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2015 New York Giants - WK10 Cruz announces season ending calf surgery (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter netnalp
- Start date
Yenrub
Footballguy
Beckham learning the X WR spot
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/36342/first-round-wr-beckham-ready-to-jump-in
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/36342/first-round-wr-beckham-ready-to-jump-in
McGarnicle
Footballguy
I'm expecting some rough games early in the season with the new offense and probably a rookie starting wideout. Also a pretty muddled situation at WR for fantasy purposes. I like Cruz as a WR2...other guys, who knows.
netnalp
Footballguy
Secret Superstars 2014: GiantsPeter Damilatis | May 27, 2014
Arguably no NFL team has had more roster turnover this offseason than the New York Giants. After a 7-9 season that was a lot worse than the final record indicated, Big Blue finally decided to move on from many of the aging veterans who were part of its 2011 Super Bowl run. Familiar faces like Justin Tuck, Corey Webster, David Diehl and Kevin Boothe all departed with little resistance, while New York signed no fewer than 16 free agents to help replace them.
However, not all of the Giants losses were players past their prime. Starting defensive tackle Linval Joseph left for a five-year, $31.5 million contract with the Vikings. A former Secret Superstar himself, Joseph is just 25 years old and had started all but one game in the past three seasons. However, there’s a reason to believe that the Giants were prepared for this loss and can replace Joseph’s production, and that would be their 2013 second-round pick and newest Secret Superstar, Johnathan Hankins.
Draft Drop
Hankins entered the NFL with a mountain of experience and accolades from his three seasons at Ohio State. From being named the Buckeyes most outstanding first year player as a freshman backup to being voted second-team AP All-American as a full-time starter in his junior season, Hankins left a strong impression on both coaches and analysts. He had a hefty 6-foot-3, 322-lb frame, but was so quick that he was able to line up all over the defensive front, even outside the tackles.
As experts projected him to be a first-round pick, Hankins decided to forego his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. But as April grew nearer, Hankins stock started to fall. Scouts noticed that although he played all three downs and rarely left the field in his final college season, he appeared worn down and less effective by the end of games. And though he was an absolute force in run defense, just five sacks in three seasons brought questions about whether he could contribute as a pass rusher. Once considered a top talent, Hankins fell into the second round, where the Giants snatched him up with the 49th overall pick.
Dominant Debut
The first half of Hankins’ rookie season was a quiet one, save for one big performance. He earned a positive run defense grade in three of New York’s four preseason games, but once the regular season came he found himself inactive most Sundays. Coach Tom Coughlin has a pattern of playing veterans over rookies, and Hankins was last in line behind Joseph, Cullen Jenkins, Shaun Rogers, and Mike Patterson for snaps. Only a Joseph injury before Week 5 finally gave Hankins his first shot at action, and he made the most of it.
Against an Eagles rushing attack that was the best in the NFL last season, Hankins posted a team-leading +3.1 run defense grade with four run stops. He didn’t have a single negatively-graded play all game. Philadelphia’s Jason Kelce finished the season as our top-graded center, but he had a nightmarish -8.9 run blocking grade against the Giants that week thanks in part to Hankins. With 7:05 left in the fourth quarter, the rookie controlled Kelce at the point of attack and used one arm to tackle LeSean McCoy for a loss. On the very next play, he again handled Kelce and quickly got off the block to stop McCoy for a one-yard gain.
[SIZE=medium]Second-Half Stopper[/SIZE]
Despite his dominance, Hankins earned just eight snaps the following week against the Bears and was again inactive in Week 7. Only a Shaun Rogers season-ending injury opened up a spot for Hankins on the gameday roster. Though his next four games did not live up to his debut, with just one run stop and a +0.1 run defense grade, he following it up with a torrid December. In the Giants final five weeks, Hankins posted a +6.9 grade with six stops in the run game, despite playing on just 26.4% of the team’s defensive snaps.
All the scouting reports about Hankins’ excellent run defense coming out of Ohio State held true. He was so quick, asking an offensive lineman to reach block him was asking to lose. With 4:08 left in the first quarter against the Seahawks, left guard James Carpenter attempted such a move against the rookie, who merely dodged him and enveloped Marshawn Lynch in the hole. But being so large, Hankins also was an immovable object at the point of attack. At the 7:49 mark of the second quarter against the Lions, he held his ground against a double-team and pounced in for the tackle once one blocker left him. He also proved to be an excellent finisher, missing just one tackle all season.
[SIZE=medium]Starter’s Share[/SIZE]
Overall, Hankins’ +9.5 run defense grade for the entire season led all Giants defensive tackles and was +1.5 better than Joseph in one-third the snaps. If you factor in playing time, Hankins had the third-highest grade per run defense snap of any defensive tackle in the entire league. His 10.5 Run Stop Percentage was seventh out of 77 NFL defensive tackles with at least 100 run snaps last season. His pass rush left a lot to be desired (he only had three quarterback pressures the entire season), but he only had three snaps total in 3rd-and-long obvious passing downs. Keep in mind that Joseph himself was never a dominant pass rusher outside his 2011 season.
The Giants front office always drafts with a long-term plan in mind, and certainly they were cognizant of Joseph’s contract year when they selected Hankins. No team likes to lose a 25-year-old durable player in his prime, but paying a hefty price for a run-stopping defensive tackle isn’t a necessity when there’s a potentially better one waiting in the wings. Now that Joseph is gone, Hankins is a projected starter and will no longer have to wait for playing time. If his rookie year is any indication, the Giants will wonder why they were so patient in the first place.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/05/27/secret-superstars-2014-giants/
Arguably no NFL team has had more roster turnover this offseason than the New York Giants. After a 7-9 season that was a lot worse than the final record indicated, Big Blue finally decided to move on from many of the aging veterans who were part of its 2011 Super Bowl run. Familiar faces like Justin Tuck, Corey Webster, David Diehl and Kevin Boothe all departed with little resistance, while New York signed no fewer than 16 free agents to help replace them.
