Dexter Lawrence and Darius Slayton Doubtful

 Posted by
Nov 242023
 
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (November 19, 2023)

Dexter Lawrence – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS SIGN RANDY BULLOCK TO 53-MAN ROSTER…
The New York Giants have signed place kicker Randy Bullock to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad. Bullock has kicked for the Giants for the past three games as a standard elevation from the Practice Squad. The Giants also re-signed Cade York to the Practice Squad. York was waived from the 53-man roster on Wednesday. He was signed by the Giants off of the Practice Squad of the Tennessee Titans almost three weeks ago.

NOVEMBER 24, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
RT Evan Neal (ankle) and NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) did not practice on Friday. Neal has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots; Lawrence is “doubtful” for the game.

WR Darius Slayton (neck), OL Sean Harlow (knee), DL A’Shawn Robinson (back), ILB Bobby Okereke (hip/rib), and CB Tre Hawkins (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis. Slayton is “doubtful” for the game; the other four players are expected to play.

RB Eric Gray (ankle), WR Sterling Shepard (hip), OC John Michael Schmitz (finger), LT Andrew Thomas (knee), OT Tyre Phillips (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), and S Bobby McCain (illness) fully practiced. Gray is “questionable” for the game; the other six players are expected to be available to play.

“We’ll take (Lawrence and Slayton) right up to game time,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “We’ll let them go through today, get treatment, tomorrow, get treatment, and then we’ll talk about it Sunday morning.”

TOMMY DeVITO EARNS “ROOKIE OF THE WEEK” HONORS…
Quarterback Tommy DeVito has been named “Rookie of the Week” for his performance against the Washington Commanders last Sunday. In that game, DeVito completed 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 137.7 passer rating.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Friday 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…
There is no media availability to the Giants on Saturday. The team plays the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

New York Giants 31 – Washington Commanders 19

 Posted by
Nov 192023
 
Isaiah Simmons, New York Giants (November 19, 2023)

Isaiah Simmons – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 31 – WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 19…
The New York Giants won their third game of the season by defeating the Washington Commanders 31-19 on Sunday at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The Giants are 3-8 on the season, having swept the Commanders.

The story of the game was turnovers. The Giants did not turn the ball over while the Commanders turned it over six times. On the other hand, the Giants had no rushing yards until the last play of the 3rd quarter and allowed nine sacks to the Commanders.

Overall, the Commanders out-gained the Giants in first downs (28 to 13), total net yards (403 to 292), net yards rushing (174 to 91), net yards passing (229 to 201), and time of possession (34:51 to 25:09). The turnovers were the great equalizer.

The Giants received the ball to start the game, picked up 19 yards, and then punted. On the fourth snap of Washington’s first drive, quarterback Sam Howell’s deep pass down the middle was intercepted by cornerback Nick McCloud at the New York 13-yard line. The Giants went three-and-out on their second possession.

On the second snap of Washington’s second drive, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott forced tight end Logan Thomas to fumble after a short catch. Safety Xavier McKinney recovered the ball at the Washington 45-yard line. Three plays later, on 3rd-and-13, quarterback Tommy DeVito threw a 24-yard strike to wide receiver Darius Slayton. On the very next snap, DeVito threw a deep pass to running back Saquon Barkley in the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown. Giants 7 – Commanders 0.

The Commanders responded with a 9-play, 70-yard drive that stalled at the New York 5-yard line. Washington settled for a 23-yard field goal to cut the score to 7-3. The Giants and Commanders then exchanged three-and-outs. On New York’s fifth possession, they gained 41 yards, but could not convert on 3rd-and-2 and 4th-and-2 at the Washington 34-yard line, turning the ball over on downs.

After another three-and-out by Washington, New York went ahead 14-3 with a 6-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 40-yard touchdown pass from DeVito to Slayton. A key play on this possession with DeVito connecting with wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson for 11 yards on 3rd-and-8.

Washington responded again to the Giants’ score, this time driving 75 yards in 12 plays. With just over a minute and a half to play before halftime, Howell scrambled from seven yards out for a touchdown. The extra point was missed and the Giants led 14-9. Both teams had the ball once more before the break, but the score remained the same at halftime.

Washington received the ball to start the second half, but Nick McCloud forced the Commanders’ kick returner to fumble. Safety Gervarrius Owens recovered the loose ball at the Washington 34-yard line. Two sacks by Washington pushed New York back 11 yards and the team was forced to punt. The Commanders then kept the ball over seven and half minutes, driving 68 yards in 13 plays. They settled for a 42-yard field goal, cutting the Giants’ lead to 14-12.

The Giants gained 21 yards on a pass play to start their next possession before a penalty and sack stalled the drive. The Commanders were threatening to score again late in the 3rd quarter when inside linebacker Bobby Okereke forced the ball carrier to fumble. Fellow inside backer Micah McFadden recovered the ball at the New York 32-yard line.

The Giants ground game finally got going on the last play of the 3rd quarter with Barkley breaking off a 36-yard run to the Washington 32-yard line. DeVito then connected with tight end Daniel Bellinger for a 26-yard gain. Two plays later, on 3rd-and-goal, DeVito threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Barkley. The Giants were up 21-12 with 13:32 to play.

On their ensuing drive, Washington picked up one first down. Then on 3rd-and-10 from their own 38-yard line, Howell threw a poor deep pass that was intercepted by cornerback Darnay Holmes. The Giants proceeded to drive 46 yards in seven plays, setting up place kicker Randy Bullock for a 36-yard field goal that gave the Giants a 24-12 advantage with less than seven minutes to play.

