Wednesday Reading

Giants

Traina B/ R: Making the Call on the New York Giants' Hardest Remaining Cuts
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2165527-making-the-call-on-the-ny-giants-hardest-remaining-cuts

Orr Star Ledger: Giants simulate Jets defense in practice: How did offense do?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/08/giants_simulate_jets_defense_in_practice_how_did_offense_do.html

Raanan NJ.com: Giants practice observations: Justin Pugh at left tackle, Brandon Mosley at right tackle
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/08/giants_practice_observations_justin_pugh_at_left_tackle_brandon_mosley_at_right_tackle.html

Traina Inside Football: Practice Report: August 19, 2014
http://insidefootball.com/2014/08/19/practice-report-august-19-2014/

Graziano ESPN: Practice report: More O-line shuffling
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/38086/practice-report-more-o-line-shuffling

Orr Star Ledger: NFL expands practice squad from 8 to 10 players: How does this help the Giants?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/08/nfl_expands_practice_squad_from_8_to_10_players_how_does_this_help_the_giants.html

RB

Willis NYP: Rookie stokes rivalry: ‘Giants are the real New York team’
http://nypost.com/2014/08/19/giants-rookie-fires-early-shots-in-cross-town-rivalry/

WR

Kussoy NYP: Beckham injury a huge bummer — unless you’re an upstart WR
http://nypost.com/2014/08/19/beckham-injury-a-huge-bummer-unless-youre-an-upstart-wr/

Samuel NYDN: Odell Beckham Jr. doesn’t practice, won’t play for NY Giants in preseason game against Jets
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/odell-beckham-jr-practicing-giants-rest-day-rookie-article-1.1908960

Kussoy NYP: Odell Beckham hamstring saga at near-farce level
http://nypost.com/2014/08/19/odell-beckham-hamstring-saga-at-near-farce-level/

Pennington NYT: Beckham Jr., Giants’ Top Pick, Back on Sideline
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/20/sports/football/beckham-jr-giants-top-pick-back-on-sideline.html

Samuel NYDN: NY Giants WR Jerrel Jernigan OK with receiving criticism
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-insider-jerrel-jernigan-receiving-criticism-article-1.1909775

Stapleton The Record: Give Walt Frazier an assist on receiver Marcus Harris
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/giants/assist-from-clyde-helps-harris-thrive-1.1069936

OL

Raanan NJ.com: Giants morning run: What is the best offensive line combination?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/08/giants_morning_run_best_offensive_line_combination.html

O'Gorman The Trentonian: Giants rookie Weston Richburg showing versatility
http://www.trentonian.com/sports/20140819/giants-rookie-weston-richburg-showing-versatility

NFL

La Canfora CBS Sports: Most interesting players: These guys make covering the NFL a blast
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24668295/most-interesting-players-these-guys-make-covering-the-nfl-a-blast

Kuzydym Cleve Plain Dealer: Following the Brain Trail: How an NFL player's brain goes from donation to concussion research
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/08/following_the_brain_trail_how.html

ARIZONA
Boivin AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals kicker Feely not ready for NFL career to end
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2014/08/18/arizona-cardinals-kicker-feely-ready-nfl-career-end/14265463/

Weinfuss ESPN: Cards have options to fill Dockett's shoes
http://espn.go.com/blog/arizona-cardinals/post/_/id/8157/cards-have-options-to-fill-docketts-shoes

BALTIMORE
Balt Sun: Ravens rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro leading NFL in rushing yards
http://goo.gl/qicpDc

BUFFALO
Skurski Buffalo News: Bills Dareus looks ahead, focused on football
Bills tackle finally talks, but not on legal matters
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bills-dareus-looks-ahead-focused-on-football-20140819

CAROLINA
Jones Charlotte Observer: Byron Bell settles debate about Panthers left tackle
http://www.thestate.com/2014/08/19/3628910/byron-bell-settles-debate-about.html

Jones Charlotte Observer: Roman Harper's missed time not concerning Panthers
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/19/5116345/roman-harpers-missed-time-not.html

CHICAGO
Rosenbloom Chicago Tribune: Desperate Bears gambling with Holmes
http://goo.gl/HiQKqt

CINCINNATI
Skinner Cin Enquirer: Bengals criticize Jets' blitz usage on backups
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/blogs/2014/08/18/bengals-jets-blitz-usage-backups-third-stringers/14267373/

