July 23, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report and News

 Posted by
Jul 232014
 
Corey Washington and Eli Manning, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Corey Washington and Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today:

July 23, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: LB Jon Beason (foot – PUP) and WR Odell Beckham (hamstring) did not practice.

Beckham aggravated the same hamstring that bothered him in OTA’s and the mini-camp on the first day of practice on Tuesday.

“He missed part of spring ball with a hamstring and he tweaked it yesterday,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “Obviously there is a concern…This guy has that track speed so hopefully he can get back out there pretty quickly because we’re expecting big things from him.”

“He didn’t go and who knows how long (until he returns),” Head Coach Tom Coughlin said. “Don’t ask me. I have no idea.”

Jameel McClain (foot) returned to practice. “He did well,” Coughlin said. “He came out and practiced and went the whole practice, so I think he’s fine. A little sore, but he was able to go.”

July 23, 2014 Jerry Reese Press Conference: The transcript and video from Wednesday’s press conference with General Manager Jerry Reese are available at BigBlueInteractive.com and Giants.com.

Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

July 23, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: The transcripts and video from Wednesday’s press conferences with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

July 23, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Wednesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

New York Giants WFAN Interviews: Video and audio of Wednesday’s WFAN interviews with the following New York Giants are available at CBS New York:

New York Giants Training Camp Reports:

Article on the New York Giants Offense: Eli Manning and the Giants are embracing their new direction by Mike Garafolo of FOXSports.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning’s career at a crossroads by Johnette Howard of ESPNNewYork.com

Articles on RB Rashad Jennings:

Article on WR Victor Cruz: NY Giants Victor Cruz studying up on Jerry Rice as Big Blue installs West Coast offense by Gary Myers of The New York Daily News

Article on TE Adrien Robinson: Adrien Robinson the Giants’ version of Julius Thomas? That’s what they’re hoping by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul: Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul says sack record a possibility by Lorenzo Reyes of USAToday.com

Article on LB Devon Kennard: Giants may be onto something in rookie Devon Kennard by Howie Kussoy of The New York Post

Article on Former Giant DE Michael Strahan: Michael Strahan ready to join elite company by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Giants 2014 Positional Breakdown: Cornerbacks

 Posted by
Jul 152014
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With New York Giants training camp beginning next week, BigBlueInteractive.com continues to break down each of the team’s positional groups until July 21. Today, let’s take a look at this year’s cornerbacks.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Cornerbacks

Prince Amukamara, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Prince Amukamara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: The one steady constant at cornerback in 2013 was Prince Amukamara at right corner. In his third year with the Giants, and his second as a full-time starter, Amukamara developed into the team’s best corner. Amukamara started all 16 games and finished the year with 85 tackles, 14 pass defenses, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles. Things did not go as planned at left corner. Corey Webster had issues with his hip, groin, and ankle. He only started two games before the Giants finally gave up on him and placed him on Injured Reserve in December. His primary back-up, Aaron Ross, only started two games before being placed on Injured Reserve in October with a back injury. Jayron Hosley was next in line but he suffered a significant hamstring in jury in Week 4 that sidelined him for the next five games and nagged him much of the rest of the season. Hosley played in 11 games with one start, finishing the season with just 9 tackles and 2 pass defenses. The player who benefited the most from these injuries was Trumaine McBride. McBride was an under-the-radar street free agent signing who ended up playing in 15 games with 10 starts. He finished 2013 with 37 tackles, 15 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. Terrell Thomas, coming off back-to-back ACL tears in 2011 and 2012, was primarily used as the nickel slot corner. Though limited all year in practice, he played in all 16 games with seven starts and finished the season with 67 tackles, 1 sack, 7 pass defenses, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. Charles James was a rookie free agent who played in 12 games, almost exclusively on special teams.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: Massive changes occurred at cornerback in the offseason. The only ones returning are Prince Amukamara, Trumaine McBride, Jayron Hosley, and Charles James. The Giants have also decided to invite 2013 Practice Squad players Ross Weaver and Travis Howard to training camp.

