New York Giants 23 – Detroit Lions 20 (Overtime)

 Posted by
Dec 222013
 
Steve Weatherford (5), Josh Brown (3), New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Josh Brown Kicks the Game-Winner in Overtime – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants 23 – Detroit Lions 20 (Overtime): The New York Giants defeated the Detroit Lions 23-20 in overtime on Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. With the win, the Giants improved their overall record to 6-9. The Giants also knocked the Lions out of playoff contention.

Behind a patchwork offensive line and missing WR Victor Cruz, the Giants used some creative offensive play-calling and strong defense in the first half to take a 13-3 halftime lead. Detroit began the game with a 10-play, 39-yard drive that stalled at the Giants’ 45-yard line after DE Mathias Kiwanuka sacked QB Matthew Stafford for a 12-yard loss. The Giants then began a 15-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a 41-yard field goal by PK Josh Brown. The two opening possessions took more than 11 minutes off of the clock.

Detroit responded with another long possession, driving 63 yards in 12 plays to set up a 37-yard field goal. Early in the second quarter, the game was tied 3-3.

The Giants went three-and-out on their second possession. Detroit drove from their own 35 to the Giants’ 45-yard line. But on 2nd-and-10, Kiwanuka forced RB Reggie Bush to fumble. The loose ball was recovered by S Antrel Rolle and returned to the Detroit 49-yard line. The Giants then put together a 9-play, 49-yard drive that resulted in a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB Eli Manning to WR Jerrel Jernigan. Giants 10 – Lions 3.

The Lions moved to the Giants 43-yard line on their fourth offensive possession, but on 2nd-and-17, DE Justin Tuck intercepted a Stafford pass with 47 seconds to go before halftime. Despite a sack, the Giants were able to get into field goal range and Brown kicked a 52-yarder with nine seconds left on the clock. Giants 13 – Lions 3.

The game completely changed in the second half as the Lions scored 17 unanswered points to take a 20-13 lead. Detroit dominated the line of scrimmage and the Giants were unable to run the football and Manning was under constant pass pressure. The Giants did not gain a single first down on their first five possessions of the second half. Worse, Manning was sacked in the end zone for a safety. After a 50-yard punt return by the Lions, Detroit cut the score to 13-10 with an 8-play, 30-yard drive. Both teams exchanged punts and then the safety occurred as New York led by only a single point, 13-12.

Momentum completely swung in Detroit’s favor as the Lions drove 63 yards in nine plays after the safety to go up 20-13 with the touchdown and successful 2-point conversion with under 12 minutes to play. New York went three-and-out on their next two offensive possessions. With just over five minutes to play, the Lions faced a 3rd-and-7 from their own 22-yard line. Stafford’s pass was tipped by the intended receiver and intercepted by S Will Hill who returned it 38 yards for the tying touchdown, 20-20.

Detroit went three-and-out. The Giants picked up one first down (their first of the second half) and punted. The Lions then picked up a first down and were forced to punt after another sack by Kiwanuka. With 50 seconds left in regulation, the Giants had the ball at their own 37-yard line and a chance to win. After two plays, the Giants crossed midfield, but with 28 seconds left, Manning’s deep pass over the middle intended for Jernigan was badly overthrown and intercepted.

The Giants won the coin toss and received the ball to start overtime. RB Michael Cox returned the kickoff deep out of the end zone for 56 yards to the Giants’ 49-yard line. After a 15-yard pass from Manning to TE Brandon Myers, RB Andre Brown fumbled the ball away. The Lions recovered at their own 28-yard line. The Giants’ defense held as Detroit went three-and-out.

The Giants then put together their final game-winning field-goal drive, marching 45 yards in 11 plays. The huge play on the drive was a 15-yard pass from Manning to Jernigan on 4th-and-7 from the Lions’ 42-yard line. Four plays later, Brown nailed the 45-yard field goal for the win.

Offensively, the Giants were held to 238 net yards passing and 41 net yards rushing. Manning finished the game 23-of-42 for 256 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. His leading receiver was Jernigan who caught six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. Andre Brown was held to 40 yards on 16 carries (2.5 yards per rush).

