Kafka Interviews; Giants Sign 10; Players Talk About Future

 Posted by
Jan 222023
 
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (January 21, 2023)

Saquon Barkley – © USA TODAY Sports

COLTS INTERVIEW MIKE KAFKA…
The Indianapolis Colts announced that they completed their interview with New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Kakfa for their head-coaching vacancy.

GIANTS SIGN 10 PLAYERS TO RESERVE/FUTURE CONTRACTS…
The New York Giants have signed 10 players to reserve/future contracts. All 10 players were on the team’s Practice Squad:

  • RB Jashaun Corbin
  • WR Jaydon Mickens
  • WR Kalil Pimpleton
  • WR Makai Polk
  • TE Dre Miller
  • OT Korey Cunningham
  • OT Devery Hamilton
  • DT Vernon Butler
  • CB Zyon Gilbert
  • S Trenton Thompson

The Giants signed OG Solomon Kindley to a reserve/future contract on January 11. He had also been on the Practice Squad.

The Athletic is reporting that OT Roy Mbaeteka turned down a reserve/future contract offer from the Giants. Mbaeteka, a Nigerian, has chosen to return to the International Pathway Program (IPP), which assures him of being on some team’s Practice Squad for three years. Mbaeteka, who was with the Giants in training camp, only spent part of the year on New York’s Practice Squad as a conventional Practice Squad player.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

  • QB Daniel Jones (Video)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (Video)
  • WR Isaiah Hodgins (Video)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (Video)
  • LT Andrew Thomas (Video)
  • RT Evan Neal (Video)
  • DL Leonard Williams (Video)
  • OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Video)
  • S Xavier McKinney (Video)
  • S Julian Love (Video)

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media on Monday.

Wednesday Giants Injury Report; Coordinators Address the Media

 Posted by
Jan 182023
 
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (January 15, 2023)

Dexter Lawrence – © USA TODAY Sports

JANUARY 18, 2023 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
WR Isaiah Hodgins (ankle), OLB Azeez Ojulari (quad), ILB/S Landon Collins (ankle), CB Fabian Moreau (hip), and S Julian Love (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday.

CB Adoree’ Jackson (back) and S Jason Pinnock (abdomen) fully practiced.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players practice again on Thursday (11:45AM-1:15PM). Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

Wednesday Giants Injury Report; Mike Kafka Drawing Interest

 Posted by
Jan 112023
 
Mike Kafka, New York Giants (October 7, 2022)

Mike Kafka – © USA TODAY Sports

JANUARY 11, 2023 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
OC Jon Feliciano (back), DL Leonard Williams (neck), OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), and S Jason Pinnock (shoulder) were limited in practice on Wednesday. “Yeah, I think everybody will practice,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “Maybe some will be more limited, but I’m encouraged where everybody’s at.”

S Xavier McKinney (fingers) fully practiced.

PANTHERS AND TEXANS INTERESTED IN MIKE KAFKA…
Media sources are reporting that the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans are interested in interviewing New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka for their head-coaching vacancies. Teams are not allowed to interview Kafka until January 17th.

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The Giants have re-signed defensive lineman Vernon Butler and signed wide receiver James Washington to the Practice Squad. Butler was cut from the Practice Squad last Friday.

The 26-year old, 5’11”, 216-pound Washington was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After spending four years with the Steelers, Washington signed with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2022, but spent most of this season on Injured Reserve with a broken foot. The Cowboys cut him last Wednesday. Washington has played in 61 regular-season games with 25 starts, catching 114 passes for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns.

To make room for these two players, the Giants terminated the Practice Squad contracts of defensive lineman Jack Heflin and signed offensive lineman Solomon Kindley, who was on the Practice Squad, to a Reserve/Future contract, thus removing him from the Practice Squad. The 6’4”, 339-pound Kindley was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins waived him in August 2022 and the Giants signed him to the Practice Squad in October. Kindley has played in 29 regular-season games with 15 starts.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

NOTES…
The Giants are making their 33rd post-season appearance, which ties them with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the third-highest total in NFL history, behind Green Bay and the Dallas Cowboys at 35 apiece.

