Jun 192014
 
Odell Beckham (13) and Zack Bowman (31), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Odell Beckham and Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Mini-Camp Ends: The third and final day of the New York Giants mandatory, 3-day mini-camp was held on Thursday. Practice was called after only a few minutes when rain started to fall. Head Coach Tom Coughlin chose not to continue practice within the team’s indoor facility.

The rookies will spend one more day at Quest Diagnostics Center. Players are off until scheduled to report to Quest Diagnostics Center on July 21 for the start of summer training camp.

For more on today’s practice, see:

For more on Wednesday’s practice, see:

New York Giants Sign OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins: The Giants have signed street free agents OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins. To make room for these two, the Giants waived OT Steven Baker and DT Eathyn Manumaleuna.

BBI scouting report on OT DeMarcus Love:

  • The Giants signed DeMarcus Love as a street free agent in June 2014. Love was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him in October 2013 and he was then picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who waived him in June 2014. Love has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He needs to play with more nastiness and fire. He also needs to improve his overall technique in order to make it at the NFL level.

BBI scouting report on DT Everett Dawkins:

  • The Giants signed Everett Dawkins as a street free agent in June 2014. Dawkins was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Dallas Cowboys signed Dawkins off of the Vikings Practice Squad in November 2013, but waived him three weeks later. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Buccaneers waived Dawkins in June 2014. Dawkins is a 3-technique tackle who lacks ideal size, but he is quick and athletic and can be disruptive. He needs to add size and strength. Dawkins is not overly stout against the run. He needs to play with better leaverage.

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com or BigBlueInteractive.com:

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo:

Article on Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell: Fewell optimistic about Giants’ D, naturally by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: NY Giants QB Eli Manning insists he has a lot of good years left by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Article on the New York Giants Running Backs: Giants’ Backfield Runs Into the Great Wide Open by Alex Raskin of The Wall Street Journal

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Giants: Victor Cruz out to show more by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on WR Corey Washington: Low on Giants’ depth chart, Corey Washington stands tall by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on TE Adrien Robinson: Adrien Robinson the favorite to start for Giants at tight end? Think again by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on DE Robert Ayers and CB Walter Thurmond: Newcomers Ayers, Thurmond getting used to Giants by Jim Hague of The Sacramento Bee

Article on CB Charles James: New and Improved Charles James Flashing with Giants by Connor Hughes of BigBlueInteractive.com

Jun 192014
 
Ryan Nassib, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Ryan Nassib – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Well, that was quick. In the final installment of the New York Giants mandatory, three-day mini-camp, practice was over essentially before it began. The Giants took the field, practiced kick return, stretched, huddled and broke. It also began to rain.

Off went Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning and others for a 32-day break before the team comes together again for training camp on July 21. Without further ado, here is your practice report:

Odell Beckham, New York Giants (June 5, 2014)

Odell Beckham – Photo by Connor Hughes

SPECIAL TEAMS

  • The Giants practiced a full-team kickoff. The returners? David Wilson, Michael Cox, Odell Beckham Jr., Trindon Holliday and Quintin Demps. I guess, because this was the only portion of practice other than stretching, you could say Beckham and Wilson were full participants. So, there’s that.
  • Coughlin spoke to the media afterwards and said that the team did a walk-through before the media got out there.

THE INTERVIEWS While many players ran out with heel clicks knowing their summer vacation started a couple hours early, a few stuck around. As was the case this week, everyone headed on into the locker room to catch whomever was still around.

  • Coughlin talked at length and said he plans on taking a vacation with his family. He also made a really nice quote that stuck out: “The NY never comes off.” He said he told the players to make sure they didn’t get in trouble. Essentially, if Will Hill would do it, don’t you do it.
  • I had a great conversation with undrafted Notre Dame linebacker Dan Fox, who is loving every second of being a Giant. Fox said when the team called and he signed, he got a second call from Bennett Jackson, his teammate who the Giants drafted in the sixth round. Fox, who suffered a knee injury his senior year, said that playing hurt last year was one of the reasons he went undrafted. We’ll have much more on him later this evening.
  • Talked to Prince Amukamara as well for a few minutes who said he is enjoying the married life. As far as his proposal, see below, not many on the team got on him too much aside from Jason Pierre-Paul and Eli Manning. Amukamara also said the secondary is striving to be the best in the NFL.

