Feb 232023
 
DeAndre Smith, New York Giants (December 4, 2022)

DeAndre Smith – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW RUNNING BACK COACH FOR GIANTS…
Last week, the Indianapolis Colts hired DeAndre Smith, who served as the running backs coach for the New York Giants in 2022. It is not yet publicly known what role Smith will serve on the Colts’ staff.

Media sources reported on Thursday that the Giants replaced Smith with Jeff Nixon, who served as Assistant Head Coach-Offense for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. The 48-year old Nixon was the running backs coach for the Panthers in 2020 and 2021. He had interviewed for the offensive coordinator vacancy with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month. Nixon also worked with Brian Daboll with the Miami Dolphins in 2011 when Daboll was the team’s offensive coordinator and Nixon the running backs coach.

For a complete listing of the coaching staff, see the New York Giants Coaching Staff section of the website.

BRIAN DABOLL HIRES SON…
New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll has hired one of his sons, Christian Daboll, as an offensive assistant coach. Christian has served as a student coach at Penn State University for the last three and a half years. Last season, he signaled in the plays during games.

DAVIS WEBB BECOMES QB COACH FOR BRONCOS…
Davis Webb, who served as the third-string quarterback for the New York Giants in 2022, has been hired by the Denver Broncos as the team’s quarterback coach. Webb had spent the entire season on the Giants’ Practice Squad, but started the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jan 242023
 
Davis Webb, New York Giants (August 28, 2022)

Davis Webb – © USA TODAY Sports

TEXANS INTERVIEW MIKE KAFKA AGAIN…
The Houston Texans will be conducting a second interview with New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka for their head-coaching vacancy. Kafka interviewed with the Colts virtually on Sunday, as well as with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers for their respective head-coaching vacancies.

The 35-year old Kafka first became a coach with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, when he served an offensive quality control coach. He was then promoted by the Chiefs to quarterbacks coach (2018-2019) and then quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator (2020-2021).

DAVIS WEBB PURSUING COACHING CAREER…
ESPN is reporting that New York Giants’ third-string quarterback Davis Webb “has expressed interest in starting the transition from player to coach.” The Buffalo Bills offered their quarterback-coaching position to Webb last offseason, but he turned it down to sign with the Giants. ESPN says “Webb will consider making the jump to coaching for the right opportunity.”

The Giants signed Webb to a reserve/future contract in February 2022. He played well in the preseason and the Giants surprisingly started him in the season-finale against the Eagles instead of Tyrod Taylor. It was only the second time in Webb’s career that he has played a regular-season NFL game and the first time he actually threw a pass in one. Despite playing with largely second- and third-teamers, Webb finished the contest 23-of-40 for 168 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions against one of the best defenses in football.

The Giants drafted Webb in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but waived in early September 2018 before the season started. The 6’5”, 225-pound Webb has spent time with the Giants (2017-2018), New York Jets (2018), Bills (2019-2021). Webb spent most of the 2021 season on the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills, serving as the team’s #3 quarterback.

QUINCY ROCHE RETURNS TO THE STEELERS…
New York Giants’ outside linebacker Quincy Roche has signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roche spent a month on the 53-man roster and the rest of the 2022 season on the Giants’ Practice Squad, playing in three regular-season games and being credited with two tackles.

The Giants claimed Roche off of waivers from the Steelers in early September 2021. He ended up playing in 14 games in 2021 with three starts, and finished the season with 30 tackles, five tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, five quarterback hits and one forced fumble. Roche was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Steelers.

Jan 082023
 
Davis Webb, New York Giants (January 8, 2023)

Davis Webb – © USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 22 – NEW YORK GIANTS 16…
Despite sitting most of their starters, the New York Giants’ second- and third-stringers made a respectable showing against a Philadelphia Eagles team that desperately needed to win in order to secure the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Giants lost 22-16 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday and finished the regular-season with a 9-7-1 record (1-4-1 in the NFC East). The Giants will face the Minnesota Vikings in the first-round of the playoffs this weekend.

