Sep 212016
 
Janoris Jenkins, New York Giants (September 18, 2016)

Janoris Jenkins – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse (calf) and defensive tackle Robert Thomas (illness) did not practice on Wednesday. Running back Rashad Jennings (thumb) and free safety Darian Thompson (foot) were limited.

JANORIS JENKINS NAMED “NFC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK”…
New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins has been named the “NFC Special Teams Player of the Week” for his performance against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. In that game, Jenkins returned a blocked field goal attempt by defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins 65 yards for a touchdown.

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The New York Giants have officially signed offensive tackles Laurence Gibson and Michael Ola to the Practice Squad. The team also terminated the Practice Squad contract of Shane McDermott.

Gibson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He has spent time with the Cowboys (2015), Chiefs (2015), Falcons (2016), and Bears (2016). He has yet to play in a regular-season game. Gibson is a very athletic lineman with good height and long arms. A better testing athlete than football player so far, Gibson needs to play with more strength and power.

Ola is a journeyman who has bounced around different leagues and teams including the Jacksonville Sharks (2012), Montreal Alouettes (2012–2013), Miami Dolphins (2014), Chicago Bears (2014), San Diego Chargers (2015), Detroit Lions (2015), and Seattle Seahawks (2016). He has played in 23 regular-season NFL games with 19 starts. Versatile, Ola has played at both tackle and guard.

McDermott was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2015 NFL Draft, but the Cowboys cut him in September that year. After a brief stint on the Panthers Practice Squad, the Giants signed McDermott to the Practice Squad in November 2015.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
The transcript of Ben McAdoo’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday at 11:10AM.

Sep 192016
 
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants (September 18, 2016)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
New York Giants Head Coach Ben McAdoo provided injury updates on the following players who were injured during Sunday’s 16-13 win over the New Orleans Saints:

  • Running Back Rashad Jennings (hand): “We’ll see how it goes this week. We’ll see how practice goes. We’ll know more when we see him out there on Wednesday… He will be limited in some form or fashion.”
  • Right Tackle Marshall Newhouse (calf): “Right now we’re going to evaluate him as the week goes on. See how he does and recovers. We don’t know how significant it is or how long he’ll be out at this point or whether he’ll be able to play or not this week. It looks like he’ll be out of practice, especially early on. We’ll take a look at it. It’ll be up to between Bobby (Hart) and William (Beatty) if he can’t go.”
  • Safety Mykkele Thompson (knee): “He’ll be out for a few weeks.”

MONDAY BEN MCADOO CONFERENCE CALL…
New York Giants Head Coach Ben McAdoo addressed the media by conference call on Monday to discuss the team’s 16-13 win over the New Orleans Saints.

McAdoo: I thought we showed some discipline, poise and resiliency like we talked about last night. It’s a game that many teams would’ve let the frustration show through and take over. We showed some great leadership in the locker room in all three phases there. Having three penalties in the game also was a major factor for us.

I thought what we did well, the defense was physical and heavy-handed. We challenged everything they did in the run game and the pass game. We had some big pass breakups in the secondary. We got off the field on third down, which was encouraging. The sudden change defense was awesome yesterday. It was a big part of the game. Defensively, there were some downs we could’ve been better whistle to snap. There was a shot in two-minute there on a third down call where we should’ve been off the field in the first half. Have to get the offense the ball back.

The offense, what we did well was hit the rule 53. We had 65 runs and completions. We held the ball for about 34 minutes and change. We were close to 80 percent completing the ball. In two-minute, when we needed it the most, we had timely production in the pass game. We had a good pocket to throw from there as well. What we need to work on, obviously handling The Duke better and finishing drives. We had six drives that ended in either drops or fumbles, which is unacceptable. We left a lot of points on the board. We had too many zero and negative yards rushing with six. We need to do a better job after the catch getting north and south, playing physical.

Special teams, I thought Tom Quinn did a great job getting these guys ready on the field goal rush this week. Hankins did a great job coming through making a block and Jackrabbit scooping and scoring. It was a major play in the game after a sudden change stop by the defense. What we need to work on, the kick return blocking. We still need some work there. We didn’t have any opportunities but we still need to work on it. Also, long stride, short stride on our punt coverage.  With that, we’ll open it up.

Q: Regarding the running game, it doesn’t seem that the running game is in rhythm. Is that affecting the overall offense?

A: I thought the first week we ran the ball well. This week we struggled getting it off the ground. We need to be going forward. Again, it’s one week and we’ll work to improve it this week.