However, not all of the Giants losses were players past their prime. Starting defensive tackle Linval Joseph left for a five-year, $31.5 million contract with the Vikings. A former Secret Superstar himself, Joseph is just 25 years old and had started all but one game in the past three seasons. However, there’s a reason to believe that the Giants were prepared for this loss and can replace Joseph’s production, and that would be their 2013 second-round pick and newest Secret Superstar, Johnathan Hankins.
Draft Drop
Hankins entered the NFL with a mountain of experience and accolades from his three seasons at Ohio State. From being named the Buckeyes most outstanding first year player as a freshman backup to being voted second-team AP All-American as a full-time starter in his junior season, Hankins left a strong impression on both coaches and analysts. He had a hefty 6-foot-3, 322-lb frame, but was so quick that he was able to line up all over the defensive front, even outside the tackles.
As experts projected him to be a first-round pick, Hankins decided to forego his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. But as April grew nearer, Hankins stock started to fall. Scouts noticed that although he played all three downs and rarely left the field in his final college season, he appeared worn down and less effective by the end of games. And though he was an absolute force in run defense, just five sacks in three seasons brought questions about whether he could contribute as a pass rusher. Once considered a top talent, Hankins fell into the second round, where the Giants snatched him up with the 49th overall pick.
Dominant Debut
The first half of Hankins’ rookie season was a quiet one, save for one big performance. He earned a positive run defense grade in three of New York’s four preseason games, but once the regular season came he found himself inactive most Sundays. Coach Tom Coughlin has a pattern of playing veterans over rookies, and Hankins was last in line behind Joseph, Cullen Jenkins, Shaun Rogers, and Mike Patterson for snaps. Only a Joseph injury before Week 5 finally gave Hankins his first shot at action, and he made the most of it.
Against an Eagles rushing attack that was the best in the NFL last season, Hankins posted a team-leading +3.1 run defense grade with four run stops. He didn’t have a single negatively-graded play all game. Philadelphia’s Jason Kelce finished the season as our top-graded center, but he had a nightmarish -8.9 run blocking grade against the Giants that week thanks in part to Hankins. With 7:05 left in the fourth quarter, the rookie controlled Kelce at the point of attack and used one arm to tackle LeSean McCoy for a loss. On the very next play, he again handled Kelce and quickly got off the block to stop McCoy for a one-yard gain.
[SIZE=medium]Second-Half Stopper[/SIZE]
Despite his dominance, Hankins earned just eight snaps the following week against the Bears and was again inactive in Week 7. Only a Shaun Rogers season-ending injury opened up a spot for Hankins on the gameday roster. Though his next four games did not live up to his debut, with just one run stop and a +0.1 run defense grade, he following it up with a torrid December. In the Giants final five weeks, Hankins posted a +6.9 grade with six stops in the run game, despite playing on just 26.4% of the team’s defensive snaps.
All the scouting reports about Hankins’ excellent run defense coming out of Ohio State held true. He was so quick, asking an offensive lineman to reach block him was asking to lose. With 4:08 left in the first quarter against the Seahawks, left guard James Carpenter attempted such a move against the rookie, who merely dodged him and enveloped Marshawn Lynch in the hole. But being so large, Hankins also was an immovable object at the point of attack. At the 7:49 mark of the second quarter against the Lions, he held his ground against a double-team and pounced in for the tackle once one blocker left him. He also proved to be an excellent finisher, missing just one tackle all season.
[SIZE=medium]Starter’s Share[/SIZE]
Overall, Hankins’ +9.5 run defense grade for the entire season led all Giants defensive tackles and was +1.5 better than Joseph in one-third the snaps. If you factor in playing time, Hankins had the third-highest grade per run defense snap of any defensive tackle in the entire league. His 10.5 Run Stop Percentage was seventh out of 77 NFL defensive tackles with at least 100 run snaps last season. His pass rush left a lot to be desired (he only had three quarterback pressures the entire season), but he only had three snaps total in 3rd-and-long obvious passing downs. Keep in mind that Joseph himself was never a dominant pass rusher outside his 2011 season.
The Giants front office always drafts with a long-term plan in mind, and certainly they were cognizant of Joseph’s contract year when they selected Hankins. No team likes to lose a 25-year-old durable player in his prime, but paying a hefty price for a run-stopping defensive tackle isn’t a necessity when there’s a potentially better one waiting in the wings. Now that Joseph is gone, Hankins is a projected starter and will no longer have to wait for playing time. If his rookie year is any indication, the Giants will wonder why they were so patient in the first place.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/05/27/secret-superstars-2014-giants/
netnalp
Footballguy
New York Giants OTA Practices Begin Todayhttp://www.bigblueinteractive.com/2014/05/28/new-york-giants-ota-practices-begin-today/
New York Giants OTA Practices Begin Today: The third and final phase the New York Giants offseason workout program begins today with the start of the Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts. From today until June 13, the Giants will conduct 10 OTA practices. No live contact is allowed, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
The media, including BigBlueInteractive.com, will be granted access to Thursday’s practice.
New York Giants OTA practices:
New York Giants OTA Practices Begin Today: The third and final phase the New York Giants offseason workout program begins today with the start of the Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts. From today until June 13, the Giants will conduct 10 OTA practices. No live contact is allowed, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
The media, including BigBlueInteractive.com, will be granted access to Thursday’s practice.
New York Giants OTA practices:
- May 28-30
- June 2-3
- June 5
- June 9-10
- June 12-13
Khy
Footballguy
Some really interesting stuff here. And really? We really don't have to have a Geno Atkins type at DT for them to be a dominant force. If he's able to do what this write up says and completly stuff the middle of the field than he's making it much easier on Fewell to draw up well timed blitzes.