The final team statistics were also closer than one would expect. The Eagles out-gained the Giants in first downs (23 to 18), total net yards (342 to 284), net yards rushing (135 to 129), net yards passing (207 to 155), and time of possession (31:26 to 28:34). The Giants won the turnover battle 1-0, but did turn the ball over on downs on a failed fake field goal attempt.

New York’s starting offense was quarterback Davis Webb; running back Matt Breida; tight ends Nick Vannett and Lawrence Cager; wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Marcus Johnson; and offensive linemen Evan Neal, Jack Anderson, Nick Gates, Ben Bredeson, and Tyre Phillips.

The starting defense was defensive linemen Justin Ellis and Ryan Anderson; linebackers Oshane Ximines, Tomon Fox, Landon Collins, and Jarrad Davis; cornerbacks Rodarius Williams, Cor’Dale Flott, and Nick McCloud; and safeties Dane Belton and Justin Pinnock.

The Giants also freely substituted throughout the game on both sides of the ball.

The first half of the game was very one-sided, however, as the Eagles gained 187 yards and the Giants were held to just 77 yards of offense. New York’s six first-half possessions resulted in just six first downs, five punts, and a failed fake field-goal attempt. On the other hand, Philadelphia scored on four of their five first-half possessions. The game would have been more out of hand except the Giants’ defense limited the Eagles to three field goals (32, 52, and 39 yards). The Eagles were only 1-of-3 red-zone opportunities for touchdowns.

At the half, the Eagles were up 16-0.

It appeared that Philadelphia was going to put the game away on their first possession of the second half. The Giants attempted an onside kick, but the Eagles recovered it at the New York 48-yard line. Seven plays and 41 yards later, Philadelphia faced 3rd-and-goal from the 7-yard line. However, quarterback Jalen Hurts’ pass was intercepted by Belton in the end zone.

The Giants gained one first down and punted on the ensuing series. The Eagles extended their lead to 19-0 by gaining 36 yards in seven plays to set up a 54-yard field goal. New York finally responded with their first scoring drive of the game. Webb connected with Cager for 14 yards, Breida ran for 16 yards, and running back Gary Brightwell broke off a 25-yard run. Two plays later, Webb connected with Johnson for 14 yards to the Philadelphia 8-yard line. However, two delay-of-game penalties set the Giants back and they settled for a 24-yard field goal to make the score 19-3 near the end of the 3rd quarter.

After a three-and-out by the Eagles, the Giants made things interesting early in the 4th quarter. A 4th-and-1 pass from Webb to Cager just barely picked up a first down at midfield. Brightwell gained another 17 yards and that was followed up by a 12-yard pass from Webb to Cager. On 1st-and-15, Webb scrambled up the middle for seven yards. Two plays later, he ran up the middle again, running over a tackler near the goal line for a physical 14-yard touchdown. Webb missed Johnson on the 2-point conversion, but the Giant cut the score to 19-9 with just over 10 minutes to play.

Nevertheless, the Eagles followed this up with a 15-play, 71-yard possession. While Philadelphia did not score a touchdown despite reaching the New York 3-yard line, they were able to take 6:43 off of the clock. And the 22-yard field goal extended their lead to 22-9 with just 3:21 left to play.

It took New York just 1:43 and seven plays to score after a 40-yard kickoff return by Brightwell. On the seventh play, Webb threw a pass into the endzone to Golladay, who made a circus catch for a 25-yard score. It was the first touchdown of Golladay’s career as a New York Giant. The extra point cut the score to 22-16.

The ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Eagles, who then knelt on the ball to seal the win.

Webb finished the game 23-of-40 for 168 yards and one touchdown and no interceptions. While under pressure quite a bit, he was not sacked. Webb also carried the ball six times for 41 yards and a touchdown. Webb’s leading target was Cager, who caught eight passes for 69 yards. Brightwell led rushers with 60 yards on 11 carries.

Defensively, McCloud was credited with 1.5 sacks while linebackers Micah McFadden (1) and Jarrad Davis (0.5) also got into the act. McFadden also had two tackles for losses.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated (standard elevation) QB Davis Webb and DT Jack Heflin from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were DL Leonard Williams (neck), OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), RB Saquon Barkley, OT Andrew Thomas, DL Dexter Lawrence, and S Julian Love.