CLEVELAND
Shaw Cleve Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns should swallow hard and name Brian Hoyer starting QB -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin (slideshow)
http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2014/08/cleveland_browns_87.html

Tanier SOE: JOHNNY ON THE SPOT
After a flippin' up and down night, Johnny Manziel's status as potential Browns starter is still uncertain. No matter what, Cleveland has a bad decision to make -- one that's almost papal-like. Start looking for smoke.
http://miketanier.sportsonearthblog.com/worst-decision-ever/

Leitch SOE: JOHNNY MANZIEL IS NO TIM TEBOW
Johnny Manziel is getting over-the-top media coverage we haven't seen for a rookie quarterback since Tim Tebow. There's one key difference: Manziel is entertaining in a way that Tebow never was, which makes much of it justifiable.
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/90375174/johnny-manziel-cleveland-browns-tim-tebow

DALLAS
Gosselin Dallas Morning News: Cowboys look clean in one of NFL's worst penalty weekends
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/rick-gosselin/20140819-gosselin-cowboys-ravens-spare-fans-from-painful-overly-penalized-nfl.ece

Sabin Dallas Morning News: Why the best thing about Cowboys rookie Zack Martin is that he doesn't stand out
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/headlines/20140819-why-the-best-thing-about-cowboys-rookie-zack-martin-is-that-he-doesn-t-stand-out.ece

Moore Dallas Morning News: Cowboys plug “Flounder” into defensive line rotation after strong debut
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/08/cowboys-plug-flounder-into-defensive-line-rotation-after-strong-debut.html/

Sabin Dallas Morning News: Dallas Cowboys DT Amobi Okoye takes next step in comeback attempt
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/08/57927.html/

Machota Dallas Morning News: Bruce Carter: I don’t ‘necessarily’ feel like Dallas Cowboys coaches are trying to demote me
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/08/bruce-carter-i-dont-necessarily-feel-like-dallas-cowboys-coaches-are-trying-to-demote-me.html/

DENVER
Hochman Denver Post: Hochman: Peyton Manning "knows he's in the fourth quarter"
http://www.denverpost.com/hochman/ci_26361634/hochman-peyton-manning-knows-hes-fourth-quarter

Klis Denver Post: Broncos RB Montee Ball cleared for practice
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/08/19/montee-ball-cleared-practice/28895/

DETROIT
Monarrez Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' secondary starters keeping offenses in check in preseason
http://www.freep.com/article/20140819/SPORTS01/308190043/

GREEN BAY
Mil JS: Nick Perry yet yo prove himself
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-2012-pick-nick-perry-yet-to-prove-himself-b99330602z1-271909651.html?ipad=y

Alper NBC Sports: Packers waive-injured Colt Lyerla
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/19/packers-waive-injured-colt-lyerla/

HOUSTON
Smith Houston Chronicle: Texans Foster, Johnson, Cushing increase activity vs Broncos
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/08/texans-foster-johnson-cushing-increase-activity-vs-broncos/

Smith Houston Chronicle: Watt wants to remain with Texans; waiting for contract extension
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/08/j-j-watt-wants-to-remain-with-texans-waiting-for-contract-extension/

INDIANAPOLIS
Holder Ind Star: Delano Howell injury changes Colts' prospects at strong safety
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/08/19/delano-howell-injury-changes-colts-prospects-at-strong-safety/14287685/

JACKSONVILLE
Carlyon Fla Times Union: LaRoy Reynolds holding down Otto linebacker spot for Jaguars despite Dekoda Watson's return
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400642/hays-carlyon/2014-08-19/laroy-reynolds-holding-down-otto-linebacker-spot-jaguars

NEW ENGLAND
Daniels Providence Journal: Patriot wideout LaFell admits he's still got a lot to learn
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20140819-patriot-wideout-lafell-admits-he-s-still-got-a-lot-to-learn.ece

Daniels Providence Journal: Justin Jones hopes to make his second shot with the Patriots count
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20140819-justin-jones-hopes-to-make-his-second-shot-with-the-patriots-count.ece

Boston Globe: Patriots Jerod Mayo mum on injury status
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/19/patriots-jerod-mayo-mum-injury-status/KFTBc6mCoGc7TxH9ZO13xO/story.html

