Giants 2014 Positional Breakdown: Linebackers

 Posted by
Jul 132014
 
Jacquian Williams (57), New York Giants (January 22, 2012)

Barring injury, Jacquian Williams will be the Giants starting WILL linebacker – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With the New York Giants reporting to training camp in just a couple weeks, BigBlueInteractive.com is breaking down each of the team’s positional groups from now until July 21. Today, let’s take a look at the linebackers.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Linebackers

Jon Beason, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Jon Beason was solid in the middle for New York last year – © USA TODAY Sports Images

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: In a year of mostly downs, the Giants’ linebackers were one of the team’s few bright spots in 2013. After acquiring Jon Beason via trade from the Carolina Panthers, the middle linebacker established himself as a force in the middle of the Giants’ defense. Beason finished with 93 tackles and an interception in 11 games. Outside Beason, Keith Rivers and Spencer Paysinger were solid in the team’s base 4-3 set while Jacquian Williams continued to establish himself as one of the better coverage linebackers in the game.

In 2012, the Giants defense was one of the worst against the run, finishing 25th in the NFL, but rebounded nicely last year. Coupled with a rebuilt interior defensive unit, the Giants rushed allowed an average of 108.9 rushing yards per game, good for 14th in the NFL.

Against some of the league’s best, the Giants played their strongest. New York held Jamaal Charles (KC) to 65 yards rushing, Matt Forte (CHI) to 67, Adrien Peterson (MIN) to 28, LeSean McCoy (PHI) to 94 in two games, Eddie Lacey (GB) to 27 and Marshawn Lynch (SEA) to 47.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: Not much has changed at the linebacker position for the Giants. Beason was re-signed and Rivers was allowed to walk. The lone notable addition via free agency was that of ex-Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. Devon Kennard was drafted in the fifth round out of USC and has earned early praise from the coaching staff.

Devon Kennard, USC Trojans (September 21, 2013)

Devon Kennard has impressed coaches – © USA TODAY Sports Images

TRAINING CAMP STORYLINES: Little disclaimer early on: not going to count the health/return of Jon Beason (broken bone/torn ligament in foot) as a ‘training camp storyline’ simply because it doesn’t involve camp. If and when he returns will be well after the team breaks on Aug. 14.

Devon Kennard is easily one of the biggest camp storylines this year. Throughout the offseason conditioning program, Giants’ coaches ranted and raved about the progress of the rookie USC linebacker. While words are often meaningless, their faith in the 23-year-old was put on display when Kennard was inserted in as starting linebacker after Beason went down in OTAs.

Injuries have stunted the growth of Jacquian Williams, but it appears he’s ready for a breakout. The former sixth-round pick is no longer a situational player as the Giants have named him their full-time starting WILL. Williams progression, and ability to stay healthy, will be worth following during the summer.

Mark Herzlich, New York Giants (August 18, 2012)

Could this season be Mark Herzlich’s last with the Giants? – © USA TODAY Sports Images

ON THE BUBBLE: It looks like the premier camp battle will be between undrafted linebacker Dan Fox and formerly undrafted Mark Herzlich. In the early stages of his career, Herzlich was all but given the keys to the Giants’ MIKE linebacker position, but never capitalized and struggled mightily on defense. When Beason went down during OTAs, it was Kennard that filled in at the middle…not Herzlich. If Dan Fox can match what Herzlich can do on special teams, there’s a chance he’s given the spot on the final 53. Fox has good speed, is very intelligent and versatile.

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Linebackers coach Jim Herrmann on Kennard: “His college career he played everywhere. He had like I think three different coordinators at USC. When he was there with Monte Kiffin he was a MIKE. He played in that system. So for him, he’s played all over so he’s got multiple talents and he’s a smart guy so it’s not anything new for him. And he gives us a lot of flexibility. He has some rush ability so on third down he could actually be a rush-type guy. The flexibility helps us. As you go into the season there are 46 guys out there, normally the linebackers get maybe five guys so somebody has to know dual roles and we’ve always had guys that could do that. He’ll give us that ability.”

On progression of Jacquian Williams: “This OTA and mini-camp he did a great job in our base stuff as a WILL. He’s a natural WILL in nickel, he did a great job with our WILL stuff in base. To me he made a big jump and big improvement this spring.”