With nothing coming easy to the 2023 New York Giants, Washington cut the score to 24-19 on their next possession. On this 12-play, 75-yard drive, the Commanders overcame a 3rd-and-20, 4th-and-10, and 4th-and-1 to keep the drive alive. The Giants got the ball back with 2:16 left in the game and were unable to pick up a first down.

Down by five, the Commanders started at their own 19-yard line with 1:49 left in the game. Washington picked up 20 yards on two plays. An interception by cornerback Tre Hawkins was erased due to Hawkins’ own illegal contact penalty, giving Washington another first down. Howell then converted on 3rd-and-2 and the Commanders were at the New York 43-yard line.

After a false start penalty on Washington moved them back five yards, safety/linebacker Isaiah Simmons sealed the game by picking off an underthrown pass from Howell and returning it 54 yards for a defensive touchdown with 16 seconds left on the clock. Ball game.

DeVito completed 18-of-26 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was sacked nine times. His leading receivers were Slayton (4 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown) and Barkley (4 catches for 57 yards and two touchdowns). Barkley also carried the ball 14 times for 83 yards.

Defensively, the Giants picked off three passes and recovered two fumbles (another fumble being recovered on special teams). Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was credited with two sacks with nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and outside linebacker Jihad Ward also getting to Howell. The defense also had six tackles for losses and eight pass defenses.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated (standard elevation) TE Tyree Jackson and PK Randy Bullock from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were RT Evan Neal (ankle), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), S Bobby McCain (illness), RB Deon Jackson, OT Joshua Miles, DL Jordon Riley, and PK Cade York.

WR Darius Slayton (arm) left the game 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 and select players will address the media by conference call on Monday.

Brian Daboll’s Monday Post-Mortem

 Posted by
Nov 132023
 
Cor'Dale Flott, New York Giants (November 12, 2023)

Cor’Dale Flott – © USA TODAY Sports

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 BRIAN DABOLL PRESS CONFERENCE…
New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll addressed the media on Monday (VIDEO):

Q: When I was growing up, there was lot of parents who gave their kids a poem called ‘If’ and it was about when things are going wrong and you’re trying to keep your head. How hard is it at this point to trust yourself with what you’re doing?

A: Is that by (Rudyard) Kipling?

Q: Yes.

A: Look, I’d say that any time you lose, it’s tough. Take a lot of pride in what you do and what we do and how we go about our business and we’re not always going to get the results that we want. So the challenging part is coming back in after that and moving on to next week, and that’s the National Football League. Certainly not where we want to be, make no excuses about it. Acknowledge it, move on and get ready to play the next week and that’s how you have to approach it. Certainly – look, everybody’s human. Everybody wants to win; everybody wants to do everything they can do to help achieve that goal. Extra meetings, stay here as late as you need to, good practice habits and I’d say we take pride in doing those things, but the results haven’t showed, so I understand that it’s a production business and we’re working extremely hard to get different results.

Q: When you look at the tape of yesterday’s game, the execution, we know all that, you talked about some of that last night. Do you look for other signs when a season is going like this, and the score is like that? ‘Do I see signs of effort leaking? ‘Do I see signs of guys not being confident?’ Do you have to look at it a little differently to uncover things?

A: You always look at it like that and again, the effort which those guys compete with has been good. Running to the football, finishing blocks, blocks down field, finishing runs, you’ll always look at that as a coach. But certainly, when you’re in a little bit of a rut here, you want to make sure that you’re doing all of the things that you can do on and off the field the right way to give yourselves the best chance to get out of the rut, if you will.

Those guys competed. Certainly, we didn’t do enough, that starts with me, but those guys competed.

Q: You’ve been around the league for a long time, but this is only your second season as a head coach. Are you doing more soul searching to figure it out? I’m not saying you don’t put effort in, you always do, obviously, but has it gone so bad that you’re like questioning what you do? Maybe thinking about things you need to do differently or maybe getting different voices to try to say, ‘look, what is going on here and how do we fix this? I don’t know if I can.’

A: I’d say that that’s something that’s consistent since I started out coaching as a position coach, as a coordinator, obviously last year as a head coach. You’re always doing that. You’re never satisfied. As a competitor, you’re never satisfied. Look, I believe in our process, I believe in what we do. Certainly we have to do it better and that’s what we’re all trying to do.

Q: When you look at the defense, the numbers are obviously staggeringly ugly. You mentioned the effort was okay. Is there something that (Defensive Coordinator) Wink (Martindale) can do differently? Or something that is going on defensively because to have 640 yards and no sacks is obviously – is there a disconnect or were the Cowboys that good? What do you see going on there?

A: I’m going to look at it more as a team approach, we can all do a better job. That starts with me. Play complementary football and do the things we need to do to – whether that’s affect the quarterback, create negative runs, stay on track offensively, do a good job in the kicking game. We all need to do a better job and that all starts with me.

Q. I wasn’t in the locker room last night but there has been a good bit of back and forth online about a couple of your guys, especially a couple of your leaders who didn’t talk to the media or refused to talk to the media. Do you get concerned about that? Do you talk to any of those guys? I mean, would you rather have them just be accountable, speak to the media, get it over with? Do you have a reaction to that?

