Apr 132015
 
Zack Bowman, New York Giants (November 16, 2014)

Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Cornerback Zack Bowman Signs With Miami Dolphins: The Miami Dolphins have signed New York Giants unrestricted free agent cornerback Zack Bowman.

Bowman was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Bears. In six seasons with the Bears, Bowman played in 73 regular-season games with 23 starts. The Giants signed Bowman as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. He played in all 16 games with five starts but saw his playing time decrease as the season progressed despite all of the injuries that hit the secondary. He finished the year with 24 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass defenses.

Bowman is the fifth unrestricted free agent to leave the Giants this offseason, joining linebacker Spencer Paysiner (Dolphins), tackle James Brewer (Jets), safety Antrel Rolle (Bears), and cornerback Walter Thurmond (Eagles). For an overview of the teams’ offseason free agent activity, see the 2015 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Article on Wide Receivers Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham: Giant receivers Odell Beckham, Victor Cruz planning TD celebration for next season by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: A pre-draft look at the Giants’ offensive line by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Mar 052015
 
Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giants (September 8, 2014)

Jerrel Jernigan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Latest New York Giants Free Agent Rumors: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on other teams on March 7 and begin signing players on other teams on March 10. Here are the latest New York Giants free agent rumors:

  • According to a BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) source, the Giants hope to have a new, long-term deal with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul by Monday, but there are significant differences over guaranteed money.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants and linebacker Jon Beason have agreed to a contract re-structuring that will create more cap space for the team.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants intend to invite unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (Patriots) and Rahim Moore (Broncos) to visit.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants rumored interest in unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is smoke.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that while there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent safety Antrel Rolle, the discussions have not been productive and Rolle may receive much higher contract offers from other teams on the open market. NJ.com believes Rolle will sign with another team. Rolle is denying he and the Giants have talked about a new contract.

  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants and unrestricted free agent cornerback Walter Thurmond have talked about a new contract, but he will likely test the open market. NJ.com believes Thurmond will sign with another team.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants would like to re-sign unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown but a source told the paper that his chance to return is “50-50”. NJ.com believes Brown will re-sign with the Giants.
  • NJ.com and The Daily News are reporting that unrestricted free agent linebacker Jacquian Williams will hit the free agent market. NJ.com says it is unlikely that the Giants will re-sign him.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants are not interested in re-signing unrestricted free agent wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan. NJ.com believes Jernigan will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News is reporting that there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent tight end Daniel Fells but nothing substantial. NJ.com believes Fells will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News says there were talks about bringing back unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Mike Patterson before defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins accepted a pay cut. Now it is unclear if the Giants want Patterson back. NJ.com believes Patterson will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News reports there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent linebacker Spencer Paysinger, but Paysinger is expected to hit the open market. NJ.com believes the Giants will re-sign Paysinger.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants have been in talks with unrestricted free agent cornerback Chykie Brown and Brown could be re-signed soon. On the other hand, NJ.com believes Brown will not be re-signed.

NJ.com also believes the Giants will re-sign unrestricted free agents linebacker Mark Herzlich, fullback Henry Hynoski, and guard John Jerry. NJ.com does not believe the Giants will re-sign unrestricted free agents cornerback Zack Bowman, tackle James Brewer, safety Quintin Demps, running back Chris Ogbonnaya, and guard Adam Snyder.

Article on the New York Giants and Free Agency: If Rolle bolts, these 4 safeties could help Giants secondary by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Feb 232015
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Before the season, many had anticipated that the secondary might not only be the strength of the defense, but the strength of the entire team. The Giants had parted ways with long-time contributors such as Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, and Terrell Thomas and had reinforced the unit with free agents Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie (DRC), Walter Thurmond, Quintin Demps, and Zack Bowman. The team also re-signed Trumaine McBride and Stevie Brown. As for those already under contract, Prince Amukamara appeared primed for his best season, Antrel Rolle was coming off his best season, and Will Hill appeared to be a budding star.