On UDFA Dan Fox: “To me he’s another guy, one of the young guys who’s got a lot of intelligence. He can play multiple roles. He actually played all three spots this spring, MIKE, SAM, WILL, he plays in our sub. Any time you’ve got a smart guy like that who football just comes natural to him, that gives him a chance. He’s got to make the team on special teams, obviously, that will be his biggest deal when he comes back. For me, as a position coach, being able to say, ‘Hey look, he has multiple roles on defense, he can play a lot of positions,’ that helps his chances. To me, that’s what you want.”

PREDICTIONS:
Connor Hughes – I believe this linebacking unit may be the best (when healthy) that the Giants have had in quite some time. Jameel McClain is a force against the run, intelligent, savvy and a vocal leader. Jacquian Williams (when healthy) has proven he has the raw and natural athletic ability that few at his position possess. Beason (again, when healthy) showed last year he’s an every down linebacker in the NFL and arguably the best in the middle the Giants have had since Antonio Pierce.

Despite all the above, the one player that most intrigues me is the one no one has seen in pads yet: Devon Kennard. The amount of praise Kennard has been given from the coaching staff is noticeable. Everyone from Tom Coughlin, to Perry Fewell, to Jim Herrmann has raved about the rookie. The fact the coaching staff already seems to have locked him in as a starter if McClain is forced to the middle with Beason out is telling. To get Kennard on the field – in pads – against the speed and talent level of the NFL will be a true tell if the Giants snagged a steal in the draft.

Eric Kennedy – Maybe it’s more wishful thinking than a realistic scenario, but I expect Jon Beason to be back by the opener. But obviously, the Giants need him back soon and they need him close to 100 percent. The way he impacted the overall defense with his presence last season was a pretty serious indictment on the Giants’ organization on their de-emphasis of the linebacker spot. If Beason is OK, the good news for the Giants is they now have two confident, cerebral leaders at the position in Beason and Jameel McClain. I’m curious to see McClain on the field. The Ravens said nice things about McClain, but they didn’t make a big effort to keep him. I wasn’t overly impressed in the limited 2013 film I’ve seen of McClain. But he was coming off of a serious neck injury so he may do better a couple of years removed from the injury.

Jacquian Williams has excellent tools but he has to stay healthy and play more physically than he has in the past against the run to prove he is an every-down linebacker. I actually like Spencer Paysinger more than most; at the very least, he is a very good special teams player.

STARTING UNIT WEEK 1?

Stevie Brown and Jon Beason, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Will Jon Beason be available for Week 1? – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Connor Hughes – I’m sticking with the fact I don’t believe Beason will be ready versus the Lions. WILL – Jacquian Williams; MIKE – Jameel McClain; SAM – Devon Kennard.

Eric Kennedy – My gut says Beason will do everything he can to be out there on opening day. Starters will be Jameel McClain, Jon Beason, and Jacquian Williams.

WHO MAKES THE TEAM?
Connor Hughes – Jacquian Williams, Jameel McClain, Devon Kennard, Jon Beason, Mark Herzlich, Spencer Paysinger. Dan Fox (PS).

Eric Kennedy – Jacquian Williams, Jameel McClain, Jon Beason, Spencer Paysinger, Devon Kennard, and Dan Fox.

New York Giants Sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to 5-Year Deal

 Posted by
Mar 172014
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Denver Broncos (December 22, 2013)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent (UFA) cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Denver Broncos). ESPN is reporting that the contract is 5-year, $39 million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money. The NFL Network reports that it is a 5-year $39-million contract with $14 million guaranteed, including a $10 million signing bonus and $16 million over two years.

Rodgers-Cromartie is regarded as one of the most physically-talented cornerbacks in the NFL. The Giants have really strengthened their secondary in free agency this offseason by re-signing unrestricted free agents safety Stevie Brown and cornerback Trumaine McBride, and signing unrestricted free agents cornerback Walter Thurmond (Seattle Seahawks) and safety Quintin Demps (Kansas City Chiefs).

Because of this move, we have updated the New York Giants Free Agent Signings (with scouting report), New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard, and Roster sections of the website.

New York Giants Re-Sign Spencer Paysinger: According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have re-signed restricted free agent (RFA) linebacker Spencer Paysinger. Paysinger signed his 1-year, $1.431 million tender.

