was the right one. I realized that I was lucky enough to play six years and lucky enough to come back after two ACLs and a micro-fracture when everyone doubted me, and even when I doubted myself. I am thankful for the opportunity the Giants gave me. I am thankful that I can walk away healthy and say I accomplished some things. I feel like God has something else for me that is way more important than football, and I am really looking forward to that.”

Jul 282014
 
Mark Asper, Buffalo Bills (November 17, 2013)

Mark Asper – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants Claim Mark Asper Off Waivers: The New York Giants claimed Mark Asper off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills on Monday. To make room for Asper, the Giants waived offensive tackle DeMarcus Love.

Asper was originally drafted by the Bills in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Bills waived him in August 2012, and he then spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to the Bills in September 2013. In two seasons, Asper has played in seven games with no starts. Asper has very good size and is versatile with experience at tackle, guard, and even some center. However, his height (6’7”) makes it difficult for him to play with leverage at guard and center, and he lacks ideal arm length and overall foot quickness for tackle.

The Giants signed Love as a street free agent in June 2014. Love was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him in October 2013 and he was then picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who waived him in June 2014 before the Giants signed him.

Terrell Thomas, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Terrell Thomas – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Terrell Thomas Signs with Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks have signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Terrell Thomas to a 1-year contract. Thomas was drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After missing 2011 and 2012 with back-to-back ACL tears in his right knee, Thomas finished 2013 with 67 tackles, 1 sack, 7 pass defenses, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble, primarily serving as the team’s slot corner. He played in all 16 games with seven starts.

The Giants had no interest in re-signing Thomas after signing cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond, and Zack Bowman and re-signing Trumaine McBride in free agency. The Giants also drafted Bennett Jackson in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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

Jun 162014
 
Terrell Manning, Green Bay Packers (August 9, 2013)

Terrell Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Sign LB Terrell Manning: The New York Giants have signed street free agent linebacker Terrell Manning.

BBI scouting report on Terrell Manning:

Terrell Manning was signed as a street free agent by the Giants in June 2014. Manning was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Since then, he has spent time with the Packers (2012-13), Chargers (2013), and Vikings (2014). The Vikings waived him in May 2014. Manning has played in six NFL games with no starts. He has three career tackles. Manning has decent but not ideal overall athleticism and size. Lacks speed. He’s an instinctive, aggressive physical player against the run. Good hitter and tackler. However, Manning needs to improve in pass coverage. He has been slowed by illness/injuries (parasite/colitis, shoulder, concussion). Manning grew up idolizing Lawrence Taylor.

New York Giants Sign DT Jay Bromley: The New York Giants have finally signed the last of their 2014 NFL Draft picks: 3rd rounder defensive tackle Jay Bromley (Syracuse). Bromley was signed to a 4-year deal. The Giants other six draft picks signed last month.

New York Giants Place WR Kris Adams on the PUP: According to the NFL transactions wire, the New York Giants placed WR Kris Adams on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List last Friday, a day after they had waived him. 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.

New York Giants 3-Day Mini-Camp Begins Tuesday: The New York Giants mandatory, 3-Day mini-camp begins Tuesday and will run through Thursday.

The mini-camp will culminate the Giants offseason program. The players will be off until they are scheduled to report on July 21 at Quest Diagnostic Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Like the recently-completed Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices, there is no live contact during mini-camp, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted. Unlike the OTAs, two-a-day practices are permitted on two of the three days of mini-camp.

Article on WR Jerrel Jernigan: Jernigan gets his Big Blue due, still faces playing-time fight by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on Free Agent CB Terrell Thomas: Giants: Terrell Thomas, still unsigned, says the NFL is not a loyal game by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Mar 182014
 
Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers (August 18, 2012)

Mario Manningham – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Mario Manningham Signing Official: The New York Giants have officially confirmed that they have signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Mario Manningham (San Francisco 49ers). Manningham reportedly signed a 1-year contract.

Manningham was originally drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After four seasons (2008-11) and a Super Bowl ring, he left the Giants in free agency for the 49ers in 2012.

“I’m happy to be back,” Manningham said. “I’m real excited. It’s just great to see everybody, be around familiar faces, knowing everybody in the past and just being comfortable around everybody. Once a Giant, always a Giant. That’s how I feel. This is a very special place. I wanted to come back.”