The Giants are 24-25 all-time in the playoffs. They were 4-13 prior to the 1970 merger and are 20-12 since. In post-season play, the Giants are 12-9 at home, 8-15 on the road and 4-1 in neutral site Super Bowls. Since the merger, they are 8-4 at home, 8-7 as visitors, and 4-1 on neutral fields.

The Giants are 6-5 in Wild Card games (3-2 at home, 3-3 on the road), 5-6 in the divisional round (3-2 at home, 2-4 on the road), and 5-0 in conference championship games (2-0 at home, 3-0 on the road).

The Giants are 2-1 in the postseason vs. Minnesota. All three games were played in Giants Stadium.

Head coach Brian Daboll coached in 30 post-season games as an assistant coach – 24 with New England (nine appearances) and six with Buffalo (three appearances). Those teams were 23-7, including 4-1 in the Wild Card round and 5-0 in Super Bowls.

The Giants have rushed for a touchdown in a franchise-record 15 consecutive games.

Quarterback Daniel Jones led all qualified passers in the league with a 1.1 interception percentage in the regular season (a career-low five interceptions on a career-high 472 attempts).

The Giants’ six interceptions this season tied for the fewest ever by a playoff team, joining the 2004 Rams and 2021 Raiders.

Graham Gano made 29-of-32 field goal attempts (90.6%) and 32-of-34 extra point tries. Two of his missed field goals included a blocked kick vs. Carolina on September 18 and a 58-yarder into the wind on the last play of overtime in the 20-20 tie vs. Washington on December 4. He set a Giants record with eight field goals of 50+ yards, one more than he had in 2021.

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday afternoon (12:45-2:30PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

New York Giants 38 – Indianapolis Colts 10

 Posted by
Jan 012023
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (January 1, 2023)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 38 – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 10…
The New York Giants easily defeated the Indianapolis Colts 38-10 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday afternoon. With the victory, the Giants not only improved their overall record to 9-6-1, but they clinched an NFC Wild Card playoff spot. This is the first time since 2016 that the Giants have had a winning record as well as making the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome of next weekend’s regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants will be the 6th seed in the first round of playoffs.

Given the score, as one would expect, the Giants also dominated overall team statistics. The Giants out-gained the Colts in first downs (26 to 14), total net yards (394 to 252), net yards rushing (217 to 128), net yards passing (177 to 124), and time of possession (31:36 to 28:24). The turnover battle was even with one apiece. New York was 4-of-7 (57 percent) on third down, while Indianapolis was 3-of-12 (25 percent). However, the Colts did convert twice on 4th down.

The first quarter was largely taken up by two drives by the Colts and one by the Giants that only resulted in three points for Indianapolis. After both teams exchanged punts, the Colts went 75 yards in nine plays to set up a 23-yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead. The big play was a contested, 49-yard bomb from quarterback Nick Foles to wide receiver Parris Campbell.

The Giants’ second possession of the game started with 2:21 left in the first quarter. On an 11-play drive that included eight runs and three passes, New York drove 71 yards. On 3rd-and-goal, quarterback Daniel Jones threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Richie James. Giants 7 – Colts 3.

After a quick three-and-out by the Colts, the Giants added to their advantage with a 9-play, 64-yard drive that ended with another 6-yard touchdown pass by Jones. This time his target was wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, who caught his fourth touchdown in five weeks. A key play on this possession was a 10-yard pass to tight end Daniel Bellinger on 3rd-and-6. Giants 14 – Colts 3.

The Colts’ fourth possession of the first half started with 4:17 left on the clock. After picking up two first downs, Indianapolis faced a 3rd-and-11 from their own 46-yard line. Foles threw a pass towards the right sideline that was picked off by linebacker/safety Landon Collins, who returned the ball 52 yards four a defensive touchdown. The Giants were now up 21-3.

On the Colts’ fifth and final possession of the half, they picked up another first down. But on 3rd-and-4 from their own 48-yard line, Foles was crushed by outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. Foles left the game with a rib injury and did not return. The Colts punted.