Because of this move, we have updated the New York Giants Free Agent Signings (with scouting report), New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard, and Roster sections of the website.

Anthony Spencer Visits New York Giants, But Leaves Without Contract: According to The New York Daily News, unrestricted free agent defensive end/linebacker Anthony Spencer met with the New York Giants on Monday but left without a contract.

Kevin Boothe Visiting the Oakland Raiders: FOXSports is reporting that unrestricted free agent offensive guard Kevin Boothe (New York Giants) is visiting the Oakland Raiders today.

NFL Network Interview with LB Jameel McClain: The video of today’s NFL Network interview with linebacker Jameel McClain is available at Giants.com.

New York Giants Tender Spencer Paysinger; Victor Cruz on ESPN Radio

 Posted by
Mar 042014
 
Spencer Paysinger, New York Giants (September 29, 2013)

Spencer Paysinger – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Tender Spencer Paysinger: According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have tendered restricted restricted free agent Spencer Paysinger at the $1.431 million level. That means the Giants will have the right of first refusal for any team offering Paysinger a contract in free agency. If the Giants do not match that offer, Paysinger would sign with that other team and the Giants would receive no compensation in return.

USA Today is also confirming that guard/center Dallas Reynolds was tendered at the $570,000 level as an exclusive rights free agent. As long as he remains tendered, Reynolds cannot sign with another team.

Because of these moves, we have updated our 2014 Free Agency Scorecard.

New York Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz on ESPN Radio: The audio of Tuesday’s ESPN Radio interview with wide receiver Victor Cruz is available at ESPN.com.

Articles on the New York Giants and 2014 NFL Free Agency:

Article on Wide Receiver Victor Cruz: Victor Cruz wants to try hand at running back under new Giants OC Ben McAdoo by Ebenezer Samuel and Ralph Vacchiano of  The New York Daily News

Giants Hire Danny Langsdorf as QB Coach; Reassign Ryan and Gilbride

 Posted by
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

New York Giants – Dallas Cowboys Game Day Reading Material

 Posted by
Nov 242013
 
MetLife Stadium, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

New York Giants Game Day – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: Despite disastrous 0-6 start, NY Giants’ captains never scuttled the ship by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Article on Today’s New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys Game: Cruz says Giants have winning formula to beat Cowboys by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on the New York Giants Defense: New, improved Giants defense set for Dallas by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Special Teams: Giants require special effort against Cowboys by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Tom Coughlin is reason NY Giants have meaningful game against Cowboys by Mike Lupica of The Daily News

Articles on QB Eli Manning:

Article on RB Andre Brown: Brown hopes Giants backfield gets hot in the cold by Dan Martin of The New York Post

Articles on New York Giants Wide Receivers:

Article on LB Spencer Paysinger: Spencer Paysinger always puts the team first by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

Articles on New York Giants Cornerbacks:

Brandon Jacobs Not Playing Against Vikings?

 Posted by
Oct 212013
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (October 6, 2013)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Brandon Jacobs Not Playing Against Vikings? FOXSports is reporting that RB Brandon Jacobs, who is officially “questionable” to play in Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a hamstring injury, is unlikely to play. After practicing on Thursday and Friday on a limited basis, Jacobs did not practice on Saturday.

If Jacobs cannot play, Michael Cox and Peyton Hillis will be the main running backs.

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Coughlin Corner: Monday night matchup by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on New York Giants Fans and the 2013 NFL Season: Giants will hear it from fans if they lose to Vikings on Monday night by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Articles on the Giants Passing Game:

Article on Wide Receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz: Giants’ Hakeem Nicks can use Victor Cruz as an example of what free agency could bring by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on OC David Baas and DE Mathias Kiwanuka: Giants’ Mathias Kiwanuka and David Baas can relate to David Wilson’s neck pain by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on LB Spencer Paysinger: Giants Q&A: Spencer Paysinger talks about growing up in Beverly Hills by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger

October 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Oct 182013
 
Jon Beason, New York Giants (October 10, 2013)

LB Jon Beason – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Friday were DE Jason Pierre-Paul (illness), CB Corey Webster (groin), and RB David Wilson (neck).

