Giants
AP: Giants' rookie class highlights year
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/giants-rookie-class-highlights-year-121914
Simmons Rams.com: Behind Enemy Lines: Giants
http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Behind-Enemy-Lines-Giants/8b69274f-b35c-44be-b6f3-c57f10f88c51
Predictions
Dottino WFAN: What To Watch For In Giants-Rams, Plus A Prediction
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/19/dottino-what-to-watch-for-in-giants-rams-plus-a-prediction/
Graziano ESPN: Prediction: Rams will beat Giants
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/41132/prediction-rams-will-beat-giants
Salamone Giants.com: Giants vs. Rams: 8 things to watch for
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-vs-Rams-8-things-to-watch-for/a9813c01-6a19-4eb6-a4a6-222a6eb14aaa
Offense
Lewis NYP: Tom Coughlin gives full assessment of Ben McAdoo
http://nypost.com/2014/12/19/tom-coughlin-gives-full-assessment-of-ben-mcadoo/
Raanan NJ.com: Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo gets stamp of approval from Tom Coughlin
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/12/giants_offensive_coordinator_ben_mcadoo_gets_stamp_of_approval_from_tom_coughlin.html
Graziano ESPN: What Ben McAdoo has learned in his 'rookie' year
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/41126/what-ben-mcadoo-has-learned-in-his-rookie-year
Raanan NJ.com: Offense making 'progress' and what's the deal with Corey Washington | Giants offensive observations
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/12/offense_making_progress_and_whats_the_deal_with_corey_washington_giants_offensive_observations.html
QB
Raanan NJ.com: When do the Giants take a look at quarterback Ryan Nassib?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/12/when_do_the_giants_take_a_look_at_quarterback_ryan_nassib.html
RB
Kernan NYP: The headway of Andre Williams, Giants RB and soon-to-be author
http://nypost.com/2014/12/20/the-headway-of-andre-williams-giants-rb-and-soon-to-be-author/
WR
Abramson NYDN: Tom Coughlin tells NY Giants rookie Odell Beckham Jr. to be like LeBron James
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/coughlin-tells-giants-beckham-lebron-article-1.2051612
Salamone Giants.com The Beckham Jr. Report: 3 questions with Odell Beckham Jr.
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/The-Beckham-Jr-Report-3-questions-with-Odell-Beckham-Jr/641b4002-20d9-4c3a-bebd-6ae1ee63b528
RT
Lewis NYP: Justin Pugh finding his rhythm before facing major test
http://nypost.com/2014/12/20/justin-pugh-finding-his-rhythm-before-facing-major-test/
Defense
Powell NJ.com: Perry Fewell in an awkward spot as potential scapegoat | Giants defensive observations
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/12/perry_fewell_in_an_awkward_spot_as_potential_scapegoat_giants_defensive_observations.html
Thomas STL Post Dispatch: Giants' formidable pass rush comes to St. Louis
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/giants-formidable-pass-rush-comes-to-st-louis/article_469a0a74-f1dd-5faa-888b-867ec9caa729.html
DE
Eisen Giants.com: Undrafted DE Kerry Wynn makes most of opportunity
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Undrafted-DE-Kerry-Wynn-makes-most-of-opportunity-/718742bb-2183-4e6f-aa10-c330df69327c
OLB
Stephenson Newsday: Linebacker Devon Kennard is part of Giants' strong rookie class
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/linebacker-devon-kennard-is-part-of-giants-strong-rookie-class-1.9732952
NFL
Corry CBS Sports: Agent's Take: Seven NFL teams with cash to burn in free agency
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24900492/agents-take-seven-nfl-teams-with-cash-to-burn-in-free-agency
Getlin/Wetzel Yahoo Sports: Why NFL's rookie salary cap could lead to dearth of quality QBs
