Monday Reading: Good drafting matters

My Morning Blues...

I have nothing against feel good stories like Hillis, Parker, Fells, Walton, Demps, Fenner...however they have drifted around the NFL for a reason and yet here they are trying to play key roles against Dallas. I have laughed at Jerry Jones but seeing Murray, Bryant, Cosbie, Escobar, Smith and Co on the OL...it was like Dorsett, Pearson, Dupree vs Hammonds, Robinson, and Shirk, no offense but until the Giants draft consistently well (hopefully this year is a start), you can bring in Belichick, Saban, whoever and they will struggle...personnel matters.

Giants

Samuel NYDN: Banged-up NY Giants can't rise to the occasion in Dallas, fall to Cowboys for 31-21 loss
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/banged-up-giants-rise-occasion-dallas-fall-cowboys-article-1.1979881

RV NYDN: NY Giants loss to Cowboys means road to playoffs unlikely
"There are only so many blows one team can take, and it’s worse for a team that seems increasingly young, is a team in transition and is suddenly very thin at some very key spots. Now they’ve got two weeks to consider their fate, stare at the standings and suffer. It will be hard for them not to wonder if there really is enough time left in the season to do what they set out to do."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/vacchiano-3-4-road-playoffs-tough-giants-article-1.1980076

Myers NYDN: Losses to Cowboys, Eagles prove Giants aren't good enough
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/myers-losses-cowboys-eagles-prove-giants-aren-good-article-1.1980131

Gola NYDN: NY Giants had things going to plan vs. Dallas Cowboys... until they didn't
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/gola-giants-star-struck-cowboys-article-1.1980138

Schwartz NYP: Free-falling Giants can't stop Romo, Murray in loss to Cowboys
http://nypost.com/2014/10/19/free-falling-giants-cant-stop-romo-murray-in-loss-to-cowboys/

Serby NYP: Kiss the division goodbye: These Giants are just pretenders
http://nypost.com/2014/10/19/kiss-the-division-goodbye-these-giants-are-just-pretenders/

Cannizzaro NYP: The most important 9 seconds of the Giants’ season — wasted
http://nypost.com/2014/10/19/the-most-important-9-seconds-of-the-giants-season-wasted/

Schwartz NYP: a Giants report card: Coughlin’s not going to like this
http://nypost.com/2014/10/19/giants-report-card-coughlins-not-going-to-like-this/

Pennington NYT: Turnovers Catch Up to Giants as Cowboys Break Away
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/20/sports/football/injuries-catch-up-to-giants-as-the-cowboys-break-away.html

Politi NJ.com: Giants' talent deficiency exposed in NFC East losses to Cowboys and Eagles
"The Giants countered Murray with … Andre Williams, who the Giants kept handing the ball despite his 2.8 yards-per-cary average. They countered Bryant with … Ruben Randle and Odell Beckham, with the latter catching two touchdown passes."
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/10/giants_talent_deficiency_exposed_in_nfc_east_losses_to_cowboys_and_eagles_politi.html

Politi NJ.com: Tony Romo's revenge: Cowboys quarterback pushes the Giants to the brink
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/10/tony_romos_revenge_cowboys_quarterback_pushes_the_giants_to_the_brink_politi.html

Raanan NJ.com: Giants vs. Cowboys studs and duds: Andre Williams, Eli Manning and Will Beatty make the list
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/10/giants_vs_cowboys_studs_and_duds_andre_williams_eli_manning_and_will_beatty_make_the_list.html

Rock Newsday: Giants can't stop DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant in loss to Cowboys
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-can-t-stop-demarco-murray-dez-bryant-in-loss-to-cowboys-1.9522275

Glauber Newsday: The Giants just aren't good enough
"Of course, in a league that typically produces surprise results in any given week, the Giants are capable of righting themselves. But with a re-tooled roster featuring many younger players, and with a growing list of injuries that added Cullen Jenkins (calf) and already includes Victor Cruz (knee, done for the season), Jon Beason (his foot problem flared up again) Rashad Jennings (he hopes to come back in two weeks from a knee injury) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (his right side continues to be a problem), the margin for error grows dangerously thin."
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/giants-just-aren-t-good-enough-1.9523329

Rock Newsday: Giants grades: Offense, defense, coaching get big 'D' in loss at Dallas
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-grades-offense-defense-coaching-get-big-d-in-loss-at-dallas-1.9523199

Sullivan The Record: Desire is there, but Giants just might not be good enough http://www.northjersey.com/sports/sullivan-desire-is-there-but-giants-just-might-not-be-good-enough-1.1112797

