Thursday Reading

Giants

Traina B/R: 49ers vs Giants: Breaking down New York's game plan
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2264514-49ers-vs-giants-breaking-down-new-yorks-game-plan

@RVacchianoNYDN: Only other Giant (besides SS Antrel Rolle) to rank in Top 10 in Pro Bowl voting at his position: Jason Pierre-Paul, 9th among NFL DEs.

@Patricia_Traina: Scary stat: Of the Giants 6 losses this season, 5 of those games have seen at least one player land on injured reserve the following week.

GM

Schwartz NYP: Coaches don't always carry out GM's wishes
http://nypost.com/2014/11/11/coaches-dont-always-carry-out-gms-wishes/

Coach

Schwartz NYP: Coughlin: Giants will ‘stand tall’ and hopefully turn season around
http://nypost.com/2014/11/12/coughlin-giants-will-stand-tall-and-hopefully-turn-season-around/

Raanan NJ.com: What are the official odds on Tom Coughlin not returning to the Giants for 2015?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/11/what_are_the_official_odds_on_tom_coughlin_not_returning_to_the_giants_for_2015.html

QB

Woo WSJ: This Year’s Most Improved Giant May Be Eli Manning
http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/giants-49ers-lbs-still-making-plays-without-willis-bowman

Inman SJ Mercury News: Manning, Giants have owned 49ers in recent years
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_26922857/manning-giants-have-owned-49ers-recent-years

Inman SJ Mercury News: Giants' Eli Manning can look to his brother's film for blueprint in shredding 49ers defense
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2014/11/12/giants-eli-manning-can-look-to-his-brothers-film-for-blueprint-in-shredding-49ers-defense/

RB

Pennington NYT: Split fortunes for fragile Giants' ground game
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/sports/football/split-fortunes-for-ny-giants-fragile-ground-game.html?_r=0

Serby NYP: Returning Jennings last hope to save Giants
http://nypost.com/2014/11/12/returning-jennings-last-hope-to-save-giants/

Samuel NYDN: Rashad Jennings expected to play vs 49ers
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-insider-rashad-jennings-expected-play-49ers-article-1.2008826

Eisen Giants.com: Team anticipates offensive boost with Rashad Jennings return
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Team-anticipates-offensive-boost-with-Rashad-Jennings-return/a9b5dbbe-9138-4cc1-8afe-d59b63a4bc12

Raanan NJ.com: Orleans Darkwa: 5 things to know about the Giants' new running back
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/11/orleans_darkwa_5_things_to_know_about_the_giants_new_running_back.html

LG

Powell NJ.com: Giants approaching deadline to activate offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz from injured reserve
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/11/giants_approaching_deadline_on_activating_offensive_lineman_geoff_schwartz_this_week.html

Kaplan MMQB: Married to Football
An NFL lifestyle has its benefits, but fans rarely hear about the tough decisions and sacrifices that players’ families are forced to make. Giants guard Geoff Schwartz, now on his fourth team in seven years, and his wife, Meridith, opened their home to give The MMQB a glimpse of their wedded blitz
http://mmqb.si.com/2014/11/12/geoff-schwartz-new-york-giants-nfl-marriage-wife-meridith/

Defense

Traina B/R: What Happened to the Once-Feared New York Giants Defense?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2263184-what-happened-to-the-once-feared-new-york-giants-defense

RV NYDN: Time for John Mara to fix NY Giants defense
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/vacchiano-time-john-mara-fix-giants-defense-article-1.2009075

Samuel NYDN: NY Giants defense vowing it will improve for 49ers matchup
Big Blue's defense is still smarting from that loss in Seattle and will be aiming for a complete turnaround on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, looking to prove that last week was an aberration.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-defense-vowing-improve-49ers-matchup-article-1.2009047

Klopsis Newsday: Film Room Week 10: @NickKlopsis compares the running attacks of the Seahawks and the 49ers.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/film-room-week-10-comparing-seattle-seahawks-san-francisco-49ers-rushing-attacks-1.9608916

Lewis NYP: After Wilson tore them up, Giants now must deal with Kaepernick
http://nypost.com/2014/11/13/after-wilson-tore-them-up-giants-now-must-deal-with-kaepernick/

Powell NJ.com: Giants simplifying their defense to remedy league-worst ranking
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/11/giants_simplifying_their_defense_to_remedy_league-worst_ranking.html

Rock Newsday: Giants trying to fix their defense, which ranks last in the NFL
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-trying-to-fix-their-defense-which-ranks-last-in-the-nfl-1.9610159

Rock Newsday: Giants players take the blame on defense
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-players-take-the-blame-on-defense-1.9611694

Darcy ESPN: Giants D vows to Bounce back vs 49ers
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/149415/giants-d-vows-to-bounce-back-vs-49ers

DE

Glauber Newsday: Is struggling JPP worth a sack of dough?
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/should-giants-give-underachieving-jason-pierre-paul-a-sack-of-dough-1.9612292

OLB

Schwartz NYP: Giants lose leading tackler Jacquian Williams to concussion
http://nypost.com/2014/11/12/giants-lose-leading-tackler-jacquian-williams-to-concussion/

