Giants
Traina B/R: 6 Current Contracts the New York Giants Will Have to Address in the Offseason
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2298053-6-current-contracts-the-new-york-giants-will-have-to-address-in-the-offseason
Pedulla NYT: After Two Straight Wins, Giants Recognize Their Deficiencies, if Not Themselves
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/sports/football/after-two-straight-wins-giants-recognize-their-deficiencies-if-not-themselves.html?_r=0
Stapleton The Record: Two wins are no tonic
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/two-wins-no-tonic-for-giants-1.1155462
Dottino WFAN: Dottino’s Game Balls, Gassers: Odell Beckham Jr. Playing Out Of His Mind
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/15/dottinos-game-balls-gassers-odell-beckham-jr-playing-out-of-his-mind/
Maney PFF: ReFo: Redskins @ Giants, Week 15
"Performances of Note:
Odell Beckham Jr., WR: +3.9
Breakdown: Though he has just average size, Beckham is one of those receivers that always seem to be open, even when covered. His touchdown catch at 1:45 of the first is a good example, as he high-pointed and brought in the pass despite the best efforts of E.J. Biggers. When he wasn’t catching passes, Beckham was still creating havoc for the Washington secondary, forcing three defensive penalties on the day.
Signature Stat: Beckham’s drop rate of 2.78% is the fifth-best mark among 44 receivers who’ve seen at least 80 targets.
Larry Donnell, TE: -2.6
Breakdown: Donnell did little in the passing game with just two catches for 11 yards in 31 routes run. He was a liability in the run game, however, beaten for a tackle-for-loss and tackle-for-no-gain in just five snaps run blocking.
Signature Play: Trent Murphy got inside of his block at 13:32 of the second quarter to bring down the runner at the LOS.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB: +2.7
Breakdown: DRC was targeted six times, allowing just two catches for eight yards. Among the four balls thrown his way that ended up incomplete, Rodgers-Cromartie got his hands on one for a pass-defense and stifled another with close coverage.
Signature Stat: Rodgers-Cromartie is tied ninth among all DBs with eight pass defenses on the season."
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/12/15/refo-redskins-giants-week-15/
Coach
Schwartz NYP: Tom Coughlin: Job uncertainty doesn't faze me
http://nypost.com/2014/12/15/tom-coughlin-job-uncertainty-doesnt-faze-me/
Graziano ESPN: Tom Coughlin says he's not thinking about his future
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/41053/coughlin-says-hes-not-thinking-about-his-future
Glauber Newsday: Tom Coughlin appears safe, but not out of woods yet
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/tom-coughlin-appears-safe-but-not-out-of-woods-yet-1.9716302
Canavan AP: Coach Tom Coughlin eyes this season, not job future
http://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2014/12/15/coach-tom-coughlin-eyes-season-job-future/20457937/
RB
Graziano ESPN: Giants could be 'back to Square 1' with Rashad Jennings injury
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/154280/giants-could-be-back-to-square-1-with-rashad-jennings-injury
WR
Lupica NYDN: Odell Beckham Jr. has turned NY Giants dreary season from negative to positive
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/lupica-giants-odell-beckham-catched-eye-depressed-nyc-article-1.2046610
Serby NYP: Odell Beckham Jr.’s place in the New York rookie pantheon
http://nypost.com/2014/12/15/odell-beckham-jr-s-place-in-the-new-york-rookie-pantheon/
Samuel NYDN: Eli Manning says Odell Beckham must stay humble
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/eli-manning-odell-beckham-stay-humble-article-1.2046620
Palladino CBS Radio: Giants’ Beckham Should Tone It Down For His Own Good
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/15/palladino-giants-beckham-should-tone-it-down-for-his-own-good/
Defense
Traina B/R: Despite Production, NY Giants Defensive Coordinator Fewell Needs to Be Replaced
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2299946-despite-production-ny-giants-defensive-coordinator-fewell-needs-to-be-replaced
O'Gorman The Trentonian: Giants revive pass rush against Washington
http://www.trentonian.com/sports/20141215/giants-revive-pass-rush-against-washington
DE
Schwartz NYP: Jason Pierre-Paul’s walk-year spike may cost Giants
http://nypost.com/2014/12/15/jason-pierre-pauls-walk-year-spike-may-cost-giants/
NFL