“(Pierre-Paul) was sick,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He’s actually been sick since Monday.”

Practicing on a limited basis were RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), OC David Baas (neck), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring), and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder).

“Today I took every rep. It’s definitely something I’m just working on,” Baas said. “I’m trying to get a feel for it and get out there and work with my teammates. Things are going well right now and no predictions, but right now I would say we’ve got a really good chance (to play).”

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

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

Articles on the Giants Pass Rush:

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin and QB Eli Manning: Giants willing and stable with Coughlin, Eli by Dan Grazziano of ESPN.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Giants standing behind Eli Manning by Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record

Articles on the Giants Running Backs:

Article on TE Brandon Myers: Myers moves on from Chicago mistake by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

October 7, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Oct 072013
 
Rueben Randle, New York Giants (October 6, 2013)

Rueben Randle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 7, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – 13 on the Injury List: The Giants had a jog-thru practice on Monday. Not “practicing” were RB David Wilson (neck), TE Brandon Myers (ankle), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), OC David Baas (neck), DE Damontre Moore (hamstring), CB Corey Webster (groin), CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring), S Cooper Taylor (shoulder), and LS Zak DeOssie (back).

“(Wilson is) being thoroughly evaluated and we’ll see the results,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “Hopefully we’ll get some results about that. He has to have a full medical appraisal of what happened. We’ll wait on that…He did suffer some kind of tingling, so he was immediately pulled out of the game, not to return.”

“Damontre strained a hamstring and that really limited what we could do with him (in the game against the Eagles),” said Coughlin.

Practicing on a limited basis were WR Louis Murphy (ankle), DT Linval Joseph (ankle), LB Mark Herzlich (toe), and CB Terrell Thomas (knee).

Giants to Re-Sign RB Da’Rel Scott: With RB David Wilson (neck) ailing, according to press reports, the Giants will re-sign RB Da’Rel Scott on Tuesday.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Monday Media Conference Call: The transcript of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Monday media conference call is available at Giants.com.

QB Eli Manning on WFAN: The audio of Monday’s WFAN interview with QB Eli Manning is available at CBSNewYork.com.

Player Media Conference Calls: The transcripts of the Monday’s media conference calls with the following players are available at Giants.com:

WFAN‘s Mike Francesa’s Rant on the 2013 New York Giants: The audio of WFAN’s Mike Francesa’s rant on the 0-5 New York Giants is available at CBSNewYork.com.

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: Trade Eli? Everything on table for 0-5 Giants by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Roman Oben Breaks Down the Giants-Eagles Game: Roman Oben: Plays that Changed the Game (video) by Giants.com

Notes: The New York Giants have been outscored in the fourth quarter this year 61-21.

In terms of career passing attempts, QB Eli Manning is now the franchise’s all-time leader with 4,660.

Philadelphia Eagles 36 – New York Giants 21

 Posted by
Oct 062013
 
New York Giant Fan (October 6, 2013)

Ughhh…. – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Deeper Into the Abyss, the New York Giants Fall to 0-5: The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 36-21 on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the loss, the Giants have fallen to 0-5 (and 0-2 in the NFC East).

For the second week in a row, a close game got away from the Giants late. The game started off well for New York as the Giants’ defense forced a three-and-out on Philadelphia’s first possession. And the Giants quickly went up 7-0 as the G-Men drove 62 yards in five plays. The big play was a 49-yard pass from QB Eli Manning to WR Hakeem Nicks. Two plays later, RB David Wilson scored from five yards out.

After that, however, the New York Giants’ offense went dormant for the rest of the first half as one of the worst defenses in the NFL forced the Giants to punt four times and also caused RB Brandon Jacobs to fumble.

Meanwhile, the Eagles scored 19 unanswered points in the half, with one touchdown and four field goals. The Giants’ defense only forced one other punt in the first half and embarrassingly allowed QB Michael Vick to scramble for 34 yards on 3rd-and-20 on one of the field goal drives. (For some reason, Tom Coughlin accepted a holding penalty on the play preceding this snafu instead of declining it and making it 4th-and-4 near mid-field). Vick later would be forced to leave the game late in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, but back-up QB Nick Foles had no problem carving up the Giants’ defense.