S Jason Pinnock injured his shoulder in the game. He said he suffered a stinger but expects to be available for the playoff game.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media by conference call on Monday.

Oct 052022
 
Nick Gates, New York Giants (August 29, 2021)

Nick Gates – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS PLACE AARON ROBINSON ON INJURED RESERVE…
The New York Giants placed starting cornerback Aaron Robinson on Injured Reserve on Tuesday with a knee injury that he suffered on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Robinson must remain on Injured Reserve for at least four games. Robinson, a 3rd round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had missed Weeks 2 and 3 after undergoing an appendectomy on September 14.

NICK GATES RETURNS TO PRACTICE…
Offensive center Nick Gates, who is currently on the Reserve/Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List, has returned to practice. Gates will have up to three weeks to practice with the team without counting against the 53-man roster. Once that timeframe ends, he either must be added to the roster or revert to the PUP for the rest of the season. Gates suffered a serious, career-threatening lower leg injury in Week 2 of last season requiring multiple surgeries.

Impressive,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “We had a walk-through earlier and had him break down the team. Much respect to really anybody that comes back from injuries, but his injuries were significant. All the surgeries and he’s had nothing but a positive mindset since he’s been here. The guys were hooting and hollering when he was breaking them down. You root for guys like that. It’s a tough industry we’re in, in terms of physical things that can happen. Just a lot of respect for him and what he’s done and proud of the young man.”

“It’s 21 days until they have to make a decision about what they want to do with me,” said Gates after practice. “I feel good. It’s nice to be back out there on the field, it’s nice to run around with the guys. It was a good time. It was a good feeling to be back out there. I didn’t think I was going to be back out there this fast… I’m not going to lie. At one point after I had my last surgery, which was No. 7, they had to take the rod out because I had an infection in my bone and put another rod in. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play this year… The original (surgery) they put a rod in, two screws down my tibia. Then I got compartment syndrome. I’ll show you, there’s a big scar. Got compartment syndrome, so they sliced your leg open and let the swelling kind of – fasciotomy it’s called – just let the swelling do its thing and slowly close you up, that took four and then I had to get a skin graft which was No. 6. Then they had to take my rod out and put another rod in which was No. 7.”

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The Giants have signed offensive guard Solomon Kindley to the Practice Squad. To make room for Kindley, the Giants terminated the Practice Squad contract of running back Antonio Williams. The 25-year old, 6’4”, 339-pound Kindley was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins waived him in August 2022. Kindley has played in 29 regular-season games with 15 starts.

OCTOBER 5, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
QB Tyrod Taylor (concussion), WR Kenny Golladay (knee), WR Richie James (ankle), DL Henry Mondeaux (ankle), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), CB Cor’Dale Flott (calf), and S Julian Love (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.

“(Golladay) will not practice today,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “I doubt he’ll be ready to go this week.”

QB Daniel Jones (ankle), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), OT Evan Neal (neck), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), DL Leonard Williams (knee), CB Fabian Moreau (foot), and CB Nick McCloud (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis.

(Jones will) practice some,” said Daboll. “We’ll see where he’s at. We’ll see where he’s at after today… Not surprised. He’s a pretty tough individual. I think he’s made a lot or progress since after the game, and he’s been in the treatment room pretty consistently throughout these last couple of days. So, we’ll put him out there, give him some reps and see where he’s at.”

Yeah, felt good,” said Jones after practice. “Felt good out there. I’ve been working with the trainers, and I’ve made a lot of progress the last couple of days. I’ll continue to listen to them and continue to do what I can to be back out there.”

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday afternoon (12:30-2:30PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Aug 312022
 
Jason Pinnock, New York Jets (January 2, 2022)

Jason Pinnock – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS CLAIM FOUR OFF OF WAIVERS, PLACE THREE ON IR…
The New York Giants claimed the following four players off of waivers on Wednesday:

  • G Jack Anderson (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • CB Justin Layne (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • CB Nick McCloud (Buffalo Bills)
  • S Jason Pinnock (New York Jets)

The 23-year old, 6’4”, 314-pound Anderson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bills. The Eagles signed Anderson off of Buffalo’s Practice Squad in September 2021. He played in two games with one start for Philadelphia. Anderson spent part of the 2021 season on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury.

