Mar 132017
 
John Jerry, New York Giants (November 27, 2016)

John Jerry – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS RE-SIGN JOHN JERRY…
According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent offensive guard John Jerry to a 3-year, $10 million contract that includes $4.25 million in guaranteed money.

Jerry started every game at right guard for the Giants in 2016. Jerry was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Dolphins where he started 45 games in his first four seasons in the NFL. The Giants signed Jerry as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014 and started 16 games in 2014 and eight in 2015. Jerry looks the part as he has great size and long arms. A career inconsistent performer as both a run and pass blocker, Jerry became a far more reliable and steadier player in 2016.

KEENAN ROBINSON VISITING THE BENGALS…
ESPN is reporting that New York Giants unrestricted free agent linebacker Keenan Robinson is visiting the Cincinnati Bengals today.

Robinson officially only started 6-of-16 regular-season games, but he was second in playing time on the team among all linebackers (71 percent of all defensive snaps). Robinson finished 2016 with 83 tackles and seven pass defenses.

Robinson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, where he missed time in 2012 (four games with right pectoral tear), 2013 (entire season with left pectoral tear), 2014 (three games with a knee injury), and 2015 (four games with a shoulder injury). The Giants signed him as a free agent in March 2016.

Robinson has decent size and is a good athlete who runs well. Versatile, he can play inside and outside linebacker. Robinson is more of a run-and-hit linebacker than stout run defender at the point-of-attack. Robinson is solid in pass coverage. He only has 1.5 career sacks and has been injury prone. Robinson does not make many impact plays.

ARTICLES…

Feb 072017
 
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants (November 14, 2016)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants running backs finished the 2015 season 18th in rushing with 100.6 yards per game and averaging 4.0 yards per rush. The Giants rushed for only five touchdowns. The leading rushers on the team that year were Rashad Jennings (863 yards, three touchdowns), Shane Vereen (260 yards, zero touchdowns), Andre Williams (257 yards, one touchdown), and Orleans Darkwa (153 yards one touchdown). In addition, Vereen proved a significant weapon in the passing game with 59 catches for 494 yards and four touchdowns. Jennings also contributed with 29 catches for 296 yards and one touchdown.

Despite the mediocre rushing numbers, there was optimism entering the 2016 season. Half of Jennings’ 2015 yardage (432 yards) came in the last four games of the season. The ground game – led by Jennings – seemed to peaking behind a young and improving offensive line that would remain intact coming into 2016. In addition, replacing the disappointing Andre Williams with 5th rounder Paul Perkins appeared to an upgrade. Vereen was coming off of his best pro season and expected to continue to serve a duo-purpose threat. And the Giants signed veteran hybrid fullback/tight end Will Johnson to mount a significant challenge to fullback Nikita Whitlock.

In reality, the 2016 results were a kick to the nuts. The Giants ground game not only worsened, but it fell to 29th with a paltry 88.2 yards per game and averaging 3.5 yards per rush. The Giants rushed for only six touchdowns. And pass receptions by running backs fell from 92 catches for 828 yards and five touchdowns in 2015 to 83 catches for 622 yards and one touchdown in 2016.

Why the drop? Inconsistent blocking by the offensive line and tight ends was a factor. The improvement by the line – under new offensive like coach Mike Solari – never occurred. There was not a strong blocking tight end on the team. In addition, both fullbacks were lost to injury for the season before it began and the team carried no fullbacks on the roster. As such, the Giants “bread-and-butter” running play was out of the shotgun formation.

But truth be told, it also became painfully clear that while a good guy and a strong locker room presence, Jennings was no more than an aging, backup-at-best halfback who rarely created yardage on his own either by elusiveness or breaking tackles. Starting 12-of-16 regular-season games, Jennings only averaged 3.3 yards per carry. Vereen missed the bulk of the season with a triceps injury that he also re-injured, and his absence in the passing game was very noticeable. Bobby Rainey replaced him but only had 20 receptions. Orleans Darkwa started two games but only received 30 carries and got hurt again. The only real bright spot was Perkins, but he was not a significant factor until December, gaining 271 of his 456 rushing yards in his last four regular-season games.

Yeah, the blocking was a factor, but this was also a very mediocre-at-best group of running backs.

THE STARTER

Rashad Jennings saw his production drop dramatically in 2016 after having his most productive year in the NFL in 2015. Jennings’ rushing yards (from 863 to 593) and yards per carry (from 4.4 to 3.3) fell precipitously with only three rushing touchdowns in each season. Jennings did catch six more passes (from 29 to 35) but his yards per catch dropped nearly in half (from 10.2 to 5.7). Jennings was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2013 and the Giants in 2014. Jennings missed five games with the Giants in 2014 due to knee and ankle problems. He started all 16 games in 2015, but missed three games in 2016 with a thumb injury. Jennings has good size, but he does not run with much vision, quickness, or power. Jennings does not create much yardage on his own either through elusiveness or tackle-breaking ability. He is a solid pass blocker and has good hands as a receiver. Jennings is a hard worker and a good presence in the locker room. He has had issues staying healthy throughout his career.