Some stuff this doesn't go into
Hankins played 195 snaps last season and recorded 11 solo run stops. Which comes to an average of 17.72 snaps per stop. Compare that with the rest of the top run stopping DT.
Marcell Dareus - 841 snaps/45 stops - 18.69
Jurrell Casey - 891 snaps/39 stops - 22.84
Damon Harrison - 510 snaps/39 stops - 13.07
Dontari Poe - 1104 snaps/38 stops - 29.05
Star Lotulelei - 620 snaps/37 stops - 16.75
The tops was clearly Damon Harrison who was apparently just ridiculous in the middle. But after that, Hankins was playing at a Top 5 level during his limited snaps. If he can play at that level extrapolated over a season, teams are going to be kicking themselves for passing on him so long in the draft. Either way, interesting read. Pretty excited for a lot of what they're doing this season.
I'm really interested in seeing Eli in a new system that, at least in my opinion, fits his strengths a lot more. McAdoo's base system seems similar to what Gilbride's 2 min drills were. A lot of quick timing routes that allowed the WRs to develop after the catch production. And we all know how effective Eli is at the 2 min drill when the games on the line. Who knows, maybe he hasn't been 'clutch' this whole time. Maybe Gilbride's system just sucked for his skillset. Wouldn't be the first time Gilbride tried to force his system into a situation where it clearly didn't work for his personel.
Yenrub
Footballguy
The piece above about Hankins is both encouraging and maddening at the same time.
The encouraging part is that he seems capable of having a really positive impact on the team and looks like he has the potential to be a dominate run stopper
The maddening part is the lack of playing time he got last season. If the kid is producing when you put him out there, put him out there more often
The encouraging part is that he seems capable of having a really positive impact on the team and looks like he has the potential to be a dominate run stopper
The maddening part is the lack of playing time he got last season. If the kid is producing when you put him out there, put him out there more often
netnalp
Footballguy
netnalp
Footballguy
I agree. Same with Moore. With the possibility that Tuck and Joseph could leave, once play-off hopes were dashed, they should have got the young guys into the rotation more. Maybe it was mainly due to the limits of how many active players they could have.
netnalp
Footballguy
I'm also looking forward to how the secondary does. It seems like they've gone to strengthening that area so with better coverage, it can buy the Dline time to rush the QB. I like that since it seems when they had 4 DE's that were capable of starting for most teams, they couldn't have them all on the field at the same time and the rotation could simply be negated by a hurry-up offense.
netnalp
Footballguy
New York Giants Complete First OTA Practice: The New York Giants held their first of 10 Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on Wednesday. No live contact is allowed in OTA practices, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
The media was not allowed to view Wednesday’s practice, but the Giants released the following details through their website, Giants.com:
The media was not allowed to view Wednesday’s practice, but the Giants released the following details through their website, Giants.com:
- RB David Wilson, who is recovering from career-threatening offseason neck surgery, did participate in the non-contact drills. Wilson worked both at running back and returner.
- New Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offense is reportedly an up-tempo West Coast Offense-style of attack. McAdoo was said to be very hands-on during the drills.
- Despite undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle on April 10, QB Eli Manning practiced. According to the team, “Manning took quite a few snaps on the first day of OTAs. In addition to individual drills, he took many of the first-team reps.”
- With LT Will Beatty still recovering from a broken leg, the first-team offensive line had James Brewer at left tackle, Geoff Schwartz at left guard, J.D. Walton at center, Chris Snee at right guard, and Justin Pugh at right tackle. The second unit had Charles Brown at left tackle, Brandon Mosley at left guard, Dallas Reynolds at center, Weston Richburg at right guard, and Troy Kropog at right tackle.
- According to the team’s press release WR Odell Beckham “showcased his quickness in and out of breaks.”
Khy
Footballguy
Yeah, these past few years I've often found myself streaming at the screen. As I'm watching them suck. Then I watch Hankins, Moore, Wilson, etc. Etc. Make an amazing play, then go sit on the bench for a while series before getting back in the game for two more plays. If you've lost the season anyway, why wouldn't you get your young guys more playing time to see what they've got? It's incredibly frustrating watching Moore block his 2nd punt of the seAson then sit on the bench all game. Especially when Tuck looked like my Grand father out there.netnalp said:
petenice15
Footballguy
Yenrub
Footballguy
I'm a little surprised that Richburg was playing guard with the 2nd team instead of center
Also where is the guy we picked up from Miami to play OL?
Last edited by a moderator:
Khy
Footballguy
Yeah, I'm not liking that either. Fine with him playing second team and all that, but why second team guard? Most scouts agreed he is an immediate upgrade to Walton in the center. Which I would assume makes him an even bigger upgrade to Dallas Reynolds. Although, I have heard whispers that because Snee's aging and Richburg can play center and guard, that they wanted to move Snee to Center and Richburg to guard. Which would hopefully make the line a little bit stronger because Snee would be more solid at Center than at RG.
netnalp
Footballguy
Giants players that stood out at OTA's
Dan Salomone Staff Writer
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-players-that-stood-out-at-OTAs/89ec615f-9ca0-4d13-95f2-df229497bc5a
1. QB Eli Manning. Coming off an ankle procedure and learning a new system, Eli Manning today did what he always does: he went to work. The Giants quarterback trotted out on the practice fields of the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and took many of the first-team reps in Wednesday’s start of OTAs. Manning will need all the time he can get on the field to not only learn the new system, but also to build a rapport with the new faces. He seems to be doing so as he showed his touch on a pair of touchdown passes to the corner of the end zone during team drills.
2. DE Jason Pierre-Paul. After missing five games and recording just two sacks in 2013, Pierre-Paul has been up front this offseason about returning to his 2011 All-Pro form. While it is difficult to judge linemen based on non-contact OTAs, the fifth-year pro made his presence known during team drills on Wednesday. Pierre-Paul batted down back-to-back passes at one point, just missing out on recreating his pick-six against Green Bay last year.