With just 46 seconds left on the clock and starting from their own 39-yard line, the Giants were able to drive to the Indianapolis 18-yard line. Place kicker Graham Gano kicked a 36-yard field goal as time expired.

At the half, the Giants were up 24-3.

The Giants received the football to start the third quarter, but immediately turned the ball over when wide receiver Darius Slayton fumbled the ball away at the 30-yard line after a 5-yard reception. The defense only gave up one yard, however, and Indianapolis missed the 48-yard field goal. The Giants then responded with a quick, 6-play, 62-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown run by Jones. Jones also completed a 28-yard pass to James on this drive. Giants 31 – Colts 3.

With Sam Ehlinger now playing quarterback, the Colts did cut the score to 31-10 with a 16-play, 68-yard possession that last over eight and a half minutes. Indianapolis converted on both 4th-and-1 and 4th-and-6 on this drive. Giants 31 – Colts 10.

With two minutes left in the third quarter, the Giants began their final scoring drive of the game. The possession started off with a 12-yard run by running back Saquon Barkley and a 25-yard run by Jones. A 44-yard successful field goal by Gano was nullified when the Giants accepted a defensive offsides penalty, giving New York a first down. Three plays later, Jones scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, this one from 10 yards out. The Giants were up 38-10 with 12 minutes to go in the contest.

The Colts gained a couple of first downs on the ensuing possession but punted on 4th-and-11 from their own 41-yard line. On the Giants’ final drive of the game, they picked up 57 yards and three first downs with mostly back-ups in the game, including Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. Most importantly, the team took 6:40 off of the clock before the Giants turned the ball over on downs on 4th-and-2. Indianapolis got the ball back with just 1:56 left on the clock.  Three plays later the game was over.

Jones finished the game 19-of-24 for 177 yards, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also was the team’s leading rusher with 11 carries for 91 yards (8.3 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns. He scored four touchdowns in all. Running backs Matt Breida and Saquon Barkley chipped in with 59 and 58 yards, respectively. The leading receiver was James, who caught seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Giants were credited with two sacks, one by Thibodeaux (who also had two tackles for losses and a pass defense) and the other by defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (who also had three hits on the quarterback). The big play of course was the defensive score by Collins.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated S Xavier McKinney from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List, which he had been on since November 7th after breaking his hand during the bye week. To make room for McKinney, the Giants waived WR David Sills from the 53-man roster.

The team also activated (standard elevation) FB/TE Chris Myarick and CB Zyon Gilbert from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster. Myarick was re-signed to the Practice Squad on Friday after he had been waived from the 53-man roster on Wednesday.

Inactive for the game were CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), TE Lawrence Cager, OG Jack Anderson, OG Wyatt Davis, LB Jarrad Davis, CB Rodarius Williams, and S Dane Belton.

DL Leonard Williams (burner) came out of the game in the second half and did not return.

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

POST-GAME NOTES…
The Giants finished 5-3-1 in MetLife Stadium, their best home record and first winning mark since they were 7-1 in 2016.

The Giants ended their NFL-long streak of 43 games without scoring at least 30 points.

The 28-point margin of victory is the Giants’ largest since December 7, 2014, when they defeated the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, 36-7.

The Giants did not allow a first-half offensive touchdown for the sixth time this season.

Brian Daboll is the fifth coach in Giants history to lead the team to the playoffs in his debut season, joining Allie Sherman (1961), Dan Reeves (1993), Jim Fassel (1997), and Ben McAdoo (2016). Rookie coach Earl Potteiger led the Giants to the 1927 NFL championship in the era before playoffs.

QB Daniel Jones has not thrown in interception in 12 of 16 games this season.

The Giants ended a four-game losing streak to Indianapolis and defeated the Colts for the first time since December 22, 2002, and the first time at home since December 12, 1993.

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media by conference call on Monday.

Xavier McKinney Returns to Practice; Coordinators Address the Media

 Posted by
Dec 292022
 
Xavier McKinney, New York Giants (October 23, 2022)

Xavier McKinney – © USA TODAY Sports

DECEMBER 29, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
DL Leonard Williams (neck), OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), and CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee) were limited in practice on Thursday.

