John Mara Discusses Josh Brown; Victor Cruz Practices Again

 Posted by
Aug 242016
 
John Mara, New York Giants (September 13, 2015)

John Mara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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AUGUST 24, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
Tight end Will Johnson (burner), tight end Matt LaCosse (knee), safety Darian Thompson (shoulder), and safety Mykkele Thompson (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.

Left guard Justin Pugh (shoulder) was limited.

Tight end Larry Donnell (unknown) left practice early.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Victor Cruz (groin) practiced for the second day in a row.

“Victor looked great,” Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan said. “He has had two strong days, got a lot of balls thrown to him. I’m excited about where he is, and hopefully he will have his opportunity against the Jets (on Saturday).

“There was the suddenness, the explosiveness, the things that I have in mind, visions of 2011 in terms of that type of quickness. So obviously that is something to be excited about, and again, we’re just progressing and hoping for the best. We’re not trying to get overly excited or put too much pressure, just taking it one day, one rep, at a time; and he’s certainly shown some flashes over yesterday.”

GIANTS PRESIDENT/CEO JOHN MARA…
The transcript of John Mara’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and 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…
Head Coach Ben McAdoo, Wide Receivers Coach Adam Henry, and Safeties Coach David Merritt will address the media on Thursday.

Josh Brown Suspended One Game – Will Miss Opener

 Posted by
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.

August 6, 2016 New York Giants Training Camp Report

 Posted by
Aug 062016
 
Victor Cruz and Eli Apple, New York Giants (July 30, 2016)

Victor Cruz and Eli Apple – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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AUGUST 6, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their eighth summer training camp practice on Saturday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • In 1-on-1 drills, cornerback Eli Apple blanketed wide receivers Victor Cruz (twice) and Dwayne Harris (once) on throws into the end zone.
  • In 1-on-1 drills, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie broke up a pass in the end zone intended for wide receiver Myles White.
  • In 7-on-7 drills, wide receiver Darius Powe caught two touchdown passes (VIDEO); tight ends Will Tye and Matt LaCosse each caught one touchdown pass.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning connected with wide receiver Odell Beckham on a deep touchdown pass down the left sideline, beating cornerback Janoris Jenkins. (VIDEO)
  • Bobby Hart received some first-team reps at right tackle.
  • Wide receiver Darius Powe caught a deep pass pass against double coverage in 11-one-11 drills from quarterback Ryan Nassib. Powe took a big hit on the play but held onto the ball.
  • Quarterback Ryan Nassib also hit wide receiver K.J. Maye deep for a big gain.
  • Cornerback Eli Apple was flagged twice for illegal-use-of-hands penalties.
  • Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie broke up a pass over the middle intended for wide receiver Geremy Davis.
  • First-team nickel linebackers were Keenan Robinson and Jonathan Casillas.
  • Cornerback Leon Hall and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie practiced with the first-team at slot corner in the nickel defense.
  • Cornerbacks Leon McFadden and Donte Deayon (against wide receiver Darius Powe) broke up passes in the end zone.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning hit tight Larry Donnell twice over the middle for decent gains.
  • Cornerback Eli Apple broke up a touchdown in the end zone against wide receiver Roger Lewis.
  • Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul picked up a loose ball fumbled by quarterback Eli Manning and returned it for a touchdown. Defensive end Olivier Vernon may have influenced the fumble.
  • Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard stuffed running back Andre Williams at the goal line.
  • In 1-on-1 drills, cornerback Janoris Jenkins had excellent coverage on wide receiver Sterling Shepard and knocked the ball away in the end zone.
  • Wide receiver Tavarres King beat cornerback Leon McFadden for a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Ryan Nassib.

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…
There is no practice on Sunday. The ninth training camp practice will be held on Monday from 11:10AM – 12:40PM. Only four remaining training camp practices at Quest Diagnostics Training Center will be open to the public (weather permitting) this year:

  • 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

August 5, 2016 New York Giants Training Camp Report

 Posted by
Aug 052016
 
Olivier Vernon, New York Giants (July 30, 2016)

Olivier Vernon – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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AUGUST 5, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their seventh summer training camp practice on Friday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The practice was a light jog-thru affair.