THE RESERVES

Paul Perkins was drafted by the Giants in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Perkins played in 14 regular-season games with one start (regular-season finale). He also started the playoff game. Perkins finished the regular season with 112 carries for 456 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and 15 catches for 162 yards (10.8 yards per catch). Perkins lacks ideal size and speed but he has good vision, quick feet, and cutting ability. Perkins is a tough runner who plays bigger than his size, but he is not a powerful runner. He catches the ball well.

The Giants signed Bobby Rainey as an unrestricted free agent from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April 2016.  He played in 15 games with no starts and finished the season with 17 carries for 63 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and 20 catches for 153 yards (7.6 yards per catch). Rainey also returned six punts (6.5 yards per return) and eight kickoffs (25.5 yards per return). Rainey was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2012 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Ravens (2012), Cleveland Browns (2013), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013-2015). Rainey lacks size, but he is a well-built runner with good quickness. He lacks power and has had issues with ball security with 13 career fumbles. Rainey catches the ball well and has experience as a punt and kickoff returner.

Orleans Darkwa was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2016 with a lower leg injury. Darkwa played in 10 games with two starts for the Giants in 2016. He carries the ball 30 times for 111 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 12 yards. Darkwa was originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as a rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. He played in four games in September before being waived in October and signed to the team’s Practice Squad. The Giants signed him off of Miami’s Practice Squad in November 2014. Darkwa has average size and overall athletic ability, but he is a very physical, instinctive between-the-tackles runner. He lacks elusiveness and the ability to create on his own. Darkwa has good hands despite having only 10 career receptions.

The Giants signed George Winn to the 53-man roster in late December 2016. Winn was originally signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Texans (2013), New England Patriots (2013), Oakland Raiders (2013), Pittsburgh Steelers (2013), Dallas Cowboys (2013), and Detroit Lions (2014–2016). The Giants signed him to their Practice Squad in November 2016 and cut him in mid-December. Winn has played in 19 regular-season games with no starts, accruing just 74 yards on 23 carries (3.2 yards per carry). Winn is a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles runner. Good special teams player.

PRACTICE SQUAD

Jacob Huesman was signed to the Practice Squad in late December 2016. Huesman is a former quarterback who the Giants are converting to running back. He was not drafted in 2016, and not signed after the draft despite working out for the Steelers and Titans. Huesman had a brief stint with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. He has good size for a running back and was productive in college running with the football as a quarterback.

INJURED RESERVE

Shane Vereen was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) in September 2016 with a triceps injury that required surgery, activated back off of IR in December, and then placed on IR again that same month after re-injuring his triceps and needing surgery again. Vereen was originally selected in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. The Giants signed him as a free agent in March 2015. In 2015, serving as the team’s third-down back and playing in all 16 games with no starts, Vereen had his most productive year in the NFL as a pass receiver. He caught a career-high 59 passes for 495 yards and four touchdowns. It was the most receptions by a Giants running back in a single season since Tiki Barber. Vereen also carried the ball 61 times for 260 yards (4.3 yards per carry). However, Vereen played in just five games in 2016 and finished the season with 33 rushes for 158 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and 11 catches for 94 yards. Vereen lacks ideal size and power, but he is an elusive back with good vision and quickness. Vereen is one of the better pass-catching backs in the NFL as he runs good routes and has good hands. He is also solid in pass protection. Vereen has proven to be somewhat injury prone.

The Giants placed Will Johnson on Injured Reserve in early September 2016 with a burner that he suffered in the first preseason game. The Giants signed Johnson as an unrestricted free agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers in April 2016. Johnson was not drafted and signed with the Steelers in 2012. In four seasons with the Steelers, Johnson only missed one regular-season game, and started 20 contests. He has 31 career receptions for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson is versatile with the ability to play H-Back, tight end, and fullback. He is a good lead blocker who can also catch the football. Johnson is a solid special teams player.

The Giants waived/injured Nikita Whitlock in late August 2016 and then placed him on Injured Reserve with a mid-foot sprain (Lisfranc) that required surgery. He was then suspended in September 2016 for 10 games by the NFL for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Whitlock was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as a rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft, but was cut and signed by the Dallas Cowboys to their Practice Squad. The NFL suspended Whitlock in November 2014 for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs and the Cowboys terminated his Practice Squad contract. The Giants signed him to the Practice Squad in December 2014. Whitlock surprisingly beat out fullback Henry Hynoski in training camp in 2015 and ended up playing in 14 games with five starts until he was placed on Injured Reserve in December 2015 with a knee injury. He had no touches as a rusher or receiver. Whitlock has good size for a fullback and is a physical player, but he needs to become a more consistent lead blocker. A collegiate defensive tackle, Whitlock also received a limited number of snaps at defensive tackle in pass rush situations for the Giants in 2015. He finished the season with six tackles and a sack. Although Whitlock is extremely small for a defensive tackle, he gave opposing interior linemen fits at times with his quick pass rush moves. Whitlock is a good special teams player.