3. LB Dan Fox. The way undrafted rookies make rosters in autumn are by making plays in summer. In his first chance, linebacker Dan Fox made a case to be one of them. The Notre Dame product, who led his college team in tackles last season but was not one of the 256 players to hear their names called during the 2014 NFL Draft, picked off a pass over the middle, running it back towards the end zone to the cheers of his defensive teammates in blue jerseys.
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Five things we learned at OTA practiceby Dan Salomone
1. Wilson on the field. The Giants are taking an optimistic wait-and-see approach with their former first-round draft choice David Wilson, who missed most of last season with a neck injury. However, the third-year running back was on the practice field for the first of 10 non-contact organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Wilson worked on both special teams as a returner and in offensive drills, including taking this handoff from quarterback Josh Freeman.
2. Ben McAdoo is in a hurry. Throughout the Giants’ offseason workout program leading up to OTAs, we received hints about what the new offensive coordinator’s system would look like. We heard buzzwords like West Coast, attack, up-tempo, etc. It was all of that from the start of McAdoo’s first OTA with his new team. Meanwhile, the former Green Bay tight ends and quarterbacks coach also took a hands-on approach during individual drills, including snapping the ball to his quarterbacks while they worked on their drops.
3. Eli Manning put in a full day. After undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle on April 10, quarterback Eli Manning wasn’t going to be rushed back. But his ironman gene put him on the fast track, and Manning took quite a few snaps on the first day of OTAs. In addition to individual drills, he took many of the first-team reps as he and his teammates continued to learn McAdoo’s new offense. Meanwhile, Ryan Nassib took snaps behind Manning, as did Curtis Painter and Josh Freeman.
4. J.D. Walton played center with the first unit. In what is sure to be the first of many, the Giants rolled out their initial offensive line configuration. Without the rehabbing Will Beatty, who fractured his leg in the final game of last season, the first line consisted of James Brewer, Geoff Schwartz, Walton, Chris Snee, and Justin Pugh. Meanwhile, the second unit was Charles Brown, Brandon Mosley, Dallas Reynolds, Weston Richburg, and Troy Kropog.
5. First-round draft choice Odell Beckham Jr. got his first taste of action. OTAs differ from the rest of the offseason workout program in that the offense can go up against the defense, as opposed to both units working separately in the previous phase. While no live contact is permitted, 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills are allowed. Beckham, the rookie wide receiver out of LSU, kept up in such drills against NFL-caliber defenders on Wednesday, showcasing his quickness in and out of breaks. He’ll have to learn the ropes, but his athleticism is already on display.
Dan Salomone Staff Writer
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-players-that-stood-out-at-OTAs/89ec615f-9ca0-4d13-95f2-df229497bc5a
1. QB Eli Manning. Coming off an ankle procedure and learning a new system, Eli Manning today did what he always does: he went to work. The Giants quarterback trotted out on the practice fields of the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and took many of the first-team reps in Wednesday’s start of OTAs. Manning will need all the time he can get on the field to not only learn the new system, but also to build a rapport with the new faces. He seems to be doing so as he showed his touch on a pair of touchdown passes to the corner of the end zone during team drills.
2. DE Jason Pierre-Paul. After missing five games and recording just two sacks in 2013, Pierre-Paul has been up front this offseason about returning to his 2011 All-Pro form. While it is difficult to judge linemen based on non-contact OTAs, the fifth-year pro made his presence known during team drills on Wednesday. Pierre-Paul batted down back-to-back passes at one point, just missing out on recreating his pick-six against Green Bay last year.
3. LB Dan Fox. The way undrafted rookies make rosters in autumn are by making plays in summer. In his first chance, linebacker Dan Fox made a case to be one of them. The Notre Dame product, who led his college team in tackles last season but was not one of the 256 players to hear their names called during the 2014 NFL Draft, picked off a pass over the middle, running it back towards the end zone to the cheers of his defensive teammates in blue jerseys.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five things we learned at OTA practiceby Dan Salomone
1. Wilson on the field. The Giants are taking an optimistic wait-and-see approach with their former first-round draft choice David Wilson, who missed most of last season with a neck injury. However, the third-year running back was on the practice field for the first of 10 non-contact organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Wilson worked on both special teams as a returner and in offensive drills, including taking this handoff from quarterback Josh Freeman.
2. Ben McAdoo is in a hurry. Throughout the Giants’ offseason workout program leading up to OTAs, we received hints about what the new offensive coordinator’s system would look like. We heard buzzwords like West Coast, attack, up-tempo, etc. It was all of that from the start of McAdoo’s first OTA with his new team. Meanwhile, the former Green Bay tight ends and quarterbacks coach also took a hands-on approach during individual drills, including snapping the ball to his quarterbacks while they worked on their drops.
3. Eli Manning put in a full day. After undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle on April 10, quarterback Eli Manning wasn’t going to be rushed back. But his ironman gene put him on the fast track, and Manning took quite a few snaps on the first day of OTAs. In addition to individual drills, he took many of the first-team reps as he and his teammates continued to learn McAdoo’s new offense. Meanwhile, Ryan Nassib took snaps behind Manning, as did Curtis Painter and Josh Freeman.
4. J.D. Walton played center with the first unit. In what is sure to be the first of many, the Giants rolled out their initial offensive line configuration. Without the rehabbing Will Beatty, who fractured his leg in the final game of last season, the first line consisted of James Brewer, Geoff Schwartz, Walton, Chris Snee, and Justin Pugh. Meanwhile, the second unit was Charles Brown, Brandon Mosley, Dallas Reynolds, Weston Richburg, and Troy Kropog.