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

Wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. (left leg) and tight end Matt LaCosse (knee) returned to practice.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Friday’s practice was a light jog-thru before Saturday’s longest practice of camp.
  • Newly-signed cornerback Leon Hall received first-team snaps in the slot cornerback position with the outside corners being Eli Apple (left corner) and Janoris Jenkins (right corner). Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie also worked in with the first unit at the slot corner position and at left cornerback.
  • The first-team nickel linebackers were Jasper Brinkley and Jonathan Casillas. In the base defense, Devon Kennard came in as the third linebacker. Keenan Robinson also worked in as a nickel linebacker with Casillas.
  • Shane McDermott received first-team reps at guard and center.
  • Bobby Hart received some first-team reps at left tackle.
  • Davon Coleman received some first-team snaps at defensive tackle.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and 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 eighth training camp practice will be held on Saturday from 10:40AM – 1:00PM. Only five remaining training camp practices at Quest Diagnostics Training Center will be open to the public (weather permitting) this year:

  • 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

August 4, 2016 New York Giants Training Camp Report

 Posted by
Aug 042016
 
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants (July 30, 2016)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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AUGUST 4, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their sixth summer training camp practice on Thursday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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

Wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. (left leg) and tight end Matt LaCosse (knee) did not practice.

Cornerback Leon Hall, who just signed today, did not practice.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Wide receiver Sterling Shepard made a terrific catch downfield against cornerback Leon McFadden despite pass interference. (VIDEO) Shepard then beat cornerback Matt Smalley deep. (VIDEO)
  • Linebacker Keenan Robinson blew up an attempted block by tight end Ryan Malleck, knocking him backwards.
  • Wide receiver Kadron Boone made an impressive one-handed catch but was out-of-bounds.
  • Wide receiver Tavarres King had an excellent practice. He made a diving, one-handed reception despite tight coverage from cornerback Eli Apple. King was targeted repeatedly throughout the 11-on-11 portion of practice.
  • Wide receiver Geremy Davis made a leaping grab down the right sideline against cornerback Eli Apple. (VIDEO) Davis followed that up with a nice catch of a low pass on a comeback route.
  • Cornerback Donte Deayon broke up a deep seam pass intended for wide receiver Victor Cruz.
  • Cornerback Janoris Jenkins broke up a flat pass intended for wide receiver Geremy Davis.
  • Wide receiver Victor Cruz had a few receptions on Thursday, but also had a couple of drops. He lined up both outside and in the slot.
  • Wide receiver Darius Powe made a finger tip grab against cornerback Leon McFadden.
  • Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had excellent deep coverage on wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
  • Quarterback Ryan Nassib hit wide receiver Roger Lewis for a long touchdown against cornerback Michael Hunter.
  • Defensive end Olivier Vernon flashed in run defense.
  • Running back Paul Perkins burst through the middle of the line for a huge gain. He had a couple of big runs.

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO…
The transcript of Steve Spagnuolo’s press conference on Thursday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

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

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The seventh training camp practice will be held on Friday from 11:40AM – 12:40PM. Only six remaining training camp practices at Quest Diagnostics Training Center will be open to the public (weather permitting) this year:

  • Friday, August 5: 11:40 AM – 12:40 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

New York Giants Sign Cornerback Leon Hall

 Posted by
Aug 042016
 
Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals (November 29, 2015)

Leon Hall – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS SIGN CORNERBACK LEON HALL…
The New York Giants have officially signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Leon Hall (Cincinnati Bengals). Hall visited the New York Giants on Wednesday after also visiting with the team in early May. The deal is said to be a 1-year contract worth up to $2 million.

To make room for Hall, the Giants waived cornerback Tramain Jacobs.

The 31-year old Hall was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In his nine seasons with the Bengals, Hall has played in 121 regular-season games with 105 starts. Hall started four of the 14 games he played in last season, finishing with 44 tackles, nine pass defenses, and two interceptions. He also won “AFC Player of the Week” for his performance in a December game against the St. Louis Rams.

The aging Hall is a physical press corner who tackles very well. He is very experienced and technically-sound. The strength of Hall’s game is his ability to cover receivers out of the slot position. Versatile, Hall has also played safety in some packages. Hall has suffered two Achilles’ tendon injuries (2011 and 2013) that has robbed him of some of his explosiveness. Hall also had back surgery this offseason to repair a disc injury. He is a hard worker and team leader.

ARTICLES…

August 3, 2016 New York Giants Training Camp Report

 Posted by
Aug 032016
 
Steve Spagnuolo, New York Giants (July 30, 2016)

Steve Spagnuolo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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AUGUST 3, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their fifth summer training camp practice on Wednesday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The practice was not open to the public.

LEON HALL VISITS GIANTS AGAIN…
Unrestricted free agent cornerback Leon Hall (Cincinnati Bengals) visited the New York Giants on Wednesday. Hall had visited the team back in early May but obviously did not sign a contract with the team at that time.

The 31-year old Hall was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In his nine seasons with the Bengals, Hall has played in 121 regular-season games with 105 starts. Hall started four of the 14 games he played in last season, finishing with 44 tackles, nine pass defenses, and two interceptions. He also won “AFC Player of the Week” for his performance in a December game against the St. Louis Rams.