But these high expectations soon began to turn to dust. Will Hill failed yet another drug test and was cut in early June. Jayron Hosley also failed a drug test and was suspended for the first month of the season; when he returned, guys signed off the street quickly passed him on the depth chart. Cooper Taylor looked sharp in the preseason but broke his foot in August and was lost for the year. Injuries then struck hard at corner once the regular season began. Nickel corner Walter Thurmond was placed on Injured Reserve after only two games, followed by  Trumaine McBride and Prince Amukamara. The loss of Amukamara – who indeed was having his best season – was particularly a hard pill to swallow. Without two of their top three corners, more pressure was placed on DRC, who was also dealing with a litany of injury issues to the point where he could not play a full game. A year after playing his best season, Rolle may have played his worst, failing to make many impact plays. And Stevie Brown and Quintin Demps were both disappointing at the other safety spot, both losing the starting job to the other at different points of the season. Stevie Brown’s 2012 season – where he led the team with eight interceptions – appears to have been a mirage.

The Giants were quickly left to scramble and made in-season roster moves including signing Chykie Brown, Mike Harris, and Chandler Fenner. Chykie Brown and Harris performed reasonably well given the circumstances, but overall, the secondary failed to fulfill their preseason boasts as one of the best units in the NFL. The Giants finished 18th in the NFL in pass defense.

THE CORNERBACKS

Although Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played in all 16 games, hamstring, back, side, and shoulder injuries limited practice and game snaps for much of the season and impacted his play on the field. Nevertheless, Rodgers-Cromartie remained the team’s most physically-talented defensive back and he often shut down his opponent. Rodgers-Cromartie finished the season with 38 tackles, two interceptions, and 12 pass defenses. Rodgers-Cromartie was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent in 2013 and the Giants in 2014. Rodgers-Cromartie combines superb size and overall athletic ability, including speed, size, and leaping ability. When motivated and focused, Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the better cover corners in the NFL. But he needs to be more consistent, and he s not a very physical player as a hitter or tackler.

Prince Amukamara, New York Giants (September 25, 2014)

Prince Amukamara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Prince Amukamara was having his best season before being placed on Injured Reserve in November 2014 with a torn biceps muscle. Amukamara started eight games and finished the season with 45 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass defenses. Amukamara was drafted in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants, but his initial season was a virtual wash due to a broken foot that required surgery. Amukamara also battled a high ankle sprain and hamstring injuries in 2012. Amukamara is a well-built corner with good overall athleticism and speed. He usually does a good job of keeping his opponent quiet during a game and he finally started making more plays on the football in 2014. Amukamara flashes in run defense with his hitting and tackling.

Walter Thurmond III was placed on Injured Reserve in September 2014 with a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery after playing in only two games. Thurmond was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. He missed much of the 2011 and 2012 seasons recovering from a broken leg (fibula), playing in only eight regular-season games. In November 2013, he was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s drug policy. That year he played in 12 regular-season games, with three starts, and finished with 33 tackles, six pass defenses, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. The Giants signed Thurmond as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. Thurmond combines decent size with good speed and quickness. Smooth in coverage, Thurmond is considered one of the better slot corners/nickel backs in the NFL. Thurmond obviously has off-the-field concerns.

Trumaine McBride, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Trumaine McBride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Trumaine McBride was placed on Injured Reserve in October 2014 after thumb surgery. He finished the 2014 season 21 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass defense, and 2 forced fumbles in six games with one start. McBride was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. The Bears waived him in September 2009. He has also spent time with the Cardinals, Saints, and Jaguars. The Giants signed McBride to a Reserve/Future contract in January 2013. That season, McBride played in 15 games with 10 starts, and he finished the season with 37 tackles, 15 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. McBride lacks ideal size and speed, but he plays with good quickness and instincts.

The Giants claimed Chykie Brown off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in November 2014. He ended up playing in eight games with four starts and finished the season with 31 tackles and two pass defenses for the Giants. Brown was originally drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Ravens, Brown played in 46 regular-season games with two starts. Brown has decent size and athletic ability. While he struggled in Baltimore, Brown held his own for the Giants in the final month of the season.

The Giants signed Mike Harris off of the Practice Squad of the Detroit Lions in October 2014. He ended up playing in five games with one start, mainly at slot/nickel corner where he performed at a reasonable level. Harris finished the season with 21 tackles, one interception, and two pass defenses. Harris was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In two seasons with Jacksonville, Harris played in 31 games with eight starts. Harris was waived by the Jaguars in August 2014 before signing with the Lions in October. Harris has decent size and athleticism. He is a good tackler and special teams player.