The 24-year old, 6’2”, 192-pound Layne was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Steelers. In three years with Pittsburgh, Layne played in 43 regular-season games with no starts, being credited with 41 tackles.

The 24-year old, 6’0”, 193-pound McCloud was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Bills after the 2021 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off of waivers in September 2021 and cut him in November. The Bills then re-signed McCloud to their Practice Squad. McCloud played in two regular-season games with the Bengals.

The 23-year old, 6’0”, 205-pound Pinnock was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jets. He played in 12 games with two starts as a rookie, accruing 16 tackles, one pass defense, and two forced fumbles.

When asked about Pinnock, Head Coach Brian Daboll responded, “He’s good on teams. He had some good film out there. He’s played in the deep part of the field. We practiced against them; we played against them. He has some redeeming qualities and traits that when the guys watched him in the scouting department and our coaches, thought it would be a good claim.”

When asked about Anderson, Daboll replied, “He played (both guard and center). Smart – you know he got claimed by Philadelphia (when I was in Buffalo). So, didn’t want to lose him. I remember we didn’t want to lose him, but he had an opportunity to go and get claimed and looking forward to working with him again. He can play inside – either spot – and he can play center too.”

To make immediate room for these four, the Giants terminated the contracts of the following players:

  • TE Tanner Hudson
  • OG Max Garcia
  • DL Nick Williams
  • ILB Austin Calitro

Some or all of these four players may be back as soon as tomorrow. Players on the initial 53-man roster could not be officially placed on short-term Injured Reserve until 4PM on Wednesday. Daboll said on Wednesday that the team intends to place the following three players on short-term Injured Reserve:

  • OG Shane Lemieux (foot)
  • OLB Elerson Smith (ankle/foot)
  • CB Rodarius Williams (ACL)

These three players will have to remain on Injured Reserve for at least four games. “I think there’s a chance (all three could return this season),” said Daboll.

(Lemieux is) pretty resilient,” said Daboll. “Unfortunately, he’s been through it once, but he’s in good spirits. So, he’ll work back. He’s been already rehabbing, and he’ll be back as soon as he can.”

GIANTS SIGN 15 PLAYERS TO THE PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have signed the following players to the team’s 16-man Practice Squad:

  • QB Davis Webb
  • RB Jashaun Corbin
  • WR C.J. Board
  • WR Jaylon Moore
  • TE Austin Allen
  • OT Will Holden
  • OT Roy Mbaeteka
  • OT Garrett McGhin
  • DL Ryder Anderson
  • OLB Quincy Roche
  • CB Harrison Hand
  • CB Zyon Gilbert
  • CB Darren Evans
  • S Trenton Thompson
  • S Nate Meadors

All 15 of these players were cut by the Giants yesterday.

Meanwhile, according to multiple media reports, safety Tony Jefferson is expected to be signed to the Practice Squad shortly. The 30-year old, 5’11”, 211-pound Jefferson was originally signed as undrafted rookie free agent by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Cardinals (2013-2016), Ravens (2017-2019, 2021-2022), and San Francisco 49ers (2021). Robinson has played in 104 regular-season games with 66 starts. However, he has not started a game since 2019, when he tore his ACL mid-season. Robinson has only played in six regular-season games since 2019.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

AUGUST 31, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
TE Daniel Bellinger (concussion), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), and ILB Blake Martinez (excused absence) did not practice.

Day-to-day,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll about Thibodeaux and Ojulari. “Both of those guys – I’d say him and Azeez are rehabbing and doing a good job and getting better each day… They’re getting better. I know that.”

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice Thursday (11:45AM-1:15PM). General Manager Joe Schoen, Head Coach Brian Daboll, and select players will also address the media.