Manningham tore both the ACL and PCL in his left knee in December 2012. He was activated off of the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List in November 2013 and played in six regular-season games for the 49ers, catching only nine passes for 85 yards, before he was placed on Injured Reserve again.

“It was frustrating, but it was a learning experience also,” Manningham said. “When I got back I couldn’t do what I wanted to, I knew I needed a little bit more time. It’s coming along and I just have to work on getting stronger and getting my strength back and trusting it more. I’m doing good; it’s getting stronger.”

“If you’re an athlete, you have a chip on your shoulder already, so you’re like, ‘I’m coming back strong this year,’’ Manningham said. “I do believe it. I had a couple people who tore their ACL a couple times who said, ‘Man, you’re not going to get it back that following year, you’re going to get it back the year after that.’ I’m just trying to do what I can do to make a strong impact and win games.”

“(Eli Manning and I) get back out there and see how it goes,” Manningham said. “We haven’t been together in two years, so you can’t do anything but get better.”

“I wanted to come back,” Manningham said. “I’m comfortable around the staff members. There are some different staff members and different players. I just want to get to know them. We’re all in here for one reason and that’s to win. That’s all that matters. I just want come in and do what I’ve got to do to help us win.”

Terrell Thomas Visits Carolina Panthers: According to FOXSports, unrestricted free agent cornerback Terrell Thomas (New York Giants) is meeting with the Carolina Panthers.

Giants.com Interviews: Videos from Tuesday’s Giants.com interviews with the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • WR/Returner Trindon Holliday (Video)
  • WR Mario Manningham (Video)
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 TransactionsNew 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 TransactionsNew 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 TransactionsNew 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)
Feb 132014
 
Hakeem Nicks (88), Victor Cruz (80), New York Giants (July 28, 2013)

Victor Cruz Wants Hakeem Nicks to Return – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Victor Cruz Wants Hakeem Nicks to Return: Not unsurprisingly, Victor Cruz wants fellow wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to re-sign with the Giants. Nicks is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11. The prevailing opinion is that he will not return to the Giants.

“I have (asked him to stay),” said Cruz on Wednesday. “Selfishly, I would love for him to stay.”

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Regular-Season Schedule: How difficult is Giants schedule in 2014? by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on Cornerback Terrell Thomas: CB: NFL not ready for gay player by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on Former Giants Linebacker Antonio Pierce: Antonio Pierce discusses move to coaching by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Former Giants Quarterback Jared Lorenzen: ‘Hefty’ QB Jared Lorenzen recalls trying to make weight with Giants by Kevin Manahan of The Star-Ledger

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

  • Defensive End Justin Tuck (Video)
  • Defensive Tackle Shaun Rogers (Video)
Feb 082014
 
Corey Webster, New York Giants (August 22, 2012)

Corey Webster’s Giants Career May Be Over – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Contracts of Corey Webster and Brandon Myers Voided: According to The New York Post and The New York Daily News, the contracts of cornerback Corey Webster and tight end Brandon Myers were automatically voided on Friday. Webster had one year remaining on his contract and was scheduled to make $1 million in salary in 2014. Myers had three years remaining on his contract and was scheduled to make $4 million in salary in 2014. Both players will now be unrestricted free agents when free agency begins on March 11.

Article on the New York Giants Defense: Giants defensive problems this past season starting to get exposed by Jordan Raanan of The Star-Ledger

Article on Tight Jermichael Finley: Agent: Jermichael Finley would consider Giants after Packers by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

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

Jan 282014
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (October 28, 2012)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

No Shoulder Surgery for Jason Pierre-Paul: Newsday is reporting that defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul will not need surgery on his injured shoulder. Pierre-Paul injured the shoulder in Week 10 against the Oakland Raiders. He played in two more games but was then shut down for the remaining five games of the season. How the shoulder responded to treatment was to determine whether offseason surgery was necessary or not. Newsday is reporting that Pierre-Paul’s shoulder rehab has been going well.

Cornerback Terrell Thomas on WFAN: The audio of Tuesday’s WFAN interview with cornerback Terrell Thomas is available at CBS New York.

Linebacker Mark Herzlich on ESPN Radio: The audio of Tuesday’s ESPN Radio interview with cornerback Terrell Thomas is available at ESPN.com.