Zack Bowman, New York Giants (October 19, 2014)

Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Zack Bowman played in all 16 games with five starts but saw his playing time decrease as the season progressed despite all of the injuries that hit the secondary. He finished the year with 24 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass defenses. Bowman was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Bears. In six seasons with the Bears, Bowman played in 73 regular-season games with 23 starts. The Giants signed Bowman as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. Bowman is a big, physical corner who can make plays on the football. He lacks ideal speed and quickness and can be beat deep. Bowman is a good special teams player.

Chandler Fenner was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad in October 2014. He played in 11 games, mainly on special teams, and finished the season with seven tackles. Fenner was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. He did not make the team but the Seattle Seahawks signed him to their Practice Squad in December 2012. He missed all of 2013 with a knee injury that landed him on Seattle’s Injured Reserve. The Giants signed Chandler Fenner in August 2014. Fenner has a nice combination of size and athleticism and he plays a physical game.

Jayron Hosley has not developed since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He not only received a 4-game suspension for drug use at the start of the season, but he was quickly by-passed on the depth chart by guys signed off of the street when injuries hit the secondary hard. Hosley ended up playing in just six games with two starts. He finished the season with eight tackles and one pass defense. Hosley lacks ideal stature, but he is athletic with good speed and quickness. However, despite his athletic ability, Hosley’s play against the pass actually seems to have deteriorated since being drafted. He has also been very injury prone, missing significant time in both 2012 and 2013.

Bennett Jackson was signed to the Practice Squad in August 2014 and placed on the Practice Squad/Injured List in October 2014 with cartilage damage knee injury that required microfracture surgery. The Giants drafted Jackson in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Jackson converted to cornerback from wide receiver at Notre Dame and could project to safety. He has good size and decent speed for a corner, but may lack ideal quickness for the position. He is a good hitter and tackler. Jackson was a team captain at Notre Dame and a good special teams player.

Josh Victorian was signed to the Practice Squad in November 2014. Victorian was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, he has spent time with the Patriots (2011), Saints (2012), Steelers (2012-13), Texans (2013), and Lions (2014). He has played in 12 NFL games, four for the Steelers with one start in 2012 and eight for the Texans in 2013. Victorian has average size and lacks ideal overall athleticism, but he is a hard working, instinctive football player.

Travis Howard was waived/injured and placed on Injured Reserve in August 2014. Howard was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Houston Texans after the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent some time on the Practice Squad of the Patriots that season before the Giants signed him to their Practice Squad in December 2013. Howard is a physical corner with good ball skills. He has good size and long arms, but lacks ideal speed and quickness. Howard is a good hitter, but he needs to become a more consistent and reliable tackler.

Antrel Rolle, New York Giants (December 14, 2014)

Antrel Rolle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

THE SAFETIES

Despite starting all 16 games, Antrel Rolle did not have the same impact on the playing field that he did in 2013. Rolle finished the season with 87 tackles, three interceptions, nine pass defenses, and one forced fumble. Rolle was steady but did not make many big plays. Rolle was originally drafted as a cornerback in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. After three inconsistent seasons at corner, the Cardinals moved him to free safety in 2008. Rolle was signed by the Giants in March 2010 after the Cardinals cut him in a salary-related move. One of the better coverage safeties in the game, Rolle has good speed and range. Due to his experience as a cornerback, unlike most safeties, Rolle can play man coverage and has often been called upon to play the slot corner position. He is a good tackler and run defender. Rolle has become one of the key leaders of the defense. He also has been very durable, never missing a game in his five seasons with the Giants. Rolle has been voted to the Pro Bowl twice (2009 and 2010) and named All-Pro twice (2010 and 2013). He also played in the 2013 Pro Bowl as a second-alternate.

Stevie Brown played in all 16 games. He started the first three games of the season, lost his starting job for eight weeks, then regained it for the last five weeks of the season. Brown finished with 38 tackles, one sack, and one pass defense. Brown was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Raiders released him in September 2011 and he then spent time with the Panthers and Colts. The Giants signed him in April 2012. Brown had a tremendous season in 2012, intercepting more passes in a single season by a Giant in 44 years. He was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2013 after tearing the ACL in his left knee in the preseason. Brown has superb size for a safety, but lacks quickness and range. Despite his size, he does not stand out as a run defender and tackler. Against the pass, Brown lacks range and quickness, and is prone to making mental mistakes. Contrary to 2012, he rarely made plays on the football in 2014.