Defensively, the Giants allowed 207 net yards passing and 148 net yards rushing. The leading tacklers were LB Jon Beason (11), S Ryan Mundy (10), and Hill (9). Hill intercepted a pass that he returned for a touchdown. Kiwanuka had 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and forced a fumble that Rolle recovered.

On special teams, the Giants gave up a 50-yard punt return but Cox also had a 56-yard kickoff return. Brown made all three of his field goal attempts from 41, 52, and 45 yards.

Post-Game Injury Report: TE Adrien Robinson sprained a knee on the opening kickoff and did not return. Brandon Mosley, who started at right guard, broke a hand on the opening drive and did not return. RB Andre Brown suffered a concussion in overtime and did not return.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Post-Game Press Conference: The transcript of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s post-game press conference is available at Giants.com.

Player Post-Game Media Sessions: Transcripts and video of post-game media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

New York Giants Post-Game Notes: Inactive for the Giants were QB Ryan Nassib, RB Peyton Hillis (concussion), WR Victor Cruz (knee), OG David Diehl (knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), LB Allen Bradford, and S Cooper Taylor (hamstring).

Articles on the New York Giants-Detroit Lions Game:

Will Hill Arrested for Not Paying Child Support

 Posted by
Dec 222013
 
Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giant (November 24, 2013)

Jerrel Jernigan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Will Hill Arrested for Not Paying Child Support: Safety Will Hill was arrested on Friday in New Jersey on a warrant for outstanding child support payments. Hill did make the trip with the team to Detroit and is expected to play on Sunday. The Giants would not comment other than saying it was a private personal matter for Hill.

Articles on the 2013 New York Giants:

Article on Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn: Giants’ special teams coordinator Tom Quinn could be on the hot seat by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on QB Eli Manning:

Articles on New York Giants Wide Receivers:

Article on DT Johnathan Hankins: Giants rookie is at home in Detroit by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on New York Giants Defensive Backs:

December 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – 10 Miss Practice

 Posted by
Dec 182013
 
Antrel Rolle, New York Giants (December 15, 2013)

Antrel Rolle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

December 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – 10 Miss Practice: Not practicing on Wednesday were RB Peyton Hillis (concussion), WR Victor Cruz (knee/concussion), WR Jerrel Jernigan (knee), OG James Brewer (ankle), OG David Diehl (knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), DT Cullen Jenkins (shin/quad), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), CB Trumaine McBride (groin), and S Cooper Taylor (hamstring).

With the injuries to the offensive line, Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if he was wary about playing QB Eli Manning. “Matter of fact, we’ve talked about this,” said Coughlin. “(Eli) wants to play and he’s looking forward to playing and competing and having a better game. I wouldn’t expect anything different.”

December 18, 2013 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Wednesday press conference are available at Giants.com.

December 18, 2013 New York Giants Player Media Sessions: Transcripts and video of Wednesday’s media sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on the New York Giants Scouting Department: Giant changes could come in scouting department as draft busts pile up by Conor Orr and Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Offseason: Giants face tough offseason decisions in-house by Paul Schwarz of The New York Post

Articles on QB Eli Manning:

Article on WR Jerrel Jernigan: Jerrel Jernigan in line for more snaps by Matt Ehalt of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on OG Chris Snee: Injury, contract situation cloud Chris Snee’s future with Giants by Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record

August 27, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Aug 272013
 
Marvin Austin, New York Giants (August 24, 2013)

Marvin Austin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

August 27, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Tuesday were WR Victor Cruz (heel), WR Ramses Barden (knee), OC David Baas (knee), OT David Diehl (thumb), CB Jayron Hosley (ankle), and DT Markus Kuhn (PUP – knee).

“Feeling good, feeling good,” said Cruz on Tuesday. “It’s been better, feels a lot better, a lot of the swelling has gone down. Obviously I’m out of the boot now, looking forward to better days coming.”

Cruz was also asked if he would be ready for the opener against the Cowboys. “Absolutely,” responded Cruz. “I think that’s definitely a target date for me. I think I want to come out and get some regular practice in as well once the doctors let me and the training staff lets me do so. Just taking it one day at a time.”

“In my mind (Monday) is a date that I am targeting (to practice),” Cruz said. “So I am going to work diligently this week while the team is away and focus on getting myself right and getting ready to practice potentially by next week.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked about Baas. “He’s working hard, and feels a little bit better each day,” said Coughlin.