Prisco CBS Sports: Monday Musings: Lions put 'D' in Detroit; could mean division title
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/24890881/monday-musings-lions-put-d-in-detroit-could-mean-division-title
BALTIMORE
Preston Bal Sun: Timmy Jernigan gives Ravens some options next season
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-ravens-column-1216-20141215-column.html
CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: At this point, it looks like #Bears Marc Trestman & Aaron Kromer will go down together at season's end.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-biggs-bears-spt-1216-20141215-story.html
CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Johnny Manziel on his disastrous debut: 'It's very humbling'
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/12/johnny_manziel_on_his_disastro.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter
DALLAS
Battista NFL.com: Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys prove mettle on vital scoring drive
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000444315/article/tony-romo-dallas-cowboys-prove-mettle-on-vital-scoring-drive
Gosselin Dallas Morning News: If DeMarco Murray sits, Cowboys will really learn how valuable he is
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/rick-gosselin/20141215-gosselin-if-demarco-murray-sits-cowboys-will-really-learn-how-valuable-he-is.ece
DETROIT
Manzullo Detroit Free Press: Just how bad are the Lions in cold weather? Pretty bad
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2014/12/15/detroit-lions-cold-weather/20446463/
GREEN BAY
Mil JS: Did Tretter need help? 'I see myself as a capable right tackle'
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/285867941.html?ipad=y
Mil JS: Crosby says he won't let blocks get into his head
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/285868101.html?ipad=y
HOUSTON
Smith Houston Chronicle: Texans keep searching for solution at QB
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-keep-searching-for-solution-at-QB-5959189.php
INDIANAPOLIS
Holder Ind Star: Reggie Wayne is headed to the playoffs for 12th time. D'Qwell Jackson? He's never been there.
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/12/14/insider-first-year-colts-cherish-playoff-berth/20411261/
Holder Ind Star: People keep asking me why the Colts keep playing Trent Richardson. Well here’s why:
http://www.indystar.com/story/colts-insider/2014/12/16/indianapolis-colts-trent-richardson-boom-herron/20463307/
NEW ENGLAND
Patriots.com: Bill Belichick Conference Call Transcript: 'Special teams always has a huge impact'
"BB: Well, I think that's what a good football player does, put it that way. I think that's what a good football player does. A good football player competes on every play, tries to help his team wherever he can in whatever his role and opportunity is. That's what good football players do. Guys that are less than that, do less than that. Guys that do that, that's what makes them good football players. When I was with the Giants, Lawrence Taylor was on four special teams. So, I don't think that's what it's about – and made an impact on all of them, too; he wasn't just out there taking up space. "
http://www.patriots.com/news/article-1/Bill-Belichick-Conference-Call-Transcript-Special-teams-always-has-a-huge-impact/20bbddad-b76f-474f-befe-8296d16b472d
Gasper Boston Globe: Defense is what's different for Patriots this time
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/12/16/defense-what-different-for-patriots-this-time/QfxMhMZflAwaUhNGMwrdFO/story.html
NEW ORLEANS
Holder Nola.com: Personnel tinkering pays off for New Orleans Saints' defense in win over Bears:
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/12/saints_bears_defense_column.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter
Terrell Nola.com: New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro returns to hybrid role in win against Bears
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/12/new_orleans_saints_kenny_vacca_4.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter
NEW YORK JETS
Cannizzaro NYP: Rex Ryan has plenty of options when the pink slip comes
"The most likely move for the Giants to make after this season is to replace defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, whose defenses too often have not been a difference-maker for the team. Ryan to the Giants is about as long a shot as his erratic Jets quarterback, Geno Smith, getting Pro Bowl votes. But it makes sense for all parties.