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rookie-salary-cap-has-created-bigger-problems-for-nfl-194508899.html
Elsayed PFF: 2014 PFF Pro Bowl Selections
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/12/17/2014-pff-pro-bowl-selections/
King MMQB: A New NFC West Rivalry
San Francisco-Seattle is out. Arizona-Seattle is in. And here's why you shouldn't count out the quarterback-light Cardinals against the Seahawks. Plus, the Week 16 spotlight player and 10 things to watch on Sunday
http://mmqb.si.com/2014/12/19/a-new-nfc-west-rivalry/
Prisco CBS Sports: Week 16 intrigues: Manziel's second start, Rex vs. Hoodie one last time
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/24902327/week-16-intrigues-manziels-second-start-rex-vs-hoodie-one-last-time
Tanier B/R: NFL Week 16 Picks: Desperate Times Call for Desperate Quarterbacks
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2304041-nfl-week-16-picks-desperate-times-call-for-desperate-quarterbacks
ARIZONA
McManaman AZ Central: Cardinals keep responding to their 'cool uncle,' coach Bruce Arians
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2014/12/19/cardinals-keep-responding-cool-uncle-coach-bruce-arians/20665555/
BALTIMORE
Wilson Bal Sun: Kicker Justin Tucker adjusting to Patrick Scales, Ravens' third long snapper this season
http://www.baltimoresun.com/bal-kicker-justin-tucker-adjusting-to-patrick-scales-ravens-third-long-snapper-this-season-20141219-story.html
Wilson Bal Sun: Ravens to square off with Texans talented receiving tandem of Andre Johnson and Deandre Hopkins
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-to-square-off-with-texans-talented-receiving-tandem-of-andre-johnson-deandre-hopkins-20141219-story.html
BUFFALO
Higgins NYT: Rugged Defense Gives Bills Hope for Playoffs
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/20/sports/football/a-balanced-defense-has-buffalo-bills-thinking-playoffs.html?ref=sports
Carucci Buffalo News: Bills notebook: Defense will turn up pressure on Raiders’ Carr
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bills-notebook-defense-will-turn-up-pressure-on-raiders-carr-20141220
CHICAGO
Corry NFP: The difficulty in trading Jay Cutler
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/The-difficulty-in-trading-Jay-Cutler.html
CINCINNATI
Skinner Cin Enquirer: Bengals look to exorcise big-game demons
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2014/12/19/cincinnati-bengals-denver-broncos-monday-night-football/20668435/
CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Johnny Manziel will likely oppose Cam Newton, the dual-threat master, and might even learn a thing or two
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/12/johnny_manziel_will_likely_opp.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter
Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Paul Kruger aiming for club sack record: Cleveland Browns insider
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/12/paul_kruger_aiming_for_club_sa.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter
Reed Cleve Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns' center Alex Mack will be back next season. Beyond that, who knows?:
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/12/cleveland_browns_center_alex_m_11.html?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter
DENVER
Moss Denver Post: Denver Broncos place-kicker Connor Barth off to 11-for-11 start here
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27175573/denver-broncos-place-kicker-connor-barth-off-11
DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Lions' Bell develops rhythm, takes over as No. 1 RB
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2014/12/20/joique-bell-detroit-lions-running-back/20682183/
GREEN BAY
Dunne Mil JS: More physical WR's are coming for Packers corners (with league emphasis on holding). They say they're ready ...