NEW ORLEANS
Duncan Nola.com: Luke McCown won't bow down in New Orleans Saints' backup QB competition
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/08/luke_mccown_wont_bow_down_in_s.html

Lopez Nola.com: New Orleans Saints linebacker Ronald Powell focused on becoming part of 53-man roster
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/08/new_orleans_saints_linebacker_72.html

Duncan Nola.com: Jairus Byrd's return bolsters New Orleans Saints' best unit
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/08/safety_jarius_byrds_return_bol.html

OAKLAND
McDonald SJ Mercury News: Raiders build continuity on offensive line
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_26367297/raiders-build-continuity-offensive-line

PHILADELPHIA
Phil.com: Eagles acquire former Oregon RB Kenjon Barner
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Eagles-acquire-former-Oregon-RB-Kenjon-Barner-from-Panthers.html

Phil.com: Maclin and Cooer together at last
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20140819_Maclin_and_Cooper_together_at_last.html

Phil.com: For Barbre it's a start
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20140819_For_Barbre__it_s_a_start.html

Phil.com: Eagles: Who makes the Eagles roster at Linebacker
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Who-Makes-the-Eagles-Roster-LInebacker.html

PITTSBURGH
Kaboly Pitt Tribune: Run game not primary focal point for Steelers
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6641811-74/game-steelers-run

Fittipaldo Pitt Post Gazette: Steelers sign Gilbert through 2019 season
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/19/Steelers-extend-Gilbert-through-2019-season/stories/201408190198

Bouchette Pitt Post Gazette: Brett Keisel returns to fold with Steelers
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/19/Brett-Keisel-close-to-a-deal-to-return-to-Steelers/stories/201408190208

ST. LOUIS
Lyons STL Post Dispatch: Rams notebook: Person’s versatility shows vs. Packers
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-person-s-versatility-shows-vs-packers/article_097baf6b-129b-5b47-bdb7-809e9bb57b94.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Kawakami SJ Mercury News: Harbaugh, 49ers could part ways after this season
http://www.mercurynews.com/tim-kawakami/ci_26368003/kawakami-harbaugh-49ers-could-part-ways-after-this

Branch SF Chronicle: Kaepernick played with significant foot injury in 2013
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2014/08/19/report-kaepernick-played-with-significant-foot-injury-in-2013/

Inman SJ Mercury News: 49ers extend Dorsey's deal, but Boone remains absent
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_26366526/49ers-anthony-davis-practices-alex-boone-remains-absent

SEATTLE
Brooks NFL.com: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks' offense primed for big season
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000380061/article/russell-wilson-seattle-seahawks-offense-primed-for-big-season

Dybas SOE: FOOTBALL'S MOST DYNAMIC PAIRING
The Seahawks have hitched themselves to Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas as the keys to their top-down defensive philosophy. It appears the organization, like Chancellor and Thomas, believes there is still growth to come from one of the league's best duos.
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/90470914/kam-chancellor-earl-thomas-duo-is-as-potent-as-ever

TENNESSEE
Climer The Tennessean: Titans, Jake Locker embrace scrambling despite injuries
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/columnist/david-climer/2014/08/19/tennessee-titans-jake-locker-scramble/14315963/

Draft

Brown SOE: 20 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SEC
The SEC may have lost the national title and Alabama may have stumbled to end 2013, but make no mistake: Neither is going anywhere. Now, four teams stand out atop the league in the race to get multiple bids in the first College Football Playoff.
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/90398232/sec-2014-predictions-alabama-auburn-georgia-south-carolina-college-football-playoff

Former Giants News

Deitsch SI.com: NBC hires ex-Giants OC Kevin Gilbride, three former Pro Bowlers as analysts
http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/08/19/nbc-sports-kevin-gilbride-jason-taylor-takeo-spikes-brian-westbrook

History

Talk of a Fame Sports: @RickGosselinDMN: No overtime in this one -- Johnson-Seifert end in a tie for best coach not in the Hall of Fame...
http://www.talkoffamenetwork.com/sifert-closes-with-a-rush/

Life

Klemko MMQB: Football in Ferguson
Amid the turmoil tearing through this small Missouri town, a high school team prepares for its season opener, and a coach helps his players make sense of the madness around them. The first game is scheduled for Friday
http://mmqb.si.com/2014/08/19/ferguson-missouri-unrest-mccluer-high-school-football/