WR Louis Murphy (leg) returned to practice on a limited basis.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back), DE Damontre Moore (shoulder), S Antrel Rolle (ankle), and FB Henry Hynoski (knee) remained limited in practice. Pierre-Paul and Moore participated in some team drills.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Tuesday are available at Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Tuesday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

DE Justin Tuck on ESPN Radio: The audio of DE Justin Tuck’s interview with ESPN Radio on Tuesday is available at ESPN.com.

Article on WR Jerrel Jernigan: WR Jerrel Jernigan Playing with Confidence by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on OG/OT James Brewer: James Brewer Will Start at Unfamiliar Spot by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on CB Charles James: Victor Cruz’s Example Fits Giants Undrafted Free Agent Charles James to a ‘T’ by Tom Rock of Newsday

Notes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin said the starters will play between 12-15 plays on Thursday against the New England Patriots. At quarterback, Eli Manning will start, followed by Ryan Nassib, David Carr, and Curtis Painter.

New York Giants – New York Jets Game Day Reading Material

 Posted by
Aug 242013
 
Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giants (August 7, 2013)

Jerrel Jernigan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Articles on the New York Giants Wide Receivers:

Articles on DE Justin Trattou:

Article on PK Josh Brown: Giants Kicker Josh Brown Steps Into Void Left by Lawrence Tynes by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on Giants and Jets Fans: Map Shows Greater New York Belongs to Giants by Darren Everson of The Wall Street Journal

David Diehl Out Six Weeks; Training Camp Ends

 Posted by
Aug 212013
 
David Diehl, New York Giants (July 28, 2013)

David Diehl – © USA TODAY Sports Images

August 21, 2013 New York Giants Training Camp Reports: The Giants held their last training camp practice open to the public on Wednesday. The final training camp reports:

Injury Update – David Diehl Out Six Weeks : Not practicing on Wednesday were WR Victor Cruz (heel), WR Louis Murphy (leg), WR Ramses Barden (knee), OC David Baas (knee), OT David Diehl (thumb), DE Adrian Tracy (dehydration), DE Damontre Moore (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (knee/groin), S Antrel Rolle (ankle), FB Henry Hynoski (PUP – knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (PUP – back), and DT Markus Kuhn (PUP – knee).

The Giants announced that Diehl, who practiced on Tuesday, underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair his injured right thumb. Diehl suffered the injury against the Colts on Sunday. He is expected to be out approximately six weeks.

“The unfortunate news today is about David Diehl,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “The doctor felt like he really needed to have his thumb corrected so that he could go further. He’s been in a lot of pain. He’s a tough guy and you’d never even know it until the doctor kind of jumped in. He’ll get this fixed and he’ll be back.”

Coughlin also said that Webster is dealing with a knee issue in addition to his previously-known groin injury. “He’s had a slight MCL, but he’s got a groin too,” said Coughlin. “I would think he’s getting close.”

Coughlin was asked about Murphy and Barden.  “I’d think maybe one of those two guys would be able to go today, but it didn’t happen,” said Coughlin.

“The same kind of thing (with Moore),” said Coughlin. “They say he’s making progress, but they’re not putting him out there.”

Rolle was asked about his progress. “I’m going to return to the practice field whenever I’m ready,” Rolle said. “Whenever I can go out there and feel like I’m not favoring it. Right now we’re ahead of schedule and things are going good.”

RB Da’Rel Scott (shoulder) returned to practice.

Coughlin said CB Terrell Thomas (knee) will see his first action of the preseason this weekend against the Jets.

Giants Re-Shuffle Offensive Line Again: With the loss of offensive lineman David Diehl (thumb) for approximately six weeks, the Giants have re-shuffled their offensive line again. On Tuesday, with the injury to center David Baas (knee), the Giants had moved Diehl to left guard, Kevin Boothe from left guard to center, and promoted Justin Pugh to first-string right tackle. Now Boothe has been moved back to guard and Jim Cordle has been promoted to first-string center.

So from left to right, the current Giants’ starting offensive line is Will Beatty, Kevin Boothe, Jim Cordle, Chris Snee, and Justin Pugh.