A: Yeah, I haven’t been back for less than 12 hours, so. Look, I’d say this. We should make no excuses about where we’re at. I own it. I own it. So, I’ve got to do a better job all the way around and that’s what we are going to work towards.

Q. You always talk about the processes that you follow, that you want to stick with the process. When they are not working, how do you balance the temptation to change them versus stick with the processes?

A: Yeah, that’s a daily evaluation. Weekly after the games, but you’re always trying to do what you think you need to do for that particular week. You have core beliefs of how you practice, of how you prepare, of how you meet, of how you take care of yourself, of the staff, assisting the players with nutrition or sleep habits or team psychologists. All those things. You know I believe in what we do but certainly when you don’t get the results, those can get questioned and I completely understand that. So, look, we’ve established something last year when we got here of how we are going to approach things, and how we are going to do things and you build on that in the offseason. One season is never the same as the next season, one game is never the same as the next game. Again, I understand this is a results business. I do understand that, I’ve been in it long enough to understand that. We look at our processes on a daily basis, of what we think we need to do to help our team be as successful as we can be and that’ll never change.

Q: But is there like a breaking point at some point where you say, ‘okay you know what, for three or four weeks we haven’t been getting the results we want, now maybe we have to think about changing it.’ Do you have a timeline, I guess, is what I am asking.

A: No, it’s every day, it’s every week. You’re always self-evaluating, team evaluating, process evaluating, in my position, on a daily basis.

Q. Did you have any injury updates at all? I didn’t know if you did or not.

A: No, sorry. I haven’t met with those guys yet.

Q. I watched the telecast yesterday rather than being there and they said at one point on the telecast you told them before the game that this isn’t going to be a pity party from here on out, is the way they put it. Do you relay that to your players, ‘hey, you know what, things are bad but don’t sit around here and feel sorry for yourselves’?

A: Yeah, and that we have control over our actions and our attitude and our emotions and that’s what we control. So, we control how hard we work, we control how hard we prepare, we control our approach, coming in with a positive attitude. Look, no one’s happy. I’m at the top of that list. So, you don’t work as hard as you work in this business to be where we are at, but we are there and make no excuses. We haven’t been good enough, that starts with me, and we’ll continue to work the right way with a positive mindset, a great approach, continue to evolve our processes and get ready to play this week.

Q: Is it easier said than done to not to feel sorry for yourself when the losses just mount, especially the manner of the losses, where they are not close?

A: Yeah, you make no excuses about it. We are at where we are at and that’s where we’re meant to be right now, relative to what we’ve done. So, you don’t feel sorry for yourself, you got about it with the right mindset and your head down. You work as hard as you can work, you prepare as hard you can prepare. You teach, you work, you practice, you do the necessary things you need to do to give yourself a chance and you move on to the next week. So, you are real about where you are at, this is where we are at, but we control our actions, our attitudes, our emotions, our approach. That’s what we can focus on.

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 players are off on Tuesday and there is no media availability to the team. The players return to practice on Wednesday.

Las Vegas Raiders 30 – New York Giants 6; Daniel Jones Hurt

 Posted by
Nov 052023
 

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 30 – NEW YORK GIANTS 6…
The New York Giants were badly defeated 30-6 by the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Giants fell to 2-7 on the season.

However, the bigger story for the franchise is what is feared to be a season-ending ACL injury to quarterback Daniel Jones’ right knee. Jones was injured on the first play of the 2nd quarter when his knee buckled without contact. An MRI will determine the actual severity of the injury.

The Giants were not performing well in the game before the injury, trailing 7-0. New York went three-and-out on their first drive and turned the ball over on downs on a failed 4th-and-1 at the Las Vegas 34-yard line on their second possession. Meanwhile, the Raiders easily drove for a touchdown on a 6-play, 67-yard effort on their first possession before going three-and-out on their second possession.

It was on New York’s third drive that began late in the 1st quarter where Jones got hurt. After crossing midfield, Jones moved away from pressure on 2nd-and-17 and had his knee buckle underneath him without contact for what officially become a 10-yard sack. He was replaced by Tommy DeVito, with the team punting one play later.

After the Raiders and Giants exchanged punts, Las Vegas drove 65 yards in eight plays to extend their lead to 14-0 with just over five minutes to go before halftime. The Giants crossed midfield on the ensuing possession after a 26-yard run by halfback Saquon Barkley. On the very next snap, DeVito’s deep pass to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was underthrown, intercepted at the goal line, and returned 40 yards. It took the Raiders just four plays to travel 60 yards and go up 21-0.

The situation got worse when DeVito’s very next pass went off the hands of wideout Darius Slayton and was picked off by the Raiders again, setting up Las Vegas on the Giants’ 25-yard line. The Raiders were forced to settle for a 24-yard field goal, but at the break, the game was already over with Las Vegas ahead 24-0.

The Raiders extended their lead on their first possession of the second half, driving 47 yards in 14 plays to set up 46-yard field goal. Raiders 27 – Giants 0. After exchanging three-and-outs, the Giants finally managed to get on the scoreboard with a drive that began with five minutes left in the 3rd quarter. New York gained 84 yards in 11 plays with DeVito throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson early in the 4th quarter. The 2-point conversion attempt failed and the Giants trailed 27-6.

The rest of the 4th quarter was pretty uneventful. The Raiders punted twice more and added another field goal while the Giants turned the football over on downs on three straight possessions. The Raiders took it easy on the Giants at the end, running the ball on 4th-and-4 from the New York 34-yard line.