Gone are former stalwarts Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, and Terrell Thomas. 2013 Practice Squaders Junior Mertile and Chaz Powell were also waived after initially being re-signed in January.

The major new additions are Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (from Denver, 5-years, $35 million), Walter Thurmond III (from Seattle, 1-year, $3 million), and Zack Bowman (from Chicago, 1-year, $730,000). The Giants also drafted Bennett Jackson in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: How good is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC)? Some believe he is capable of being one of the NFL’s elite corners, others say he is overrated. The Giants are expecting (and paying) him to be core impact player. If DRC plays as well as hoped, teams that avoided Prince Amukamara in 2013 will now come after him in 2014. How will he respond? Is he capable of making more plays in the football (only 1 interception per year in three seasons). Is Walter Thurmond as good as advertised as a slot corner? If DRC, Amukamara, and Thurmond live up to the hype, along the expected strong play of the safeties, the major overall storyline is the shifting of the strength of the defense from the front-end to the back-end.

ON THE BUBBLE: The Giants will definitely carry five, and quite possibly six cornerbacks. Barring injury, Rodgers-Cromartie, Amukamara, and Thurmond are locks. Another under-the-radar signing, Zack Bowman, who looked very sharp in the OTAs. Trumaine McBride had hip surgery in January and missed all of the offseason work. He may be on shakier ground than many realize. Continued injury (injury plagued in both 2012 and 2013) and drug issues (upcoming 4-game suspension) have really hurt Jayron Hosley’s chances to make the team. Charles James and Bennett Jackson have talent but will have to fight tooth-and-nail to make the team. Both are helped by their special teams ability however.

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Peter Giunta on the Giants depth at cornerback:  “We’ve got 10 quality corners right now in the program…Bringing in two guys that started in the Super Bowl obviously helps…We have great depth at that position, the deepest I’ve ever had in my years in the league.”

Giunta on DRC and Amukamara: “Yes (they can both cover another team’s top receiver). They both have the skill set and both have done it in their careers, gone out and played on the best guy. They’ll battle, they’ll compete and we’ll be able to have an advantage I think playing those guy.”

Giunta on Rodgers-Cromartie: “He’s got that other gear. He can run as fast as he needs to run to get up on top of a receiver, catch up to a receiver. He’s got that gear that’s incredible. He’s such a smooth athlete. His length is so good and his ball skills are fantastic. He’s got that great skill set where he’s got the speed to recover if he does beat, he’s got the quickness to recover. He’s got the length to reach out and knock balls away that other corners wouldn’t be able to get to and he’s got great hands to make plays on the ball in the air. He’s got what you’re looking for in a corner.”

Giunta on Amukamara: “He improved, he understands well, he communicates well, his instincts, his awareness are really developing. You can really see it in (OTAs) now, he’s on top of all of the stuff. Now he’s starting to gamble a bit and take some chances, which you like to see because you’re taking calculated guesses and risking, ‘Hey, I’m going to go make a play.’ That’s what you want. He’s developed that confidence in himself and the defense, he knows what’s coming.”

Giunta on Thurmond: “He does a great job of studying, he has a great awareness of what people are trying to do to him. He plays with great leverage, understands his drops as an underneath defender. He’s able to get there, get breaks off the quarterback. He’s got great vision and to play inside like that you have to have great vision of everything that’s going on around you, it happens so much quicker. Corner you’re using the sideline to help you but in (the slot) you have so much space, especially covering guys. He’s done a great job. He’s got great quickness and he’s a great (technician). You’ll see that when we’re able to put our hands on people in training camp.”

PREDICTIONS:

Zack Bowman, Chicago Bears (October 10, 2013)

Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Eric Kennedy – On paper, this is the deepest unit on the team strongest group of corners the Giants have had in my lifetime. Of course, the proof is in the pudding. Moreover, each year, we have seen mental breakdowns in Perry Fewell’s secondary, often followed by a mid-season “dumbing down” in order to reduce blown coverages. Will that same issue rear its ugly head again in 2014 or will the Giants’ secondary carry this defense from the get-go?