@JordanRaanan: Expect Spencer Paysinger to start at weakside linebacker #Giants

S

Rock Newsday: Antrel Rolle not thinking about Giants making playoffs
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/antrel-rolle-not-thinking-about-giants-making-playoffs-1.9612277

NFL

Bowen B/R: Matt Bowen's Week 11 NFL Film Study
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2265442-matt-bowens-week-11-nfl-film-study

CAROLINA
Person Charlotte Observer: Carolina Panthers likely to change offensive line
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/12/5310532/carolina-panthers-likely-to-have.html#.VGQLTckedBM

Person Charlotte Observer: Panthers reserve QB Matt Blanchard back on the field after nearly 3-month recovery from a severe concussion.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/12/5310544/carolina-panthers-qb-matt-blanchard.html#.VGQK0MkedBM

Ledbetter AJC: Q& A Cam Newton: ‘I should be ready to go come Sunday’
http://atlantafalcons.blog.ajc.com/2014/11/12/qa-cam-newton-i-should-be-ready-to-go-come-sunday/

CHICAGO
Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Jared Allen has lived this bad dream before
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-jared-allen-bears-spt-1113-20141112-story.html

Jason OTC: Chicago Bears: One of the worst teams money can buy
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-11-12/chicago-bears-bad-contracts-jay-cutler-jared-allen-brandon-marshall-phil-emery-decision-making-trestman

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns' Brian Hoyer on Texans' Ryan Mallett: 'It's the strongest arm I've ever seen by far'
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/11/cleveland_browns_brian_hoyer_o.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter

Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett to square off Sunday in the Tom Brady Backup Bowl
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/11/brian_hoyer_and_ryan_mallett_t.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter

DALLAS
Taylor ESPN Dallas: Josh Brent reflects on Jerry Brown
http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/11866280/josh-brent-dallas-cowboys-dedicates-career-jerry-brown

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Ndamukong Suh still not talking contract, but having fun in Lions 7-2 season
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2014/11/12/detroit-lions-ndamukong-suh/18924799/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Calvin Johnson gets another crack at Patrick Peterson (or is it the other way around?)
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2014/11/12/calvin-johnson-patrick-peterson/18917617/

GREEN BAY
Silverstein Mil JS: Packers scoring edge at Lambeau could mean good things for Packers in playoffs
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/scoring-edge-at-lambeau-could-mean-good-things-for-packers-in-playoffs-b99389437z1-282509481.html?ipad=y

Dunne Mil JS: No-huddle meets no-huddle at Lambeau Field
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/282497961.html

Dunne Mil JS: Packers offensive line faces huge challenge against Eagles
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/Packers-offensive-line-faces-huge-challenge-against-Eagles-282511471.html?ipad=y

Silverstein Mil JS: Thompson pick Meredith happy to be back in Green Bay
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/282476271.html?ipad=y

INDIANPOLIS
Tanier B/R: Why the world Colts keep crashing into the AFC's glass ceiling.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2265272-colts-still-a-year-away-from-breaking-through-the-afcs-glass-ceiling

KANSAS CITY
Paylor KC Star: A deep dive into why Chiefs TE Travis Kelce only saw two targets Sunday and how the emerging star is developing:
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article3868893.html

NEW ENGLAND
Daniels Prov Journal: Improved Luck figures to present problems for Patriots defense
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20141112-improved-luck-figures-to-present-problems-for-patriots-defense.ece

NEW ORLEANS
Holder Nola.com: Where did Keenan Lewis get his toughness? 'I'm from the West Bank
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/11/keenan_lewis_new_orleans_saint.html

@caplannfl: Former Giants S Kenny Phillips worked out for the #Saints. Good to see that he's still trying to play despite knee issues.

@jthom1: New Orleans signs RB/FB Brian Leonard, a second-round Rams draft pick in 2007.

OAKLAND
Corkran SJ Mercury News: Raiders: Sparano, Carr say team not lacking commitment
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_26925871/raiders-sparano-carr-say-team-not-lacking-commitment?source=rss& utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter

McDonald SJ Mercury News: For Raiders' Carr, late touchdown drive wasn't meaningless
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_26926606/raiders-carr-late-touchdown-drive-wasnt-meaningless

ST. LOUIS
Thomas STL Post Dispatch: Updated Rams QB change story, w/quotes from Fisher, injury report, and Chris Long returning to practice:
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/updated-fisher-reverses-field-names-hill-starting-qb/article_20467087-9cf6-59f3-ba8a-a10fd0ab9e56.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Raanan NJ.com: 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh calls Giants 'very good' against the run, likens himself to a sponge
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/11/49ers_coach_jim_harbaugh_calls_giants_very_good_against_the_run_likens_himself_to_a_sponge.html

Branch SF Chronicle: CB Brock expected to miss Sunday's game; Borland limited with another shoulder issue.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2014/11/12/source-cb-brock-unlikely-to-play-vs-giants/

SJ Mercury News: Giants' Tom Coughlin braces beleaguered defense for 49ers various combinations
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2014/11/12/giants-tom-coughlin-braces-beleagured-defense-for-49ers-various-combinations/?