Dec 202016
 
Ryan Nassib, New York Giants (September 1, 2016)

Ryan Nassib – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS PLACE SHANE VEREEN AND RYAN NASSIB ON IR…
The New York Giants have placed running back Shane Vereen (triceps) and quarterback Ryan Nassib (right elbow) on season-ending Injured Reserve. Both will have surgery this week. To fill these roster spots, the Giants signed linebacker Ishaq Williams off of the team’s Practice Squad and signed running back George Winn.

Williams was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2016. The Giants originally signed Williams after he impressed as a tryout player during the May 2016 mini-camp. Williams was out of football since 2013 after being implicated in an academic dishonesty scandal at Notre Dame. Williams has a nice combination of size and overall athletic ability.

Winn was originally signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Texans (2013), New England Patriots (2013), Oakland Raiders (2013), Pittsburgh Steelers (2013), Dallas Cowboys (2013), and Detroit Lions (2014–2016). The Giants signed him to their Practice Squad in November and cut him on December 13th. Winn has played in 19 regular-season games with no starts, accruing just 74 yards on 23 carries (3.2 yards per carry). Winn is a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles runner. Good special teams player.

NFL PENALIZES GIANTS FOR USING WALKIE-TALKIES…
The NFL has penalized the New York Giants for “illegally” using walkie-talkies during the December 11th game against the Dallas Cowboys. Head Coach Ben McAdoo used a walkie-talkie to communicate with quarterback Eli Manning for five plays when the regular head-set communication system broke down.

The NFL has moved the Giants 4th-round pick to the end of the round, following any compensatory picks (but no more than 12 spots below where their pick would have been). The Giants were also fined $150,000 and Ben McAdoo was personally fined $50,000.

DECEMBER 20, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The New York Giants held another light jog-thru on Tuesday. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle) is the only player who did not participate.

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (back), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee), linebacker Keenan Robinson (shoulder), safety Nat Berhe (concussion), offensive tackle Will Beatty (lower leg), offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse (shoulder), and long snapper Zak DeOssie (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis.

“(Jenkins) moved around a little bit on the field today, he was limited,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “We’ll see, it’s still early to tell (if he will play on Thursday)… There’s still soreness.”

“I don’t know (if I will play on Thursday),” said Jenkins. “I am just focused on getting better every day and we will see what happens… I am glad that it wasn’t anything serious and I am glad that I got the result that I got… It is just a bruise, man. That is what it is.”

Defensive end Owagmagbe Odighizuwa (knee) fully practiced.

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 is no media availability to the New York Giants on Wednesday. The team plays the Eagles in Philadelphia on Thursday night.

Dec 192016
 
Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (December 18, 2016)

Ben McAdoo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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DECEMBER 19, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The New York Giants held a jog-thru practice on Monday. Not practicing were defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle), cornerback Janoris Jenkins (back), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee), running back Shane Vereen (triceps), offensive tackle Will Beatty (lower leg), offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse (shoulder), and quarterback Ryan Nassib (right elbow).

In the game against the Lions on Sunday, Vereen re-injured his surgically-repaired triceps muscle that had caused him to miss nine games and is likely done for the season. “Yes, he re-injured his triceps,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “It’s unfortunate. He worked his tail off to get back to where he was. I’m disappointed for Shane.”

McAdoo is also unsure of Jenkins’ status. “It was a nasty collision,” said McAdoo. “We took every precaution we could afterwards. Everything checked out. Right now it’s a painful bruised back… Right now, it’s too early to tell (if he will be able to play against the Eagles on Thursday night).”

Linebacker Keenan Robinson (shoulder), defensive end Owagmagbe Odighizuwa (knee), safety Nat Berhe (concussion), and long snapper Zak DeOssie (hamstring) were limited.

ISHAQ WILLIAMS TO BE PROMOTED TO 53-MAN ROSTER…
NJ.com is reporting that the Giants will sign defensive end/linebacker Ishaq Williams to the 53-man roster from the team’s Practice Squad. The Giants originally signed Williams after he impressed as a tryout player during the May 2016 mini-camp. Williams was out of football since 2013 after being implicated in an academic dishonesty scandal at Notre Dame. Williams has a nice combination of size and overall athletic ability.

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 17-6 victory over the Detroit Lions:

McAdoo: No official statement today. Quick turnaround against a division rival on the road. Our focus is Philadelphia. I’ll do as best I can to help answer your questions about Detroit, but our focus is on Philly.