Aug 302022
 
Quincy Roche, New York Giants (November 7, 2021)

Quincy Roche – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS REDUCE ROSTER TO 53 PLAYERS…
As required by the NFL, he New York Giants reduced their roster to 53 players on Tuesday. The team cut the following players:

  • QB Davis Webb (contract terminated)
  • RB Jashaun Corbin
  • WR C.J. Board (contract terminated)
  • WR Alex Bachman
  • WR Jaylon Moore
  • TE Austin Allen
  • OL Jamil Douglas (contract terminated)
  • OL Garrett McGhin
  • OL Will Holden (contract terminated)
  • OL Roy Mbaeteka
  • DL Jalyn Holmes (contract terminated)
  • DL David Moa
  • DL Ryder Anderson
  • LB Quincy Roche
  • CB Khalil Dorsey
  • CB Harrison Hand
  • CB Darren Evans
  • CB Zyon Gilbert
  • S Nate Meadors
  • S Trenton Thompson

RB Sandro Platzgummer also will remain exempt as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, which also allowed him to remain on the team’s Practice Squad in 2020 and 2021 without counting towards the Practice Squad limit. 

The roster clearly is not finalized. Head Coach Brian Daboll admitted some players will be moved to short-term Injured Reserve. “There’s probably a few,” said Daboll. “But we’ll get to that here. (I’ll) have a better answer for you tomorrow or the next day.”

GIANTS TEAM CAPTAINS SELECTED…
The players voted for the following team captains of the 2022 New York Giants:

  • Offense: QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, and LT Andrew Thomas
  • Defense: S Xavier McKinney, DL Leonard Williams, DL Dexter Lawrence, and S Julian Love
  • Special Teams: LS Casey Kreiter, PK Graham Gano, LB Cam Brown, and S Julian Love

Love was voted for both defense and special teams.

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1564730313053552641

AUGUST 30, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
TE Daniel Bellinger (concussion), TE Chris Myarick (foot), LG Shane Lemieux (foot), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), OLB Elerson Smith (ankle/foot), and CB Rodarius Williams (unknown) did not practice.

When Head Coach Brian Daboll was asked if anyone but Lemieux would miss the opening game, he responded, “I’ll get that to you here in the next couple days.”

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Tuesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice Wednesday afternoon (1:30-3:30PM). Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

Aug 282022
 
Austin Allen, New York Giants (August 28, 2022)

Austin Allen – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK JETS 31 – NEW YORK GIANTS 27 …
In an entertaining preseason finale, the New York Giants lost the lead in the final moments of the contest, falling 31-27 to the New York Jets. The Giants finish the 2022 NFL preseason 2-1.

The Jets played their first-team starters into the 2nd quarter. On the other hand, the Giants sat most of their key starters on both sides of the football. The Jets held significant advantages in first downs (26 to 19), total net yards (431 to 307), and net passing yards (342 to 221).

The Jets received the ball to start the game and were able to drive to the Giants’ 39-yard line in eight plays. However, on the 10th-play, inside linebacker Micah McFadden forced a fumble after a reception that was recovered by fellow inside linebacker Austin Calitro.

After both teams exchanged punts, quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw an ill-advised pass on 3rd-and-13 that was intercepted by the Jets at the Giants’ 48-yard line. The Jets were only able to gain 17 yards, but it was enough to set up a successful 49-yard field goal. Jets 3 – Giants 0.

On Giants’ next possession, Taylor was knocked out of the game with a back injury on a play where he connected with tight end Daniel Bellinger for 25 yards. Davis Webb would play the rest of the game at quarterback for the Giants. Big Blue continued to move the ball on this drive and place kicker Ryan Santoso kicked a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 early in the 2nd quarter.

The Giants took the lead on the Jets’ ensuing drive when quarterback Joe Flacco threw the ball right to Calitro, who returned the interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Giants 10 – Jets 3. The Jets responded with an 8-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mike White to wide receiver Braxton Berrios. The game was now tied 10-10.

The Giants punted twice and the Jets once before the Jets quickly drove 65 yards in five plays and 38 seconds at the end of the half to take a 17-10 halftime lead. White connected with wide receiver Jeff Smith for a 19-yard score.

The Giants received the ball to start the second half. Behind Davis Webb and running back Jashaun Corbin, the Giants managed to drive 75 yards in 12 plays. Corbin finished off this possession with a 1-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17-17.

The Jets gained a couple of first downs and then punted. The Giants put together a 9-play, 61-yard drive than ended with a well-executed 18-yard touchdown pass from Webb to tight end Austin Allen. The Giants regained the lead 24-17 early in the 4th quarter.

