Sep 152014
 
Walter Thurmond and Michael Strahan, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Walter Thurmond and Michael Strahan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Things just went from bad, to worse for the 0-2 New York Giants.

Free-agent acquisition and nickel cornerback Walter Thurmond III, who left Sunday’s game with the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter, suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the 25-14 defeat.

Thurmond will have surgery on Tuesday and will miss the entire 2014-215 season.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Thurmond came in in an attempt to make a play on a screen pass. As Thurmond went to “punch” the ball out, his arm hit an opponent’s shoulder pads. Thurmond said he felt a stinging pain shoot up his arm, but remained in the game. Three plays later, he removed himself after struggling in press coverage.

After the game, Thurmond said his arm was “sore” and that he’d have additional tests done on Monday. Those tests, according to Pro Football Talk, showed a tear.

Thurmond, 27, signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Giants this offseason as part of the team’s secondary overhaul. Along with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Thurmond was expected to build one of the league’s best back units. Rodgers-Cromartie, and former first-round pick Prince Amukamara, manned the outside while Thurmond played nickel.

Throughout training camp, the preseason and first two games of the regular season, Thurmond displayed the physicality New York had hoped he’d bring to the defense. Not only did Thurmond walk-the-walk, but the former Seattle Seahawk enjoyed the talk just as much.

The first time Thurmond met the New York media, he boasted claims as the league’s best nickel cornerback, sparking a twitter war with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin. He was often times seen jawing with teammates in training camp and took it upon himself to bring the “swag” to New York’s secondary.

While the Giants have yet to confirm or deny the report, if Thurmond is out for the season, the door will open for Trumaine McBride. Last season, McBride enjoyed a breakout season for the Giants.

According to Pro Football Focus, McBride graded out with a positive 6.8 rating in 2013. When quarterbacks tested McBride, their rating was a 57.4. New York re-signed McBride this offseason prior to signing Thurmond.

With the new drug policy being revamped, there is also a chance former third-round pick Jayron Hosley returns early from his four-game suspension. If that is the case, Hosley can be activated to the 53-man roster and play as early as Sunday.

Sep 142014
 
Jon Beason, New York Giants (September 8, 2014)

Jon Beason – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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If dropping their record to 0-2 wasn’t enough, the New York Giants added injury to insult as two defensive starters exited Sunday’s game with the Arizona Cardinals and did not return.

Linebacker Jon Beason (toe) and nickel cornerback Walter Thurmond III (pectoral) each exited the game in the fourth quarter. Following the game, linebacker Jon Beason was not made available to the media, but was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot, according to NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan.

“He has to have x-rays and MRIs again,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said in regards to Beason. “I have no idea. I don’t know the results.”

While Coughlin wouldn’t offer much in terms of clarity on Beason’s injury, he did state he believes it is related to the ligament tear and fracture the linebacker suffered early in the team’s offseason conditioning program.

Back in June, Beason jumped up in pass coverage during an OTA practice. Upon landing, Beason limped off to the sideline and was carted back to the locker room. Further tests revealed the fracture in his right foot and Beason sat out all of training camp and preseason.

Beason missed time in practice this week, but was a full-go for the game.

As for Thurmond, the cornerback said his injury occurred when he attempted to make a tackle in the fourth quarter. Thurmond went to punch the ball out, before feeling something in his upper right arm. He remained in the game for three additional plays and then removed himself.

Thurmond didn’t say how long he expected to be out or if he expected to practice this week.

“I’d say it’s tender right now,” Thurmond said. “I think I’ll get some imaging and stuff like that done and go from there.”

When Thurmond was injured, cornerback Trumaine McBride filled in. With Beason out, the Giants turned to fourth-year pro Mark Herzlich. The Boston College alumni struggled on defense.

During Herzlich’s first series on defense, the Cardinals twice ran at him for first downs. He was then flagged for a holding call, and one possession later gave up a first down in pass coverage.