5. First-round draft choice Odell Beckham Jr. got his first taste of action. OTAs differ from the rest of the offseason workout program in that the offense can go up against the defense, as opposed to both units working separately in the previous phase. While no live contact is permitted, 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills are allowed. Beckham, the rookie wide receiver out of LSU, kept up in such drills against NFL-caliber defenders on Wednesday, showcasing his quickness in and out of breaks. He’ll have to learn the ropes, but his athleticism is already on display.
Khy
Footballguy
Normally, I'd say true. But honestly, they're all learning the play and line calls right now. Walton only had like a 1-2 week jump on him with the playbook and with how brilliant Richburg is said to be I'd assume that's essentially no jump really.
netnalp
Footballguy
Jermichael Finley recieves medical clearance, has visit with mystery team Friday
http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/29/jermichael-finley-medical-clearance/
Former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley knew he may never play football again after suffering a season-ending injury last year, but the Texas product wasn’t going to let his neck condition end his career.
Finley has been adamant about his desire to return to the game he loves, and earlier this offseason met with the Seattle Seahawks, hoping he could join the reigning Super Bowl champions.
It wasn’t meant to be, though: Finley failed the Seahawks physical. But the tight end continued his fight to return to the gridiron, and after more tests, the Pro Bowl talent has finally been cleared for football activities, says Dr. Joseph Maroon.
Speaking to ProFootballTalk, Finley’s agent, Blake Baratz, passed along the clearance news, and said Finley has a team visit lined up for Friday (he declined to name the mystery team).
Of course, that’s just the opinion of Dr. Maroon, the Pittsburgh-based surgeon who operated on Finley. The tight end will still need to receive clearance from a team doctor before he’s able to sign.
Regardless, it’s fantastic news for Finley who looks as if he’ll be ready to play this season.
http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/29/jermichael-finley-medical-clearance/
Former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley knew he may never play football again after suffering a season-ending injury last year, but the Texas product wasn’t going to let his neck condition end his career.
Finley has been adamant about his desire to return to the game he loves, and earlier this offseason met with the Seattle Seahawks, hoping he could join the reigning Super Bowl champions.
It wasn’t meant to be, though: Finley failed the Seahawks physical. But the tight end continued his fight to return to the gridiron, and after more tests, the Pro Bowl talent has finally been cleared for football activities, says Dr. Joseph Maroon.
Speaking to ProFootballTalk, Finley’s agent, Blake Baratz, passed along the clearance news, and said Finley has a team visit lined up for Friday (he declined to name the mystery team).
Of course, that’s just the opinion of Dr. Maroon, the Pittsburgh-based surgeon who operated on Finley. The tight end will still need to receive clearance from a team doctor before he’s able to sign.
Regardless, it’s fantastic news for Finley who looks as if he’ll be ready to play this season.
netnalp
Footballguy
New York Giants OTA Day 2: Quick Hits and Tidbitsby Conner Hughes of BBI
Before we get to practice, I’ll set the groundwork and foundation for the afternoon. Practice was held at Quest Diagnostics Performance Center and media were permitted to stand on the patio. The Giants practiced in the corresponding field but little was able to be seen of the offensive line, quarterbacks, or wide receivers in their individual drills. The groups practiced just past where the eye could clearly see what was transpiring. The two-minute drill, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 were all conducted on the near field driving towards the media. These we were able to get accurate details of, but not much from the line perspective. With three levels of defenders standing in front, it was tough to gauge what was going on in the trenches.
The Giants initial team-related function was a two-minute drill. It was tough to really gauge a depth chart in this particular portion of practice because the No. 2 skill position guys were working with the starting offensive line against the No. 1 defense. QB Ryan Nassib took the first reps.
This may have been when the Giants’ offense struggled the most. The team opened with Randle and Jernigan split outside, Cruz in the slot and Robinson at TE.
From Tom in NY: 1. The O-Line….how is Snee moving? How are the Tackles, without Beatty (or even with), can the reserves stand up to NFL DEs.
Before we get to practice, I’ll set the groundwork and foundation for the afternoon. Practice was held at Quest Diagnostics Performance Center and media were permitted to stand on the patio. The Giants practiced in the corresponding field but little was able to be seen of the offensive line, quarterbacks, or wide receivers in their individual drills. The groups practiced just past where the eye could clearly see what was transpiring. The two-minute drill, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 were all conducted on the near field driving towards the media. These we were able to get accurate details of, but not much from the line perspective. With three levels of defenders standing in front, it was tough to gauge what was going on in the trenches.
- As mentioned above, WR Odell Beckham, Jr. and RB Andre Williams were not in attendance as they were at the Rookie Symposium held by the league. WR Mario Manningham and OG John Jerry were in attendance, but both were not practicing. Tom Coughlin addressed the media afterward and said the two will be held out until training camp. Manningham is still recovering from a knee injury that cost him all of last season Jerry recently had a scope. LT Will Beatty also did not practice as he is still recovering from his broken leg.
- Much has been talked about in regards to those that make up the Giants’ running back corps, but little has been said about RB Peyton Hillis. The bruising one-time Madden cover boy quietly put together a solid season last year and this season looks like an absolute monster. Hillis is ripped, isn’t afraid to show it, and is sporting a nice mohawk to pull the look together. The Bergen Record’s Art Stapleton referred to him as “Peyton Hochuli” and there may not be a better name.
- The Giants opened practice with individual drills and split the punt returners off to the side to work on fielding from the machine. Those that occupied the group were RB David Wilson, CB Walter Thurmond, WR Victor Cruz, WR Trindon Holliday and WR Rueben Randle.
- During the above drill, an interesting technique/practice was used that I personally have not seen before. The returner turned and faced away from the machine, lay flat on his stomach with his limbs spread out, waited for the ball to be shot out before popping up, locating and eventually fielding the ball.