Predictions? DRC and Thurmond become fan favorites with their play. Bowman becomes a more important addition than fans currently realize. I think Charles James is underrated but stuck behind the quality guys in front of him.

Connor Hughes – I am incredibly optimistic about the Giants’ cornerbacks heading into this season. More so this year than any year I can remember in recent memory. In the past, veterans on the last leg of their careers, bargain-bought free agents and low-end draft picks occupied the Giants’ secondary as the vaunted defensive line pressured the quarterback. As teams countered with quick-passes to reveal holes in the secondary, the Giants have countered by putting more money into the cornerback position.

I believe Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara can form one of the top three cornerback tandems in the NFL. I love the return of Trumaine McBride and the potential of Charles James. More than anything else, I can’t wait to see what Walter Thurmond III has to offer.

The first time Thurmond talked to the media, he told them he was the best slot corner in the league. He comes from a secondary the Giants’ believe they can collectively be as good and has an attitude to be the best. Of every acquisition the Giants made, the biggest I truly believe will be Thurmond.

FINAL DEPTH CHART:

Eric Kennedy – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Prince Amukamara, Walter Thurmond, Zack Bowman, Charles James, Bennett Jackson.

Jayron Hosley misses the first four games due to the drug suspension and could still be brought back depending on injuries. My longshot prediction is Bennett Jackson making it over Trumaine McBride, who was re-signed to a 2-year, $2.875 million contract this offseason. I think Jackson’s special teams play and overall potential keeps him on the roster.

Connor Hughes – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (RCB), Prince Amukamara (LCB), Walter Thurmond III (nickel), Trumaine McBride (dime), Zack Bowman (reserve), Charles James (reserve).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schwartz has the ability to play at tackle and guard.

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

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

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

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

Interviews with both players are available at Giants.com:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trumaine McBride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

March 10, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 102014
 
Arthur Jones, Baltimore Ravens (September 22, 2013)

Arthur Jones – © USA TODAY Sports Images

March 10, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front for the New York Giants:

  • The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants have offered contracts to unrestricted free agents defensive end/tackle Arthur Jones (Baltimore Ravens) and safety Ryan Mundy (New York Giants).
  • The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are one of seven teams to express interest in unrestricted free agent tight end Andrew Quarless (Green Bay Packers).
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent tight ends Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions) and Ed Dickson (Baltimore Ravens).
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent centers Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) and Brian de la Puente (New Orleans Saints). The paper says the interest in Dietrich-Smith is “serious.”
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason (New York Giants) is likely to test the free agent market on Tuesday rather than re-sign with the Giants before then.
  • Newsday is reporting that no deal is imminent between the Giants and unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown, who is expected now to test the open market.
  • According to press reports, unrestricted free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans) appears to have already determine what team he will sign with on Tuesday as he has no visits planned. The Giants are known to be one of the teams who have expressed an interest in his services. However, NJ.com is reporting that Verner’s asking price has gotten too high for the Giants.

NFL teams have been allowed to talk contract with the agents of unrestricted free agents since Saturday. These players can officially sign contracts with new teams starting at 4:00PM ET on Tuesday.

New York Giants Close to Re-Signing Josh Brown and Trumaine McBride: The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are close to re-signing unrestricted free agent place kicker Josh Brown (New York Giants).

The Bergen Record is reporting that the Giants are close to a new 2-year deal with unrestricted free agent cornerback Trumaine McBride (New York Giants).

Details on Contract for Mark Herzlich: According to NFL Players Association records, linebacker Mark Herzlich’s contract is a 1-year deal with a $775,000 base salary. The Daily News is reporting that the contract also includes a $225,000 in roster and workout bonuses.