“Cordle played very well the other night and we thought that was the best move for now and we do have that option,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “But for now the option that we took is this one. We’re really excited about the way Cordle played the other night. Hopefully he’ll keep that going.”

“We’re comfortable if (Cordle is) in there,” said Snee. “Jim’s played football, he’s been around here a long time. He knows what he’s doing. He knows the offense very well. Technically, he’s very good with his hands and he competes. He’s a tough guy. He makes all the calls, he’s physical. He moves his feet well. I thought he played very well.”

Giants Add Wide Receiver: The Giants signed WR Terrell Sinkfield on Wednesday.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Wednesday are available at Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Wednesday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on WR Jerrel Jernigan: Tom Coughlin Hopes to See More from Jerrel Jernigan vs. Jets by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on OT Justin Pugh: Giants Rookie Right Tackle Justin Pugh Says He’s ‘Ready’ by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the Defensive Line:

Five New York Giants Start Training Camp Off on PUP

 Posted by
Jul 262013
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (June 11, 2013)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Five New York Giants Start Training Camp Off on PUP, Two More Held Out of Conditioning Drills: The Giants placed five players on the active Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List on Friday: FB Henry Hynoski (knee), OG Chris Snee (hip), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back), DT Markus Kuhn (knee), and CB Terrell Thomas (knee). Players placed on the active PUP list at the start of training camp can come off the list at any time. A player on the active PUP still counts against the 90-man training camp roster limit.

“(Pierre-Paul is) coming,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He’s done well. He’s worked hard. I’ve seen him the last two days on the machines in there. His weight is good. He’s optimistic.”

In addition, OC David Baas (unknown) and WR Jerrel Jernigan (hamstring) were held out of conditioning drills.

“I’m not sure why Baas was, to be honest with you,” said Coughlin. “Baas has been doing everything, he came in, and he’s in outstanding shape, but they chose to hold him over there on the side. Jernigan, a little tenderness, you know, so I hope we don’t have to deal with that.”

Giants Sign FB Ryan D’Imperio, Waive PK David Buehler: The Giants signed FB Ryan D’Imperio on Friday. To make room for D’Imperio, the Giants waived PK David Buehler.

First Training Camp Practice Begins on Saturday: The first training camp practice will be held at 1:30-3:45PM on Saturday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. For a complete schedule and Giants.com Q&A guide, see the Training Camp section of the website.

A sights and sounds video of the players arriving at camp on Friday is available on Giants.com, as well as a video on the conditioning test.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Friday is available at Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Training Camp Previews:

Article on DE Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck Making Sure Giants Maintain One Singular, Super Focus by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

 

Giants Complete Fourth OTA Practice; Marc Ross Promoted

 Posted by
May 302013
 

New York Giants Complete Fourth OTA Practice – Nicks Still MIA: The Giants concluded their fourth Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice on Thursday. Their fifth OTA will be held on Friday at Timex Performance Center, but that practice is not open to the media.

OTA practices are voluntary but participation is encouraged. The Giants are currently in the final phase of their offseason workout program. During this final phase, no live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permissible.

The Giants’ final five OTA practices will be held next week, June 3-7. The following week the Giants will hold a mandatory, full-team mini-camp on June 11-13. The Giants will then be off until they have to report to training camp on July 26. The first training camp practice at the Timex Performance Center will be held on July 27.

Missing from Thursday’s “voluntary” practice were WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Victor Cruz, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, and DE Justin Tuck. Head Coach Tom Coughlin said he expected Pierre-Paul and Tuck to participate in Friday’s OTA.

Coughlin was asked if he had been in contact with Nicks. “I have not. No,” replied Coughlin. “Certainly I am (disappointed that he is not here).”

Coughlin was also asked if he was given a reason why Nicks was not participating in the OTAs. “None,” said Coughlin. “Now at one point Hakeem told me that he was going to be here and then he was not here. Now the strictest interpretation, as everybody knows, is it’s a voluntary program.”

The Star-Ledger is reporting when Nicks’ agent was asked why his client was missing from OTAs and whether this had to do with his contract, the agent replied, “Everything is all good. We have no comment…We’re not talking.”