Q: You inserted Orleans Darkwa in for that one series in the fourth. What led to that decision?

A: We had a lot of plays out there. Rashad had his hand banged up a little bit in the second half. When you play 79 plays, not including the penalties and everything but 79 graded plays, that’s a lot of plays. You play a couple of backs.

Q: How’s Rashad?

A: We’ll see how it goes this week. We’ll see how practice goes. We’ll know more when we see him out there on Wednesday.

Q: You expect to see him out there on Wednesday?

A: Yes. He will be limited in some form or fashion. We’ll know more when we see him.

Q: What does it do for you as a play caller to have three extremely reliable wide receivers?

A: It helps. What it does is it creates great competition in the room. It lets those guys know that every time they get an opportunity, they better cash in on it. The ball could go to any of the three spots. The quarterback has to have confidence at all three spots. It makes you very versatile.

Q: You don’t have a ton of sacks; does that concern you or are you satisfied with the pressure on the quarterback so far?

A: We’ve been very aggressive attacking the receivers. Getting up and challenging the receivers to throw off the timing and rhythm of the quarterback. Yesterday you saw a quarterback that does a great job of getting the ball out of his hand quickly. When you can disrupt the timing and rhythm, it throws him off a little bit. We feel the sacks will come.

Q: What do you see that has allowed you to limit the big plays?

A: We may not be getting the sacks, but we’re getting some pressure on the quarterbacks. We’re doing a nice job challenging receivers in coverage. They may have to hold it a tick longer with some pressure in their face. It’s hard to be explosive that way.

Q: Do you have an update on Marshall Newhouse and his calf? Do you have an idea of what direction you’ll go in if he can’t play?

A: Right now we’re going to evaluate him as the week goes on. See how he does and recovers. We don’t know how significant it is or how long he’ll be out at this point or whether he’ll be able to play or not this week. It looks like he’ll be out of practice, especially early on. We’ll take a look at it. It’ll be up to between Bobby (Hart) and William (Beatty) if he can’t go.

Q: Beatty is ready to play this week?

A: Yes, he will compete to be up this week.

Q: What have you seen from him so far?

A: I see a guy that’s getting his legs underneath him, his football legs underneath him. He’s working well with his pads. The Thursday practices have been great for him.

Q: Any update on Mykkele Thompson?

A: Mykkele has a knee. He’ll be out for a few weeks.

Q: What was your thinking on the fourth down early in the game? Why didn’t you take the points instead of going for it early in the game?

A: We’re aggressive on offense. I want to make sure these players know we have faith in them. I like the call right there where we were. I felt we had a chance to get a good look at it.

Q: The third down pass to Cruz wasn’t the highest percentage. If you don’t complete that, what would you’ve done?

A: There were a couple of options. I’m not going to deal in hypotheticals. I thought Eli made a great decision there. Victor did a nice job of ripping the ball away from him.

Q: You didn’t look to take a lot of deep shots down the field prior to late in the fourth quarter. Was it something they were doing?

A: They changed up a little bit on how they were playing. They were playing a lot of zone converge. Whether it was Tampa 2 or a one-high zone, a buzz coverage or a sky weak coverage. They were playing a little bit soft on us, giving us opportunities to complete the ball underneath.

Q: Will you talk to Odell about Josh Norman?

A: We’ll hit more on the next opponent on Wednesday.

Q: Specifically with Odell, do you feel you need to talk to him about controlling his emotions?

A: We’ll talk more on the next opponent on Wednesday.

Q: Do you feel you have to talk about that with your team?

A: We’re still on the Saints. We’re cleaning up the Saints right now. We’ll move on to Washington later on.

Q: What have you seen out of Devon Kennard these past two games?

A: Physical edge setter. That’s what he does a great job of. It showed up again yesterday.

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The New York Giants have re-signed linebacker Deontae Skinner to the Practice Squad and terminated the Practice Squad contract of quarterback Logan Thomas. Skinner had been cut from the Practice Squad on Saturday to make room for Thomas.

Skinner was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New England Patriots after the 2014 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Patriots (2014-2015) and Eagles (2015-2016), the latter waiving him on August 22.

Thomas was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The Dolphins claimed Thomas off of waivers from the Cardinals in September 2015 and the Giants claimed him off of waivers from the Dolphins in June 2016.

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Player interviews will be held late Tuesday afternoon. The Giants return to practice at 11:40AM on Wednesday.