  • Michael Cox said he was “hoping” to get a chance to play as a rookie last season, but didn’t really know. This year, Cox said the biggest difference is he understands the game and “knows everything a lot better.” He also is around the same weight as last season. Didn’t gain much more, or lose anything.

THE COACHES For the first time this offseason, the Giants made their assistant coaches available to the media. From new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, to linebacker’s coach Jim Herrmann, all spent time with reporters. Below you will find some interesting tidbits pulled from those interviews.

TOM QUINN (Special Teams Coordinator)

  • Quinn seemed extremely happy about not only his new returners, but gunners as well. The coach spent time praising free-agent acquisition Zack Bowman, along with Trindon Holliday and Quintin Demps.
  • Holliday, who has struggled holding onto the ball throughout his career, is being taught “high and tight” according to Quinn.
  • It seems as if all returners are going to be dual returners, working both on kicks and punts.
  • Personally, when I saw Temple rookie Brandon McManus’ name on the Giants’ roster, I assumed it was nothing more than a leg to give Josh Brown a break. According to Quinn, that isn’t really the case. It looks like McManus will be given every chance to win the kicking job. Quinn raved about the 22-year-old’s accuracy and ability to kick in cold weather.
Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Ben McAdoo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

BEN McADOO (Offensive Coordinator)

  • McAdoo seemed to echo what Tom Coughlin said a few weeks ago, the offense is a work in progress. Has there been progress? Yes. Is it “mastered?” No. It’s going to take time, but the first-year play caller seemed excited about where things are headed.
  • As of right now, McAdoo isn’t exactly sure where he will be calling plays, just that he will be. McAdoo said he expects to be on the field, but that’s not certain.
  • Trindon Holliday, who has impressed in camp, hasn’t just taken reporters by surprise, but the coaching staff, too. McAdoo said he’s making plays and looked good as a slot receiver. “He’s been a pleasant surprise.”
  • In offenses across the NFL, the fullback position has slowly but surely been disappearing. That apparently won’t be the case in New York. While the exact role is in the air, a fullback will be used: “The way I was raised, the full back was a big part of the things you do.”

KEVIN GILBRIDE JR. (Tight Ends Coach)

  • Gilbride, the son of former Giants’ offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride Sr., said his dad is doing well and enjoying life away from football. Jr. said his dad has been taking time to speak at football clinics and high schools, something he always wanted to do but wasn’t able to when coaching.
  • As far as Adrien Robinson, Gilbride said he’s been extremely active in the meeting rooms. The biggest issue with Robinson is that when the coaching staff tries to teach him too much, he forgets some of the basics.

DANNY LANGSDORF (Quarterbacks Coach)

  • Langsdorf said that he has been excited and pleased with Eli Manning. The coaching staff has worked with Manning on improving some of his footwork, accuracy, ball fakes and other mechanics.
  • Ryan Nassib has impressed Langsdorf with his intelligence and praised the quarterback for getting people lined up correctly. Another attribute that Langsdorf credited was Nassib’s mobility, saying he has the ability to extend plays and take off.

PAT FLAHERTY (Offensive Line Coach)

  • The Giants’ offensive line has been one of the more revamped positions in the offseason and Flaherty said it’s been a little different not seeing the same faces. As of today, the coach still doesn’t know who will start versus Detroit. It seems like an open competition.
  • John Jerry, who has been sidelined with an injury, was brought in with an opportunity to potentially start according to Flaherty. If Snee isn’t able to go, looks like position is his. Side note, Flaherty did say he doesn’t know what he has with the line simply because the team isn’t in pads. He doesn’t seem to like the “no contact” rules.
Perry Fewell, New York Giants (June 19, 2014)

Perry Fewell – Photo by Connor Hughes

PERRY FEWELL (Defensive Coordinator)

  • Perry Fewell seems very excited about the secondary and what he’ll be able to do with it. The coach mentioned multiple times about the potential the group has with all the new acquisitions.
  • Another area Fewell seems excited for is the linebacking unit, and in particular, the rookies. Fewell is very intrigued by rookies Devon Kennard and Dan Fox, saying both are extremely intelligent.
  • Two players that have stuck out to Fewell: Johnathan Hankins & Marcus Kuhn.