After exchanging punts, the Jets tied the game at 24-24 when they drove 80 yards in seven plays. Quarterback Chris Streveler hit wide receiver Denzel Mims for the 29-yard score. With 7:19 on the clock, the Giants began a field-goal drive that took five minutes off of the clock and moved the ball 44 yards in 10 plays. This set up Santoso for a 49-yard field goal that gave the Giants a 27-24 advantage near the 2-minute warning.

However, in dramatic fashion, the Jets were able win the game with a 10-play, 76-yard drive in one minute and forty seconds. The game-winning touchdown pass came on 4th-and-goal from the 5-yard line when Streveler hit wide receiver Calvin Jackson with 22 seconds on the clock. The Giants were only able to reach midfield before a last desperate Hail Mary pass fell incomplete to end the game.

Webb finished the game 30-of-38 for 202 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The leading receivers were wideout Alex Bachman (6 catches for 27 yards) and Corbin (5 catches for 33 yards). Corbin was also the leading rusher with six carries for 23 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Giants gave up over 400 yards and did not accrue a sack. They did force two turnovers, one resulting in a score.

Video highlights are available on YouTube.

HEALTHY SCRATCHES AND INJURY REPORT…
QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, OG Mark Glowinski, OT Evan Neal, OT Andrew Thomas, OT Roy Mbaeteka, DL Leonard Williams, DL Dexter Lawrence, CB Adoree’ Jackson, CB Darnay Holmes, S Xavier McKinney, and S Julian Love were healthy scratches from the game.

WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles’), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring?), WR C.J. Board (ribs), LG Shane Lemieux (foot), OG/OT Joshua Ezeudu (unknown), OC/OG Ben Bredeson (elbow), OL Garrett McGhin (unknown), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), OLB Elerson Smith (ankle/foot), CB Rodarius Williams (unknown), S Dane Belton (broken left collarbone), and PK Graham Gano (concussion) did not play.

QB Tyrod Taylor (back) left the game in the 1st quarter and did not return. DT Jalyn Holmes (concussion) and TE Daniel Bellinger (concussion) left the game in the 2nd quarter and did not return.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media by Zoom on Monday.

Aug 222022
 
Kayvon Thibodeau, New York Giants (August 21, 2022)

Kayvon Thibodeau – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 25 – CINCINNATI BENGALS 22…
In an entertaining, back-and-forth, preseason football game, the New York Giants defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 25-22 on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants are now 2-0 in the preseason.

However, the real story line of the game is the possible serious knee injuries to rookie linebackers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Darrian Beavers. Both grabbed their knees in obvious pain. Both walked off the field under their own power. Thibodeaux stayed on the sidelines, but Beavers was taken immediately into the locker room. Both will require more testing to determine the severity of their injuries. Place kicker Graham Gano also suffered a concussion in the first half and did not return.

After the game, Thibodeaux said he did not believe his injury was serious. Beavers was in a big brace on his left knee and he said he did not know how serious the injury was.

Statistically, the Giants held significant advantages in first downs (25 to 18), total net yards (423 to 272), and net yards passing (356 to 203). The Giants were 9-of-16 (56 percent) on 3rd down while the Bengals were 4-of-13 (31 percent), though both teams also converted twice on 4th down. Neither team rushed for much yardage, the Bengals rushed for 69 yards while the Giants rushed for 67 yards. Time of possession was also equal.

Minus running back Saquon Barkley, who was a healthy scratch, and injured starters wide receiver Kadarius Toney and offensive linemen Shane Lemieux and Jon Feliciano, the starting Giants’ offense played into the early second quarter. New York’s first drive was stopped when running back Antonio Williams was stopped short on 4th-and-1 at the Cincinnati 48-yard line on what looked like a questionable spot by the officials. However, the Giants’ defense forced a three-and-out.

The Giants’ second drive ended when a quarterback Daniel Jones’ pass to tight end Daniel Bellinger went through the rookie’s hands and was intercepted (even though the ball appeared to hit the ground). The defender returned the pick 23 yards to just across midfield. The Bengals were only able to pick up 17 yards in nine plays, but this was enough to set up a successful 50-yard field goal and a 3-0 lead.