- S Stevie Brown, who is recovering from knee surgery, seemed to be moving pretty well in the individual portions of practice. The safety cut and broke on the ball without much hesitation. Brown also is working with the No. 1′s opposite S Antrel Rolle.
- Troubled safety Will Hill was also in attendance and a full participant. Hill was working with the No. 2 defensive unit and paired with Quintin Demps. Coughlin spoke about Hill after practice and said it’s “difficult” not knowing the 24-year-old’s status and has no idea when that status will be determined. When on the field, Hill is a dynamic player.
The Giants initial team-related function was a two-minute drill. It was tough to really gauge a depth chart in this particular portion of practice because the No. 2 skill position guys were working with the starting offensive line against the No. 1 defense. QB Ryan Nassib took the first reps.
- From watching practice today, it appears as if this was a very vanilla version of what we can expect from McAdoo’s scheme. With that being said, the ball certainly comes out of the quarterback’s hand faster, but some familiar aspects were still there. We saw quite a few draw plays and screen passes.
- Speaking of screen passes, something was shown on multiple occasions that I have not seen on a consistent basis since the Jeremy Shockey era: tight end screens. Quite a few were run, one in particular to Adrien Robinson stood out. It appeared as if it would have picked up a good chunk of change down the sideline.
- There was no clear-cut No. 1 tight end displayed today, as Coughlin & Co. seem to have the competition completely open. Everyone saw reps and a few stood out. Adrien Robinson hauled in three passes from what I saw. Daniel Fells made a nice grab. Larry Donnell stood out for the opposite reason, dropping a wide-open pass down the seam. For what it’s worth, Fells was the first tight end on the field.
- CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie looks very, very good early on. A few times we saw him matched up with Victor Cruz and he shut the Pro-Bowl wideout down. There was little, if any, window for Eli to fit the ball in.
- With David Wilson awaiting a hopefully medical-clearing MRI (scheduled for June 4), Rashad Jennings is the back getting reps with the first team. He looked as good as a running back can look with no contact. Jennings caught a few passes out of the backfield and ran it a few times on draws.
- WR Julian Talley, who made the practice squad and saw action at the end of the year, dropped a pass down the seam on what appeared to be a fourth down. He rebounded later with a grab between two defenders.
- Little variation of a trick play, first and only we saw today. Ryan Nassib faked a handoff then handed to to Jerrel Jernigan on an end around.
- Ryan Nassib certainly didn’t have a very impressive practice, but he did stand out on one specific occasion. In the two-minute drill, a rusher came off the edge (couldn’t tell who), Nassib pump-faked, got the defender in the air, rolled out to his left and threw across his body for a completion on the sideline. I believe it was Daniel Fells who made the sliding catch.
- S Nat Berhe had a near interception of Nassib, jumping in front of a deep in. Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell could be heard nearly 100 yards away screaming, “Come on Nat!”
- Adrien Robinson looked good in the action he saw. By my count, he caught two passes in the two-minute drill and showed some good burst. He stood out among the other TE’s.
- During the two-minute drill, New York had two play clocks set up. A nice touch considering how many times Eli was called for “Delay of Game” last year.
- Unlike the offense that ran variations, the starting defense was the starting defense during the two-minute drill. The lineup read as follows from left to right looking behind defense: Mathias Kiwanuka, Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, and Jason Pierre-Paul on the defensive line; Jameel McClain, Jon Beason, and Spencer Paysinger at linebacker; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Stevie Brown, Antrel Rolle, and either Prince Amukamara or Walter Thurmond in the secondary.
- The reason I say Amukamara/Thurmond is because the two switched out nearly every other play, while Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC) stayed on the field the entire time.
- John Conner, who is competing with Henry Hynoski for the starting full back position, looks very, very big. He caught a screen pass out of the backfield and several reporters, and myself, had to double check the roster for who it was.
- Jon Beason dropped a sure-fire interception when Eli Manning overshot Peyton Hillis on a screen pass. Yes, a screen pass that didn’t go as designed.
This may have been when the Giants’ offense struggled the most. The team opened with Randle and Jernigan split outside, Cruz in the slot and Robinson at TE.
- There was quite a bit of miscommunication in this drill. WR Trindon Holliday and WR Preston Parker ran into each other once. WR Travis Harvey did the same another time. A few times the wide receiver broke in when the quarterback threw out, or vice versa. It’s early, very early, and with a brand new offense these kind of things should be expected.
- CB Charles James notched the lone interception of the practice. Randle ran a curl, Nassib threw it a bit behind him and James jumped it for what looked like a pick-six. That sent the defensive players and coaching staff into a frenzy.
- There wasn’t much dispersion with quarterback reps as Manning and Nassib took nearly them all. Curtis Painter saw a few reps in the 7-on-7 and Josh Freeman got a few (3-4) in all three drills.
- Will Hill got two reps opposite Rolle with the No. 1′s.
- One interesting wrinkle, Trindon Holliday caught a pass with first team on an in-out route and had a LOT of room to run. Curious to see if McAdoo ties to work the speedy returner into the offense.
- Think this is going to be the largest section? Wrong. Much ado about nothing here. Few completions, few drops, nothing much to showcase.
- One thing to take out of this is we did see the “first team” offensive line. Justin Pugh is at right tackle, Chris Snee at guard, J.D. Walton at center, Geoff Schwartz at left guard and today Charles Brown was at left tackle.
- One interesting variation of the line we saw, Snee came out and Weston Richburg played right guard with the first team.
- Ryan Nassib did not look very good today. No one looked “great” on offense, but Nassib stood out as noticeably struggling. He missed behind on a few occasions, had nearly three interceptions and looked rattled. It’s early, and he’ll most likely settle in with the new offense, but he didn’t look good.
- I mentioned this above, but the offense we saw today I assume is very vanilla. Either way, lots of screens, draws and curls. A few shots down the field, mostly taken by Nassib, but none connected.