Quintin Demps, New York Giants (September 25, 2014)

Quintin Demps – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Quintin Demps begain the season as the Giants’ third safety, was promoted to the starting job for half the season, then lost it again the final month of the season. Demps finished the year with 57 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass defenses, and one forced fumble. Demps was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He has spent time with the Eagles (2008-09), Houston Texans (2010-12), and Chiefs (2013). The Giants signed Demps in March 2014. Demps has a nice combination of size and athletic ability. He’s a frustratingly inconsistent player who flashes play-making ability but also makes too many mistakes in coverage. He does not stand out against the run either.

Nat Berhe, a 5th round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, played in all 16 games. Although he was mainly relegated to special teams, he did see some time on defense and finished the season with 10 tackles. Berhe lacks ideal size and speed, but he is a smart, aggressive competitor who plays hard all of the time. In college, Berhe made a ton of tackles against the run, but was not as active in pass defense.

Cooper Taylor was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2014 with a semasoid bone issue in his foot that required surgery. Cooper was impressing with his play during training camp and the preseason. Cooper was selected in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Giants. A heart condition caused him to slip in the draft. Taylor has an excellent combination of size and athleticism. Taylor missed six games in 2013 with shoulder and hamstring injuries. He played in 10 games that year, serving almost exclusively on special teams.

Thomas Gordon was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. The team waived Gordon in August, but re-signed him to the Practice Squad in December 2014. Gordon lacks ideal height, but he is well-built and a decent athlete. He is a good run defender who hits and tackles well. He started 38 games at Michigan.

Nov 072014
 
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants (October 5, 2014)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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November 7, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Aside from the 12 players on Injured Reserve, everyone practiced on Friday.

RB Rashad Jennings (knee), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (back/hamstring), CB Zack Bowman (viral gastroenteritis), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (knee), DT Cullen Jenkins (calf), and P Steve Weatherford (ankle/back) practiced on a limited basis. Jennings is “doubtful” for the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Bowman, Kiwanuka, and Jenkins are “questionable.” Rodgers-Cromartie and Weatherford are “probable.”

“(Jennings) practiced two days this week,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He is running around and doing all those kinds of things. We are going to have to make sure that he is ready to compete in a game. We will list him as such and then talk about him when we get inside.”

“As you would expect for a guy that has been in the hospital, (Bowman) didn’t seem to have an overly amount of energy, but he is out there and he is positive,” said Coughlin. “I think another day with a good night’s rest, some nourishment, etcetera, etcetera, hopefully he will be playing.”

OG Weston Richburg (ankle) and OG Adam Snyder (knee) fully practiced. Both are “probable.”

November 7, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Friday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Q&A with Head Coach Tom Coughlin: The Coughlin Corner: Preparations for Seattle by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

November 7, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Video of Friday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players is available at Giants.com:

  • RB Andre Williams (Video)
  • CB Zack Bowman (Video)

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning is having a good season so far, even if NY Giants are not by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Oct 162014
 
Perry Fewell, New York Giants (October 16, 2011)

Perry Fewell – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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October 16, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (back/hamstring) and RB Rashad Jennings (knee) did not practice on Thursday. Jennings has already been ruled out of the game against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend.

“I think they’re working on trying to get him to where he can do something,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin about Rodgers-Cromartie.

It is the same thing. Problems down my leg on the entire right side. I am just trying to rest it and get it right,” said Rodgers-Cromartie. “I definitely thought I would be back by today. You want Thursday and Friday to get that time in, but definitely looking to push forward and (practice) tomorrow…(I am at) 60 percent.”

LB Spencer Paysinger (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis.

LB Jon Beason (toe) and P Steve Weatherford (left ankle) fully practiced.

October 16, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Sessions: Transcripts and video clips of Thursday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

October 16, 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 WR Odell Beckham:

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Injured WR Victor Cruz can become NY Giants source of inspiration by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Article on CB Jayron Hosley: Giants CB Jayron Hosley: I’m at a much better place mentally than I was in the preseason by Nick Powell for NJ.com

Article on the Giants-Eagles Game: Giants film review: Did Eli Manning have a chance on any of the sacks? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

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

Oct 022014
 


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October 2, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Everyone on the 53-man roster practiced on Thursday.