After Beason was initially injured, the Giants had slid Jameel McClain over from strongside linebacker to middle and put rookie Devon Kennard in at SAM. The group played well in the preseason, but Kennard was inactive versus Arizona while he rehabs from a hamstring injury suffered in the season opener.

“It feels better, I’m trying to get better so I can get out there as soon as possible,” Kennard said. “I’ll find out more tomorrow and Tuesday with what they plan on doing. My hamstring has to be at 100 percent. I haven’t started running and stuff like that.”

If Beason is out an extended amount of time and Kennard is unable to return, New York may look to make a move at linebacker. Presently, McClain, Jacquian Williams, Herzlich and Spencer Paysinger are the only healthy linebackers on the squad. Undrafted rookie Dan Fox is on the practice squad and could be a candidate to be called up, but he is viewed as a very raw talent with his value being primarily on special teams.

Sep 102014
 
Steve Weatherford, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Steve Weatherford – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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September 10, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Wednesday were WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), OT James Brewer (back), DT Cullen Jenkins (hip), DT Markus Kuhn (ankle), LB Devon Kennard (hamstring), and P Steve Weatherford (ankle).

The Star-Ledger is reporting that Weatherford suffered several torn ligaments in his left ankle, but he will not require surgery.

“Just trying to get healthy at this point, trying to reduce inflammation, get the range of motion back and get ready and try to go on Sunday,” said Weatherford. “It’s my plant foot, so it’s weight bearing…Right now we’re not looking for me to just get the ball off. I’m not going to tell Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin that I’m ready to go unless I know that I can help my team and I can be as good as I can be. At the same time you don’t want to have another punter come in here that’s not used to this stadium, it’s not an easy place to play. I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of the team and if I don’t feel like I can help my team, I’m going to tell them that I need another week. It’s progressing well. It actually felt better yesterday than it did on Monday night.”

“His ankle actually looks better today than it did yesterday and he’s doing jumping jacks and stuff in there now,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “Hopefully, that will continue.”

LB Jon Beason (foot) and OT Charles Brown (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul, who suffered a neck stinger during the game on Monday, was not listed on the injury report and fully practiced.

September 10, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Wednesday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

September 10, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Wednesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on New York Giants President/CEO John Mara: Giants president John Mara will make changes if necessary by Bob Glauber of Newsday

Article on the New York Giants Offense: Giants’ O’s problem talent, not tactics by Johnette Howard of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Cardinals coach: It’ll take half a season to ‘re-program’ Eli by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on WR Odell Beckham: Odell Beckham feels good but doesn’t want to rush back again by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants Secondary: Giants’ secondary eager to get past Motor City meltdown by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

Sep 042014
 


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

September 4, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Thursday were WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), OT James Brewer (back), and DT Markus Kuhn (ankle).

Jon Beason (foot), OG Brandon Mosley (back), and OT Charles Brown (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis.

September 4, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Thursday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

Eli Manning, New York Giants (August 28, 2014)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

September 4, 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:

7 takeaways from Giants media hour by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Articles on the 2014 New York Giants:

Article on QB Eli Manning: Archie Manning offers advice to Eli on how to handle new offense by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on RB Rashad Jennings: Giants RB Rashad Jennings expects to shed tears before first career Monday Night Football game by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul: Giants hoping for a healthy dose of Jason Pierre-Paul by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: We’ll find out quickly how much Giants trust Rodgers-Cromartie by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Giants Online – Lions Preview: The video of this week’s Giants Online is available at Giants.com.

Aug 172014
 
Cooper Taylor (30), New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Cooper Taylor returning a blocked punt for a TD – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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

August 17, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Four New York Giants were injured in the team’s 27-26 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night: CB Prince Amukamara (groin), S Cooper Taylor (foot/toe), OT Charles Brown (shoulder), and DT Markus Kuhn (elbow).

Taylor sustained an injury to the sesamoid bone in his foot.