Articles on New York Giants President/CEO John Mara:

Article on Quarterbacks Coach Danny Langsdorf: Tom Coughlin to new QB coach: We need to get Eli Manning playing better by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

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

Article on Super Bowl XLVII: Super Bowl Rewind: Giants 17, Patriots 14 by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Giants.com Video on Super Bowl XXI: Super Bowl XXI Flashback by Giants.com

Jan 082014
 
Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride, New York Giants (September 8, 2013)

Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Kevin Gilbride Speaks Out: Kevin Gilbride, the much-criticized offensive coordinator of the New York Giants who retired last Thursday, was interviewed on Tuesday night on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Gilbride made the following comments:

  • On Eli Manning: “(The state of the offensive line)  just made it impossible for our quarterback to function. (Manning is) a guy where if you give him enough time, he’s always going to be throwing the ball to the right person. He’s going to know what you’re doing defensively. He’s going to see through your disguises. He’s going to be an accurate passer. But he’s not a scrambler, and you’ve got to give him some help. And if you give him some help he’s proven that he can win a championship for you…I think more than anything, when you’re behind he is not one of those guys that is (concerned about interceptions)… He’s going to try to win the game. If you’re down by two scores at the end of the game, he’s going to throw it up and he’ll force it because he’s going to try to give his team a chance. And if it happens to be picked off and that ends the opportunity and it reflects poorly on him, to be quite candid he could care less. He’s just going to do whatever he thinks he has to do to give his team a chance to win. So because we were behind, we started the season 0-6, there were a number of situations at the end of a game where those scenarios arose and we certainly incurred our fair share of turnovers in that regard. But I think if you do solidify the line, I believe he is an accurate passer, he is going to throw it to the right person. But everybody’s got to do their job and give him an opportunity to do his and he will do it very well.”
  • On how the personnel issues forced the Giants to adapt their offense: “In general, I think philosophically we just modified substantially what we normally do. We’ve been a dynamic, explosive, throw the ball down the field, let your guys go to a lot of vertical read type of stretch principals, and we had to abandon those. Those are the things that we’d done very well and allowed us to be in the top 10 offensively for a long time. You can’t do it because your quarterback would be on his back while you waited for those things to happen. You became much more conservative, much more three-step oriented, which was good for a while, but people, they’re smart on that (defensive) side of the ball and they identify fairly quickly what your weaknesses are and they realize what your adjustments have been, so they take those things away. When we had to expand what we wanted to do, that’s when our shortcomings manifested themselves.”
  • On the wide receivers: “Victor Cruz still played very well on the inside for us, but it became readily apparent to defenses that we weren’t playing as well with the outside receiver position. That became an area that people just, they had no reservation about lining up just bump and run and getting an extra guy into the box, making it more difficult and challenging to run and forcing you to throw the ball vertically a little bit. You try to throw some three-step fades and fade stops, but they’re sitting on those things. I think if the Giants can get the wideout position straightened out – the outside position, not the inside because between Victor Cruz and the emergence of Jerrel Jernigan at the end, that will help.”
  • On the tight ends: “Well I think there’s no question they’re going to bring in some people. There are some young guys – the Larry Donnells and Adrien Robinsons that have some size and look to be enough physical ability to get open and catch the ball – but they are raw, young players and need a lot of growth and development. So I think it wouldn’t surprise me if they bring in a veteran tight end that can come in and play that position. We didn’t get the production that we’ve had the last few years out of that spot…When they started doubling Victor Cruz, which they did from the second game on every time it was an obvious passing down, you needed somebody else to win. And when you weren’t winning outside you hoped your tight end would do it. Now Brandon Myers did a terrific job for us when they played zone coverages and he’d find the soft spot and make the tough catches, but I think they’re going to look for a bigger, faster guy. You know, he’d be a great No. 2, but I think they’re looking for somebody that can be a solid starter at that position. It remains to be seen if those young guys will mature fast enough to give them the confidence to play with them in a starting role.”
  • On the running backs: “There’s no question they’re gonna have to get a running back that can be the bell cow. I think we had hoped Andre Brown could be that person but he didn’t come back until about the 9th game, 10th game. It looked like he was gonna be that guy the first couple of games and then he was slowed by injury.”
  • On the offensive line: “We had been concerned about depth in the offensive line for a while now. That group has aged…I would say the offensive line first and foremost has to be addressed. I think Justin Pugh advanced and grew outside as a starter at the right tackle position, but they need another significant upgrade in the o-line and certainly some added depth.”
  • On left tackle Will Beatty: “We made the gamble that William Beatty would be the guy and he had played very well last year. And this year he did not have as good a year. He was much more inconsistent than he had been the year before. He was slowed by some problems, and then of course he finished the year with a significant knee injury, so that remains to be seen how he recovers from that. Now I think there’s no question that he has the physical skills to play the left tackle position. He has the skill set to match up speed wise with anybody. I just think he’s got to demonstrate again the commitment and the toughness that you have to have on a play-in and play-out basis. But there’s no question in my mind he has the physical talent. It’s just a matter of making his consistency be at the level that it needs to be, because some games he played well and then some games we certainly had our problems.”
  • On Mike Sullivan possibly replacing him as offensive coordinator: “He’s a bright individual and he grew very quickly and developed a nice rapport in the quarterback room with the quarterbacks, most notably Eli, of course. Then he had a chance to go down and get his feet wet in Tampa Bay. The first year they did a terrific job. This year they struggled. I’m sure without knowing full well what took place down there I’m sure there were extenuating circumstances which caused the fall-off. But he’s a good coach, a good person, he knows the people here, he knows the system, that’s what he’s grown up in, so I think he would be a natural, seamless transition if they chose to go in that direction. To be totally candid with you I have no idea what their thinking is, but he certainly would be a good choice.”