Q: Obviously your defense has been playing exceptionally well. Where do they stack up with the rest of the league?

A: That’s a great question, but we don’t look at it like that. We focus on the week of preparation and executing the game plan, taking things week by week and not necessarily comparing ourselves to other teams in the league defensively. I’m not sure where that gets us.

Q: Any update on Janoris Jenkins?

A: It was a nasty collision. We took every precaution we could afterwards. Everything checked out. Right now it’s a painful bruised back.

Q: Will he be OK for Philadelphia?

A: Right now, it’s too early to tell.

Q: Did Shane Vereen re-tear his triceps?

A: Yes, he re-injured his triceps. It’s unfortunate. He worked his tail off to get back to where he was. I’m disappointed for Shane.

Q: By re-injured, you’re saying he re-tore it?

A: He re-injured his triceps, yes.

Q: What are the challenges of this quick turnaround?

A: It’s a divisional opponent. We know them and they know us. That helps and makes it very competitive. The challenges are trying to get the reps physically so guys can see it and take a look at it on their feet. You want to be smart with how much they get on their feet. We will do some things and dial the speed down a little bit. We need to make sure we put our preparation in off the field, on the film as much as possible. Different guys learn different ways, so we need to do the best we can in tailoring the plan to the players and their learning styles. We’ll keep them sticking and moving as much as we can. In and out of the meeting rooms with film and slides. Whatever we can do to help them learn.

Q: With a chance to clinch on Thursday with a win, do you use that as a carrot for them?

A: We’re excited for the game this week. It’s a division rival. You could throw the records out the window. It’s going to be a physical game on a short week. We need to focus on taking care of the task at hand and focus on taking care of each day and the plan for each day. Then going out and kicking the ball off on Thursday night.

Q: What do you see out of the Eagles? They’ve struggled a lot the past few weeks. Are they doing some things on film that do concern you though?

A: I think it is a team that looks like they are getting healthy at the right time here at the end of the season. They are running the ball fairly well on offense. They had some success yesterday running the football and we will have to be ready to stop the run. They are possessing the ball for a good amount of time per ballgame. They are one of the best teams in the league, if not the best team in the league. Defensively, their defensive line makes everything go for them. It seems like we have said that a lot as of late. But their defensive line is playing well. They have Bennie (Logan) back. He didn’t play the first time against them and they have some talented playmakers there and their special teams always makes it go for them. Their special teams provide a lot of juice, a very talented group there.

Q: Damon Harrison said that not only did you bring up winning the Super Bowl at the beginning of the season, but that you bring it up every meeting. How do you go about that?

A: Well, we talk about everything is out in front of us and we have to make sure we are taking care of the task at hand and that is the important thing for us. We make sure that we focus our attention and we have to be where our feet are, especially in a week like this where every second counts and we can’t waste a second of any day leading up to the ball game. We have to make sure we are where our feet are and dial into our preparation.

Q: How do you feel about the running back time share? Is that something where Perkins can become the number one back or are you happy with having it split?

A: Yeah, we are confident in all our backs. We feel that they are a little different as far as running styles go. Perkins is a guy that is playing some good special teams for us and when he gets an opportunity to get the ball, he is doing a nice job there and he is growing.

Q: How do you approach the short week for the first time as a head coach. Will you go about it any different than maybe Tom Coughlin would?

A: Yeah, we are going to stick and move. We have had some success here the last couple years on the Thursday night game. It is a little bit later in the year, it is an opponent that we are familiar with, they are familiar with us. But we just need to stick and move. That is the most important thing that we can do. Keep things as fresh as we can keep them for the players, make sure we get them up and down, they can’t be in their seats all the time, we can’t have them on their feet all the time. We have to stick and move there.

Q: Odell tweeted that he thought if he had done what Ezekiel Elliott did last night that he would have been fined. Do you agree with him on that?

A: I’m not sure what you’re referring to, so I don’t have any comment on that.

Q: You didn’t watch the Dallas game last night?

A: I did not, no. I’m focused on our football game and trying to put our players in the best position I can on Thursday night.

Q: A couple of weeks ago after the Pittsburgh game you said you were going to send the tape to the league and I don’t think we ever followed up with you. You said you were waiting to hear what they said about what you thought were some missed calls. Were you happy with what you heard back?

A: We had communication with the league office but we keep those communications internal.

Q: Eli talked earlier today about having to take what the defense gives when they play to prevent the deeper passes. Is it an adjustment to play call against that defense? Has the team adjusted? Do you have to adjust to it and do you think it’s just the reality that you have to deal with, maybe the rest of the season.

A: I think you go into each game and you plan for each game the way it looks on film. When you get to the game, you have to be able to adjust and improvise and at the end of the day, you can’t go broke taking a profit. If it’s a two-high shell game, all game, you have to find ways to complete the ball, find ways to run the ball and adjust as you go.