The final stats were oddly equal. Both teams gained 15 first downs. The Raiders out-gained the Giants in total yards 334 to 227, with rushing yards practically the same (125 for the Raiders and 123 for the Giants). However, the Giants turned the football over twice and allowed eight sacks. The Raiders had no turnovers or allowed sacks.

DeVito finished 15-of-20 for 175 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Jones as 4-of-9 for 25 yards. Barkley carried the ball 16 times for 90 yards. New York’s defense only had one hit on the quarterback and only two pass defenses.

GAME VIDEO LOWLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants placed QB Tyrod Taylor (ribs) and TE Darren Waller (hamstring) on Injured Reserve. The team also signed TE Lawrence Cager to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) OLB Justin Hollins and PK Randy Bullock from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were RB Jashaun Corbin (hamstring), OT Joshua Miles, OL Sean Harlow, DL Jordon Riley, S Gervarrius Owens, and PK Cade York.

QB Daniel Jones (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), and RT Evan Neal (ankle) left the game with injuries.

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:

  • Head Coach Brian Daboll (Video)
  • QB Tommy DeVito (Video)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (Video)
  • LB Andrew Thomas (Video)
  • RT Evan Neal (Video)
  • DL Dexter Lawrence (Video)

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

Another Giants Offensive Lineman to IR; Thursday’s Injury Update

 Posted by
Oct 192023
 
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (October 15, 2023)

Wan’Dale Robinson – © USA TODAY Sports

MORE OFFENSIVE LINE ROSTER MOVES…
The Giants had to make more roster moves pertaining to the offensive line on Thursday after it was revealed that Shane Lemieux tore his biceps in practice on Wednesday. The injury-prone Lemieux was placed on Injured Reserve and is likely done for the season. To fill that roster spot, the Giants re-signed Sean Harlow off of the Practice Squad of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants signed Harlow as an unrestricted free agent from the Arizona Cardinals in early August 2023 and waived him four weeks later on cutdown day. The 6’4”, 284-pound Harlow was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He has spent time with the Falcons (2017, 2018-2020), Indianapolis Colts (2018), and Cardinals (2021-2022). Harlow has played in 34 regular-season games with eight starts, five at left guard in 2021 and three at center in 2022 with the Cardinals.

OCTOBER 19, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The following three players did not practice on Thursday:

  • OL Andrew Thomas (hamstring)
  • OL OL John Michael Schmitz (shoulder)
  • OL Matt Peart (shoulder)

The following five players were limited in practice:

  • QB Daniel Jones (neck)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (ankle)
  • OL Evan Neal (ankle)
  • CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck)
  • PK Graham Gano (knee)

The following six players fully practiced:

  • RB Gary Brightwell (ankle)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee)
  • OL Mark Glowinski (quad/ankle)
  • DL D.J. Davidson (knee)
  • CB Tre Hawkins (knee)
  • CB Cor’Dale Flott (ankle/shoulder)

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and 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 team practices again on Friday. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

San Francisco 49ers 30 – New York Giants 12

 Posted by
Sep 222023
 
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (September 21, 2023)

Brian Daboll – © USA TODAY Sports

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 30 – NEW YORK GIANTS 12…
The New York Giants kept it close for a while, but they were soundly defeated 30-12 on Thursday night by a clearly better San Francisco 49ers team at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Giants are now 1-2 on the season.

Statistically, the game was not close. The 49ers dramatically out-gained the Giants in offensive snaps (78 to 46), first downs (26 to 10), total net yards (441 to 150), net yards rushing (141 to 29), net yards passing (300 to 121), and time of possession (39:10 to 20:50). The 49ers were also 9-of-16 on 3rd down (56 percent) while the Giants were only 3-of-12 (25 percent).

Most of the 1st quarter was taken up by each team’s opening possession. The 49ers received the football to start the game, driving 64 yards in 15 plays. However, the New York defense stiffened at their own 11-yard line with three straight incompletions by quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers settled for a 28-yard field goal.

The Giants’ first drive gained 49 yards on 12 plays. Place kicker Graham Gano converted on his 44-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 with 3:18 left in the quarter. San Fransisco picked up one first down and then punted the ball away on their second possession. The Giants then went three-and-out.

It was in the 2nd quarter where the 49ers began to pull away. San Fransisco’s third offensive possession was an 11-play, 72-yard drive resulted in a 9-yard touchdown pass. After a second consecutive three-and-out by the Giants, the 49ers put together a virtually identical scoring drive, this one traveling 73 yards in 11 plays with running back Christian McCaffrey scoring from four yards out. The 49ers were now up 17-3 with 1:40 left in the half.

On New York’s fourth and final possession of the first half, the team did manage to put another field goal on the board after picking up 37 yards on eight plays. Gano’s 57-yard field goal cut the score to 17-6 at the break.

The two teams exchanged punts early in the 3rd quarter. The 49ers were flagged with a 15-yard fair catch interference penalty, setting up the Giants on the San Fransisco 37-yard line to start their second possession of the half. After a 7-yard pass, the 49ers were also flagged with a 22-yard pass interference penalty at the 8-yard line. On the very next snap, running back Matt Breida scored from eight yards out, cutting the score to 17-12. The 2-point conversion failed.

The 49ers responded with another 11-play drive that gained 72 yards. The New York defense stiffened again the red zone, holding the 49ers to a 21-yard field goal. San Fransisco extended their lead to 20-12.