LB Jon Beason (foot/ankle), LB Devon Kennard (hamstring), WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), and P Steve Weatherford (left ankle) practiced on a limited basis.

Beason was asked if he would play on Sunday. “Yeah, I think so,” responded Beason. “Initially, it is the pain, but then once the pain subsides a little bit, it is about how the toe functions. The big toe is everything. It is weight-bearing, you pivot, you plant on it, you push against another man when you tackle somebody or when you take on a block. It is huge. There are things we can do to compensate for it, and hopefully I can go out and be productive.”

“Odell Beckham, Jr. has had a good couple days of practice,” said Offensive Coordinator Ben McAoo. “Today was his third day this week, we had some work on Monday, he’s looked good, it’s nice to have him out here. He has a unique skill set, we like the way he can get in and out of routes. He has some explosiveness to him, he plucks the ball pretty well. It will be his first game action, so it will nice to see him out there…He would just be a nice guy to add to the mix.”

Perry Fewell, New York Giants (June 19, 2014)

Perry Fewell – Photo by Connor Hughes

October 2, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Sessions: Transcripts and video clips of Thursday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

October 2, 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

WR Victor Cruz on ESPN Radio: The audio of Thursday’s ESPN Radio interview with WR Victor Cruz is available at ESPN.com.

Articles on DE Jason Pierre-Paul:

Article on CB Zack Bowman: How did the Giants defense get more aggressive? By signing this guy by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

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

Sep 152014
 


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September 15, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: The New York Giants have confirmed that CB Walter Thurmond tore his pectoral muscle against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Thurmond will undergo surgery on Tuesday. He will be placed on season-ending Injured Reserve.

There was no update provided on LB Jon Beason who aggravated his toe injury that sidelined him for all of training camp and the preseason.

WR Jerrel Jernigan suffered a mid-foot sprain in the game as well. No word yet on how long he will be sidelined.

Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (September 14, 2014)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

September 15, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Monday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

September 15, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Monday’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

QB Eli Manning on WFAN: The audio of Monday’s WFAN interview with QB Eli Manning is available at CBS NewYork.

Articles on CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie:

Articles on Communication During a Football Game:

Sep 012014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 16, 2014)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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September 1, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Monday were WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), LG Geoff Schwartz (toe), and OG Brandon Mosley (back).

Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if there was any chance that Beckham might practice this week. “I doubt that very much,” said Coughlin. “Let’s just let this kid get better. Everybody settle down and let the kid get better. I mean, I went to him and said, ‘Let’s not have any more setbacks.’ Whatever it takes to get over this, let’s do this. Let’s encourage him, let’s not let him feel like he is an outsider, let’s get on with it. But, I mean, to talk about him every day. I will let you know when he is ready to do something, I will let you know.”

“Because it is every day it is the same question over and over,” continued Coughlin. “He is not ready to play. He may be a couple, three weeks away, so we are not going to talk about him. We have a game to play. Can we talk about the guys playing in the game, instead of people that are on the injury report. Thank you for bearing with me on that one.”

“I have no idea (when I will practice),” said Beckham. “We don’t have any (timetable), that’s something you have to ask Coach or the trainers really.”

“I would say that (Mosley) is much better than he was before the start of the weekend, or whatever day this is, and if he continues to make that kind of progress, perhaps he will be able to practice later in the week,” said Coughlin.

LB Jon Beason (foot), CB Prince Amukamara (groin), OT Charlie Brown (shoulder), and OT James Brewer (back) returned to practice.

“Yeah, I fully participated today and I felt good,” said Beason. “Guys told me I looked really fast out there. Obviously, I should, with fresh legs. It was hot, but you just keep going. The will has to be greater than the pain. You have to fight through it, knowing that every rep is a rep getting closer to playing.”

New York Giants Add OT Mark Asper to Practice Squad: The Giants have added OT Mark Asper to the Practice Squad, filling eight of the 10 available Practice Squad vacancies. Asper was waived by the Giants on Saturday. Because of this move, we have updated the Transactions and Roster sections of the website.