“We’re taking it day by day still,” said Jackson, who has been out since Week 11. “Just going out there, doing all the precautions, doing it right by the book and by the plan. Not trying to rush it. Every day, every week it’s getting better.”

S Xavier McKinney, who is currently on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List, has been designated for return and practiced today. The Giants now have 21 days to make a decision on whether to return him to the 53-man roster. If they do not do so within that 3-week timeframe, his season will be officially over.

Head Coach Brian Daboll said he was “not sure” if McKinney could play in Sunday’s game. “Just starting him today,” said Daboll. “I think the first thing is just let him get out here, move around. He hasn’t played in a while, but he’s got a contraption to protect his hand. So, I figure we’ll get him started. He’s been moving around, rehabbing. His lower body’s obviously good. So, we’ll go ahead and let him practice. And then just kind of see where he’s at.”

“I’m trying to (play this weekend),” said McKinney. “I’m telling them I can play, but like I said it’s up to the trainers, the docs.”

GIANTS CLAIM WYATT DAVIS, CUT CHRIS MYARICK…
The Giants claimed OG Wyatt Davis off of waivers from the Arizona Cardinals. The 23-year old, 6’4”, 315-pound Davis was originally selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Davis spent time on both the 53-man roster (6 games with no starts) and Practice Squad as a rookie. The Vikings waived him in late August 2022 and the Giants immediately signed him to their Practice Squad. However, a week later the New Orleans Saints signed Davis to their 53-man roster. The Saints waived him in November and he was claimed off of waivers by the Cardinals, who cut him on Tuesday. In all, Davis has played in eight NFL games with no starts.

To make room for Davis, the Giants waived FB/TE Chris Myarick, who has played in 13 games this year with eight starts, catching seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.

The 6’5”, 261-pound Myarick was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He spent all of 2019 and most of 2020 on the Practice Squad of the Dolphins, though he did play in three games in 2020. The Giants signed Myarick was signed to the Practice Squad in early September 2021 and the 53-man roster in November. That year, he ended up laying in eight games with three starts, catching three passes for 17 yards and one touchdown.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

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:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players practice again on Friday (11:45AM-1:00PM). Head Coach Brian Daboll, the position coaches, and select players will also address the media.

Xavier McKinney and Nick Williams to Reserve Lists; Shane Lemieux Returns

 Posted by
Nov 082022
 
Nick Williams, Azeez Ojulari, and Tae Crowder; New York Giants (October 2, 2022)

Nick Williams, Azeez Ojulari, and Tae Crowder – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS PLACE XAVIER McKINNEY AND NICK WILLIAMS ON INJURY LISTS…
The New York Giants have placed safety Xavier McKinney (hand) on Non-Football Injury Reserve and defensive lineman Nick Williams (bicep) on Injured Reserve. McKinney must miss at least the next four games. McKinney injured his hand in an ATV accident on vacation. “I feel bad for him,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “I feel bad for us. I know he’s disappointed, but can’t do anything about that now.”

When asked if McKinney would return this season, Daboll replied, “We’ll see.”

Williams suffered his bicep injury during the Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Daboll said his injury is season-ending.

SHANE LEMIEUX RETURNS TO PRACTICE…
Offensive lineman Shane Lemieux (foot or toe), who is currently on Injured Reserve, has returned to practice. Lemieux will have up to three weeks to practice with the team without counting against the 53-man roster. Once that timeframe ends, he must either be added to the roster or remain on Injured Reserve for the rest of the season. Lemieux suffered an unspecified foot or toe injury in the first preseason game and was placed on Injured Reserve at the end of August.

AARON ROBINSON UNLIKELY TO RETURN THIS SEASON…
Head Coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday that cornerback Aaron Robinson, who is currently on Injured Reserve, is unlikely to return this season. Robinson injured his knee in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. Robinson, a 3rd round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had missed Weeks 2 and 3 after undergoing an appendectomy in mid-September.