Q: Back to Shane Vereen for a second, what’s the next step in the process with him at this point?

A: I just got off the practice field and we’re going to have more to talk about on Shane moving forward. It’s too early, to my knowledge, I don’t know of any surgical procedures or anything needed yet. I need to speak to the training room.

Q:  You had four rookies on the field late in the game yesterday. What does that say about your confidence to put those young guys out there in that spot?

A: Offense, defense or special teams?

Q: Offense in the fourth quarter?

A: We have faith in our young players. We got them reps early in the season. This is why we did it, because we’re going to trust them moving forward.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts of the media conference calls with the following players are available in The Corner Forum:

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice at 1:05PM on Tuesday. There is no media availability to the team on Wednesday.

Dec 122016
 
Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins, New York Giants (December 11, 2016)

Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS 10 – DALLAS COWBOYS 7…
The New York Giants defeated the heavily-favored Dallas Cowboys 10-7 on a cold Sunday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the victory, the Giants swept the season series against the Cowboys and improved their overall record to 9-4 (3-1 in the NFC East). Dallas fell to 11-2 (3-2 in the NFC East).

In a defensive war, both teams struggled mightily on offense. The Giants and Cowboys each accrued an identical 260 total net yards with Dallas gaining slightly more on the ground and New York slightly more in the air. The Cowboys only finished with 13 first downs and were 1-of-15 (7 percent) on 3rd down and 1-of-2 (50 percent) on 4th down. The Giants only gained 12 first downs and were 2-of-14 (14 percent) on 3rd down and 2-of-2 (100 percent) on 4th down. Both teams turned the football over three times.

The Giants did not score in the first half. Their seven first-half possessions resulted in five punts and two fumbles as New York only accrued six first downs and 84 total net yards. The Giants were limited to 30 yards rushing in the first half on 10 carries. Quarterback Eli Manning completed 10-of-16 passes before intermission for 80 yards and was sacked three times. Two of those sacks resulted in fumbles that were recovered by Dallas.

Meanwhile, the Giants defense kept New York in the game against what had been the NFL’s 4th-best offense. Only two Cowboys drives in the first half picked up more than one first down. Dallas did drive 67 yards in 10 plays on their second possession to take a 7-0 lead when quarterback Dak Prescott hit wide receiver Terrance Williams for a 31-yard score. The Cowboys also drove 42 yards in five plays on their seventh and last drive of the half, but place kicker Dan Bailey missed a 55-yard field goal effort as time expired (the ball hit the crossbar). Dallas’ five other possessions resulted in four punts and an interception by cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who kept Cowboys star wide receiver quiet all game.

At the half, Dallas led 7-0.

As good as the Giants’ defense was in the first half, it turned it up another notch in the second half. Dallas only picked up three first downs and 76 total net yards for the rest of the game. The Cowboys’ eight second-half possessions resulted in five punts, two turnovers, and one turnover on downs to finish the game. Cornerback Leon Hall intercepted Prescott as the Giants picked off a quarterback twice who had only thrown two interceptions all year coming into the game. Bryant caught one pass all night – for 10 yards. And after this catch, Jenkins forced a fumble that safety Landon Collins recovered with 2:13 left to play.

The Giants’ offense continued to have issues in the second half. Like the first half, New York only accrued six first downs. Four drives ended with punts and Manning was intercepted for his third turnover of the game. But the Giants’ second and third drives of the 3rd quarter provided New York with their margin of victory.

First, an 11-play, 35-yard drive set up a successful 39-yard field goal by place kicker Robbie Gould. (The Giants converted on 4th-and-3 on this drive). Then after Hall’s interception and a running back Rashad Jennings’ run that picked up no yardage, Manning found wide receiver Odell Beckham on a slant pass. Beckham caught the ball and raced his way to the end zone en route to a 61-yard scoring strike. Remarkably, those ten points were enough for the Giants to win the game.

Offensively, the numbers were not good. Manning finished 17-of-28 for 193 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also lost two fumbles. Beckham caught 4-of-9 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown. No other target had more than three catches and 39 yards. Running backs Rashad Jennings and Paul Perkins each rushed 15 times for 45 yards.

The defense won the game. Dallas was held to 108 net yards rushing and 152 net yards passing as the Cowboys never reached the red zone. Jenkins and Hall both came up with interceptions. Jenkins also forced a fumble that Collins recovered. Defensive end Romeo Okwara, who started for the injured Jason Pierre-Paul, led the team with 8 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits, and a pass defense. Linebacker Devon Kennard was credited with 6 tackles, 2 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 1 pass defense, and 1 forced fumble. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas had the team’s third sack. Overall, the Giants defended nine passes with two each by Jenkins and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Perhaps the unsung hero of the game was punter Brad Wing. He punted nine times, averaging 43.2 yards per punt (42.9 yard net) with no touchbacks and five punts downed inside the 20-yard line (and two downed inside the 5-yard line by Dwayne Harris).