Aug 302016
 
Will Beatty, New York Giants (October 19, 2014)

Will Beatty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS RE-SIGN WILL BEATTY…
Though not officially announced, the New York Giants have re-signed offensive tackle Will Beatty. The contract is reportedly a 1-year deal that includes $1.1 million in guaranteed money and $750,000 in incentives. Beatty was released/failed physical by the Giants in February.

Beatty had two years left on his contract before the Giants cut him in February. He was scheduled to make $6.625 million in salary in 2016 and count $9.175 million against the 2016 salary cap. Cutting Beatty in February saved the Giants $4.175 million against the cap with $5 million in dead money.

Beatty was placed on the Reserve/Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List in September 2015 as he was still recovering from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in May lifting weights. He remained on the PUP the entire season as a rotator cuff injury that required surgery also became an issue. Beatty started all 16 games at left tackle for the Giants in 2014 and had a solid season. He rebounded from a terribly inconsistent 2013 season, as well as a fractured tibia that he suffered in the regular-season finale at the end of that year. Since Beatty was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants, he has had issues staying healthy, including a broken foot in 2010, a detached retina in 2011, a back injury that caused him to miss offseason work in 2012, the broken leg in 2013, and the pectoral tear and rotator cuff injuries in 2015.

Beatty is a big lineman with long arms and a very good athlete. When on top of his game, Beatty can mirror and slide with the best pass rushers, and is athletic enough to pull and engage defenders at the second level in the run game. However, Beatty is more of a finesse player. He does not play with a lot of strength and power and he is not a very physical or aggressive blocker. Beatty still has consistency issues.

NEW YORK GIANTS CUT ELEVEN PLAYERS…
The New York Giants made 12 transactions to get under the 75-man roster limit that all teams need to reach by 4:00PM on Tuesday.

Placed on Injured Reserve:

  • LT Byron Stingily (concussion)

Waived/Injured:

  • TE Ryan Malleck (burner)

Waived:

  • RB Marshaun Coprich
  • WR Kadron Boone
  • WR K.J. Maye
  • OC Shane McDermott
  • DE Mike Rose
  • DT Davon Coleman
  • DT Greg Milhouse
  • CB Joe Powell
  • S/CB Bennett Jackson
  • S Cooper Taylor

All NFL teams must reach the regular-season 53-man roster limit by 4:00PM on Saturday.

AUGUST 30, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Fullback/tight end Will Johnson (burner), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (ribs), linebacker Jasper Brinkley (knee), linebacker B.J. Goodson (concussion), cornerback Leon Hall (concussion), and safety Darian Thompson (shoulder) did not practice on Tuesday.

Right guard John Jerry (ankle) and linebacker Keenan Robinson (back) returned to practice.

Tight end Ryan Malleck (burner) and left tackle Byron Stingily (concussion) left practice early.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
The transcript of Ben McAdoo’s press conference on Tuesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
There will be no media availability on Wednesday. The Giants play the New England Patriots at home on Thursday.

Aug 172016
 
Josh Brown, New York Giants (August 22, 2015)

Josh Brown – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JOSH BROWN SUSPENDED ONE GAME – WILL MISS OPENER…
New York Giants place kicker Josh Brown has been suspended for one regular-season game without pay for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Brown will miss the opener against the Dallas Cowboys. No specifics were given on the reason for the suspension.

“While I do not agree with the suspension, I will accept it,” said Brown. “I have exhausted the appeals process and have no other options along those lines. I will continue to work hard for this team, and I have tremendous confidence in my teammates and in my ability to move on and contribute to the team.”

“We have been supportive of Josh and will continue to be, but we accept the league’s decision,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo.

The Giants currently have two place kickers on the roster, the other being Tom Obarski. The Giants signed Obarski to a reserve/future contract in January 2016. Obarski was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2015 NFL Draft, but he did not make the team.

GIANTS SIGN JOE POWELL…
The New York Giants signed cornerback Joe Powell on Wednesday. Powell played for the semi-pro Portsmouth Mustangs in 2014, the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) in 2015, and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League (AFL) in 2016. He earned PIFL “Defensive Rookie of the Year” honors in 2015 after breaking the league record with 11 interceptions, including two he returned for touchdowns. In the AFL, Powell intercepted seven passes in nine games, returning four of the picks for touchdowns.

NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
New York Giants linebacker J.T. Thomas (hamstring) remains on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List.

Wide receiver Victor Cruz (groin), wide receiver Geremy Davis (hamstring), tight end Will Johnson (burner), left guard Justin Pugh (bruised shoulder), defensive end Kerry Wynn (groin), cornerback Eli Apple (strained leg muscle), and Matt Smalley (dislocated shoulder) did not practice.