The Giants went three-and-out and punted the ball away. The 49ers then drove 51 yards in eight plays to set up a 36-yard field goal that made the score 23-12 early in the 4th quarter. Down by 11 points with 12:47 to play, New York needed to make something happen. But the result was another three-and-out. The 49ers then put the game to bed with an 8-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard touchdown throw. With just under six minutes to play, the 49ers had a commanding 30-12 advantage.

The Giants gained two of their 10 first downs on the ensuing drive. But this ended with an interception after quarterback Daniel Jones’ pass went off the hands of tight end Darren Waller with 3:39 left in the game. The last few minutes were uneventful as the game had already been decided.

Jones completed 22-of-32 passes for 137 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He was sacked twice and only gained five rushing yards on two carries. His leading receiver was Parris Campbell with six catches for just 24 yards. The team’s leading ground gainer was Breida with just 17 yards on four carries.

Defensively, for the third game, the Giants did not force a turnover. They did accrue their first two sacks of the season, one by linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and half sacks by defensive linemen Leonard Williams and D.J. Davidson. Linebacker Micah McFadden lead the team with 10 tackles, including four for losses. However, the defense did give up 441 offensive yards and six scoring drives.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
The Giants activated (standard elevation) OL Jaylon Thomas and OLB Oshane Ximines from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), OG Ben Bredeson (concussion), OLB Azeez Ojulari (hamstring), DL Jordon Riley, CB Cor’Dale Flott, and S Gervarrius Owens.

CB Deonte Banks (arm) and DL D.J. Davidson (elbow) left the game with injuries. X-rays on Banks’ arm were negative, but he will undergo an MRI on Friday. RT Evan Neal appeared to injure his ankle late in the game but said he was OK.

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:

  • Head Coach Brian Daboll (Video)
  • QB Daniel Jones (Video)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (Video)
  • DL Dexter Lawrence (Video)
  • OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Video)
  • ILB Bobby Okereke (Video)

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

Dallas Cowboys 40 – New York Giants 0

 Posted by
Sep 112023
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (September 10, 2023)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS COWBOYS 40 – NEW YORK GIANTS 0…
The New York Giants were completely and utterly embarrassed by the Dallas Cowboys 40-0 on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium. The Giants begin the season 0-1 and in last place in the NFC East.

The scoreboard was telling, but so were the overall game stats. Despite running 66 offensive plays, the Giants were held to 14 first downs and 171 total net yards, including only 63 net yards passing.

The Giants received the football to start the game and had their best offensive possession of the night, moving from their own 25-yard line to the Dallas 8-yard. However, on 3rd-and-2, a false start on left tackle Andrew Thomas and a bad snap by center John Michael Schmitz pushed New York back to the 21-yard line. Place kicker Graham Gano’s 45-yard field goal attempt was blocked and returned for a touchdown. The Cowboys missed the extra point. It was all downhill for the Giants after that.

After the Giants went three-and-out on their second possession, the Cowboys responded with a 9-play, 72-yard drive that resulted in a 21-yard field goal to make the score 9-0. On the third play of New York’s third possession, a pass from quarterback Daniel Jones went off of the hands of running back Saquon Barkley after contact from a defender. It was intercepted and returned 22 yards for a defensive score. The Cowboys were now up 16-0.

The Giants went three-and-out again near the end of the first quarter. Dallas responded with another field goal drive, this time moving 60 yards in 11 plays to make it 19-0.  On the very next offensive snap by the Giants, Jones was intercepted at the New York 38-yard line. Five plays later, the Cowboys pretty much ended the game with a 2-yard rushing touchdown that made the score 26-0.

The Giants gained 57 yards on their sixth possession of the half, but the drive ended with a missed 36-yard field goal. After a three-and-out by the Cowboys, the half ended appropriately with Daniel Jones being sacked.

If the 26-0 halftime deficit wasn’t dreary enough, Dallas made it worse by marching down the field (10 plays, 75 yards) for a touchdown on their opening drive of the third quarter. 33-0. The Giants gained one first down before Jones was sacked twice more and the team was forced to punt. After a Dallas punt, the Giants gained 30 yards and then turned the football over on downs at midfield as the third quarter ended.

The Cowboys opened the fourth quarter with their final touchdown drive of the night, an 8-play, 50-yard affair that resulted with another rushing score. On New York’s very next offensive snap, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins fumbled the ball away after a 24-yard catch. Dallas mercifully went three-and-out. Then came a ridiculous 10-play drive by the Giants that picked up three first downs but only netted 19 yards due to penalties and sacks. The Giants turned turned over the ball on downs again. The game ended with a whimper three minutes later.

The Giants’ 12 offensive possessions resulted in:

  • a blocked field goal for a touchdown
  • two interceptions, one resulting in a touchdown
  • a fumble
  • two turnovers on downs
  • a missed field goal
  • three punts
  • the end of the half and the end of the game

Jones, who was harassed much of the night, finished the game 15-of-28 for 104 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. He was sacked seven times, losing 47 yards, and hit 12 times. No Giant had more than three catches or 36 receiving yards. Barkley rushed 12 times for 51 yards and Jones rushed 13 times for 43 yards.

The defense allowed five scoring drives, including three rushing touchdowns. Dallas was 6-of-13 (46 percent) on third down and 1-of-2 on fourth down. The Giants had no sacks only hit the quarterback three times. They did not create a turnover.