Video highlights/lowlights are available at Giants.com.

INACTIVE LIST AND INJURY REPORT…
Inactive for the game were left guard Justin Pugh (knee), defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle), defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa (knee), linebacker Mark Herzlich (concussion), safety Nat Berhe (concussion), wide receiver Tavarres King, and quarterback Josh Johnson.

Running back Shane Vereen (concussion) left the game in the 2nd quarter. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (burner) did as well, but he returned.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Ben McAdoo and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

POST-GAME NOTES…
The Giants have clinched a winning record. It is their first since 2012, when they finished 9-7.

The Giants swept the Cowboys for the first time since 2011. They have won three consecutive games against the Cowboys after losing five in a row.

The Giants improved to 6-1 at home, including 2-1 in NFC East games. That ties their highest victory total in MetLife Stadium since it opened in 2010 (they were 6-2 in 2012).

The Giants’ Sunday night record improved to 21-28-1, including 11-12 at home.

The Giants won a game in which they scored no more than 10 points for the first time since December 28, 2002, when they clinched a playoff berth with a 10-7 overtime victory against Philadelphia.

This was the seventh time in their history the Giants played a regular-season game against a team that had won at least 11 consecutive games. The Giants have been the home team in every game. They’re 2-5 in those games, and each of the last five games has been decided by just three points.

QB Eli Manning’s 28 passes increased his career total to 6,707, which moved him past Vinny Testaverde (6,701) and into ninth place on the NFL’s career list. Manning’s 17 completions increased his career total to 3,997 completions and moved him past Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon (3,988) and into seventh place on the all-time list.

WR Odell  Beckham’s touchdown was his 34th on a pass from Manning. That is the most by any receiver. Beckham had been tied with WR Plaxico Burress, who played for the Giants from 2005-08.

ROSTER MOVES…
On Saturday, the New York Giants activated running back Shane Vereen from Injured Reserve to the 53-man roster. To make room for Vereen, the team terminated the contract of offensive guard Adam Gettis.

Vereen was placed on Injured Reserve in September 2016 with a triceps injury that required surgery. Vereen was originally selected in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. The Giants signed him as a free agent in March 2015. As the team’s third-down back, playing in all 16 games with no starts, Vereen had his most productive year in the NFL as a pass receiver in 2015, catching a career-high 59 passes for 495 yards and four touchdowns. It was the most receptions by a Giants running back in a single season since Tiki Barber. Vereen also carried the ball 61 times for 260 yards (4.3 yards per carry).

Gettis was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2016 and to the 53-man roster in November 2016. Gettis was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He has spent time with the Redskins (2012-2013), Steelers (2014), Giants (2014-2015), Raiders (2015), and Giants again (2015-2016).

Dec 062016
 
Jason PIerre-Paul, New York Giants (November 6, 2016)

Jason PIerre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JASON PIERRE-PAUL VISITS SURGEON ABOUT GROIN INJURY…
According to multiple press reports, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul visited a surgeon in Philadelphia on Tuesday regarding his groin injury. The New York Post is reporting that the team’s preliminary diagnosis is that Pierre-Paul did not suffer a sports hernia and his injury can be rehabbed and treated without surgery. The meeting with the surgeon hopefully will validate those initial findings. However, a couple of Pierre-Paul’s teammates did not think he would be able to play on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

GIANTS ADD DEFENSIVE END TO PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have signed defensive end Jordan Williams to the Practice Squad. Williams was originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2015 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Jets (2015) and Miami Dolphins (2015-2016).

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 players return to practice on Wednesday in preparation for Sunday night’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Nov 302016
 
Odell Beckham, New York Giants (November 27, 2016)

Odell Beckham – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NOVEMBER 30, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The New York Giants held a jog-thru practice on Wednesday. Safety Nat Berhe (concussion), linebacker Mark Herzlich (concussion), and defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (knee) did not participate.

Left guard Justin Pugh (knee), offensive lineman Brett Jones (calf), offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse (knee), and wide receiver/returner Dwayne Harris (wrist) practiced on a limited basis.

“I think it depends how I come in tomorrow,” Pugh said. “I feel like tomorrow, if I can do more at practice, we’ll see how it goes from there. My goal is just to feel good every day, and keep building off that. And I think we’re heading in the right direction. I’m going to be back sooner or later.”

Although he currently remains on Injured Reserve, running back Shane Vereen returned to practice on Wednesday. Vereen was placed on IR in late September after suffering a triceps injury that required surgery. The Giants now have 21 days to activate Vereen to the 53-man roster, or his season will end on Injured Reserve.

“It was good to get him back out here in the mix with the team,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “He caught some balls…When (the medical staff) deem him ready, we’ll take a look at bringing him back.”