JIM HERRMANN (Linebackers Coach)

  • After three years, it looks like Jacquian Williams is finally starting to put everything together. Herrmann offered high praise to the linebacker saying he has taken the next step during the offseason. After playing strictly in the nickel package, Williams is now the starter in the base 4-3 as well. “He made a big jump this spring.”
  • Herrmann, similar to Fewell, credited Dan Fox’s intelligence as a strong part of his game.

DAVID MERRITT (Safeties Coach)

  • Merritt offered two big pieces of information: 1- Antrel Rolle has just begun to reach his true potential 2- Quintin Demps wants to play more in the box. Apparently when Demps signed, he went to Merritt with the goal and the coach told him he’d help him get there. After watching players like Eric Berry have success, Demps wants to try it out too.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED With practice essentially cancelled, questions regarding how certain players performed aren’t really able to be answered.

FROM MILTON – Which of the rookies have impressed them the most?

  • Not too many players were made available, but from a coaching stand point it looks like it’s Devon Kennard. The fifth-round pick is presently running with the 1’s and few offer anything other than praise.

FROM GEORGE FROM PA – What position in your opinion still needs to be improved?

  • It’s tough to say with these drills being zero contact. From a pure “paper” perspective, I still say offensive line. I like Geoff Schwartz and J.D. Walton a lot, but without Chris Snee or William Beatty… I still see a lot of holes.

FROM BOB IN TX – Does the staff see Ryan Nassib ready to be the No. 2 QB?

  • Right now, yes. Nassib is getting all of the No. 2 reps and it’s really not close. Curtis Painter, the only other QB on the roster, get’s anywhere from 3-4 per drill.

FROM BC4LIFE – Once healthy where does Pat Flaherty see John Jerry?

  • Asked him this question myself, his answer surprised me. Flaherty said that Jerry signed with the Giants because of his chance to start. From talking to him, looks like they view him as a starter. Where? That’s yet to be seen.

FROM AFNAVY – Will Ben McAdoo be calling plays from the field or from the booth?

  • That’s yet to be decided. McAdoo did said they’re leaning towards having him on the field.

https://twitter.com/lilylondon1013/status/479633616066973696

  • McAdoo avoided any real questions about anyone specific, instead saying he likes the player’s in the tight end room. Said they’re “Big bodies.”

  • From my understanding, he’s impressing everywhere. The kid is looking very much like a steal in the draft.

  • He’s moving all over the field. No one set position.
Jan 272014
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

The Offense Will Have a New Look in 2014 – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Officially Hire Danny Langsdorf as Quarterbacks Coach; Reassign Sean Ryan and Kevin M. Gilbride: The Giants officially announced on Monday that they have hired Danny Langsdorf as their new quarterbacks coach. Since 2005, Langsdorf has been the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oregon State University.

Sean Ryan, who served as the Giants quarterback coach in 2012-13, will now coach the wide receivers again. Ryan was the Giants wide receivers coach in 2010-11.

Kevin M. Gilbride, who served as the Giants wide receivers coach in 2012-13, will now coach the tight ends. Gilbride is the son of recently-retired Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.

So to summarize the offseason coaching moves: offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride retired and tight ends coach Mike Pope and running backs coach Jerald Ingram were fired. Ben McAdoo was hired as the team’s new offensive coordinator, Langsdorf as the new quarterbacks coach, and Craig Johnson as the new running backs coach. Ryan and Gilbride were reassigned. The only offensive coaches who will return in the same position are offensive line coach Pat Flaherty, assistant offensive line coach Lunda Wells, and offensive assistant Ryan Roeder.

“I like the makeup of our offensive staff,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin.  “There are some obvious and very good offensive thoughts here. And then you bring in Ben McAdoo…I’m excited about that part of it as well. I think the combination of the fundamentals, the innovative ideas and concepts coming from the new coaches, combined with the coaches that we have here that are fundamentalists and very good coaches in their own right, I’m excited about this spring as we put together our identity as an offensive team again. First and foremost, it’s going to be good for our players.”