“Cooper is significant and he has an injury that will require quite a bit of time,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “That is most unfortunate for the young man…It is a foot injury again. It is one of those sesamoid deals up under the toe. It’s excessive enough that they are saying he will be out for quite some time.”

Regarding Amukamara, Coughlin said, “I believe he will (an MRI). It is a groin and whenever you have something like that with a position that of course Prince Amukamara plays you are concerned. We will see, I don’t know that it is day to day but he is sore.”

On Brown, Coughlin said, “I’m not sure exactly how much time Charles Brown will miss, but there may be some time in there. I know the normal deal here is to put them in a brace or fit them for a brace as soon as he is capable with playing without the soreness, so we will see.”

Coughlin said Kuhn hyperextended his elbow but will likely be able to play with the injury.

August 17, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript from Sunday’s media conference call with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at BigBlueInteractive.com. Some tidbits from Coughlin:

  • “We continue to not really have very many big plays. We had some at the end of the game. There are not enough plays being made by our starters on the offensive or defensive side of the ball…All of the sudden the preseason is flying by here, and we do have an awful lot still to accomplish.”
  • “I think we have to work on a lot of things. Basically we have to work on everything. Last night we didn’t run it, we certainly didn’t throw the ball with any consistency. We don’t have people who are definitely running open. Our protection does break down from time to time and we don’t react well under pressure when we do realize that there has to be a hot or sight adjustment involved in getting the ball out of the quarterback’s hand and trying to accomplish a positive play in the face of pressure.”
  • “We are not stuck with anything (on the offensive line). As I said, just because five guys trot out there doesn’t mean that’s the starting unit.”
  • “(The starters) better (play with a sense of urgency). It’s not written in stone about what you do with the last preseason game either (in terms of the starters not playing much).”

August 16, 2014 Tom Coughlin Post-Game Press Conference: The transcript of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s post-game press conference on Saturday night is available at Giants.com.

New York Giants Post-Game Player Media Sessions: Transcripts and video clips of the post-game media Q&As on Saturday night with the following players are available at Giants.com:

NY Post Q&A with LB Jameel McClain: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with Jameel McClain by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on the Giants-Colts Game: Giants: 10 positives to take from victory over the Colts includes the improving linebackers by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on the New York Giants Wide Receivers:

Article on DE Israel Idonije: No Longer an Impact Player, a Giant Finds a Way to Deliver a Kaboom by Zach Schonbrun of The New York Times

Article on LB Jacquian Williams: Soft-spoken Giants LB Williams ready for loud year on field by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on CB Walter Thurmond: Giants cornerback Walter Thurmond III is a filmmaker by Tom Rock of Newsday

Aug 142014
 

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

August 14, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Thursday were RB Peyton Hillis (ankle/foot), WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring), TE Daniel Fells (knee), TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring), and LB Jon Beason (PUP – foot).

“(Fells) is not out here,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He started back, but we couldn’t get him all the way back. We are supposed to have him next week.”

FB John Conner (concussion) worked in individual drills.

WR Odell Beckham (hamstring) participated in individual and some team drills.

“(Beckham) is not going to play (on Saturday against the Colts),” said Coughlin. “Expect him next week, but not this week. There is not enough work…We have had him for individuals and we have had him for a few plays. When the few plays are run, he looks to be doing fine, but like everybody, they need more repetition, more time on the field. They need to be in that fatigued state to see how they perform then. We need all of those things to take place.”

August 14, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Thursday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

Victor Cruz, New York Giants (July 22, 2014)

Victor Cruz – © USA TODAY Sports Images

August 14, 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:

7 takeaways from Giants Media Hour by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

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

Article on 2014 New York Giants: Selecting the most important Giants for 2014 by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Why Tom Coughlin doesn’t plan to stop coaching any time soon by Steve Politi of The Star-Ledger

Article on FB Henry Hynoski: A new name in Giants tight end mix: fullback Henry Hynoski by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on WR Victor Cruz and CB Walter Thurmond: Inside Victor Cruz and Walter Thurmond III’s practice battles by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Articles on LB Devon Kennard:

Articles on CB Walter Thurmond:

Article on S Antrel Rolle: Antrel Rolle has the preseason highlight to prove he’s back at safety by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Notes: Lef tackle Will Beatty will see his first action in football game this weekend since breaking his leg in the 2013 regular-season finale.