GIANTS SIGN DEFENSIVE LINEMAN TO PRACTICE SQUAD…
The Giants have signed defensive lineman Aaron Crawford to the Practice Squad. The 25-year old, 6’1”, 315-pound Crawford was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent most of his rookie season on the team’s Practice Squad and 2021 on Injured Reserve. Crawford suffered a groin injury in the 2022 preseason finale and received settlement when he was released from Injured Reserve in early September.

To make room for Crawford, the team terminated the Practice Squad of cornerback Olaijah Griffin. The 6’0”, 175-pound Griffin was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Bills after the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season the Bills’ Practice Squad. The Giants claimed Griffin off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills on in mid-August 2022.

NOVEMBER 8, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
TE Daniel Bellinger (eye) and RT Evan Neal (knee) did not practice on Tuesday. “(Bellinger is) getting better,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “(He) looks a lot better, too.”

WR Kenny Golladay (knee) and WR Richie James (concussion) were limited in practice.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Tuesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

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:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Wednesday afternoon (12:45-2:45PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Xavier McKinney Injured in Accident; Giants Claim Wide Receiver

 Posted by
Nov 072022
 
Xavier McKinney, New York Giants (October 23, 2022)

Xavier McKinney – © USA TODAY Sports

XAVIER McKINNEY INJURED IN ACCIDENT…
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney posted on social media on Monday that he injured one of his hands in an ATV accident. McKinney was on vacation in Cabo, Mexico during the team’s bye week. McKinney said the injury would “keep me sidelined for a few weeks.”

GIANTS CLAIM WIDE RECEIVER…
The Giants claimed wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills on November 2nd. The 24-year old, 6’3”, 201-pound Hodgins was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Bills. He spent most of his rookie season on Injured Reserve and most of 2021 on the Practice Squad. Hodgins has only played in two regular-season games, catching four passes for 41 yards.

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
New York Giants return to practice on Tuesday. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

New York Giants 23 – Jacksonville Jaguars 17

 Posted by
Oct 232022
 
Julian Love and Fabian Moreau, New York Giants (October 23, 2022)

Julian Love and Fabian Moreau – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 23 – JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 17…
Another weekend, another 4th-quarter comeback for the New York Giants as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17 on Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The Giants have now won four games in a row and have improved their overall record to 6-1. However, the team may have suffered significant injuries to offensive linemen Evan Neal (knee) and Ben Bredeson (knee) as well as tight end Daniel Bellinger (eye).

Overall team statistics were close. Both teams had 27 first downs. The Jaguars slightly out-gained the Giants 452 to 436 in total net yards, with the Giants out-rushing the Jaguars 236 to 142 and the Jaguars out-passing the Giants 310 to 200. The Giants did hold a big advantage in time of possession (34:10 to 25:50) and won the turnover battle (1-0).

Both offenses started off hot. The Giants received the ball to start the game and promptly drove 75 yards in nine plays, with quarterback Daniel Jones completing 6-of-7 passes for 65 yards. Jones also ran for 14 yards and finished the drive with a 32-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Darius Slayton.

Not to be outdone, the Jaguars immediately responded with a 6-play, 70-yard effort that resulted in a 7-yard touchdown run by running back Travis Etienne. The Giants were flagged with an illegal formation penalty on the extra point. The Jaguars then went for two instead, and Etienne also scored on the 2-point conversion. Jaguars 8 – Giants 7.

The Giants gained a couple of first downs on their second possession but punted. Bredeson also left the game with a knee injury on this drive. New York’s defense continued to struggle early as the Jaguars drove 70 yards in 12 plays to set up a 27-yard field goal. The Jaguars converted on 4th-and-1 on this possession. Jacksonville now led 11-7 early in the 2nd quarter.

The Giants’ offense responded with a field-goal drive of their own on their third possession. New York gained 60 yards in 10 plays to set up place kicker Graham Gano from 33 yards out. Unfortunately, Neal injured his knee on the first play of this drive and did not return. Jaguars 11 – Giants 10.