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Giants offensive line tidbits by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on WR Hakeem Nicks: Big Blue Morning: Nicks’ sales pitch by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

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

  • Fullback Henry Hynoski (Video)
  • Long Snapper Zak DeOssie (Video)

More on David Wilson’s Status

 Posted by
Feb 202014
 
Taylor Lewan, University of Michigan (December 28 2013)

Taylor Lewan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

More on David Wilson’s Status: Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that an unidentified source has said that running back David Wilson is ahead of schedule on his rehab from offseason neck surgery and he is expected to be ready for training camp. Wilson had a procedure to fuse neck vertebrae to repair a herniated disc on January 16.

However, The New York Daily News is reporting that Wilson’s early return is the optimistic view from Wilson’s side and that while the New York Giants remain “hopeful”, his availability for the 2014 NFL season remains unknown.

Article on Defensive End Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck’s agent: Giants star is best DE in strong free-agent class by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on the New York Giants and the NFL Free Agency Franchise and Transition Tags:

Articles on the New York Giants and the NFL Combine:

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

  • Center Jim Cordle (Video)
  • Cornerback Trumaine McBride (Video)

New York Giants Hire Craig Johnson as New Running Backs Coach

 Posted by
Jan 222014
 
Craig Johnson, Minnesota Vikings (June 11, 2013)

Craig Johnson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Hire Craig Johnson as New Running Backs Coach: The New York Giants announced on Wednesday that they have hired a new running backs coach, Craig Johnson. Johnson replaces Jerald Ingram who the Giants fired last week.

A native of Rome, New York, the 53-year old Johnson served as the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2011-2013. Before that he was with the Tennessee Titans, serving as assistant head coach/running backs coach (2010), quarterbacks coach (2002-2009), and offensive assistant/quality control (2000-2001).

“This is a veteran coach that has coached some great players, like Steve McNair,” said Head Coach To Coughlin. “He’s been around a while and has experience as a quarterbacks coach, as a running backs coach and he’s been a coordinator in college.”

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join such a great franchise,” Johnson said. “I’ve always admired coach Coughlin during the many years I’ve coached against him. I’ll come here to do my part to help the Giants get to and win a Super Bowl.”

“I think (Johnson) is an excellent teacher and his versatility is going to add a lot to our staff and, of course, to the running backs room,” Coughlin said. “He’ll be an excellent contributor for the coordinator with ideas. His interview was very impressive as we put him on the board. He really did an outstanding job with protections. And he’s talked long and hard about ball security. Pass protection and ball security are both very important to me.”

“I know (Coughlin is) a stickler for (pass protection and ball security) and that’s good,” Johnson said. “He’s a coach that has a great attention to detail and I feel very comfortable being around a coach that stresses that.”

“It’s a challenge (to coach running backs again), because it’s a different spot,” said Johnson. “I broke into coaching as a running backs coach. I feel confident that I’ll be up to the task and I’ll take them where they want to go.  The key is seeing what the players do best and also make sure I am up to date on the schemes. With (new offensive coordinator) Ben (McAdoo) here we’re going to have a new style, a new terminology and a new look and I want to make sure I’m comfortable with that and I’m able to teach it correctly.”

For Johnson’s full resume, see the Coaching Staff section of the website.

Dallas Cowboys Hire Mike Pope: The Dallas Cowboys have hired 71-year old Mike Pope as their new tight ends coach. The Giants fired Pope last week after he had served as the Giants tight end coach for 22 years (1984-1991 and 2000-2013).

Article on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: Cruz: “We’re all rookies again” in new ‘O’ by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Snee, Baas and Giants OL cap issues by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on Wide Receiver Hakeem Nicks: Giants free agents: Hakeem Nicks provided plenty of thrills by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on Cornerback Trumaine McBride: Giants free agents: Trumaine McBride played his way into a second chance by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Quotes: WR Victor Cruz on the New York Giants offense under new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: “(After talking with McAdoo) I’m truly a fan of the offense that he’s gonna put in. He wants kinda up-tempo offense, which I’m excited about, obviously, (spreading) footballs around to the receivers, all around the field. He’s an even keel guy that’s just ready to work and do some good things, and get to know his players, his personnel and put us in the right spot to succeed. So I’m excited for it and working for him as well…I think it’s going to be completely different (from Kevin Gilbride’s offense). It’s gonna be new terminology. I think it’s gonna be different plays. I think it’s gonna be a whole new philosophy. So I’m excited to get my hands around that playbook and really learn this thing inside and out. I do imagine it’s gonna be brand new for us, so it’s gonna be just like we’re rookies coming in, getting the playbook and getting right to it. It gives everyone a clean slate. We have to pick up this offense and make it happen, make it the best in the league. I think it’s definitely a wakeup call for us and a challenge we’re ready for.”