Video highlights are also available at Giants.com. A brief practice report is also available from the following site:

Roster Moves: Following up on yesterday’s “News and Notes” update, the Giants officially confirmed that they have signed rookie free agent TE Chase Clement (LSU) and unrestricted free agent LB Kyle Bosworth (Jaguars). To make room for these two players, the Giants waived S John Stevenson and TE Morgan Newton.

“I can definitely play all the (linebacker) positions,” Bosworth said. “I just got here today. It was my first day of OTAs. I’ve still got to do a lot of learning in the playbook, but I’m able to fit in with the Will, Mike and Sam (weakside, middle and strongside linebacker). I’m very versatile. I’ve played and started. I’ve been on every single special team, so basically wherever they need me I’ll be able to do it. Whatever they ask and I’ll be ready to go.”

CB Aaron Ross played with Bosworth in Jacksonville in 2012. “He’s definitely a hard worker,” Ross said. “I think he’s a player that knows the game. I think he’s a really smart player. With that combination, I think we’re getting a great player. I did (enjoy playing with him). He was easy to play with, very coachable and he picks up on the defense really well. He works really hard. He’s one of the guys that improve day to day.”

Marc Ross Promoted to Vice President of Player Evaluation: The Giants announced on Thursday that they have promoted Marc Ross to Vice President of Player Evaluation. He had been the Director of College Scouting.

“Marc has done an outstanding job of running our college scouting and the draft, and we wanted to give him a title that reflected that,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “He will continue to do that, but I also want him to work on some special projects in pro personnel along with pro personnel director Ken Sternfeld.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of today’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of today’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on RB Andre Brown: RB Andre Brown Ready to Showcase All by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on WR Rueben Randle: Coughlin: Randle’s ‘Chance to Step Up’ by Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on LB Kyle Bosworth: Giants Add Nephew of ‘The Boz’ to Roster by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin commented on a few specific players yesterday:

  • WR Brandon Collins: “Collins has made a couple of plays over the last couple of days.”
  • WR Louis Murphy: “(Murphy and El Manning have) made quite a few plays. They really have. When the receivers are on the same page and he’s very confident that they’re going to maneuver according to the way they’re supposed to and he’s been very, very sharp and he and Murphy have made some plays…(Murphy has) done a good job of (picking up the offense). “
  • TE Bear Pascoe: “We’re very confident that Bear, no matter what role we place him in, he does an outstanding job. We’re very sorry about Henry’s (Hynoski) injury. Henry’s a very optimistic young man. A day after he had the surgery he had three rehabs, so he’s ready to go. He’s trying to get ready to go and Bear has had opportunities to play in that spot, the B-Tight End and the Y-Tight End and he’s always done a nice job. He’s a guy that will learn it and he’ll be very much into what’s happening.”
  • DE Damontre Moore: “(Moore) has shown some good ability to get off on the snap.”

QB Eli Manning on WR Louis Murphy: “He’s come in and worked really hard. Back in early April, going over to Duke and working those days and learning the offense and asking questions and being here in the offseason, being there for routes and trying to pick up everything in this offense and so he’s got talent. He can really run, he can stretch the field and he’s got the desire and the commitment to be a good player and to bring another threat to this offense.”

Article on the Retirement of Former Giants WR Steve Smith: Giants React to WR Steve Smith Retirement by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Former Giants’ Offensive Lineman and Assistant Coach Bill Austin: Remembering Former OL & Coach Bill Austin by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Offseason Breakdown: New York Giants Wide Receivers (Part I)

 Posted by
May 242013
 
Rueben Randle, New York Giants (November 25, 2012)

Rueben Randle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Offseason Breakdown: New York Giants Wide Receivers (Part I)

Everyone knows that the New York Giants two studs at wide receiver are Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. But there has been a changing of the guard behind these two each of the last two seasons. In 2011, the #3 receiver on this team was Mario Manningham. That season, Manningham had 39 receptions behind Cruz (82 catches) and Nicks (76 catches). In 2012, Cruz (86 catches) and Nicks (53 catches) still led the way again despite Nicks’ injury woes. Interestingly, Domenik Hixon had the same number of receptions as the #3 receiver as did Manningham the year before with 39.

Manningham (free agent to 49ers in 2012) and Hixon (free agent to Panthers in 2013) are gone. The leading contenders to replace Hixon as the #3 wideout are Rueben Randle, Jerrel Jernigan, and Louis Murphy.