“For me, it’s just a great opportunity to be able to work with a great quarterback,” Langsdorf said. “I know he is looking for improvement off of last year. I’m looking forward to a new challenge and to live in a new part of the country. I was never in New York for any reason up until the interview (with Coughlin). I think it’s kind of a neat opportunity for me and my family to experience a different part of the world and just a new challenge, so we’re very excited about that. And getting back to the NFL was something that was appealing to me.”

“When I went through the process of studying his years at Oregon State, I was very impressed with the number of quarterbacks that were highly, highly productive in the Oregon State program, including redshirt freshmen,” Coughlin said. “And also in the years, with Jacquizz Rodgers, for example, they ran the ball. So he has adapted to a lot of different things. Then when I had the opportunity to interview him, I would take specific areas in which I think the college game is doing a darn good job, and his ability to relate and teach in these areas, I thought, was outstanding.

“The one thing that is very impressive is that Ben and Danny are fundamentalists, first and foremost, in how they teach. They both have extensive quarterback film and drill work which they teach off of and which relate to the fundamentals of the game – how you drop, how you set, how you save time, how you become more efficient, where’s the ball, where do you carry the ball, where’s your front foot. When the quarterbacks report back here, that is a very, very good way to start the progression of how the quarterback is developed fundamentally so he can contribute at the highest level in this form of offensive package. I’m very interested in that.”

“(Eli’s disappointing season) was a very important part of our conversation and the interview,” Langsdorf said. “He knows he’s got it in him, he’s played great football at times, but I think he had a little bit of an off year, a lot of turnovers. That’s something that we have to correct, do a better job in taking care of the ball and he stressed that, the importance of that for our entire team. That was part of the discussion, for sure, as well as developing some young guys to back him up.”

Neither Langdorf nor Coughlin think Langdorf’s collegiate coaching background will be an issue.

“I think really just working, getting back to the fundamentals and teaching the details of the position and implementing a new system are all things that are going to be fun to work with Eli on. With Ben and what he’s presenting as a package for the Giants, I think all of those things together will be smooth. I think coaching is teaching, and I think if you’re a good teacher, you should be able to do that and teach well and communicate well at any level.”

“I think there is something to be said for taking some of the ideas that you see are most prevalent at the college level and bringing that to our game,” Coughlin said. “And the combination is very interesting to me.”

Langsdorf and McAdoo worked together for one season on the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints.

“We’ve kept in touch through the years,” Langsdorf said. “We haven’t been together for a long time. Gosh, I’ve been out here for nine years now at Oregon State, so we’ve been apart for a while. But it’s always good to reconnect. Ben has had a great career and I’m excited to have a chance to work with him. He’s worked with some outstanding coaches and has been able to coach some great players, which has been a good experience for him. He’s excited about the challenge and what he’s got in front of him. I’m really looking forward to working with him. He’s got a lot of energy and a lot of passion and detail and I think his system is going to have quite a bit of change from back in the New Orleans days. But there are going to be some similarities with that system. I’m just really looking forward to working with him.”

For a complete overview of the coaching staff and their respective resumes, see the Coaching Staff section of the website.

Article on Quarterbacks Coach Danny Langsdorf: Langsdorf’s inspiring connection to Gilbride by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on Offensive Lineman Dallas Reynolds: Giants free agents: Dallas Reynolds still seeking an NFL home by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on Linebacker Spencer Paysinger: Giants free agents: Spencer Paysinger has earned spot on roster by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Former Giants Defensive End Michael Strahan: Time for Hall of Fame to call Michael Strahan by Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record

Jan 042014
 
Eli Manning (10), David Carr (8), Sean Ryan, Curtis Painter (17), Kevin Gilbride, New York Giants (July 28, 2013)

Sean Ryan and Kevin Gilbride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin Was Prepared to Fight for Kevin Gilbride: According to The Daily News, had Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride not retired on Thursday, Head Coach Tom Coughlin was prepared to fight to keep Gilbride in his discussions with team President/CEO John Mara and General Manager Jerry Reese. Those organizational discussions reportedly began on Thursday and will continue into next week. The Daily News says, “Knowing Mara’s intention to replace Gilbride, Coughlin told at least one person ‘I’m not going to let that happen.'” The Daily News adds that it is unknown how far Coughlin was willing to go if Mara insisted on firing Gilbride. A source informed The Daily News that Coughlin told Gilbride he was going to fight for him, but Gilbride said there was no need since he had decided to retire.