Momentum swung back in favor of the Giants in the third quarter. After a three-and-out on their opening possession of the second half, New York scored touchdowns on their next two drives, both capped off with touchdown throws from Manning to WR Rueben Randle. The first drive was a 7-play, 87-yard affair with Randle scoring from 26 yards out. The next drive was a 7-play, 51-yard effort with Randle scoring from six yards out. The Giants led 21-19 late in the third quarter.

But the Eagles scored the next 17 points to run away with the game. An 8-play, 57-yard drive set up the go-ahead 41-yard field goal to make the game 22-21. The Giants went three-and-out and then Manning turned into a turnover machine, throwing interceptions on the next three drives. The Eagles quickly put the game away after the first two of these interceptions by scoring touchdowns, including on the first play after the first interception (a 25-yard pass to TE Brent Celek) and then a 4-play, 38-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard pass to WR DeSean Jackson. Game, set, and match.

“It all comes down to the interceptions,” said Coughlin after the game. “Two of them were just… almost unbelievable… There were a couple of those plays that were terrible… He’s way, way too good a player to have these kinds of things happen.”

Offensively, Manning finished the game 24-of-52 for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Nicks caught nine passes for 142 yards, Randle six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns, and Victor Cruz five catches for 48 yards. Brandon Jacobs only gained 37 yards on 11 carries and David Wilson 16 yards on six carries. The Giants were held to a measly 53 yards rushing.

Defensively, the Giants allowed the Eagles to accrue 439 total net yards including 299 net yards passing and 140 net yards rushing. Backup QB Nick Foles completed nine of his first eleven passes. The Giants’ defense did not force one turnover and only had one sack.

Video lowlights are available at NFL.com.

Injury Report: RB David Wilson left the game in the first quarter with a neck injury and did not return. The injury is not believed to be serious. DE Mathias Kiwanuka injured his ribs. S Cooper Taylor and LS Zak DeOssie had x-rays taken  for unknown injuries after the game.

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

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

Post-Game Notes: Inactive for the Giants were QB Ryan Nassib, WR Louis Murphy (ankle), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), OC David Baas (neck), DT Linval Joseph (ankle/knee), CB Corey Webster (hip), and CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring).

October 3, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report

 Posted by
Oct 032013
 
David Wilson and David Diehl, New York Giants (August 24, 2013)

David Wilson and David Diehl – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 3, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – Webster Has a Setback: Not practicing on Thursday were DT Linval Joseph (ankle/knee), DT Cullen Jenkins (knee/achilles), CB Corey Webster (hip), CB Aaron Ross (back), CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring), OC David Baas (neck), OG Chris Snee (hip), and TE Adrien Robinson (foot).

It looks like the Giants may be without both of their starting defensive tackles and three of their cornerbacks on Sunday.

Webster, who has missed the last two games, did not practice on Thursday after working on a limited basis on Wednesday. “(Webster) worked a couple of plays yesterday and came out today and he was sore, so they held him out,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin.

“(Joseph is) in a boot,” said Coughlin. “He actually has made pretty good progress, but at this point in time he does not have the green light.”

DT Shaun Rogers (back), LB Mark Herzlich (toe), and CB Terrell Thomas (knee) practiced on a limited basis.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (knee), LB Jacquian Williams (knee), S Cooper Taylor (shoulder), and OT David Diehl (thumb) fully practiced.

Diehl to Start at Right Guard: David Diehl revealed on Thursday that he will start at right guard in place of James Brewer this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. Will Beatty will remain at left tackle, Kevin Booth at left guard, Jim Cordle at center, and Justin Pugh at right tackle.

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

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

Article on General Manager Jerry Reese: Jerry Reese Needs to Answer for the Giants’ 0-4 start by Steve Politi of The Star-Ledger

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Tom Coughlin Not Immune if NY Giants Skid Continues by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul, WR Hakeem Nicks, and RB David Wilson: First-Round Fizzles Behind Giants’ 0-4 Flop by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on the New York Giants Offense: Offensive Woes Suggest the Giants Are Behind the Times by Jonathan Clegg of The Wall Street Journal

Article on OC Jim Cordle: Jim Cordle and O-Line Subs Look to Improve by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on S Will Hill: In His Own Words: Giants S Will Hill Looks for Fresh Start as Suspension Ends by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

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