GAME VIDEO LOWLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

INACTIVES AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated (standard elevation) RB Taiwan Jones from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster.

Inactive for the game were WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), DL D.J. Davidson (knee), LB Cam Brown (ankle), CB Cor’Dale Flott (hamstring), S Gervarrius Owens (hamstring), and OL Shane Lemieux.

CB Deonte Banks left the game with cramps. LT Andrew Thomas injured his hamstring on the blocked field goal and eventually departed the contest. He will have an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. PK Graham Gano took a cleat to his calf and underwent x-rays after the 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:

GIANTS RE-STRUCTURE CONTACTS OF TWO MORE PLAYERS…
ESPN is reported on Saturday that the Giants have re-structured the contracts of defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and inside linebacker Bobby Okereke. Both moves converted 2023 base salary into signing bonuses, creating a total of $1.55 million in additional cap space.

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

Tuesday New York Giants Injury Report and Media Sessions

 Posted by
Sep 052023
 
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (August 18, 2023)

Brian Daboll – © USA TODAY Sports

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
CB Aaron Robinson (ACL) remains on the Reserve/Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List. TE Tommy Sweeney (unknown) remains on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List. WR Cole Beasley (quad) remains on the Practice Squad/Injured List.

While the Giants are not required to issue a formal injury report until Wednesday, CB Cor’Dale Flott (hamstring) and S Gervarrius Owens (hamstring) did not practice.

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 team practices on Wednesday afternoon (12:45-2:45PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

July 27, 2023 New York Giants Training Camp Report

 Posted by
Jul 272023
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (July 26, 2023)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

JULY 27, 2023 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their second summer training camp practice of the year on Thursday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“There is good competition at some certain spots,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “You will see it out there. We’re rotating different positions and giving everybody a fair opportunity to go out there and show what they can do. Offensively, defensively, different spots in the kicking game, whether it’s on the punt team, the kickoff team. That’s the time to do it, right now, to make sure you’re giving everybody a fair shot in a competitive situation.”

GIANTS ADD ANOTHER DEFENSIVE LINEMAN…
The Giants have signed free agent defensive lineman Kevin Atkins, who last played for the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks in the spring. The 24-year old, 6’2”, 307-pound Atkins was originally signed by the San Francisco 49ers after the 2022 NFL Draft, but waived in late August.

ABSENTEES AND INJURY REPORT…
The following players remain on injury or did-not-report lists:

  • Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List: WR Sterling Shepard (ACL), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (ACL), OG Marcus McKethan (ACL), DL A’Shawn Robinson (meniscus), DL D.J. Davidson (ACL), and CB Aaron Robinson (ACL)
  • Active/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List: WR Jamison Crowder (calf)
  • Reserve/Did-Not-Report List: DL Vernon Butler

“(Butler) didn’t report,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “We are kind of working through some things. That is really all I got for you. I understand the question, but that’s where we’re at.”

DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (concussion protocol) and S Gervarrius Owens (unknown) also did not practice.

“He is sore,” said Daboll of Nunez-Roches, who was in a car accident yesterday. “He won’t practice again today. It could have been worse, so I’m glad he’s where he is right now. I think he’s making progress.”

WR Darius Slayton injured his left foot or ankle, but later returned to practice.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • As expected until next week, the Giants are still not in full pads and remain in helmets and shorts.
  • First-team offensive line was LT Andrew Thomas, LG Ben Bredeson, OC John Michael Schmitz, RG Mark Glowinski, and RT Evan Neal. Head Coach Brian Daboll said Schmitz and Ben Bredeson, who started at center yesterday, will rotate at starting center.
  • The starting defensive backs were CB Adoree’ Jackson, CB Deonte Banks, slot CB Cor’Dale Flott, S Dane Belton, and S Xavier McKinney. Yesterday, Darnay Holmes and Jason Pinnock were starting at slot corner and safety.
  • Darrian Beavers and Micah McFadden split first-team reps at inside linebacker alongside Bobby Okereke.
  • Ben Bredeson took snaps at left guard, center, and right guard.
  • Nick McCloud, who had been moved to safety in the spring, practiced some at cornerback today. He blanketed WR Darius Slayton to cause an incompletion in red-zone 1-on-1 drills. McCloud also continued to take reps at safety.
  • CB Darnay Holmes forced a throw-away in 1-on-1 drills and later broke up a pass.
  • In 1-on-1 drills, QB Daniel Jones connected on touchdowns with TE Darren Waller, WR Collin Johnson (twice), and WR Parris Campbell. Johnson beat CB Deonte Banks twice with Banks missing a jam on a fade pass.
  • Also in 1-on-1 drills, QB Tyrod Taylor threw scores to wide receivers Kalil Pimpleton (twice), Jaydon Mickens, and Jeff Smith.
  • In 7-on-7 drills, CB Deonte Banks had good coverage on a deep pass. Then S Xavier McKinney made a diving interception on an overthrown pass by QB Daniel Jones intended for TE Darren Waller.
  • CB Zyon Gilbert intercepted a pass that he tipped to himself while falling to the ground.
  • S Dane Belton broke up one pass intended for TE Darren Waller.
  • CB Tre Hawkins intercepted a pass from QB Tyrod Taylor intended from for WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton in 1-on-1 drills.
  • TE Darren Waller and WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton each dropped a pass.
  • QB Daniel Jones received 12 reps in 11-on-11, team drills and finished 7-of-9, with four of the passes being completed to TE Darren Waller. TE Daniel Bellinger and WR Darius Slayton also had catches over the middle. The two incompletions were broken up by corners Adoree’ Jackson and Deonte Banks.
  • TE Lawrence Cager made a nice leaping catch of a pass from QB Tyrod Taylor.
  • CB Cor’Dale Flott looked good jamming wide receivers in the slot with the first-team unit.
  • WR Collin Johnson stood out with a deep, back-shoulder catch from QB Tyrod Taylor against CB Darren Evans.
  • CB Deonte Banks knocked away a pass late in practice before CB Amani Oruwariye intercepted another pass.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Thursday 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 New York Giants practice Friday evening (5:00-7:00PM). The practice is open to the public. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