“Physically, I feel good. If it was just up to how I felt like, then I would have been back, but there is a lot that goes into it and we have to be smart,” said Vereen.

GIANTS SIGN SAFETY TO THE PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have signed safety Christian Bryant to the Practice Squad. Bryant was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. The Rams waived him in September 2016. He then spent time on both the Practice Squad and active roster of the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals waived him on Monday. Bryant has played in 11 regular-season games with no starts. Bryant lacks ideal size and speed, but he a good athlete and an aggressive player with fine intangibles.

JASON PIERRE-PAUL NAMED “NFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK”…
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has been named “NFC Defensive Player of the Week” for his performance against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. In that game, Pierre-Paul was credited with seven tackles, three sacks, three QB hits, three tackles for losses, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery that he returned for a 43-yard touchdown.

This is the third time this year a New York Giants defensive player has won the award. Safety Landon Collins earned it twice earlier this season. This is Pierre-Paul’s fourth “NFC Defensive Player of the Week” award in his career. Only linebacker Lawrence Taylor (9) and defensive end Michael Strahan (5) have more in team history.

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 at 12:20PM on Thursday.

Sep 272016
 
Romeo Okwara, New York Giants (September 25, 2016)

Romeo Okwara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS SIGN MICHAEL HUNTER TO ROSTER; SHANE VEREEN TO IR…
The New York Giants have placed running back Shane Vereen on Injured Reserve with a triceps injury that he suffered during Sunday’s loss to the Washington Redskins. The team also signed cornerback Michael Hunter to the 53-man roster.

Like any player who have been placed on Injured Reserve since the final roster cutdown, Vereen is eligible to be designated for return to the active roster later in the season.

The Giants originally signed Hunter as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2016 NFL Draft. The Giants signed him to the Practice Squad after the final preseason cuts and then signed him to the 53-man roster last week before waiving him to make room for safety Andrew Adams.

GIANTS SIGN CB DORAN GRANT TO PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have signed cornerback Doran Grant to the Practice Squad. Grant was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers waived him in early September and he spent a week on Buffalo’s Practice Squad before being released. Grant is a physical, competitive, well-built corner who runs well. He is a very good tackler.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts of media conference calls with the following players are available in The Corner Forum:

ARTICLES…

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

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/780482335854788608

Sep 262016
 
Shane Vereen, New York Giants (August 12 2016)

Shane Vereen – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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SHANE VEREEN OUT FOR THE SEASON WITH TRICEPS INJURY…
New York Giants running back Shane Vereen may miss the remainder of the 2016 season with a triceps injury that will require surgery. The Giants announced that Vereen will miss the remainder of the season, but the NFL Network is now reporting that since Vereen’s recovery time may be two months, he could come off of Injured Reserve late in the season.

“Shane is a tremendous football player and our thoughts go to him with that tough injury,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “I feel for the player. He’s a good football player. We wish him a speedy recovery… I do not know for sure (when the injury occurred). I’ll find out more when I talk to Shane. I think he was playing with it for a significant amount of time.”

SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY UPDATE…
New York Giants cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (groin) and Eli Apple (hamstring) were injured in the game against the Washington Redskins. “It’s early in the week,” said Head Coach Ben McAdoo. “We’re going to give them a chance to get healthy. We aren’t going to rule anyone out right now. Either of those two guys, we’ll give them a chance to get out there and get healthy.”

ESPN is reporting that free safety Darian Thompson (foot), who was injured during the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints, does not have a Lisfranc injury and that he should return to action in two 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 29-27 loss to the Washington Redskins.

McAdoo: We will start on the defensive side of the ball. What we did well, I thought we won the red zone battle there. They were 0-for-4 in the red zone. I thought we had a great effort to finish off the two-minute drive in the first half. We kept playing there. We need to work on penalties. There were two at critical times at the end of the game. Tackling, and then the rocket screen was a big play in the game on third-and-15 for a touchdown. We need to do a better job there.

On offense, what we did well, one out of every four plays was an explosive gain for us. The goal line run game was productive. We were 2-for-2. What we need to work on are the three giveaways and a potential for more. We had eight penalties. Situational football needs to improve in our green zone. We missed lots of throws, drops, and penalties seemed to creep up on us in the green zone and in two-minute. We turned the ball over twice in the two-minute. It cost us the opportunity twice to go down and win the game.

Special teams, what we did well, I thought Dwayne did a nice job on the tips, tuck and squeeze on the first punt of the game coming up with the ball. Also, Romeo (Okwara) blocking the punt. It didn’t hold up but it was one heck of a football play. What we need to work on, the kickoff location needs to improve. Tackling, on the big return we had five missed tackles on one play, and the penalties really took away the big plays and field position during the course of the game.