- I don’t think Eli Manning made one pass more than 10 yards down the field, nearly everything was a screen, draw, or dump-off.
- I figured some fans may be interested, so I kept completion stats for all quarterbacks. I did not keep them for 7-on-7′s, so this includes just two-minute and 11-on-11: Manning - 14/19 • Nassib - 6/9 • Freeman - 2/3.
From Tom in NY: 1. The O-Line….how is Snee moving? How are the Tackles, without Beatty (or even with), can the reserves stand up to NFL DEs.
- Snee looks like he is moving pretty well. Took part in all aspects of practice. Tough to gauge how other guys did because of our vantage point.
- I was impressed with Robinson, looked good. Donnell didn’t stand out much aside from a drop down the seam.
- Snee practiced with the ones and looked healthy. Can’t say much more than that because he’s a lineman and there was no contact. JPP looked fine and assures everyone he is healthy. Manningham is out until training camp.
- Tough to say who lined up with 2′s because of our vantage point. 1′s were Pugh-Snee-Walton-Schwartz-Brown.
- This is tough because the offense was very, very vanilla today. I can tell you, as Robinson said last week, the TE position does move around a bit more. There was one formation which was a “trips right” featuring a WR and two tight ends bunched together near the right tackle. Also, I believe it was Donnell, lined up as a tight end before coming in motion and lining up as a full back in the backfield.
- Lots and lots of curls. Look above for trips description.
- I’m sorry Jay, it was very hard to pick out Mosley from where we were standing.
- Coughlin said Beatty will “supposedly be ready for the fall.” Snee and Mosley both 100%.
- Tough to tell this early. Beason stood out being vocal. Too far to tell for offensive line.
- This is tough to say because it’s OTA’s and everyone is going at their own pace. JPP did say after practice he was going at full speed.
netnalp
Footballguy
http://www.bigblueinteractive.com/2014/05/29/will-beatty-wont-ready-fall/
From BBI by Eric Kennedy
May 29, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing at Thursday’s Organized Team Activity (OTA) workout were WR Mario Manningham (knee), LT Will Beatty (leg) and OG John Jerry (knee).
When asked about Beatty and Manningham, Head Coach Tom Coughlin responded, “Supposedly they’ll be ready for the fall.”
Coughlin also revealed that Jerry had arthroscopic knee surgery. “He had a knee, he comes out here and the knee swells,” Coughlin said. “We’ll hold him inside. He had a little procedure (debridement of the knee), a scope, so he might not work this spring but he’s here…He may have a day when he’s a little bit sore and we’ll back off the snaps. Today coming after the first one, he didn’t have any issues at all. We just let him do what he can do.”
RB David Wilson (neck) also did not participate in contact drills as he has not yet been cleared for contact. Wilson said he will have another MRI taken on his neck on June 4. “He is in an area where he’s not supposed to have any contact,” said Coughlin. “He’s out there running and feels good. You’d never know that he’s having issues.”
The good news is that QB Eli Manning, who is coming off of arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, practiced. “He’s so far ahead,” said Coughlin. “When we started out I didn’t think I would have him for anything (in the spring). We’re about two or three days into phase two (of the offseason program) and he’s running around. I’m trying to slow him down but he feels good.”
RG Chris Snee, who is coming off of offseason hip and elbow surgery, practiced. “He looks good,” said Coughlin. “He looks very good.”
S Stevie Brown, who tore the ACL in his left knee last preseason, also practiced. “Stevie’s had a good winter,” said Coughlin. “He’s been in here rehabbing the whole time. He’s gone through both the first and second phases very well. He’s running very well so we’re very happy with that. He does have some… we’re watching him, let’s put it that way. He is what we call limited but he has been able to demonstrate that he has prepared himself well.”
New York Giants Complete Second OTA Practice: The New York Giants held their second of 10 Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on Thursday. No live contact is allowed in OTA practices, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
From BBI by Eric Kennedy
May 29, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing at Thursday’s Organized Team Activity (OTA) workout were WR Mario Manningham (knee), LT Will Beatty (leg) and OG John Jerry (knee).
When asked about Beatty and Manningham, Head Coach Tom Coughlin responded, “Supposedly they’ll be ready for the fall.”
Coughlin also revealed that Jerry had arthroscopic knee surgery. “He had a knee, he comes out here and the knee swells,” Coughlin said. “We’ll hold him inside. He had a little procedure (debridement of the knee), a scope, so he might not work this spring but he’s here…He may have a day when he’s a little bit sore and we’ll back off the snaps. Today coming after the first one, he didn’t have any issues at all. We just let him do what he can do.”
RB David Wilson (neck) also did not participate in contact drills as he has not yet been cleared for contact. Wilson said he will have another MRI taken on his neck on June 4. “He is in an area where he’s not supposed to have any contact,” said Coughlin. “He’s out there running and feels good. You’d never know that he’s having issues.”
The good news is that QB Eli Manning, who is coming off of arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, practiced. “He’s so far ahead,” said Coughlin. “When we started out I didn’t think I would have him for anything (in the spring). We’re about two or three days into phase two (of the offseason program) and he’s running around. I’m trying to slow him down but he feels good.”
RG Chris Snee, who is coming off of offseason hip and elbow surgery, practiced. “He looks good,” said Coughlin. “He looks very good.”
S Stevie Brown, who tore the ACL in his left knee last preseason, also practiced. “Stevie’s had a good winter,” said Coughlin. “He’s been in here rehabbing the whole time. He’s gone through both the first and second phases very well. He’s running very well so we’re very happy with that. He does have some… we’re watching him, let’s put it that way. He is what we call limited but he has been able to demonstrate that he has prepared himself well.”