Branch SF Chronicle: Sunday wasn't the first time 49ers Michael Crabtree expressed postgame frustration.
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Crabtree-s-discontent-doesn-t-concur-with-his-5889615.php

Maiocco CSN Bay Area: Giants expect Aldon to be part of 49ers third down package
http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/giants-expect-aldon-part-49ers-third-down-package

Maiocco CSN Bay Area: 49ers linebackers still making plays without Willis, Bowman
http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/giants-49ers-lbs-still-making-plays-without-willis-bowman

Barrows Sac Bee: 49ers notes: Bowman has MRI on knee, but return still uncertain
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article3874819.html

SEATTLE
Cohen Seattle PI: Seahawks TE Zach Milker to be placed on season ending injured reserve
http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014/11/12/seahawks-te-zach-miller-to-be-placed-on-season-ending-injured-reserve/

TAMPA BAY
Smith Buccaneers.com: Evans willing to work for Greatness
http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Evans-Willing-to-Work-for-Greatness/a121de03-24e5-4475-8ada-5857c616a18f

Draft

Brooks NFL.com: Braxton Miller should move to running back in 2015
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000427389/article/brooks-braxton-miller-should-move-to-running-back-in-2015?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb

History

Stuart Football Perspective: Sixteen Straight Losses
http://www.footballperspective.com/sixteen-straight-losses/

To this observer the 1966 defense was the worst all-time, from 64-69 the Giants defense rarely stood out...

1966 Defense - Points- Rushing Yds - Passing Yds

Code:

09-11 PIT........34 R138 P290 3TD 09-18 DAL........52 R144 P381 5 TD 09-25 PHI........35 R110 P179 3TD 10-02 CLE........28 R258 P171 10-09 STL........24 R091 P179 10-16 WAS........10 R081 P125 10-23 PHI........31 R202 P127 11-06 STL........20 R148 P127 11-13 LAR........55 R223 P351 3TD 11-20 ATL........27 R122 P173 3TD 11-27 WAS........72 R209 4TD P145 3 TD 12-04 CLE........49 R130 3 TD P326 3 TD 12-11 PIT........47 R095 4 TD P327 2 TD 12-18 DAL........17 R102 P181

Defense -League Ranking
4945 yards (14th) 5.7 yards per play
2892 pass (14th) 7.6 yards per play
2053 rush (14th) 4.3 yards per play
Pass TD allowed 36 (15th); Rush TD allowed 23 (15th)

Expansion Atlanta was 15th in passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed.

1966 Giants Defense

1966
LE Jim Katcavage D4 1956 - Retired 1969
LT Jim Prestel Trade from MIN 1966 - Waived Claimed by Washington 1967
RT Don Davis D2 1966 - Waived 1968
RE Roosevelt Davis Waivers from BAL 1965 - Waived 1967
LO Jerry Hillebrand D1 1962 - TR STL 1967
MB Mike Ciccolella D18 Future 1965 - Waived 1969
RO Larry Vargo Trade from MIN 1966 - Waived 1968
LC Spider Lockhart D13 1965 - Retired 1976
SS Wendell Harris Trade from BAL - Waived 1968
FS Henry Carr D4 1965 - Traded to BAL 1968
RC Clarence Childs - SFA 1963 - TR STL 1968

DE Jim Garcia Trade from CLE 1966 - EXP Draft NO 1967
DE Glen Condren D11 Future 1964 - Waived claimed by Atlanta 1968
DT Jim Moran D10 1963 - Waived (injured) 1968
LB Stan Sczurek Waivers from Atlanta 1966 - Waived 1967
LB Jeff Smith D10 1966 - Waived 1968
LB Freeman White D9 1966 - Waived 1970
SS Phil Harris D7 1966 - Waived 1967
FS Jimmy Patton D11 1955 - Retired 1967
RC Dick Lynch Trade from WAS 1959 - Retired 1967

By 1967:

Added
R. Staten DE W MIN, B. Anderson DE TR LA, B. Lurtsema DT TR BAL, J. Colvin DT TR DAL, B. Anderson DT CFL, B. Swain OLB (IR 1966), K. Avery OLB (D8 Future 1966), V. Costello MLB TR CLE, E. Weisacosky OLB TR SF, S. Eaton LCB D8, D. Hathcock DB TR GB, W. Williams CB W OAK.

Subtracted
Prestel W, D. Davis IR, R. Davis W, Garcia Exp Draft NO, Hillebrand TR STL, Vargo IR, J. Smith IR, F. White ( Moved to TE), Sczurek W, Lynch Retired, Patton Retired, P. Harris W.

Giants D 1964-1969 League Rankings

1964 14 teams
4363 (11th) 2444 (7th) 1919 (12th)

1965 14 teams
4913 (14th) 2957 (13th) 1956 (12th)

1967 16 teams
4284 (11th) 2485 (8th) 1799 (11th)

1968
4341 (10th) 2340 (9th) 2001 (12th)

1969
4208 (8th) 2155 (5th) 2053 (15th)