“(Cruz) had a bounce-back day today,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “He’s out there running on the side and looked pretty good. Of course, you’d like to get him in team reps and individual, but we’ll progress that way…He was able to do a little bit more today than he has…We’ll see how he wakes up and how he got through today.”

“(Pugh) wasn’t out at practice today, so it’s serious if he’s not practicing,” said McAdoo. “I don’t know that the scan showed anything, but I’m not a doctor.”

Fullback Nikita Whitlock (burner) returned to practice.

AUGUST 17, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS PRACTICE REPORT…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • With Justin Pugh not practicing, Bobby Hart was the first-team left guard.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning connected with wide receiver Odell Beckham on a deep pass, beating safety/cornerback Bennett Jackson. Manning also hit wide receiver Myles White deep. (VIDEO)
  • Kelvin Sheppard was the middle linebacker with the first-team defense and also in there with the first-team nickel defense.
  • Bennett Jackson, who was playing corner today, intercepted quarterback Logan Thomas in 7-on-7 drills. (VIDEO)
  • Wide receiver Anthony Dable made a leaping catching on a crossing pattern over the middle.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
The transcript of Ben McAdoo’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday at 11:15 AM. There is no media availability on Friday as the team will be traveling to Buffalo for Saturday’s preseason game against the Bills.

Jul 302016
 
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants (July 30, 2016)

Sterling Shepard – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JULY 30, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their second summer training camp practice on Saturday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

INJURY REPORT…
New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison (knee swelling), defensive tackle Jay Bromley (ankle), and linebacker J.T. Thomas (hamstring) remain on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List.

“He’s getting closer,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo of Thomas.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Wide receivers Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Victor Cruz all worked with the first-team offense.
  • Will Johnson worked with the tight ends and at H-Back.
  • Adam Gettis practiced at center and Brett Jones at guard. Gettis also saw first-team reps at right guard.
  • On the first play on 7-on-7 drills, linebacker Devon Kennard intercepted an underthrown pass by quarterback Eli Manning.
  • Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie worked at the slot corner position in 7-on-7 drills.
  • Wide receiver Tavarres King beat cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on a slant and then caught a bomb against cornerback Tramain Jacobs from quarterback Ryan Nassib.
  • Tight end Larry Donnell flashed, including a reception down the seam and a diving reception.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning hit wide receiver Geremy Davis for a red zone touchdown.
  • Running back Orleans Darkwa ripped off a long run with the second-team offense.
  • Montori Hughes and Greg Milhouse rotated with each other alongside Johnathan Hankins at defensive tackle with the first unit.
  • Later in practice, the Giants appeared to be rotating Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins, and Eli Apple at the outside corner position while Trevin Wade worked more in the slot corner position.
  • During the walkthru portion of practice, Eli Apple was the outside corner with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the slot corner position.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
The transcript of Ben McAdoo’s press conference on Saturday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The third training camp practice will be held on Sunday from 10:40 AM – 12:30 PM. Only nine remaining training camp practices at Quest Diagnostics Training Center will be open to the public (weather permitting) this year:

  • Sunday, July 31: 10:40 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Tuesday, August 2: 10:40 AM – 12:15 PM
  • Thursday, August 4: 10:40 AM – 12:45 PM
  • Friday, August 5: 10:40 AM – 11:40 AM
  • Saturday, August 6: 10:40 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Monday, August 8: 11:10 AM – 12:40 PM
  • Tuesday, August 9: 10:40 AM – 12:55 PM
  • Wednesday, August 10: 10:40 AM – 12:20 PM
  • Sunday, August 14: 11:10 AM – 12:50 PM
May 262016
 
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants (May 6, 2016)

Sterling Shepard – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS OTA VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS…
The Giants have completed three of their ten organized team activity (OTA) practices (May 23-24, 26). No live contact is permitted during OTAs, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed. There was no media access for the practices on May 24 and May 26, but Giants.com made available the following highlights:

  • May 24 OTA Practice Highlights (Video)
  • Inside the Huddle: D-Line (Video)

Giants.com also identified “5 things we learned” and “standout players” from the two practices:

The seven remaining OTA practices will be held June 1-3, June 6-7, and June 9-10. The Giants will hold a mandatory, full-team mini-camp on June 14-16.