September 1, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Monday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

September 1, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Monday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on 2014 New York Giants: Giants have second-oldest roster; breaking it down by position by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on DE Kerry Wynn: Kerry Wynn, the surprise Giant by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on CB Zack Bowman: New corner helping Giants’ D focus on ‘ball or nothing’ by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Aug 292014
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (August 28, 2014)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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If ever there ever was a way to perfectly sum up the Giants 2014 preseason, Friday night’s 16-13 victory over the New England Patriots was it.

The starting offense looked anemic, the defense sporadic. Eli Manning resembled something far similar to a first-round bust than a two-time Super Bowl MVP. There were three-and-outs, muffed punts, sacks and near turnovers.

But some how, some way, the Giants escaped with a victory to improve their preseason record to a meaningless 5-0.

Were there bright spots? Sure. Were there pitch black ones, too? Oh yeah.

Tom Coughlin and Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (August 28, 2014)

Tom Coughlin and Ben McAdoo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

In the final tune-up before the Giants travel to Detroit to take on the Lions, Manning completed just 1-of-4 passes against the Patriots backups for zero yards. Victor Cruz went catchless and there was another miscommunication between Manning and receiver Rueben Randle.

“It was the right route,” Randle said. “It just wasn’t timed right. I guess (Manning) was expecting me to run it quicker since it was press.”

In two drives, the Giants managed one first down, one three-and-out and two punts.

Oh, and that rebuilt, injury-riddled offensive line? It continued to allow pressure. Despite playing an extra preseason game, the Giants looked like they needed four more.

“I’m ready to move on,” Cruz said. “I’m ready to move on to Week 1. I’m ready to get a good week of practice in come next week and get our focus onto Week 1 and starting the season off on the right foot. I’m excited for that opportunity.”

While the Manning and the starters continue to struggle, New York’s reserves continue to show McAdoo’s offense does, you know, work.

Building off of two strong performances versus the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets, second-year pro Ryan Nassib again found success versus a preseason opponent’s reserves. The quarterback completed 6-of-14 passes for 107 yards and led the Giants two scoring drives including a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive which was capped by a Peyton Hillis diving touchdown on 4th-and-goal.

Rookie Andre Williams again displayed strong running, gaining 44 yards on five carries, including a 38-yard scamper on 4th-and-1. Tight end Larry Donnell caught four passes for 60 yards. Even Jerrel Jernigan made a play on a 22-yard catch-and-run.

But it won’t be Nassib under center in Detroit. It won’t be Williams as the team’s starting running back.

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

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

It’ll be Manning, who enters the Monday Night season opener having completed 20-of-41 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown.

“Well, I thought we had a good week of practice,” Manning said. “We didn’t get much going tonight, but we’re getting ready for Detroit, that first game. We got the starters out healthy so that’s always the most important thing.

“We have to get ready for Detroit on Monday night. It should be fun.”

Yes, but unless the Giants improve dramatically, in 10 days, the team won’t be having much “fun” at all.

Video highlights/lowlights from the game are available at NFL.com.

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

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

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Marcus Harris, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Marcus Harris – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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August 23, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Four New York Giants were injured in the team’s 35-24 victory over the New York Jets on Friday night: OG Geoff Schwartz (toe), WR Marcus Harris (shoulder), DT Markus Kuhn (ankle), and CB Zack Bowman (arm).

The injury to Schwartz is serious. According to press reports, his dislocated big right toe has been examined or will be examined by a number of specialists. The most optimistic scenario is that he could be out 4-6 weeks; the worst-case scenario is he will need surgery and will miss the entire season.

Harris’ should injury could also be severe enough to cause the Giants to place the upstart talent on Injured Reserve or waived/injured.

“The Schwartz injury, the Harris injury, those are injuries that are going to be a long while, probably,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin on Saturday. “Then we got Markus Kuhn with a little bit of an ankle sprain that may hobble him this week, which I am disappointed if that is the case. Quite frankly, I wanted to have the chance for Markus to be able to finish strong here in the preseason based on not being able to go last year… The Bowman injury, I hope is not much, but the disappointment of losing the two players for some length of time is not what preseason is about.”

“We don’t want to lose anybody and losing Geoff is, as I said, a major disappointment,” said Coughlin. “Let’s not jump to conclusions, let’s see what happens when the evaluation is completed as to what the length of time is involved.”

August 23, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript from Sunday’s media conference call with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at BigBlueInteractive.com.

August 22, 2014 Tom Coughlin Post-Game Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s post-game press conference on Friday night are available at Giants.com.

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