“The first thing that I said to our owners is that I’m responsible for the coaches,” Coughlin said said on WFAN on Friday. “To think that there’s any one individual who is responsible for the circumstances that we found ourselves in, that’s crazy. Kevin Gilbride is an excellent football coach, he’s an excellent teacher and communicator. His players do respond to him. He works very, very hard at his trade. He has made his mark on this organization.”

Mike Sullivan Not a Shoo-In for Offensive Coordinator?: According to various press reports, team sources have said that it is premature to label Mike Sullivan as the favorite to be the next offensive coordinator of the Giants. Sullivan, who was Tampa Bay’s Offensive Coordinator in 2012-13, was on Coughlin’s staff from 2004-11, first as wide receivers coach, then quarterbacks coach.

Daily News: More on the Assistant Coaching Front: According to The Daily News, a source told the paper that Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gilbride, the son of the Giants’ recently retired offensive coordinator, is expected to retain his job.

However, two sources told the paper that Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn and Quarterbacks Coach Sean Ryan may be let go next week, possibly as early as Monday.

Giants Sign PK Brandon McManus: The Giants have signed PK Brandon McManus to a reserve/future contract. Because of this move, we have updated the Transactions, Free Agent Signings (with scouting report), 2014 Free Agency Scorecard, and Roster sections of the website.

Article on General Manager Jerry Reese and QB Eli Manning: Now it’s on GM to rebuild Eli Manning’s offense by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on QB Eli Manning: Thirty-three thoughts on Eli Manning by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Giants need to add pieces to offensive line by Tom Rock of Newsday

Oct 312013
 
New York Giants Helmets (October 27, 2013)

New York Giants Helmets – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Giants.com Q&A With Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gilbride: The video of a recent Giants.com Q&A session with Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gilbride is available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Q&A With RB Andre Brown: The video of a recent Giants.com Q&A session with RB Andre Brown is available at Giants.com.

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: Thoughts on professionalism vs. adversity by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on OT Justin Pugh: Ex-NFL lineman: Giants’ Justin Pugh has outplayed NFL Draft’s top picks by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul: Waiting for JPP’s Big Blue breakout by Matt Ehalt of ESPNNewYork.com

Articles on the New York Giants Linebackers:

Article on S Antrel Rolle: Antrel Rolle’s leadership giving Giants hope by Mark Cannizzaro of The New York Post

Article on Tom Landry and the New York Giants: Why Tom Landry died a Giants fan by Bart Hubbuch of The New York Post

Oct 292013
 
Jerry Reese and John Mara, New York Giants (October 6, 2013)

Jerry Reese and John Mara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

NFL Trading Deadline Passes: The NFL’s trading deadline passed at 4:00PM on Tuesday. The New York Giants did not make any trades before the deadline this week.

General Manager Jerry Reese Addresses the Media: The transcript and video of Tuesday’s media session with General Manager Jerry Reese are available at Giants.com.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin on WFAN: The audio of Tuesday’s WFAN interview with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at CBSNewYork.com

Assistant Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Tuesday’s media sessions with the following assistant coaches are available at Giants.com:

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

S Antrel Rolle on WFAN: The audio of Tuesday’s WFAN interview with S Antrel Rolle is available at CBSNewYork.com

Sights and Sounds from Giants-Eagles Game: A sights and sounds video from the Giants-Eagles game is available at Giants.com.