Graziano ESPN: These Giants are clearly not contenders
"The Cowboys' offensive skill-position players Sunday around quarterback Tony Romo included Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten and emerging tight end Gavin Escobar. Their opposite numbers on the Giants were Rueben Randle, Andre Williams, Odell Beckham Jr., Larry Donnell and Daniel Fells. Size those groups up against each other and there's no reason to believe the game should have been close. That Giants' core has talent and promise, but no neutral observer could think it compares to the Cowboys' offensive personnel at this stage in the careers of the people on those lists."
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/145685/these-giants-are-clearly-not-contenders

Woo WSJ: Without Top Stars, Giants Are Outgunned in Dallas
Manning Throws Three TDs, but It’s Not Enough Without Cruz, Jennings

http://online.wsj.com/articles/without-top-stars-giants-are-outgunned-in-dallas-1413771451?tesla=y& mg=reno64-wsj& url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB11815513341771354245404580224911883917380.html


Traina B/R: Repeated Mistakes Continue to Haunt New York Giants
"So what did general manager Jerry Reese do to prepare for the aging process that everyone knew was comingHe mostly relied on Day 3 draft picks and middle-of-the-road free agents to fill out that critical unit, while at the same time hoping to squeeze every last ounce of juice out the aging veterans. This was true even when it became apparent that the waning of these veterans' skill level and/or physical condition was such to have left them shells of their former selves.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2237612-repeated-mistakes-continue-to-haunt-new-york-giants?utm_source=twitter.com& utm_medium=share& utm_campaign=web-mob-art-mid-162

Offense

Cannizzaro NYP: All of a sudden, running game a big problem for Giants
http://nypost.com/2014/10/20/all-of-a-sudden-running-game-a-big-problem-for-giants/


QB

Traina B/R:Despite Loss, NY Giants QB Eli Manning Deserves Credit for Improved Play
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2237549-despite-loss-ny-giants-qb-eli-manning-deserves-credit-for-improved-play

WR

Glauber Newsday: Victor Cruz's message inspires Giants, but they can't get him a victory
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/victor-cruz-s-message-inspires-giants-but-they-can-t-get-him-a-victory-1.9523247

TE

Schwartz NYP: ‘It’s terrible': Larry Donnell knows his part in the loss
http://nypost.com/2014/10/19/its-terrible-larry-donnell-knows-his-part-in-the-loss/

LT

Powell NJ.com: Will Beatty: Giants still have to find their offensive identity
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/10/giants_will_beatty_we_have_to_find_our_offensive_identity.html

Defense

Raanan NJ.com: Giants' pass rush to blame for 31-21 loss to Cowboys | Instant analysis
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/10/giants_vs_cowboys_instant_analysis.html

NFL

King MMQB: At 38, Peyton Manning’s Prime is Right Now
Hyperbole after the Broncos QB broke the NFL career touchdown mark? Nope. Presenting the numbers that show Manning is better in Denver than he was in Indy. Plus a look at the legit Lions, the sliding Seahawks and the rest of Week 7
http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/20/nfl-week-7-peter-king-monday-morning-quarterback/

Bowen B/R: Tale of the Tape for NFL Week 7
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2237699-tale-of-the-tape-for-nfl-week-7

BALTIMORE
Wilson Bal Sun: Ravens tight end Owen Daniels keeps producing since tight end Dennis Pitta's season-ending hip injuries
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-tight-end-owen-daniels-keeps-producing-since-dennis-pittas-seasonending-injury-20141019-story.html

Wilson Bal Sun: Ravens' outside linebackers bring the heat against Falcons as defense records five sacks, nine quarterback hits
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-sidebar-defensive-pressure-1020-20141019-story.html

@RavensInsider: Ravens have 15 sacks for the season, 10 in the past two games. Elvis Dumervil has 3.5 sacks in the past two games

Wilson Bal Sun: Will Hill makes successful return from six-game suspension in regular-season debut with Ravens
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-will-hill-makes-successful-return-from-suspension-in-ravens-regularseason-debut-20141019-story.html

CAROLINA
Person Charlotte Observer: Carolina Panthers dominated by Green Bay Packers in 38-17 loss
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/10/19/5252824/carolina-panthers-dominated-by.html#.VERXyfldVtg

CLEVELAND
Cabot CLE Plain Dealer: Brian Hoyer and Cleveland Browns offense sputter in 24-6 loss to Jacksonville Jaguars
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/10/brian_hoyer_and_cleveland_brow.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter

Cabot CLE Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns' running back Terrance West falters on crucial drive, running game stalls in 24-6 loss to Jaguars
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/10/cleveland_browns_running_back_34.html#incart_story_package

DALLAS
Florek Dallas Morning News: Giants praise Cowboys’ revamped offense: ‘Their scheme is a lot better’
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/giants-praise-cowboys-revamped-offense-their-scheme-is-a-lot-better.html/

Moore Dallas Morning News: Cowboys QB Tony Romo takes shot to play against NY Giants
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/cowboys-qb-tony-romo-takes-shot-to-play-against-ny-giants.html/

Hubbuch NYP: DeMarco Murray casually runs into history in win over Giants
http://nypost.com/2014/10/19/demarco-murray-casually-runs-into-history-in-win-over-giants/

Florek Dallas Morning News: Giants defenders rave about Dez Bryant: ‘I tried to quick jam him and that’s just a dumb move’
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/giants-defenders-rave-about-dez-bryant-i-tried-to-quick-jam-him-and-thats-just-a-dumb-move.html/

Gosselin Dallas Morning News: Invisible man Gavin Escobar finally shows his worth for Cowboys
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/rick-gosselin/20141019-gosselin-invisible-man-gavin-escobar-finally-shows-his-worth-for-cowboys.ece

Sabin Dallas Morning News: Dallas Cowboys RT Jermey Parnell settles in during victory over Giants
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/dallas-cowboys-rt-jermey-parnell-settles-in-during-victory-over-giants.html/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Lions 24, Saints 23: Stunning comeback in Detroit
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2014/10/19/detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-win/17576375/

Monarrez Detroit Free Press: Lions' Caldwell deserves credit for calm in comeback
http://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2014/10/19/17588449/

GREEN BAY
Dunne Mil JS: Packers cruise past Carolina start to finish, 38-17
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/279715482.html?ipad=y

Dunne Mil JS: Packers' Randall Cobb showcases the resurgence of his breakaway burst
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-randall-cobb-showcases-the-resurgence-of-his-breakaway-burst-b99373989z1-279734172.html

Dunne Mil JS: Packers defense flusters Cam Newton throughout win
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/279722082.html?ipad=y

KANSAS CITY
Paylor KC Star: Jamaal Charles becomes the Chiefs’ all-time leading rusher in spectacular fashion
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article3079738.html#storylink=cpy

Paylor KC Star: Chiefs’ Phillip Gaines rises to challenge against Chargers
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article3078529.html#/tabPane=tabs-7c214ad6-2

MIAMI
Salguero Miami Herald: Miami Dolphins’ win over Chicago Bears changes narrative for season
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article3076719.html

NEW ORLEANS
Woodberry Nola.com: Anatomy of a meltdown: How an ugly 5 minutes at Detroit sent Saints' season back to the brink
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/10/anatomy_of_new_orleans_saints.html

Holder Nola.com: New Orleans Saints seemed destined for .500 until imploding at Detroit: Four-point Stance
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/10/saints_lions_four_points.html

OAKLAND
Tafur SF Chronicle: Loss to Arizona gives #Raiders worst start in 52 years
http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Loss-to-Arizona-gives-Raiders-worst-start-in-52-5833583.php?cmpid=twitter-mobile

Tafur SF Chronicle: Untimely penalties particularly galling to #Raiders plus other notes
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Untimely-penalties-particularly-galling-to-Raiders-5833870.php?cmpid=twitter-mobile

ST. LOUIS
Thomas STL Post Dispatch: Rams pull a fast one on Seattle
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_81371595-aa89-5ed8-ab5c-98a1ac8e1672.html#.VEQmyvHM5a8.twitter

@jthom1: Rams' film study of Seattle showed they always punted on the short field to their left _ that's why Rams tried trick play with Bailey.

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers blasted 42-17 on a night that belongs to Broncos QB/coordinator.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2014/10/19/no-match-for-manning-49ers-blasted-42-17-on-qbs-record-breaking-night/

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Impressions from Seahawks’ defeat Sunday to Rams
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2014/10/19/impressions-from-seahawks-defeat-sunday-to-rams/

Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks react differently to playing without Percy Harvin
http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2024823952_seahawkssidebarcondotta20xml.html

Jenks Seattle Times: Earl Thomas: ‘We’re playing the referees too'I
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2014/10/19/earl-thomas-were-playing-the-referees-too/

WASHINGTON
Jones Wash Post: Colt McCoy steps in during the second half, leads Redskins to 19-17 victory over Titans
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/colt-mccoy-steps-in-during-the-second-half-leads-redskins-to-19-17-victory-over-titans/2014/10/19/85c43be4-57c6-11e4-bd61-346aee66ba29_story.html

Boswell Wash Post: Redskins grind out a win, but they still have plenty of issues
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/thomas-boswell-redskins-grind-out-a-win-but-they-still-have-plenty-of-issues/2014/10/19/7c064f5a-57c8-11e4-bd61-346aee66ba29_story.html

History

10-20 in Giants History

10-20-1929 Giants 32 Frankford 0
Benny Friedman threw three touchdown passes as the Giants improved to 3-0-1 on the season.