The aging Hall is a physical press corner who tackles very well. He is very experienced and technically-sound. The strength of Hall’s game is his ability to cover receivers out of the slot position. Versatile, Hall has also played safety in some packages. Hall has suffered two Achilles’ tendon injuries (2011 and 2013) that has robbed him of some of his explosiveness. Hall also had back surgery this offseason to repair a disc injury. He is a hard worker and team leader.

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

Tight end Matt LaCosse left practice early with a right knee injury but returned. “He has a knee,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “But he came back. Came back and fought through it.”

Wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. (left leg) did not practice. When asked if Beckham was making progress, McAdoo responded, “Absolutely… running and cutting and we will evaluate him each day… (He) looks close.”

Place kicker Josh Brown was excused for personal reasons.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Quarterback Eli Manning has had a strong start to training camp and looked sharp again on Wednesday.
  • Defensive end Kerry Wynn and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins flashed in run defense.
  • Working with the third-team defense, defensive end Romeo Okwara blew up a running play.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning hit running back Shane Vereen for a long touchdown off a wheel route. (VIDEO)
  • Linebacker Keenan Robinson worked with the first-team nickel defense and looked sharp in pass coverage.
  • Wide receiver Victor Cruz was rotated in with first-team offense. However, Cruz has yet to make many plays in practice and has not flashed his past explosiveness.
  • Cornerback Eli Apple had blanket coverage on wide receiver Geremy Davis on a go route.
  • Second-team safeties were Nat Berhe and Andrew Adams.
  • Linebacker Jonathan Casillas separated the ball from an intended receiver with a big hit.
  • Quarterback Ryan Nassib was not sharp, but he did hit tight end Matt LaCosse over the middle for a big gain.
  • Cornerback Janoris Jenkins broke up a fade pass into the end zone intended for wide receiver Roger Lewis from quarterback Eli Manning.
  • Linebacker B.J. Goodson received some second-team reps in 7-on-7 drills.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning targeted wide receiver Sterling Shepard quite a bit with success.
  • Quarterback Eli Manning hit tight end Larry Donnell deep down the right sideline, beating linebacker Jasper Brinkley. (VIDEO)
  • Defensive end Olivier Vernon gave left tackle Ereck Flowers problems with his quickness.
  • Running back Bobby Rainey broke a long run with the first-team offense out of the no-huddle.
  • Wide receiver K.J. Maye made a diving reception on a pass from quarterback Ryan Nassib.
  • Linebacker Brad Bars – a converted defensive end – flashed in run defense.
  • Cornerback Trevin Wade had a strong day playing the slot corner position.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and 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 sixth training camp practice will be held on Thursday from 10:40AM – 12:45PM. Only seven remaining training camp practices at Quest Diagnostics Training Center will be open to the public (weather permitting) this year:

  • 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

Leon Hall Visits Giants, But Leaves Without Contract

 Posted by
May 032016
 
Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals (November 29, 2015)

Leon Hall – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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CORNERBACK LEON HALL VISITS GIANTS…
FOX Sports reports that unrestricted free agent cornerback Leon Hall (Cincinnati Bengals) visited the New York Giants on Monday. However, The New York Post is reporting that Hall left the team’s facility without a contract and that the meeting was a “fact finding mission for both sides.”

Hall has also met with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.

The 31-year old Hall was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In his nine seasons with the Bengals, Hall has played in 121 regular-season games with 105 starts. Hall started four of the 14 games he played in last season, finishing with 44 tackles, nine pass defenses, and two interceptions. He also won “AFC Player of the Week” for his performance in a December game against the St. Louis Rams.

The aging Hall is a physical press corner who tackles very well. He is very experienced and technically-sound. The strength of Hall’s game is his ability to cover receivers out of the slot position. Versatile, Hall has also played safety in some packages. Hall has suffered two Achilles’ tendon injuries (2011 and 2013) that has robbed him of some of his explosiveness. Hall also had back surgery this offseason to repair a disc injury. He is a hard worker and team leader.

MORE TRYOUT PLAYERS FOR ROOKIE MINI-CAMP…
In addition to the 18 tryout invites that we already reported, according to various sources, the following players will also try out at the New York Giants rookie mini-camp on May 6-7:

  • WR Brett Blaszko, University of Calgary (Canada)
  • OT Brus Palaj, Wagner College
  • OL Philippe Gagnon, Laval University (Canada)
  • OC Jake Richard, Ball State University
  • DE/LB Schnayder Termidor, Ithaca College
  • PK Quinn Van Gylswyk, University of British Columbia (Canada)

ARTICLES…

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