With Coughlin nearing the end of his career, going to the Giants could be a short, rehabilitative stay for Ryan as a coordinator as he tries to build his reputation back up as a head coach. Ryan and Coughlin have a good, respectful relationship. And the fact that Ryan has distanced himself from his former bombastic ways, handing himself with class and restraint in trying times this year, has to score points with conservative Giants ownership."
http://nypost.com/2014/12/15/rex-ryan-has-plenty-of-options-when-the-pink-slip-comes/
PHILADELPHIA
Donnellon Phil.com: A Chip in the armor
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20141216_A_Chip_in_the_armor.html
Sielski Phil.com: Have Eagles really improved this season?
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20141216_Have_Eagles_really_improved_this_season_.html
ST. LOUIS
Thomas STL Post Dispatch: Donald making run at defensive rookie of the year:
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_3f95449b-f49c-5916-bd6d-d1f053b55b8e.html#.VI8BuhzwRZs.twitter
TENNESSEE
Glennon The Tennessean: Whisenhunt: Greene looked like he had hot hand early
http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/12/15/whisenhunt-greene-hot-hand/20457163/
WASHINGTON
Steinberg Wash Post: The Redskins and Jay Gruden gave up at the end of the Giants game, and it was weird and sad
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2014/12/15/the-redskins-and-jay-gruden-gave-up-at-the-end-of-the-giants-game-and-it-was-weird-and-sad/
Clarke Wash Post: Jay Gruden turns back to Robert Griffin III, this time with a more positive outlook
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/jay-gruden-turns-back-to-robert-griffin-iii-this-time-with-a-more-positive-outlook/2014/12/15/62410bc4-84b8-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html?tid=hpModule_c7c1f590-868f-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394
Clarke Wash Post: Penalized four times vs. Giants, Bashaud Breeland offers no apologies
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/12/15/penalized-four-times-breeland-wishes-hed-been-more-aggressive-vs-beckham/
Draft
King MMQB: The Early Book on Mariota
The best quarterback in the 2015 draft might be Oregon's Marcus Mariota. What kind of prospect is the Heisman Trophy winner and can he succeed as a pocket passer in the NFL? Several experts familiar with Mariota's game share their view
http://mmqb.si.com/2014/12/16/marcus-mariota-2015-nfl-draft-prospects/
Latest GBN Top 150 (12-16-2014)
*Leonard Williams DE Southern California
*Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
*Randy Gregory DE Nebraska (X)
*Jameis Winston QB Florida State (O)
*Shane Ray LB Missouri
*Amari Cooper WR Alabama
Brandon Scherff OT Iowa
*Landon Collins SS Alabama
*Shawn Oakman DE Baylor (O)
Vic Beasley LB Clemson...
http://www.gbnreport.com/top100.html
History
Weber NYT: Fuzzy Thurston, an Ex-Packer, Dies at 80; Was a Big Broom in the Great Sweep Play
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/sports/football/fuzzy-thurston-an-ex-packer-dies-at-80-was-a-big-broom-in-the-great-sweep-play.html
D'Amato Mil JS: Fuzzy Thurston, left guard for '60s Packers, dies
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/fuzzy-thurston-left-guard-for-60s-packers-dies-b99405283z1-285759381.html?ipad=y
Lombardi's rushing attack vs NYG 1959-1967
11-01-1959 NYG 20 GB 3
20-69-0
12-03-1961 GB 20 NYG 17
42-270-2 (Taylor 27-186-2; Hornung 11-54-0)
12-31-1961 GB 37 NYG 0
44-181-1 (Hornung 20-89-1; Taylor 14-69-0; Moore 6-25-0)
12-30-1962 GB 16 NYG 7
46-148-1 (Taylor 31-85-1; Hornung 8-35-0; Moore 6-24-0)
10-22-1967 GB 48 NYG 21
45-249-5 (Grabowski 21-123-1; Pitts 15-72-3; Wilson 3-20-0; Anderson 3-18-1)
Pierson Chicago Tribune: George Halas a real pro in fostering NFL-media relationship
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-pierson-media-bears-spt-1214-20141213-story.html
Greenberg Wash Post: RGIII is bad, but doesn’t make the Redskins’ 10 worst QBs of all-time
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2014/12/15/rgiii-is-bad-but-doesnt-make-the-redskins-10-worst-qbs-of-all-time/
Beckham- offensive rookie of the year
Donald has 21 pressures, 9 qb hits while not starting the first 6 games