Giants 2023 Positional Breakdown: Defensive Line

 Posted by
Jul 032023
 
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (December 24, 2022)

Dexter Lawrence – © USA TODAY Sports

With New York Giants training camp beginning in late July, BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) breaks down each of the team’s positional groups until the players report at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Defensive Line

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: It was basically a two-man show for much of the season for the New York Giants on the defensive line. Dexter Lawrence’s third professional coaching staff in four years finally moved him to his more natural nose tackle position. With that move, and being guided by arguably the best defensive line coach in football, Lawrence responded with a breakout season, earning second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition. Lawrence started 16 regular-season games, being a healthy scratch in the regular-season finale. He played in an astounding 82 percent of defensive snaps. Lawrence was credited with 68 tackles, seven tackles for losses, 7.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, three pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. Despite being regularly double-teamed, Lawrence was a difference-maker in many contests as both a run defender and pass rusher.

The other headliner up front was Leonard Williams, who played 75 percent of the snaps in the games that he played. The problem was Williams missed three games with a knee injury in the first half of the season and another with a neck/stinger injury that nagged him much of the second-half of the season, causing him to leave a number of games early. Williams finished with his least productive season since joining the Giants in 2019, being credited with 45 tackles, five tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

The best of the rest was Nick Williams, a run defender who the Giants signed from the Detroit Lions in late July 2022. He played in eight games before landing on Injured Reserve with a season-ending biceps injury. He started seven games, accruing 15 tackles, two quarterback hits, and two pass defenses. Williams played 45 percent of defensive snaps in games that he appeared. Fifth-round draft pick D.J. Davidson also ended up on Injured Reserve after tearing his ACL in Week 5.

The Giants signed Justin Ellis as an unrestricted free agent from the Baltimore Ravens in March 2022. Ellis played in all 17 regular-season games with four starts, receiving 32 percent of defensive snaps. He finished with 22 tackles, two tackles for losses, and one sack.

Undrafted rookie free agent Ryder Anderson split time on both the Practice Squad and 53-man roster, ending up playing in seven regular-season games with two starts. Anderson finished the season with eight tackles, two tackles for losses, and two sacks. He played 33 percent of defensive snaps in the seven games that he appeared. The Giants signed Henry Mondeaux to the Practice Squad in September 2022 and the 53-man roster in November 2022. He ended up playing in 11 regular-season games with four starts, being credited with 16 tackles. Mondeaux also played 33 percent of defensive snaps in games that he appeared. The Giants signed Vernon Butler to the Practice Squad in mid-November 2022. He played in one game in Week 13.

Overall, the Giants were in good shape when Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams were on the field together at full strength. But both played far too many snaps and Williams had to deal with two significant injuries that negatively impacted his season. Two of the top reserves were lost in the first half of the season. And there was a noticeable drop-off in talent and performance when the remaining players filled in for Lawerence and Williams. This was particularly noticeable with strong rushing teams like the Philadelphia Eagles.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: Vernon Butler was re-signed. Nick Williams (Chargers) and Henry Mondeaux (Jaguars) departed in free agency. Justin Ellis remains unsigned.

The Giants signed Rakeem Nunez-Roches (3-years, $12 million), A’Shawn Robinson (1-year, $5 million), and Kobe Smith (1-year, $750,000). The team also drafted Jordon Riley in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES:  Usually depth isn’t a top tier story line, but the additions of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A’Shawn Robinson are two of the most significant moves the team made this offseason. Both are former starters who have stood out in run defense. This should encourage the defensive staff to lower the ridiculous snap counts of Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. Indeed, the Giants may now choose to play with heavier defensive line packages with Nunez Roches and/or Robinson playing alongside Lawrence and Williams, especially against run-centric offenses.

The other area to watch is the potential development of young players such as Ryder Anderson, D.J. Davidson, and Jordon Riley. Anderson has bulked up this offseason. Davidson flashed in his limited snaps, but he has to prove he has rebounded from the ACL injury. Riley was a little-known prospect, but he has great size.

ON THE BUBBLE: The Giants began last season with only five defensive linemen on the 53-man roster. This season, they will likely carry somewhere between five and seven. Six seems like the sweet spot. Barring injury, Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, and A’Shawn Robinson are the sure bets with the other five players fighting fighting for one, two, or three spots.

FROM FRONT OFFICE/COACHES/PLAYERS: Assistant General Manager Brandon Brown on improving the team: “We wanted to get better against the run, and you’ve seen what we did in terms of adding Nacho (Rakeem Nuñez-Roches) and A’Shawn (Robinson) and getting (linebacker) Bobby O(kereke) in free agency, adding (safety) Bobby McCain as a vet in the secondary. Those things are not being satisfied. It’s being reflective, looking in the mirror, being honest with each other and saying, ‘Hey, how do we give the coaches the best opportunity to put the best product in the field?’”

Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale on the new additions: “I think with the size of them, and you’ve seen them, they’ll be able to collapse (the pocket). Everybody thinks, when they think pass rush, the tackle guys, the inside guys. They think of Warren Sapp and Aaron Donald. God touched those guys twice. These guys have just been touched once. So, just as long as they can collapse the pocket, just like Dex did last year, and get the quarterback off the spot, you’ll see a lot of good things happen. I think we’ve got the size and the ability to do that.”

Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson on Dexter Lawrence: “I’m proud of him. He came in and worked real hard to try to master the technique and fundamentals we were teaching him and continue to grow more and more through the course of the season. But I’m greedy. It’s just the beginning. It’s not the end. I know he understands that. He’s out here working hard to continue to improve and get better.”

Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson on Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A’Shawn Robinson: “They add a lot to the room. They have a lot of experience playing in this league. They are both big, strong, powerful guys that enjoy playing the run… I know A’Shawn and Nacho pride themselves on being really good run defenders. And their demeanor is all about the run game. I think that’s going to add to our room and how they see themselves and how they carry themselves on the field.”

Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson on Ryder Anderson: “I’m really, really pleased and happy with what Ryder has done this offseason. Last year he was 282, 285 pounds. Now he is 305. So he has changed his body. He is a big, strong man. He has gotten better with his technique over the OTAs.”

Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson on Jordon Riley: “He’s got some gifts that you can’t give him as a coach. He’s 6’5”, he’s 335 pounds. He’s a big, strong man. He’s got some things, technique-wise that we have to work with him on to improve and he’s done a good job since he’s been here trying to grasp those things. With the gifts he has, a coach can’t give you that. That’s what stood out to us.”

Dexter Lawrence on playing with Leonard Williams: “We’re top tier. We’ve been playing together four, going on five years now. Sometimes we look at each other and know what’s about to happen and know what we want to do in that play. So, I think, you know, we both stayed healthy and grow through this time off and come back in the best shape of our lives and do something special… I think it’s really important just to keep the group together. Keep the core together. He’s a great leader. Guys respect him. He brings a lot of knowledge. It’s like year nine for him, wow, he’s getting up there. He’s always been that way. He’s always been a great leader, and just to have him around is a breath of fresh air.”

Leonard Williams on Rakeem Nunez-Roches: “I’ve known him for a while now. We went to the Combine together. Two old heads… He has a great personality. Outgoing guy. He fits in our room perfectly, in the defense perfectly. You can tell he has some experience under his belt. There’s a lot of times where not only is he helping out with the younger guys, but we also established that type of room where we hold each other accountable as vets as well. Even though he is new to the team, he still sees stuff that he can help out on and will be vocal about it.”

Leonard Williams on the new additions to the defensive line: “I feel great about it. Me and Dex a lot of times had to take a lot of snaps. I think this year we’re going to have a great rotation with those guys we just added, A’Shawn and Nunez. We trust those guys. I don’t care think going to be any type of drop-off when the rotation starts happening… D-linemen are usually not taking 100% or 90% of snaps. It’s better to have a rotation and keep guys fresh. It’s going to be fun that way when we’re rotating guys, just beating up on offensive lines together. It’s going to be fun.”

PREDICTIONS/CLOSING THOUGHTS: The Giants run defense was 27th in the NFL in 2022. That’s not going to get it done against teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. It’s very difficult for us average fans to adequately judge why a run defense is poor. Many will point to the defensive line without understanding that the second and third levels of a defense are often just as guilty, if not more so for breakdowns. When asked about the run defense this offseason, coaches like Andre Patterson have made it clear that it was more than the defensive line. That all said, it was pretty apparent that the team’s reserves were not getting the job done, particularly after Nick Williams and D.J. Davidson were lost due to injury. And then there was the hidden cost of Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams playing far too many snaps, and thus not playing near their full potential due to fatigue. And in Williams’ case, the previous ironman missed a month of action. It should not be underestimated just how important the signings of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A’Shawn Robinson are defensively. Both are proven starters and there should be little to no drop-off in run defense with these two. The best defensive teams can attack with waves of fresh defensive linemen. Look for additional reinforcements in next year’s draft. Keep in mind that A’Shawn Robinson is only on a 1-year deal.

There are a number of areas to watch on the defensive line. Was 2022 Dexter Lawrence’s career year and inspired by his contract situation? Or can he continue to play at the same high level or actually even get better? The 29-year old Leonard Williams enters his ninth season. Can he still be that ironman who plays at a high level? He’s on the last year of his contract, which counts for an astounding $32 million against the salary cap in 2023. His best season was 2020 with 11.5 sacks, and 30 quarterback hits. How he plays in 2023, and his willingness to accept less money, will probably determine his future with the team. This is another reason why defensive line might be a priority in the draft.

The wild cards in any defensive line discussion are the youngsters. Do the Giants have something in Ryder Anderson, D.J. Davidson, and Jordon Riley? That remains to be determined in July and August.

FINAL DEPTH CHART: Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, A’Shawn Robinson, Ryder Anderson, D.J. Davidson.

Look for the team to attempt to sign Jordon Riley and Vernon Butler to the Practice Squad.

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