Meanwhile, the Giants’ defense continued to struggle. Having already scored 11 points on their first two possessions, Jacksonville easily drove 64 yards in seven plays to reach the New York 17-yard line. Then Etienne broke through the line on what looked to be a 17-yard touchdown run, but safety Xavier McKinney punched the ball out at the 5-yard line. Fellow safety Julian Love recovered in the end zone for a touchback.

The Giants lost their third offensive starter on the ensuing drive as Bellinger received what looked to be a serious eye injury after a 13-yard catch. New York did gain 65 total yards on this possession to set a 33-yard field goal by Gano with 28 seconds left in the 2nd quarter. At the half, the Giants led 13-11.

Jacksonville received the football to start the second half, and Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s defense simply could not stop the Jaguars again. Etienne broke off a 49-yard run on the first play of the drive. Six plays later, quarterback Travis Lawrence scored from one yard out. The extra point was blocked by cornerback Nick McCloud. The Jaguars regained the lead 17-13.

New York’s first drive of the second half did not end so well. The Giants drove 72 yards in eight plays, reaching the Jacksonville 3-yard line. This possession was aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty that wiped out an interception by the Jaguars. However, despite one run and two passes from the 3-yard line, the Giants could not reach the end zone, turning the football over on downs.

After both teams exchanged punts, the Jaguars appeared to be on the verge of putting the game away as they gained 60 yards in 10 plays to reach the New York 20-yard line. However, on 3rd-and-1, Etienne was stuffed by linebackers Tae Crowder and Quincy Roche. Then on 4th-and-1, Lawrence was tackled short of the first down by linebacker Jaylon Smith and Love. These two plays proved to be the turning point of the game.

Jones and the Giants proceeded to complete their fifth game-winning drive in the 4th quarter this year. Jones gained 24 yards on one run that he almost broke for a 64-yard touchdown. After running back Saquon Barkley gained three yards on 3rd-and-2, he followed that up with an 18-yard run down to the Jacksonville 11-yard line. Slayton was interfered with in the end zone and Jones scored on 1-yard sneak as New York went ahead 20-17 with 5:31 left in the game.

The Giants’ defense rose up and forced a quick three-and-out. The offense now had the ball back with 4:29 left to play. Barkley began to take over with runs of 13, 7, and 20 yards on the first three plays. Two plays later, Jones ran for 15 yards to the Jacksonville 20-yard line at the 2-minute warning. However, the Giants could get no closer and the officials ruled that Barkley had run out of bounds at the 16-yard line, stopping the clock at 1:07. Gano’s third field goal of the game extended the score to 23-17.

The Jaguars and very questionable officiating made the final 64 seconds a nail-biter. The officials did not call an obvious holding penalty against linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. Jacksonville converted on 3rd-and-10. Then came two defensive penalties, including defensive holding that wiped out a sack and illegal hands to the face that wiped out an interception by cornerback Fabian Moreau. Lawrence then completed a 28-yard pass on 4th-and-15 and an additional 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty gave the Jaguars a first down at the New York 17-yard line with 16 seconds left. After two incomplete passes, Lawrence threw one more pass with seven seconds left. Wide receiver Christian Kirk caught the ball for 16 yards down to the 1-yard line, where he as tackled as time expired.

Jones finished the game 19-of-30 for 202 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also rushed 11 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. His leading target was wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson who caught six passes for 50 yards. Barkley ran 24 times for 110 yards after being held to 18 yards on nine carries in the first half.

The defense allowed 452 yards and 27 first downs. The Giants did not have a sack and were credited with only two quarterback hits. The also had no tackles for losses. The starting safeties did combine for the one turnover, however, and there were six pass defenses.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants placed OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf) on Injured Reserve. He will have to miss at least four games. The team also signed OLB Quincy Roche to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) LB/S Landon Collins and DL Ryder Anderson from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster on the same day.

Inactive for the game were WR Kenny Golladay (knee), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), OLB Oshane Ximines (quad), CB Cor’Dale Flott (calf), S Jason Pinnock (ankle), and ILB Austin Calitro.