As a team, everything is correctable. It’s one of 16. We know the division games count as two. Next time we see them, we’ll be on their turf to end the season. After the first two games, we were number one in the league with seven penalties. Yesterday we had 11 for 128 yards in the game and a potential for 14. Five of the penalties were of the 15-yard variety, which there is no excuse for. The turnover ratio, we’re minus-six right now. We have to take care of The Duke better and come up with it on the defensive side of the ball. Tackling, we knew this was an elusive group going into the game. Our long stride, short stride needed to show up. We drilled it last week and we need to get better there.

Q: Any update on Eli Apple and DRC?

A: It’s early in the week. We’re going to give them a chance to get healthy. We aren’t going to rule anyone out right now. Either of those two guys, we’ll give them a chance to get out there and get healthy.

Q: How big a loss is Shane Vereen?

A: Shane is a tremendous football player and our thoughts go to him with that tough injury. I feel for the player. He’s a good football player. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Q: How do you fill that void?

A: By committee.

Q: Being from Western PA, do you have any Arnold Palmer stories?

A: I’ve never met him. I’ve heard stories about him. I know he’s been to my hometown. He’s shaken hands at the Homer City Community Pool a few times. I’ve never met him in person.

Q: You guys ran 21 consecutive pass plays to end the game. Was that because of Vereen’s injury?

A: We felt that we had an opportunity to take advantage of our matchups on the perimeter. We were moving the ball in the pass game. There were some runs that we may have had to get out of due to the box and to the looks. We were being aggressive trying to win the football game.

Q: When did Vereen’s injury occur?

A: I do not know for sure. I’ll find out more when I talk to Shane. I think he was playing with it for a significant amount of time.

Q: What does that say about a guy? Going out there and playing with that? Do you think that contributed to the fumble?

A: I don’t know that for sure. I know that he’s a tough player and has a warrior mindset. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Q: What did you think of how your team handled the first loss?

A: No one in the locker room was pleased afterwards. We knew that we were our own worst enemy yesterday.

Q: On Odell’s sideline behavior

A: He needs to control his emotions better and become less of a distraction to himself and to his teammates. It’s our job to help him with that process and maturing.

Q: How do you do that?

A: It takes a village.

Q: Do you have any experience with that? Players that come to the sideline and can be a bit of a distraction?

A: Yes.

Q: How did you handle that?

A: The same way. Communication. Having a variety of different people, coaches, staff members to communicate with. Just help him direct his focus.

Q: It takes time to do that?

A: It takes time.

Q: Did you say anything to him during the game?

A: There were conversations during the course of the game. He and I had conversations on two different occasions.

Q: What do you think accounted for the penalties and mistakes that spread throughout all three phases of the team?

A: We were sloppy with our play. Our discipline and poise wasn’t there like it was in the first two weeks. It’s something that we addressed in the locker room after. We have to continue to address it and work on it. Get back to the team that we were the first two weeks of the season as far as the penalties go.

Q: You mentioned the 15-yard penalties and you got to see it from a different perspective after watching the tape. Do you still think your team kept its composure?

A: I felt between the white lines it was an emotional game. I felt we kept our composure. I think we can be more disciplined and more poised. It’s disappointing to see Weston (Richburg) get thrown out of the game. We knew what type of game it was going to be. He needs to be better than that.

Q: Do you feel that your punt coverage team was completely caught off-guard on that fake punt or do you think it was just good execution on their part?

A: I think they threw a one-on-one ball up for grabs and made a heck of a play on it.

Q: When you said after the game in your statement that you have to do better as a coach. Were you speaking of anything specifically that you felt you could do better or do you mean just overall preparation?

A: When we’re not disciplined and poised, that’s a reflection on me. I need to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Q: Is Rashad Jennings any closer this week? Is Paul Perkins ready to step up?

A: Perkins is ready to step up. Rashad, it’s one day following the game. He has a long week to make some progress. We’ll take a look at that at the end of the week.

Q: How did you think Orleans Darkwa did?

A: I think Orleans played a nice game on offense.

Q: On DeSean Jackson’s touchdown, it looked that you might have knocked it loose but it was inconclusive. On that play, did you need to see something more, like help from a safety?  What did you see there?

A: I think down the field it was a one-on-one matchup at the end of the play right there. I think DRC closed well on the ball. DeSean made a nice play and hung onto it.

Q: How did Bobby Hart look?

A: Bobby Hart was out there. He battled and competed. It definitely wasn’t too big for him. He has a couple things he needs to clean up. That sack, maybe a hit there. He came out and competed. He went against some good players out there and he held his own.

Q: With the injuries, how important is it for you to add a running back or cornerback this week? Or both?

A: We’re going to evaluate the roster here. We have a long week with an extra day. We’ll evaluate the roster here this afternoon and tomorrow and as the week goes on.

Q: It looks like Justin Pugh may have gotten shaken up on the interception at the end of the game. Did he have any issues coming out?

A: Not that I’m aware of.

ARTICLES…

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

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.