On his final drive of the night, Jones went 8-of-9 for 78 yards on nine straight passing attempts. Rookie Jashaun Corbin carried the ball for the last six yards, including a 2-yard touchdown run. Giants 7 – Bengals 3.

However, the Giants’ special teams collapsed right after this. First the team gave up a 73-yard kickoff return to the New York 24-yard line. The defense held as Cincinnati actually lost two yards on their offensive possession, but the the Bengals kicked the 44-yard field goal. Then wideout C.J. Board fumbled the ensuing kickoff. The Bengals recovered at the New York 15-yard line. The defense held again, but the Bengals kicked the 31-yard field goal for a 9-7 lead.

Though the Giants’ offense crossed midfield on their final two drives of the 2nd quarter, quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s passing was off and the Bengals held the 9-7 advantage leading into the half.

Cincinnati received the ball to start the 3rd quarter and they easily drove through the Giants’ back-up defense on an 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Bengals now led 16-7. After both teams exchanged punts, the Giants finally managed another scoring drive, this time with Davis Webb at quarterback. New York drove 68 yards in 11 plays to set up a 31-yard field goal by punter Jamie Gillan since Gano was out of the game with a concussion. Early in the 4th quarter, the Giants now trailed 16-10.

After the Bengals picked up a couple of first downs, they attempted a 58-yard field goal that was no good. Webb and the New York offense then drove 52 yards in eight plays, with Webb connecting with wide receiver Alex Bachman for a 22-yard touchdown. Webb then rushed around right end for a successful 2-point conversion. Giants 18 – Bengals 16 with just under nine minutes to play.

However, Cincinnati responded with an impressive 12-play, 83-yard drive that ended with an easy 3-yard touchdown run. Their 2-point conversion attempt failed, but with 3:05 left on the clock, the Bengals led 22-18.

Webb completed all seven of his passing attempts on the final New York drive for 71 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown pass to Bachman. With the extra point, the Giants were now up 25-22 with 35 seconds left in the game.

The Bengals moved from their own 25-yard line to the New York 43-yard line. After a 5-yard false start penalty, Cincinnati completed a short pass. Linebacker Tomon Fox forced the receiver to fumble and cornerback Olaijah Griffin recovered the loose ball to secure the win with one second remaining on the clock.

Jones finished the game 14-0f-16 for 116 yards and one interception. Taylor was 7-of-11 for just 37 yards. On the other hand, Webb completed 22-of-27 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Bachman caught 11 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Video highlights are available on YouTube.

HEALTHY SCRATCHES AND INJURY REPORT…
RB Saquon Barkley was the only healthy player to be held out of the game.

WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles), OC Nick Gates (leg), and OT Matt Peart (knee) remain on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

RB Matt Breida (unknown), RB Gary Brightwell (unknown), WR Kadarius Toney (knee/leg), WR Darius Slayton (unknown), TE Andre Miller (broken right forearm), TE Ricky Seals-Jones (unknown), OC Jon Feliciano (right arm), LG Shane Lemieux (foot), OL Joshua Ezeudu (unknown), OC/OG Ben Bredeson (elbow), OL Jamil Douglas (ankle), OL Garrett McGhin (unknown), DL Leonard Williams (unknown), LB Jihad Ward (unknown), LB Elerson Smith (right foot in walking boot), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Rodarius Williams (unknown), and S Dane Belton (broken left collarbone) did not play.

OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), ILB Darrian Beavers (knee), WR C.J. Board (ribs), and PK Graham Gano (concussion) all left the game with injuries and did not return.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • Head Coach Brian Daboll (Video)
  • QB Daniel Jones (Video)
  • QB Davis Webb (Video)

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media by Zoom on Monday.

Feb 072022
 
Don "Wink" Martindale, Baltimore Ravens (January 6, 2019)

Don “Wink” Martindale – © USA TODAY Sports

SECOND INTERVIEWS FOR DON MARTINDALE AND STEVE WILKS…
According to multiple sources, the New York Giants have interviewed both Don “Wink” Martindale and Steve Wilks for a second time, with these interviews being in person. Martindale’s second interview was on Sunday and Wilks’ second interview was on Monday. Their first interviews were held virtually last week.