Victor Cruz Speaks Out: Wide receiver Victor Cruz spoke to the press on Wednesday at a promotion event for XBox. Cruz made the following comments:

  • On Mike Sullivan possibly being the Giants’ next offensive coordinator:  “I’m rooting for him. I could see (some arguging for a new system) but, you know, I think it’s just his familiarity with our personnel, with our offense, the one we had. Obviously, he’s running a similar offense with Tampa Bay but I’m sure he’ll have some tweaks here or there. I just think we need a refresher, I think, more so than people needing a whole big name. A refreshing face that we know, one we’re all comfortable with, and we can go from there.”
  • On Kevin Gilbride’s point that the outside receivers did not perform well: “You would see it. You would see, whether it was Rueben (Randle), whether it was Hakeem (Nicks), this isn’t pointing the finger at anyone, but the play that we got from the outside wasn’t what we’re accustomed to having. We’re accustomed to having Hakeem be an outside threat with a 1,000-yard season that he’s done in the past and Rueben being himself on the outside although he did have six touchdowns this year which is very much improved from the year before. But that consistency wasn’t there from the outside position. You could definitely feel it throughout the season, you could see it from game to game that our productivity wasn’t there from the outside position.”
  • On the on-field relationship between Eli Manning and his receivers: “You never know with Eli, he just keeps an even keel the whole way. But sometimes when you have those passes that you throw up and typically they’re caught for big plays and when that doesn’t happen naturally you tend to throw it differently or go to a different read or go somewhere else with the ball. That would happen naturally. I mean, if I was quarterback that would happen to me, so I’d imagine it would happen to Eli as well. That’s definitely natural.”
  • On Cruz and Nicks missing so much offseason work last year: “Honestly, I thought we’d go in and we’d pick it up right where we left off, especially with guys who have been around and done it before like myself and Hakeem and Rueben. I thought we would come in and pick it right up. It goes to show you that it takes a lot more than just that. You have to build a lot more continuity, you have to build a lot more trust mentally with your quarterback. I think it’s important. For a quarterback like Eli, for receivers like myself and guys like Hakeem and Rueben and Jerrel, you have to have that continuity, that consistency together over a period of time that’s going to continue to instill trust in Eli and us. The more comfortable Eli is with his receivers, where they’re going to be, their knowledge of the offense, their route running, how he sees how you run specific routes so he knows how to get you the ball, I think that’s huge in our minds to remain comfortable and for Eli to continue to trust us. It played a little bit of a part. In this league when you’re a veteran and you’ve been in the league that long, it shouldn’t take long for you to catch up, it shouldn’t take long for you to adjust. We’re not first-year, second-year players. Me and Hakeem are four-year, five-year guys, so we understood exactly how to come in and pick it up and be on the same page rather quickly. But I think it did play a little bit of a part in our continuity early on and throughout the length of the season.”
  • On if Nicks leaves the Giants: “He’s obviously been a big piece for us in the last years that he’s been with us. But I think we definitely always have the talent in our receiving room to be successful. I think that’s just a testament to how we drafted and how we got players to fit the mold to our offense. I think we can definitely be able to be successful if Hakeem has to move on. It’s something that we’re going to have to look at. And we hope not, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Chris Snee Says He Might Not Be Done Yet: Right guard Chris Snee told The New York Post on Tuesday that he might not be ready to retire. Snee has been troubled with significant elbow and hip issues the past three seasons. He was placed on Injured Reserve in early October with a torn labrum in his right hip that required surgery. The Post is reporting he also underwent elbow surgery in November. Snee’s 2014 cap value is roughly $11.75 million.