December 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – 10 Miss Practice

 Posted by
Dec 182013
 
Antrel Rolle, New York Giants (December 15, 2013)

Antrel Rolle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

December 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – 10 Miss Practice: Not practicing on Wednesday were RB Peyton Hillis (concussion), WR Victor Cruz (knee/concussion), WR Jerrel Jernigan (knee), OG James Brewer (ankle), OG David Diehl (knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), DT Cullen Jenkins (shin/quad), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), CB Trumaine McBride (groin), and S Cooper Taylor (hamstring).

With the injuries to the offensive line, Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if he was wary about playing QB Eli Manning. “Matter of fact, we’ve talked about this,” said Coughlin. “(Eli) wants to play and he’s looking forward to playing and competing and having a better game. I wouldn’t expect anything different.”

December 18, 2013 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Wednesday press conference are available at Giants.com.

December 18, 2013 New York Giants Player Media Sessions: Transcripts and video of Wednesday’s media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on the New York Giants Scouting Department: Giant changes could come in scouting department as draft busts pile up by Conor Orr and Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Offseason: Giants face tough offseason decisions in-house by Paul Schwarz of The New York Post

Articles on QB Eli Manning:

Article on WR Jerrel Jernigan: Jerrel Jernigan in line for more snaps by Matt Ehalt of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on OG Chris Snee: Injury, contract situation cloud Chris Snee’s future with Giants by Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record

Dallas Cowboys 24 – New York Giants 21

 Posted by
Nov 242013
 
Dan Bailey, Dallas Cowboys (November 24, 2013)

Cowboys Win on the Last Play – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Giants Fall Short in Game, and Season: The Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants 24-21 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the loss, the Giants fall to 4-7 on the season (1-3 in the division). The Giants now trail both the 6-5 Cowboys (4-0 in the division) and 6-5 Eagles (3-2 in the division) with five games to play. In a nutshell, unless the Giants win their remaining games and the Cowboys and Eagles both collapse, the Giants are not going to make the playoffs for the second year in a row.

The game started off slowly for both teams as the Cowboys and Giants exchanged punts twice. On the second play of Dallas’ third possession, S Antrel Rolle intercepted QB Tony Romo at the Giants’ 21-yard line. However, three plays later, WR Victor Cruz fumbled the football after a short catch at midfield, and the loose ball was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by S Jeff Heath of the Cowboys. Dallas 7 – New York 0.

On New York’s fourth possession, the Giants drove the ball 74 yards in 10 plays, but were forced to settle for a 21-yard field goal after facing a 1st-and-goal situation at the 9-yard line. The Cowboys responded with a 5-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Romo to TE Jason Witten. Cowboys 14 – Giants 3.

The Giants’ offense moved the football well again, driving 65 yards in eight plays. But again, the drive stalled in the red zone. After facing a 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line, the Giants had to settle for yet another short field goal, this time from 23 yards out.

Neither team threatened in the last four possessions of the second quarter. At the half, Dallas led 14-6.

New York received the football to start the second half and drove from their own 34-yard line to the Dallas 35. However, QB Eli Manning’s pass to Cruz on 4th-and-6 ended the drive and the Giants turned the football over on downs. Dallas then took a commanding lead by drive 65 yards in 10 plays as Romo hit Witten again, this time from two yards out. Midway through the third quarter, the Cowboys led 21-6. That drive was kept alive when a roughing-the-passer penalty on DE Mathias Kiwanuka erased a fumble that was forced by CB Terrell Thomas and recovered by S Will Hill.