Curtis Painter will be the second quarterback on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts. Ryan Nassib will come in last.

Aug 052014
 
Walter Thurmond and Michael Strahan, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Walter Thurmond and Michael Strahan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Where Walter Thurmond III comes from, it’s not uncommon to voice your opinion.

If you think you can be the best, say it. If you feel you already are, scream it. At the end of the day, the way you feel simply stems from the confidence within yourself.

And confidence, well, the 26-year-old corner is overflowing with that. Heck, the first time he met the New York media he declared himself the best nickel corner in the NFL.

“That’s how I am,” Thurmond said “I’m not gonna say something if I can’t back it up. I was able to do that last year.”

‘Last year’ ended with Thurmond and his Seattle Seahawk teammates hoisting of the Vince Lombardi trophy. The California native was an integral part of Seattle’s secondary which gave itself the nickname: ‘The Legion of Boom.’

Thurmond and his teammates were confident, boisterous and let everyone know what they felt they could do on any given play. So when the corner signed with the Giants this offseason, he brought that same mentality with him to East Rutherford.

To his surprise, those already crammed inside the cornerbacks’ meeting room shared that same confidence. They just were a little more reluctant to let it out.

“Some of the younger players just haven’t had the opportunity to express themselves in that manner yet, for whatever reason,” Thurmond said. “They already had it in them, now it’s fun to see them let it out.”

Contributing to Thurmond’s confidence overload is fellow free-agent signee Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The two have worked to bring the Giants’ secondary together as a brotherhood. Thurmond says if the team’s able to do that, it’ll pay massive dividends on the field.

While many secondaries throughout the league have been together for years, Thurmond and his teammates are working to build camaraderie in a short period of time. The closer the group gets, the better all will play.

Thurmond referenced how in Seattle’s secondary, every player knew what every player was thinking without a word being uttered. While the Giants aren’t on that level yet, they’re getting close.

“To be able to play together, especially in these preseason games, it really helps,” Thurmond said. “The more we’re out there together in that fire and on that gridiron being able to compete, that just builds that bond even more.”

Jul 312014
 
Jay Bromely, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Jay Bromley – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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

July 31, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: On Wednesday, the Giants publicly released an update on RB David Wilson, who suffered a neck burner at practice on Tuesday. Wilson underwent a battery of medical tests Tuesday night at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). The Giants say he will not practice the remainder of the week, nor will he play in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Wilson will be examined and evaluated by Dr. Frank Cammisa at HSS on Monday. Cammisa, chief of spine services at HSS, is the specialist who performed the vertebrae fusion surgery on Wilson on January 16, 2014.

However, while Wilson himself tweeted on Wednesday that “everything is fine,” NJ.com and The Star-Ledger are reporting that sources say Wilson’s football career is likely over. ESPN is reporting the same.

“Until we here what the doctors say, I am just praying that the kid is okay,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin after practice on Thursday. “When he was cleared to play he came out and exhibited no fear, no nothing. I was really excited about that coming out. We are obviously concerned, but we will have to wait and see what the doctors say.”

Wilson originally injured the neck in October 2013 in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was cleared to resume football contact on July 21.

In addition to Wilson, not practicing on Thursday were WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring), TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring), OG John Jerry (knee), DT Mike Patterson (shoulder), LB Jon Beason (PUP – foot), LB Spencer Paysinger (concussion), LB Spencer Adkins (groin), and CB Travis Howard (knee).

LT Will Beatty (illness), DE Robert Ayers (ankle), CB Bennett Jackson (ankle), and WR Corey Washington (heel) all left practice early. Bennett will undergo x-rays on his ankle.