“Right now, my mind-set is getting my body 100 percent and we’ll see from there,” said Snee. “I love the game, I love everything about it. I missed it during the fall, but there’s a lot of factors that go into making a decision. One, we’ll see if I’m wanted and we’ll go from there…I’m recovering well. It’s been a long road. Two surgeries is not something I want to do, particularly during the season. It’s been a difficult fall, winter, but the worst is behind me and I feel really good.”

Snee also commented on the possibility of Mike Sullivan becoming the Giants’ new offensive coordinator. “He’s a fun guy to be around,” Snee said. “He’s a well-liked man and well-respected man.”

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Position: Advice for Giants’ next offensive coordinator by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning can learn from Philip Rivers’ transition to new offense with Chargers by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Article on CB Terrell Thomas: Wherever Terrell Thomas lands in 2014, he expects to be even better by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Dec 302013
 
Tom Coughlin, John Mara, New York Giants (November 24, 2013)

Tom Coughlin and John Mara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

December 30, 2013 John Mara Press Conference: The transcript and video of Giants President/CEO John Mara’s Monday press conference are available at Giants.com.

December 30, 2013 Jerry Reese Press Conference: The transcript and video of General Manager Jerry Reese’s Monday press conference are available at Giants.com.

December 30, 2013 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Monday press conference are available at Giants.com.

Injury Update on LT Will Beatty and RB David Wilson: General Manager Jerry Reese was asked about LT Will Beatty, who broke his leg in the game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. “We think he’ll be back and he’ll be ready to play next season. We do think that,” said Reese. “From early reviews, we think Will will be back. We think he will be back and hopefully he will be back and he can get going and have a good offseason as well. He didn’t play as well as we hoped he’d play. I think he’d own that as well. Hopefully he can get back, get healthy and go on and have a great off-season and be a good left tackle.”

Reese was also asked about the future status of RB David Wilson, who was placed on Injured Reserve in November with a potentially career-threatening neck injury.

“Those neck things, you have to wait around,” said Reese. “Those discs they have, sometimes they can shrink and it takes time for them to shrink. They did that and we’re waiting. At the beginning of the year, we’ll have another consultation with him, to see if surgery would be a possibility for him. That could be a possibility and if he has the surgery, I think the prognosis is that he’ll be ready to play next fall, if he has his surgery.”

Reese was then asked if the injury was career-threatening. “When you talk about necks, there’s always a possibility,” responded Reese. “We’re hopeful and the earlier reports that I’ve gotten, doctors do think they can fix this and he’ll be able to play…I think we’ll have to have some contingency plans at the running back position. I don’t think you go into the next season saying David Wilson’s going to be our number one, starting running back. I don’t think you can do that. The guy is coming off of a neck surgery, if he decides to have it.”

Giants Sign Eight Players to Reserve/Future Contracts: The Giants signed the following eight players to reserve/future contracts on Monday:

  • RB Kendall Gaskins
  • WR Marcus Harris
  • OT Steven Baker
  • DE Kendrick Adams
  • CB Travis Howard
  • CB Junior Mertile
  • CB Chaz Powell
  • CB Ross Weaver

All eight players ended the season on the Giants’ practice squad.

December 30, 2013 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Monday’s media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on the New York Giants Coaching Staff:

Articles on New York Giants Wide Receivers:

Article on DE Justin Tuck: Stay or go, Justin Tuck always embraced New York by Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post