Rueben Randle:

Randle, the team’s second-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, is probably the favorite to win the job. Randle had only 19 receptions for 298 yards and three touchdowns his rookie season. His best games were against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5 (six catches for 82 yards) and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 (four catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns). But Randle, who just turned 22 in May, has an excellent combination of size, athletic ability, and hands. Randle is not a burner, but he is fluid and smooth with just enough speed to threaten a defense vertically down the field. In that regard, he’s similar to Nicks. Like most young players, Randle needs to continue to improve his route-running and realize that professional football is indeed a serious business that requires a heightened level of commitment.

With Nicks recovering from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, Randle has been getting work with the first team.

“It’s a lot better to get a feel for how things are going to be,” Randle said of lining up with the first team. “You get on the same page with Eli, so it’s a fun thing. But also it’s work. You’ve got to continue to go out there and get better and just do the best you can. I’m a lot better than where I was last year. I’m a lot more comfortable with what I have to do and understanding the offense. I’m out there playing a lot faster and making a lot more plays.”

Jerrel Jernigan:

With Cruz still unsigned, Jerrel Jernigan has also been getting reps with the first team. Jernigan was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. Because Jernigan is diminutive in size (5-8, 189lbs) and has been unproductive in his first two seasons (three catches total), he has drawn unfavorable comparisons by Giants fans to a previous draft bust, Sinorice Moss. Jernigan does lack size, but he is a quick, fluid athlete. In college, Jernigan was an extremely productive receiver who was dangerous with the football after the catch.

Jerngian’s development may have been hampered by his college offense at Troy. Receivers in spread offenses usually do not run the full route tree so it was a much bigger mental jump for Jerngian than it was for Randle. Regardless, the Giants are expecting Jernigan to step it up in 2013. Right now, he’s the number one back-up in the slot position behind Cruz.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Jerrel Jernigan and what he can do inside,” said Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride this month. “I think it’s about time that he steps up and I think we feel he has enough ability and he’s been here now long enough. Until Victor (Cruz) gets back, he’ll be the main guy inside at the slot position. It’s a chance for him to shine and step forward and do the things that we believe he can do…It’s going to be a great opportunity for him.”

“Jerrel’s also got to be able to help us,” said QB Eli Manning. “He has speed, he has skills, been in the system now a number of years so hopefully he can step up and fill a role for us.”

“I’ve been here three years,” said Jernigan. “I know the offense and it’s time for me to go out there and make some plays and contribute to my team… My confidence is always high. I never get down on myself. No matter what any article says, I still know what I can do.”

Louis Murphy:

Louis Murphy was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Carolina Panthers in March 2013. Murphy was originally drafted in the 4th round of the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders traded Murphy to the Panthers in July 2012. In four NFL seasons, Murphy has played in 57 games with 24 starts. In 2012, Murphy played in all 16 games with five starts with the Panthers. He finished the season with 25 catches for 336 yards and one touchdown.

Murphy has good size for a receiver (6-2, 200lbs) and he is a deep threat with very good speed. The knock on him has been his inconsistent hands.

“I think he’s gonna add another dimension to our offense,” said General Manager Jerry Reese back in March. “We have a scout named Jeremiah Davis and he talks about guys being a knife. This guy is a knife. This guy can take the top off your defense. He’s an interesting guy. He gives us a different dimension in our offense. If we have the same guys, if we have Nicks back healthy and we have Cruz back this guy gives you a deep threat that we haven’t had. We haven’t had a guy who can run like this guy.”

In the first Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice, Murphy showed off that speed by getting behind the defense and catching a 50-yard touchdown pass from Manning. “That’s what I like to do,” said Murphy. “I can do a lot of things. I can go inside, play outside. I can do it all. But they do like to stretch the field and I like doing that.”

Barring injury or the unforeseen, Randle, Jernigan, and Murphy should all make the 53-man roster. But which of the three is going to see the most playing time during the 2013 regular season? The competition for the #3 spot has already begun and will reach its climax in training camp and the preseason in August.

(Part II of the wide receiver preview will focus on Ramses Barden, Brandon Collins, Kevin Hardy, Kris Adams, and Jeremy Horne).

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