LG Ben Bredeson (knee), RT Evan Neal (knee), and TE Daniel Bellinger (eye) left the game in the first half and did not return. The NFL Network reported that the belief is that Neal suffered a sprained MCL. ESPN reported that both Bredeson and Neal avoided serious knee injuries. Bellinger was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and later released. CB Adoree’ Jackson (evaluated for concussion) left the game in the second half, but later returned.

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

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media by conference call on Monday.

Giants Sign Marcus Johnson to 53-Man Roster; Wednesday’s Injury Report

 Posted by
Oct 192022
 
Marcus Johnson, New York Giants (October 16, 2022)

Marcus Johnson – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS SIGN MARCUS JOHNSON TO 53-MAN ROSTER…
The New York Giants signed wide receiver Marcus Johnson to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. Johnson had been elevated to the game-day roster for the past three games, catching five passes for 60 yards.

The 6’1”, 207-pound Johnson was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2016 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Eagles (2016-2017), Seattle Seahawks (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2018–2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), and San Francisco 49ers (2022). The Giants signed him to the Practice Squad in early September. Johnson has played in 44 regular-season games with 14 starts, catching 56 passes for 899 yards and three touchdowns.

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
On Tuesday, the Giants signed offensive tackle Korey Cunningham and tight end Lawrence Cager to the Practice Squad. The team also terminated the Practice Squad contract of tight end Austin Allen.

The Giants terminated the contract of Cunningham in July 2022 with a non-football injury. The 27-year old, 6’6”, 311-pound Cunningham was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the New England Patriots in August 2019. The Patriots cut Cunningham in late August 2021. The Giants signed Cunningham was signed to the Practice Squad in early September 2021 and the 53-man roster in October 2021. He ended up playing in 12 games with no starts. His only significant playing time came in Week 16 at right tackle, filling in for the injured Matt Peart. In four NFL seasons, Cunningham has played in 30 regular-season games, with six starts, all with the Cardinals in 2018. He has experience at both tackle positions.

The 25-year-old, 6’5”, 220-pound Cager was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New York Jets after the 2020 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Jets (2020-2021, 2022) and Cleveland Browns (2021). The Jets cut him on Saturday. Cager has played in four regular-season games with two starts, catching two passes for 35 yards.

Allen was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2022 NFL Draft.

OCTOBER 19, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
WR Kenny Golladay (knee), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), OLB Oshane Ximines (quad), CB Cor’Dale Flott (calf), and S Jason Pinnock (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.

RB Saquon Barkley (shoulder), OT Andrew Thomas (elbow), OC Jon Feliciano (groin), and OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf) practiced on a limited basis.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday afternoon (12:45-2:45PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

New York Giants 27 – Green Bay Packers 22

 Posted by
Oct 092022
 
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (October 9, 2022)

Saquon Barkley – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS 27 – GREEN BAY PACKERS 22…
An undermanned New York Giants football team upset the heavily-favored Green Bay Packers in a gritty, come-from-behind, 27-22 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday. The Giants trailed the Packers 10-0, 17-3, and 20-10 before storming back with 17 second-half points while shutting out the Green Bay offense after halftime. The Giants are now 4-1 on the season.

The Giants held advantages in first downs (24-22), total net yards (338 to 301), net yards rushing (125 to 94), net yards passing (213 to 207), and time of possession (32:11 to 27:49). Neither team turned the football over.

The Packers received the ball to start the game and immediately put points on the scoreboard with 9-play, 49 drive that ended with a 46-yard field goal. The big play was a 35-yard completion from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Randall Cobb on 3rd-and-8.

After two three-and-outs by the Giants and one by the Packers, Green Bay went up 10-0 on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to wide receiver Allen Lazard. The two big gains on this 5-play, 60-yard possession were a 22-yard pass and a 33-yard pass interference penalty called against safety Xavier McKinney.

With the first quarter winding down, the Giants finally moved the ball, driving 45 yards in eight plays to set up a 48-yard field goal by place kicker Graham Gano. More than half the yards came on a 26-yard pass from quarterback Daniel Jones to wideout Darius Slayton. Packers 10 – Giants 3.