GIANTS.COM PLAYER INTERVIEWS…
Video clips of recent Giants.com “insider” interviews with the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • WR Geremy Davis (Video)
  • DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (Video)
  • S Bennett Jackson (Video)

ARTICLES…

May 182016
 
Zach Mettenberger, Tennessee Titans (November 1, 2015)

Zach Mettenberger – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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REPORT – GIANTS PUT IN CLAIM FOR ZACK METTENBERGER…
The New York Post and New York Daily News report that the New York Giants put in a waiver claim for quarterback Zack Mettenberger, who was recently cut by the Tennessee Titans and claimed by the San Diego Chargers off of waivers.

The 24-year old Mettenberger was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Titans. In his two NFL seasons, Mettenberger has started 10 regular-season games, completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,347 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.

The Giants currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib, and B.J. Daniels.

ARTICLES…

Jan 282016
 
Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (January 15, 2016)

Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK POST ARTICLE ON GENERAL MANAGER JERRY REESE…
Paul Schwartz of The New York Post caught up with New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese at Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama on Wednesday. The heavily-criticized Reese indicated that the Giants will not be making any immediate personnel department changes. He also defended the team’s poor drafting performance in recent years.

“We’re right in the middle of the process right now, so it’s hard to make a lot of changes,’’ Reese said. “We have guys who’ve watched these guys all year long and know them better than anybody. We always look at the process and see if we can do things differently or better. We’ll continue to do that. Scouting is scouting.”

Reese also repeated what team president and CEO John Mara has said in recent weeks, that is, everyone – including coaches – have had a role in deciding which players were acquired by the team.

“Ever since I’ve been here with the Giants, everybody has been part of the process, we come to a consensus on who we like and ultimately if we don’t pick a guy that works out it’s my fault, it’s the general manager’s fault,” said Reese. “But everybody is part of the process and I’m not going to back off that, it’s the truth.

“One of the favorite guys people like to throw at us is (2011 2nd round draft pick defensive tackle) Marvin Austin, a guy everybody says we spent a high pick on and we missed on him. There’s plenty of Marvin Austins around the National Football League. I can give you an example of how we talked about him. Marvin Austin, we’re kind of like, ‘This guy’s going to be a hit or this guy’s going to be a miss.’ We missed on him. We said ‘It’s probably not going to be anything in-between.’ Take (2008 3rd round draft pick wide receiver) Mario Manningham, we said, ‘This guy is going to be a hit or a miss. Nothing in between.’ We hit on him.

“How can you call a guy a bust when (2012 1st round draft pick David Wilson) breaks his neck? If that sells papers or whatever you guys do, but for you guys to say things like that, it’s not fair. His name gets thrown right into the pot when you guys are trying to say how bullshit the Giants’ personnel is.

“One thing for sure, I’m going to give the New York Giants everything I have. That’s never going to change.”

MCADOO MAY CREATE ANOTHER ASSISTANT COACHING POSITION…
NJ.com is reporting that new Giants’ Head Coach Ben McAdoo may hire an assistant defensive line coach in addition to a defensive line coach. Former Head Coach Tom Coughlin only had one coach for the defensive line, although he did have two coaches each for the offensive line, secondary, and special teams. The current defensive line positions remain vacant although the Giants have reportedly recently interviewed ex-Texans defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni and ex-Chargers defensive line coach Don Johnson.

PRO BOWL TEAMS SET…
Under the guidance of team captain wide receiver Odell Beckham, “Team Rice” selected quarterback Eli Manning with their first pick in the 2016 Pro Bowl draft. As a kicking specialist, place kicker Josh Brown was also assigned to “Team Rice” before the actual draft process. “Team Irvin” selected cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the draft.

Beckham was voted to the Pro Bowl by coaches, players, and fans. Manning, Rodgers-Cromartie, and Brown were selected as alternates when injured players dropped out of the game. The Pro Bowl airs on Sunday on ESPN at 7:00 PM eastern time.

Jan 262016
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, New York Giants (October 4, 2015)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE AND JOSH BROWN TO PRO BOWL…
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and place kicker Josh Brown have been added to the Pro Bowl roster as alternates. They replace cornerback Malcolm Butler and kicker Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots, both of whom cannot participate in the game because of injury.

In 2015, Rodgers-Cromartie missed one game with a concussion but started the other 15 games and finished the season with 58 tackles (career high), 13 pass defenses, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Rodgers-Cromartie also scored twice on defense, once on a fumble return and the other on an interception return. Rodgers-Cromartie will be the first Giants cornerback to play in the Pro Bowl since Mark Haynes in 1984. This is his second Pro Bowl honor, the first coming in 2010 with the Arizona Cardinals.