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-dbs-challenged-by-talented-receivers-new-contact-rules-b99412003z1-286427401.html?ipad=y
HOUSTON
Smith Houston Chronicle: Stint with Rams gives Keenum a fresh perspective
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Stint-with-Rams-gives-Keenum-a-fresh-perspective-5969891.php
INDIANAPOLIS
Bowen B/R: Why Do the Colts Still Insist on Feeding Trent Richardson?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2304847-why-do-the-colts-still-insist-on-feeding-trent-richardson
Holder Ind Star: Small number, big impact: High marks for Colts rookies
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/12/19/colts-rookies-jack-mewhort-jonathan-newsome-donte-moncrief-andrew-jackson/20631995/
KANSAS CITY
Mellinger KC Star: On Eric Fisher, a new friendship, and how the Chiefs’ past is helping its future
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-to-square-off-with-texans-talented-receiving-tandem-of-andre-johnson-deandre-hopkins-20141219-story.html
Paylor KC Star: With injuries behind him, Jamell Fleming providing a boost at cornerback for Chiefs
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article4706367.html
MIAMI
Jackson Miami Herald: With running back Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins find curious case of diminishing returns
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article4706007.html
NEW ENGLAND
Boston Globe: Third down is a high priority for Patriots
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/12/20/third-down-high-priority-for-patriots/MhtfCBCyOJwoHQzdn9m0pN/story.html
May NYT: For New England Patriots, Dominance on Defense Is New
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/20/sports/football/for-new-england-patriots-dominance-on-defense-is-new.html?_r=0
Boston Globe: Patriots' Duron Harmon playing with comfort, confidence
http://www.bostonglobe.com/2014/12/20/patriots-duron-harmon-playing-with-comfort-confidence/WO9LrMwQaO784QuCvHZHrN/story.html
OAKLAND
Tafur SF Chronicle: Raiders’ deep draft class yielded no deep threat
http://www.sfchronicle.com/raiders/article/Raiders-deep-draft-class-yielded-no-deep-threat-5967580.php?t=196a03a6a9& cmpid=twitter-premium
PHILADELPHIA
Berman Phil Inquirer: Eagles' Mark Sanchez has to be more than average
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20141220_Eagles__Mark_Sanchez_has_to_be_more_than_average.html
McLane Phil Inquirer: Eagles' McCoy getting fewer touche
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20141220_Eagles__McCoy_getting_fewer_touches.html
PITTSBURGH
Bouchette Pitt Post Gazette: On the Steelers: Lawrence Timmons not getting recognition he deserves
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/12/19/On-the-Steelers-LB-Timmons-not-getting-recognition-he-deserves/stories/201412190108
Fittipaldo Pitt Post Gazette: William Gay re-emerges as a force on defense
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/12/20/William-Gay-re-emerges-as-a-force-on-defense-for-Steelers/stories/201412200064
ST. LOUIS
Wagoner ESPN STL: Rams looking to build toward 2015
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/117252/rams-looking-to-build-toward-2015
SAN DIEGO
Gehlken UTSD: Chargers' Dunlap quietly 'awesome'
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/19/chargers-king-dunlap-contract-philip-rivers/
Gehlken UTSD: Bolts WRs Ajirotutu, Inman get chance
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/19/chargers-seyi-ajirotutu-dontrelle-inman-allen/
SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: Michigan man? Harbaugh reportedly ‘torn’ about next move
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2014/12/19/michigan-man-harbaugh-reportedly-torn-about-next-move/
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Jerod-Eddie gets a chance to show how far he’s come
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-Jerod-Eddie-gets-a-chance-to-show-how-5969570.php
SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Cliff Avril says he wants to keep the party going in Seattle:
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2014/12/19/seahawks-defensive-end-cliff-avril-want-to-keep-the-party-going/
Brewer Seattle Times: Seahawks are close to completing a stunning turnaround
http://seattletimes.com/html/jerrybrewer/2025273392_brewer21xml.html
TENNESSEE
Glennon The Tennessean: Whisenhunt holding out hope for injured Titans rookies
http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/12/19/whisenhunt-hope-injured-titans-rookies/20662533/
WASHINGTON
Bulluck Wash Post: A struggling quarterback and offensive line need to help each other in pass protection