However, the Packers appeared to take firm control of the game on the ensuing possession, scoring their second touchdown in two straight drives. The 13-play, 75-yard effort ended with Rodgers’ 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Marcedes Lewis. Packers 17 – Giants 3.

To New York’s credit, they responded with a gritty, 11-play, 86-yard drive. Running back Saquon Barkley broke off a 40-yard run on a direct snap. Jones threw a 15-yard strike to wide receiver Richie James on 3rd-and-13. He followed that up with a 10-yard completion to Slayton on 3rd-and-9. Two snaps later, tight end Daniel Bellinger scored on a double reverse. Packers 17 – Giants 10.

With 1:15 left before halftime, New York’s defense gave up their fourth scoring drive in five first-half Green Bay possessions. The Packers were able to move the ball 45 yards in eight plays to set up a 48-yard field goal to extend their lead 20-10 heading into the break.

The Giants received the football at the start of the third quarter. Jones converted on 3rd-and-3 with a 14-yard pass to Slayton and on 3rd-and-4 with a 6-yard run. However, New York’s offense was stopped just inside the red zone and the team settled for a 37-yard field goal, cutting the score to 20-13.

On their first possession of the second half, the Packers managed to pick up 46 yards and four first downs, but punted after a huge 6-yard sack by defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence on 3rd-and-8. The Giants then amazingly tied the game at 20-20 with a 15-play, 91-yard possession that took eight minutes off of the clock and resulted in a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Gary Brightwell. On this drive, Jones completed a 13-yard pass on 2nd-and-11, ran for 14 yards, threw a 11-yard pass on 3rd-and-4, ran for eight yards on 2nd-and-7, completed a 16-yard pass on 2nd-and-8, and threw for 5 yards on 3rd-and-3.

For the second straight possession, the Giants’ defense forced a punt, this one after a quick three-and-out. New York’s offense kept up the momentum, traveling 60 yards in just six plays. Barkley caught a short pass and sprinted for 41 yards to the Green Bay 19-yard line. After a 10-yard run by running back Matt Breida and penalties by both teams, Barkley scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 2-yard touchdown run around right end off a direct snap. Incredibly, with 6:08 to play, the Giants had scored 17 unanswered points to take their first lead of the game.

Missing both outside cornerbacks who had started this game in Adoree’ Jackson and Fabian Moreau, the undermanned Giants’ defense attempted to hold on. Rodgers and the Packers gained 69 yards in 13 plays, reaching the New York 6-yard line with 1:05 to play. But on 4th-and-1, the Giants blitzed and Rodgers’ pass was broken up by McKinney, turning the ball over on downs.

The Giants had to sweat out the final minute as Green Bay still had two timeouts and forced the Giants to punt. Head Coach Brian Daboll had punter Jamie Gillan take the intentional safety. After the free kick and a false start by the Packers, Rodgers was sacked on the game’s final play by linebacker Oshane Ximines at the Green Bay 29-yard line.

Playing with an injury-depleted receiving corps, Jones finished the game 21-of-27 for 217 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. On a gimpy ankle, he also ran the ball 10 times for 37 yards. Slayton led the receivers with six catches for 79 yards. Barkley carried the ball 13 times for 70 yards and also caught three passes for 36 yards.

After giving up 20 first-half-points, the defense shut out the Packers in the second half. Lawrence and Ximines had the team’s only two sacks, but the Giants were credited with six official quarterback hits on Rodgers and five tackles for losses. The Giants also broke up seven passes, including two by outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants signed S Tony Jefferson from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster. The team had a vacant roster spot and did not have to make a corresponding roster move.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) QB Davis Webb and WR Marcus Johnson from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster on the same day.

Inactive for the game were QB Tyrod Taylor (concussion), WR Kenny Golladay (knee), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), DL Leonard Williams (knee), and CB Cor’Dale Flott (calf).

TE Chris Myarick (ankle) left the game in the first half, but returned in the second half. RB Saquon Barkley (shoulder) left the game in the second half, but returned.  CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee/neck), CB Fabian Moreau (unknown), and DL D.J. Davidson (unknown) left the game in the second half and did not return.

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

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media by conference call on Monday.

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