The Giants immediately cut into that 15-point advantage by driving 67 yards in six plays. On 4th-and-3 from the Cowboys’ 27-yard line, Manning for TE Brandon Myers for the score. Cowboys 21 – Giants 13.

On the Cowboys’ second possession of the half, they were forced to punt the ball away after crossing midfield near the end of the third quarter. The Giants then went three-and-out, the Cowboys punted after gaining one first down, the Giants went three-and-out again, and Dallas punted the ball away again.

With just under nine minutes to play, and trailing by eight points, New York drove 58 yards in eight plays, with Manning finding WR Louis Murphy for a 4-yard touchdown with just under five minutes to go. RB Andre Brown scored on the 2-point conversion and the game was tied at 21-21.

However, the dramatic comeback was ruined when the Cowboys ended the game with a 14-play, 64-yard drive that ended with a walk-off 35-yard field goal by Dallas with no time left on the clock. The Cowboys converted on three third-down situations on the drive.

Offensively, Manning finished the game 16-of-30 for 174 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His leading receivers were RB Andre Brown (4 catches for 11 yards), WR Rueben Randle (3 catches for 64 yards), and TE Brandon Myers (three catches for 39 yards and a touchdown). The Giants rushed for 202 yards. Brown carried the ball 21 times for 127 yards and RB Brandon Jacobs carried the ball nine times for 75 yards.

Defensively, the Giants allowed 220 net yards passing and 107 net yards rushing. The Giants sacked Romo four times with sacks by DT Cullen Jenkins (twice), DE Justin Tuck (once), and a shared sack by DT Linval Joseph and DE Mathias Kiwanuka. The only forced turnover was Rolle’s interception.

Video highlights/lowlights are available at NFL.com.

Post-Game Injury Report: OC Jim Cordle injured his knee and left the game in the first half. It is not believed to be an ACL tear, but he will undergo an MRI exam. CB Trumaine McBride was forced to leave the game with a groin injury. DE Jason Pierre-Paul had x-rays taken on his injured shoulder after the game.

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

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

New York Giants Post-Game Notes: Inactive for the Giants were QB Ryan Nassib, RB Peyton Hillis, WR Hakeem Nicks (abdomen), TE Adrien Robinson, OC Dallas Reynolds, DT Markus Kuhn, and CB Corey Webster (groin/ankle).

Both teams were flagged 11 time.

Dallas was 4-of-11 on third down, but three of those conversions came on their game-winning field goal drive.

November 15, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Nov 152013
 
Justin Tuck, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Justin Tuck – © USA TODAY Sports Images

November 15, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Jacobs Questionable: CB Corey Webster (groin/ankle) was the only player on the 53-man roster to not practice on Friday. He has been ruled out of the game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring/knee), and TE Bear Pascoe (ankle) practiced on a limited basis. Pierre-Paul and Jacobs are “questionable” for the game; Thomas and Pascoe are “probable.”

“It felt pretty good,” Pierre-Paul said about his only practice this week. “It’s like my first time practicing all week since the injury, but I’m pretty good for right now. But I still have three days left to make up my mind whether I’m going to play.” Pierre-Paul is still unsure if he will be able to play on Sunday however.

November 15, 2013 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday media session are available at Giants.com

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Coughlin Corner: How to keep improving by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

November 15, 2013 New York Giants Player Media Sessions: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning’s durability reminder how lucky NY Giants are by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Article on RB Andre Brown: Can the Giants trust Andre Brown to carry the load? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on WR Hakeem Nicks: TD-less Nicks thinks Sunday is the day by Matt Ehalt of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on TE Brandon Myers: Giants tight end Brandon Myers improving as a blocker by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on DT Linval Joseph: Giants’ Linval Joseph has the power by Jeff Roberts of The Bergen Record

Articles on CB Trumaine McBride:

Article on the NFL and Injuries: ’Blood sport: Rams great says times different, JPP should play by Steve Serby of The New York Post

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