July 31, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Thursday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

July 31, 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:

New York Giants on ESPN Radio: Audio clips of Tuesday’s ESPN Radio interviews with the following team officials and players are available at ESPN.com:

  • President/CEO John Mara (Audio)
  • General Manager Jerry Reese (Audio)
  • Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Audio)
  • QB Eli Manning (Audio)
  • WR Victor Cruz (Audio)
  • LB Jon Beason (Audio)
  • CB Prince Amukamara (Audio)
  • S Antrel Rolle (Audio)

NJ.com Q&A with OG/OC Weston Richburg: Weston Richburg rookie check-in: Playing more guard or center for Giants? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on New York Giants Training Camp: Giants training camp Week 2: Stock Up/Stock Down by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Talent:

Article on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: 10 observations about Ben McAdoo’s offense by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on QB Ryan Nassib: Four practices with Ryan Nassib: A breakdown of the Giants backup by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on New York Giants Running Backs:

Articles on New York Giants Tight Ends:

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Line:

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Articles on Former Giant DE Michael Strahan:

Full pads for #Giants practice today

Jul 262014
 
Cullen Jenkins and Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Cullen Jenkins and Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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

July 25, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: LB Jon Beason (foot – PUP) and WR Odell Beckham (hamstring) did not practice. 

Beason remains optimistic that he will be ready for the regular-season opener. “There is no reason now to think I won’t be there, based on how I feel and how I’m progressing,” Beason said. “The biggest thing is getting back to football shape. Right now, we’re dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s.”

“We’re just being really smart about it,” said Beason. “You have bench marks, like, ‘Hey, we’re going to start doing this at six weeks, get a little more aggressive.’ I think I’m a little superhuman. I heal a little faster. At the end of the day, six weeks, that’s what the timetable calls for so you listen and try to do right.”

Beason said he would like to play in a preseason game. “I would hope so,” said Beason. “Based on how I feel, the way things are going you want to keep making baby steps. If you go too fast, you have a setback and now all of a sudden you’re pushing that timetable of September 8th so we want to be smart about it. Obviously I’m going to do what they tell me, but I would love to get in during the preseason and get some reps.”

When asked about Beckham, Head Coach Tom Coughlin said, “You’ll know before I’ll know, probably. He seems like he’s frisky enough out here. Today he was catching the ball from the machine and seemed to be moving around okay. So hopefully it’s not going to take too long.”

July 25, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: The transcripts and video from Friday’s press conferences with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

July 25, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Friday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

6 takeaways from Giants Media Hour by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

New York Giants Practice Reports:

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: Giants Report: The Short Story of Eli’s New Offense by Peter King of SI.com

Article on RB Andre Williams: Budding Author and Inventor Emerges Quickly in Giants’ Backfield by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Articles on WR Rueben Randle:

Articles on the New York Giants Tight Ends:

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Article on LT Will Beatty and DE Jason Pierre-Paul: How Jason Pierre-Paul and Will Beatty motivate each other by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Articles on the New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Jul 152014
 
Jim Herrmann, New York Giants (October 28, 2012)

Jim Herrmann – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with Linebackers Coach Jim Herrmann: The video of a Giants.com Q&A with Linebackers Coach Jim Herrmann is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Player Q&As: Transcripts of Q&A sessions with the following New York Giants players are available at InsideFootball.com:

Article on New York Giants Training Camp Battles: Giants have plenty of jobs up for grabs as training camp nears by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Article on QB Eli Manning and WR Odell Beckham, Jr.: Eli Manning works with NY Giants rookie receiver Odell Beckham at Manning Passing Academy by Kevin Armstrong of The New York Daily News

Articles on the New York Giants Offensive Line:

Article on DT Mike Patterson: 10 Giants you should know when training camp begins: Mike Patterson by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the New York Giants Linebackers:

Articles on the New York Giants Defensive Backs:

Article on PK Brandon McManus: North Penn grad Brandon McManus eyes opportunity to kick for Giants by Tom Layberger of The Reporter