The 58-year old Martindale served as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens since 2018. On January 21, Martindale and Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh decided to mutually part ways. The Giants interviewed Martindale in early January 2020 for their head coaching vacancy before hiring Joe Judge.

The 52-year old Wilks is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Missouri. He also has served as defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers (2017) and Cleveland Browns (2019). The Giants interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy in January 2018. After the Giants hired Pat Shurmur as head coach, Wilks became head coach of the Arizona Cardinals that year.

The Giants have virtually interviewed at least three other candidates for the defensive coordinator position, including Sean Desai, Jim Schwartz, and Teryl Austin.

The 38-year old Desai served as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears in 2021, after being promoted from safeties coach (2019-2020). He was not retained when the Bears fired Head Coach Matt Nagy.

The 55-year old Schwartz was the senior defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans in 2021. Before that, he was the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-2020. The Giants requested permission to interview Schwartz for their head coaching vacancy in January 2018 before hiring Pat Shurmur.

The 56-year old Austin has served as the senior defensive assistant and secondary coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. However, Austin has decided to remain with the Steelers, who are now  now promoting him to defensive coordinator. The Giants interviewed Austin for their head coaching vacancy in January 2016 before hiring Ben McAdoo.

GIANTS SIGN DAVIS WEBB AND JAMIE GILLAN…
The Giants have officially signed quarterback Davis Webb and punter Jamie Gillan to reserve/future contracts.

Webb spent most of the 2021 season on the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills, serving as the team’s #3 quarterback behind Josh Allen and Mitchell Trubisky. The Giants drafted Webb in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but waived in early September 2018 before the season started. The 27-year old, 6’5”, 225-pound Webb has spent time with the Giants (2017-2018), New York Jets (2018), Bills (2019-2021). His only playing time in a regular-season game came in garbage time in one game in 2021.

The 24-year old, 6’1”, 207-pound Gillan is Scottish born. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft. Gillan served as Cleveland’s punter for all of 2019 and 2020, as well as most of 2021. The Browns waived him in late December and he was then signed to the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills. In 44 regular-season games, Gillan has averaged 44.7 yards per punt (39.8 net yards per punt).

Feb 072022
 
Davis Webb, New York Giants (August 24, 2018)

Davis Webb – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS LET MARK KONCZ GO…
The New York Giants have announced that Co-Director of Player Personnel Mark Koncz is not being retained. Koncz was brought in from the Carolina Panthers by then General Manager Dave Gettleman as a consultant prior to the 2018 NFL Draft. He was promoted to director of player personnel in June 2018. During the 2021 offseason, the Giants promoted Tim McDonnell from assistant director of player personnel to co-director of player personnel alongside Koncz. For now, McDonnell, who is team President/CEO John Mara’s nephew, is the sole director of player personnel.

Koncz was a member of the Panthers organization from 1994-2017 and was their director of pro scouting from 2000-2017. He worked under Gettleman when the latter was the Panthers’ general manager from 2013-2016.

JOE SCHOEN COMMENTS ON NEW ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER…
The Giants officially confirmed that they have hired Brandon Brown as assistant general manager. The 33-year old Brown was the director of player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. He replaces Kevin Abrams, who was named the team’s senior vice president of football operations and strategy on Saturday.

“Brandon has a strong reputation around the league as a leader, evaluator, and consensus builder,” said Schoen. “He is a tireless worker who has experience in pro personnel and college scouting. He has a progressive approach to the evaluation process. Brandon will help lead the player personnel department as well as assist across the entire football operation.”

DAVIS WEBB RETURNING TO THE GIANTS…
The Giants are expected to sign quarterback Davis Webb, who visited the team on Monday. Webb spent most of the 2021 season on the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills, serving as the team’s #3 quarterback behind Josh Allen and Mitchell Trubisky. The Giants drafted Webb in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but waived in early September 2018 before the season started. The 27-year old, 6’5”, 225-pound Webb has spent time with the Giants (2017-2018), New York Jets (2018), Bills (2019-2021). His only playing time in a regular-season game came in garbage time in one game in 2021.