Brown made 30-of-32 field goal attempts in 2015, a franchise-record 93.8 percent success rate. The last Giants kicker to make the Pro Bowl was John Carney in 2008. This is Brown’s first trip to the Pro Bowl.

The other Giants in the Pro Bowl are wide Odell Beckham and quarterback Eli Manning. The Pro Bowl will be played in Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium on Sunday, and televised live on ESPN at 7:00 PM eastern time.

Dec 282015
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (December 27, 2015)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS 49 – NEW YORK GIANTS 17…
The New York Giants were humiliated by the Minnesota Vikings on national television on Sunday night. With the loss, the Giants fell to 6-9, ensuring their third losing season in a row. The Giants have lost five of their last six games.

While the Vikings only slightly out-gained the Giants in first downs (17 to 15) and total net yards (368 to 363), Minnesota held dramatic advantages in rushing yards (218 to 91) and time of possession (34:57 to 25:03). The Vikings also won the turnover battle 3 to 0 as quarterback Eli Manning was intercepted three times, one resulting in an interception for a touchdown and the other giving Minnesota the football at the New York 4-yard line and leading to another touchdown two plays later.

The Giants’ defense actually held up fairly well until late in the game. They forced Minnesota to punt on their first three possessions before allowing an 8-play, 40-yard drive that set up a 32-yard field goal. They then allowed a 5-play, 44-yard drive that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to tight end Kyle Rudolph. After forcing another punt, the Vikings set up another field goal late in the half by driving just 23 yards in seven plays.

Meanwhile, the Giants’ offense, minus suspended wide receiver Odell Beckham, struggled a great deal. The Giants only gained 112 net yards in the first half, and 50 of the 77 gross passing yards gained came on one pass play to running back Rashad Jennings. The Giants’ wide receivers only had three catches in the first half for 21 yards. Manning was sacked three times in the first half alone. New York only gained six first downs, three on one drive that set up a 27-yard field goal. Worse, Manning’s pass intended for wide receiver Rueben Randle late in the second quarter was picked off and returned 35 yards for a touchdown (the extra point was missed).

At the half, the Vikings led 19-3.

The game spiraled out of control in the third quarter. After the Giants went three-and-out to start the second half, the Vikings drove 58 yards in nine plays to set up a 22-yard field goal to take a 22-3 lead. On New York’s first ensuing offensive snap, Manning was intercepted for a third time in the game and the ball was returned 32 yards to the New York 4-yard line. Two plays later, Minnesota took a commanding 29-3 advantage when running back Adrian Peterson scored. After another three-and-out by the Giants, the Vikings kicked a 53-yard field goal to go up 32-3 late in the quarter.

The Giants did score on a 72-yard catch-and-run by Randle with about a minute left in the third quarter to cut the lead to 32-10. But the ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Vikings and returned 27 yards to the Giants’ 18-yard line. Six plays later, the Vikings scored a touchdown to extend their advantage to 39-10. Then came a 4-and-out by the Giants, followed by 26-yard drive that set up a 27-yard field goal, another drive that ended on downs by the Giants, and then a humiliating 68-yard run by reserve running back Jerick McKinnon. Reserve quarterback Ryan Nassib came into the game with 3:30 left and drove the Giants to a late garbage touchdown.

Offensively, Manning finished 15-of-29 for 234 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions. 122 passing yards came on two plays. No Giant caught more than three passes and no wide receiver caught more than two passes. Jennings did carry the football 14 times for 74 yards. Manning was sacked four times and officially hit eight times. Minnesota also had six tackles for losses.

Defensively, the Giants did not force a turnover. They did accrue three sacks: 1.5 by defensive end Robert Ayers, 0.5 by defensive end George Selvie, and 1.0 by linebacker Jonathan Casillas. New York also had six tackles for losses and seven quarterback hits.

Video lowlights are available at Giants.com.

INJURY REPORT…
Right tackle Marshall Newhouse and safety Craig Dahl both left the game with concussions and did not return. Linebacker J.T. Thomas injured his ankle but returned until he was later ejected for throwing a punch.

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

  • Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Video)
  • QB Eli Manning (Video)
  • RB Shane Vereen (Video)
  • OC Weston Richburg (Video)
  • CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Video)

POST-GAME NOTES…
Inactive for the Giants were LB Devon Kennard (foot), S Cooper Taylor (concussion), WR Geremy Davis, OG Adam Gettis, OT Emmett Cleary, DE Stansly Maponga, and CB Jayron Hosley.

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