New York Giants Complete Second OTA Practice: The New York Giants held their second of 10 Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on Thursday. No live contact is allowed in OTA practices, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
Yenrub
Footballguy
Will Hill ...million dollar body ten cent brainKoya said:
Yes I guess the Giants got lucky that it's only a 6 week suspension. You hope the kid can keep off the weed but I wouldn't be surprised if he slipped up during the 6 week suspension
Also the Giants cut Josh Freeman yesterday. I saw a report that said he wasn't picking up the offense all that well
identikit
Footballguy
Yenrub
Footballguy
You called it
Will Hill a Giant no more
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/06/giants_waive_will_hill_after_third_failed_drug_test.html
Avery
Footballguy
When he was on the field, he was one of the best defensive players last year. Too bad he couldn't get hi head out of his ###, because it's a big loss for the Giants.
McGarnicle
Footballguy
Yenrub
Footballguy
Oh Jayron you may have just lost your job
DRC, Prince, Thurmond and McBride were all probably ahead of him
McGarnicle
Footballguy
Meh, another third round pick down the crapper.
You know, I love getting high, but if I had to not get high so I could make millions of dollars...you got me. I won't get high. Seems simple enough.
steveski
Footballguy
Khy
Footballguy
Yenrub
Footballguy
Beason has to have surgery on foot expected to miss at least 12 weeks 
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/06/giants_jon_beason_sustains_fracture_in_right_foot_out_for_at_least_12_weeks.html
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/06/giants_jon_beason_sustains_fracture_in_right_foot_out_for_at_least_12_weeks.html
Carter_Can_Fly
Footballguy
Losing Beason is an awful start to the season. They lack depth at LB and it is one of their weakest positions. Plus we don't know how well he will recover and how quickly. They just can't seem to stay healthy especially on defense.
petenice15
Footballguy
I'd rather he gets hurt in June then in September.
Khy
Footballguy
Beason has to have surgery on foot expected to miss at least 12 weeks
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/06/giants_jon_beason_sustains_fracture_in_right_foot_out_for_at_least_12_weeks.html
I used every gif I could find to show off my current feelings on this situation.
netnalp
Footballguy
Eric from BBI : Admin : 12:11 pm : link
Beason will not need surgery!
Giants linebacker Jon Beason was examined yesterday by Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte. After the exam and a review of Beason’s MRI, X-Rays and CT scan, it was determined that Beason’s injury -- a ligament tear and a small fracture to the sesamoid in his right foot – does not require surgery. Beason’s foot will be immobilized for six weeks (three weeks in a cast and three in a walking boot) as the first step in his rehabilitation.
Jon Beason commented on these results: “My visit with Dr. Anderson went as well as it could have yesterday. I’m happy that it was determined that I will be able to recover without surgery. My plan is to work as hard as I can during my rehab so I can be fully recovered around the start of the regular season opener on Monday night in Detroit.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000359184/article/jon-beason-will-not-need-surgery-for-new-york-giants
Beason will not need surgery!
Giants linebacker Jon Beason was examined yesterday by Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte. After the exam and a review of Beason’s MRI, X-Rays and CT scan, it was determined that Beason’s injury -- a ligament tear and a small fracture to the sesamoid in his right foot – does not require surgery. Beason’s foot will be immobilized for six weeks (three weeks in a cast and three in a walking boot) as the first step in his rehabilitation.
Jon Beason commented on these results: “My visit with Dr. Anderson went as well as it could have yesterday. I’m happy that it was determined that I will be able to recover without surgery. My plan is to work as hard as I can during my rehab so I can be fully recovered around the start of the regular season opener on Monday night in Detroit.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000359184/article/jon-beason-will-not-need-surgery-for-new-york-giants
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netnalp
Footballguy
2014 NYG TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
Tuesday, July 22; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, July 23; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, July 24; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Friday, July 25; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, July 26; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Sunday, July 27; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Monday, July 28; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, July 29; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, July 30; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Thursday, July 31; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Friday, August 1; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, August 2; No Practice
Sunday, August 3; Hall of Fame Game vs. Buffalo, 8:00 p.m. Canton, Ohio
Monday, August 4; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Tuesday, August 5; Closed Practice due to MetLife Stadium Event
Wednesday, August 6; 5:40- 7:50 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 7; Closed Practice due to MetLife Stadium Event
Friday, August 8; No Practice
Saturday, August 9; Steelers vs. Giants, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 10; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Monday, August 11; 3:20-5:30 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, August 12; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 13; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 14; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice (End Camp)
Tuesday, July 22; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, July 23; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, July 24; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Friday, July 25; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, July 26; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Sunday, July 27; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Monday, July 28; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, July 29; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, July 30; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Thursday, July 31; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Friday, August 1; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, August 2; No Practice
Sunday, August 3; Hall of Fame Game vs. Buffalo, 8:00 p.m. Canton, Ohio
Monday, August 4; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Tuesday, August 5; Closed Practice due to MetLife Stadium Event
Wednesday, August 6; 5:40- 7:50 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 7; Closed Practice due to MetLife Stadium Event
Friday, August 8; No Practice
Saturday, August 9; Steelers vs. Giants, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 10; No Practice – Players’ Day Off
Monday, August 11; 3:20-5:30 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, August 12; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 13; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 14; 1:20-3:30 p.m. – Practice (End Camp)
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netnalp
Footballguy
- BBI NY Giants Positional Breakdowns
Quarterbacks - (Click here for Quarterbacks Breakdown)
Running Backs/Fullbacks - (Click here for Running Backs/Fullbacks Breakdown)
Wide Receivers - (Click here for Wide Receivers Breakdown)
Tight Ends – (Click here for Tight Ends Breakdown)
Offensive Line - (Click here for Offensive Line Breakdown)
Defensive Line - (Click here for Defensive Line Breakdown)
Linebackers - (Click here for Linebackers Breakdown)
Cornerbacks - (Click here for Cornerbacks Breakdown)
Safeties - (Click here for Safeties Breakdown)