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: If Not Yet a Winner, the Giants Are a Different Team by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Article on General Manager Jerry Reese and Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Giants GM would never get rid of Coughlin by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Articles on General Manager Jerry Reese:

Article on the New York Giants Offense: With More Run and Less Pass, the Giants Go Old-School by Jonathan Clegg of The Wall Street Journal

Article on the New York Giants Defense: Giant improvement came when Fewell simplified defense by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on RB Andre Brown: Andre Brown ‘ready’ to start for Giants after bye by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

Article on WR Hakeem Nicks: WRs coach: Nicks ready to break out by Matt Ehalt of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on LB Jon Beason: Giants Spotlight: Middle linebacker Jon Beason lives up to hype vs. Eagles by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Aug 012013
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (July 27, 2013)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

August 1, 2013 New York Giants Training Camp Reports: The Giants held their fifth training camp practice on Thursday afternoon at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. The next practice is on Friday from 1:30-3:45PM. For a complete training camp schedule and Giants.com Q&A guide, see the Training Camp section of the website.

Injury Update – Nicks Sits Out: Not practicing on Thursday were WR Hakeem Nicks (groin), FB Henry Hynoski (PUP – knee), OG Chris Snee (PUP – hip), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (PUP – back), DT Markus Kuhn (PUP – knee), and CB Terrell Thomas (PUP – knee).

“(Nicks) is being treated for a groin, it’s a day to day type thing,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “They just want to quiet it down, make sure that he heals before he goes back out and continues to maybe make it worse…I want to see him on the field and he wants to be on the field. It’s frustrating, but I’ve got to learn to control myself when it comes to that as well and just realize that you know what, he’s trying like heck to get out there and he knows he needs to practice and work at it and he came in excited about being able to go and then he had this little groin injury, which I hope is not going to set him back for very long, but obviously they’re taking all the necessary precautions.”

“I think (Nicks) needs to practice,” said Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gilbride. “He knows it. He and I talk about it all the time and he knows it. In order for you to be ready for the season, you need to have done it and done it over and over and done it wrong, made the adjustment and then have it become part of what you do, the correct way to do it. He’s not there yet, he needs to continue to improve and he knows that. He understands that. In order for him to be ready to produce the way that he wants to produce and the way that we need him to produce, he needs to practice and get ready for that.”

DT Cullen Jenkins was excused from practice due to the death of his grandmother.

OC David Baas (still recovering from various and undisclosed offseason surgeries) was limited in practice.

Giants Waived/Injured WR Jeremy Horne; Re-Sign WR Julian Talley: The Giants waived/injured WR Jeremy Horne on Thursday after he injured his foot in practice on Tuesday. To replace Horne’s spot on the roster, the team re-signed WR Julian Talley, who the Giants originally signed as a rookie free agent last year and waived in August 2012.

Ann Mara, John Mara, and Tom Coughlin to Attend Hall of Fame Ceremonies: Giants’ co-owner Ann Mara, Giants’ President/CEO John Mara, and Head Coach Tom Coughlin will attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for former Giants’ head coach Bill Parcells on Saturday in Canton, Ohio.

Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Thursday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at BigBlueInteractive.com or Giants.com:

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

P Steve Weatherford on ESPN Radio: The audio of P Steve Weatherford’s interview on ESPN Radio from Thursday is available at ESPN.com.

Article on Giants’ Training Camp: Five Early Stars of Giants Training Camp by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Article on WR Rueben Randle: Giants Looking for Randle to Complement Nicks, Cruz by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on DT Johnathan Hankins: Giants Rookie DT Johnathan Hankins is Shaping Up by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Article on the Defensive Backs:

Articles on Bill Parcells:

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin on TE Adrien Robinson and TE Larry Donnell: “Well, I think (Robinson is) making steady progress. You know, today I thought he practiced well, made some plays, and more importantly, from an assignment standpoint he did well, so, we look forward to having him continue that way because we also see Larry Donnell making a couple plays, so with those two big, young tight ends, they certainly do give us flexibility provided they can continue to improve.”

Wide Receivers Coach Kevin M. Gilbride on WR Louis Murphy: “Just, in general terms, great speed, great power, runs very sharp routes and is a tremendous professional. He’s studies our offense, he asks great questions, and so when you have a player like that who wants to learn it, who wants to put himself in a position to help the team and to put himself in the position to be successful, physically if he can do it, he’s going to do it. That’s what I’ve seen from him, he’s giving himself every opportunity to make an impact through this season.”