10-20-1935 Giants 17 Boston Redskins 6
The Giants rolled to a 17-0 first quarter lead.

10-20-1940 Giants 12 Pittsburgh 0
Ward Cuff caught a 60 yard touchdown pass and kicked a
23 yard field goal in the win.

10-20-1946 Giants 28 Chicago Cardinals 24
The Giants trailed 17-7 as former Giant Ward Cuff rushed for a touchdown and kicked a field goal for the Cards. The Giants rallied in the second half as HB Bill Paschall caught two touchdown passes from Frank Filchock. With the Giants now up 21-17, the Cards Frank Seno returned the ensuing kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown and the lead. The Giants drove down the field with Howie Livingston's five yard touchdown run the winning score. It was Livingston's second touchdown of the day, as he opened the scoring by returning a fumble for a touchdown.

10-20-1957 Giants 35 Pittsburgh 0
The Giants threw four touchdown passes from three different players. First, Charlie Conerly found Bob Schnelker for two touchdowns and a 14-0 lead. Then Frank Gifford on the option pass found Kyle Rote for a touchdown. After a Jimmy Patton 50 yard interception return for a score, Bob Clatterbuck threw the fourth TD pass to Ken McAfee.

10-20-1963 Giants 37 Dallas 20
Behind 20-17 at the half, the Giants out scored the Cowboys 20-0 in the second half. Y.A. Tittle threw for 279 yards and four touchdown passes. He threw to his backs (Phil King 2 touchdowns), he threw to his tight end (Joe Walton 105 yards and a touchdown) and he threw to his receivers (Del Shofner one touchdown catch).

Dick Lynch closed out the scoring with a 82 yard interception return for a touchdown. the Cowboys receiver Frank Clarke had a great day, 168 yards on four catches and a touchdown. The win coming off a loss to the Browns put the Giants at 4-2 with another game against Cleveland to follow the next week.

10-20-1968 San Francisco 26 Giants 10
Former Giant Dick Nolan brought a talented collection of skilled athletes to New York and the 49ers dominated the Giants. John Brodie threw for two touchdowns, Gary Lewis rushed for 101 yards, Ken Willard rushed for 84 yards. The Giants with Homer Jones held without a catch, fell to 4-2 on the season. By 1968 it had become widely known thoughtout the NFL that Jones was the Giants speed and try as the Giants did, moving Homer to FL, TE to create match ups the NFL was adjusting. The 49ers moved to 3-3, their biggest obstacle: playing in the Coastal Division with the Colts and Rams.

10-20-1974 Washington 24 Giants 3
On a day when New head coach Bill Arnsbarger's 53 defense held talented Washington rusher Larry Brown to 18 yards, it was the Giants offensive shortcomings which held the Giants back as Carl Summerell (3) and Norm Snead (2) combined for 5 interceptions and Doug Kotar led the Giants with only 26 yards rushing.

10-20-1975 Giants 17 Buffalo 14
One of the most remarkable among the few 1970's wins, the Giants on MNF overcame the electric company and OJ Simpson's 126 yards rushing and two missed field goals to outscore the Bills 10-0 in the fourth quarter to win the game.

Ron Johnson came off the bench to have his last great Giants' effort with 77 yards rushing including a 13 yard fourth quarter TD to tie the game at 14. Johnson would also have a key 18 yard run on the Giants final drive taking it to the Bills 20. George Hunt would kick a 37 yard FG to win it.

10-20-1985 Giants 17 Washington 3
The Giants used seven sacks (LT 2, Andy Headen 2, Leonard Marshall 1.5, Jerome Sally 1.5) to overcome 193 receiving yards by Gary Clark and to hold Washington without a touchdown. The Giants ended a two game losing streak.

10-20-1996 Washington 31 Giants 21
The Redskins led 28-0 at the half before a Giants rally cut the score to 28-21. Dave Brown threw for 298 yards and Chris Calloway and Thomas Lewis had 9 receptions each and 100 yard receiving games.