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/12/19/a-struggling-quarterback-and-offensive-line-need-to-help-each-other-in-pass-protection/
Clarke Wash Post: Washington Redskins’ DeSean Jackson: ‘If you have heart, you can do anything’
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/washington-redskins-desean-jackson-if-you-have-heart-you-can-do-anything/2014/12/19/a438d218-87ca-11e4-b9b7-b8632ae73d25_story.html
Hazard SB Nation: Hazard's Huddle: Coverage Breakdowns vs. New York Giants
http://www.hogshaven.com/2014/12/19/7413877/hazards-huddle-coverage-breakdowns-vs-new-york-giants-redskins-nfl
Draft
NFL.com: Mayock: Northern Iowa's David Johnson similar to Charles Sims
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000446050/article/mayock-northern-iowas-david-johnson-similar-to-charles-sims?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb
Gabriel NFP: NFP Prospect focus Notre Dame
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Prospect-Focus-Notre-Dame.html
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Prospect-Focus-Notre-Dame.html
History
Tramel The Oklahoman: One man's mission to get Oklahoma's Ace Gutowsky into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
http://newsok.com/one-mans-mission-to-get-oklahomas-ace-gutowsky-into-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame/article/5377293
Giants-Rams the early years
11-13-1938 Giants 28 Cleveland Rams 0
The Rams were in their second season as a NFL franchise. The league in 1936 was seeking to keep a presence in the Midwest to balance the league's two divisions. The Rams actually were a franchise in the rival AFL that had won the AFL 1936 championship by default when the Boston Shamrocks refused to take the field for the championship game due to failure to be paid. The NFL was seeking a replacement for the Cincinnati Reds whose membership had been suspended during the 1934 season. After finishing the season with the St. Louis Gunners, a independent professional team in Cincinnati's place, the league operated with nine teams in 1935 and 1936. Cleveland lawyer Homer Marshman and his associates paid $10,000 to have their franchise become part of the NFL.
The 1937 Rams struggled at 1-10 with just four of the team's AFL veterans making it into the NFL. The next year they were forced to play several home games on a high school field. Still the team rallied around its new, young coach, 26 year old Art Lewis who just two seasons ago had been the Giants first ever number one draft selection.
A mid-season coaching change had put Lewis in charge and he revamped not only the Rams lineup but the team's offense. Gone was the single wing and in its place was the short punt formation in which the Rams 1937 first round draft choice 225 pound Corby Davis of Indiana could plunge into the middle. The young Rams, featuring just two players with more than 2 seasons' experience responded, winning three straight games.
Now the former Giants lineman Lewis was returning to the Polo Grounds to face the powerful Giants. The Giants had their own "Bull" in John "Bull" Karcis a veteran 225 pounder imported to form a devastating 1-2 punch with Tuffy Leemans. The Giants had seen Karcis plenty during the five seasons he spent with Brooklyn. The barrell chested Karcis had been a powerful inside runner for the Dodgers. The former Carnegie Tech star then returned home to Pittsburgh in 1936. In 1937 he was third among the league's rushing leaders with 511 yards on the ground. During the 1938 season he was released by Pittsburgh in October and signed by New York. Karcis had been along with several Pirates in a power struggle with new coach Johnny Blood. He found himself benched, then was released along with two of his teammates. There were allegations that there also was dissension on the team over the large contract handed out to All-American Whizzer White.
Less than week after being signed, Karcis grabbed a fumble and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown vs the Eagles in a 17-7 Giants' win. He would score a touchdown in a Giants win over his former team Brooklyn. His 40 yard interception return would set up the only score in the Giants 6-0 win over the Chicago Cards. Now he and his Giant teammates faced the upstart Rams.
The Giants moved 67 yards for their first score as QB Ed Danowski found big Jim Lee Howell for a 22 yard gain at the Rams five. Howell tipped the ball with his hand and caught it after he fell backward and was laying on the ground. From their Karcis took it in from inside the one and the Giants would lead 7-0. After trapping the Rams inside their ten, the Giants following the punt began at the Rams 39. Leemans found Chuck Gelatka for 22 yards. Then after Leemans moved the ball inside the one, Karcis came in and once again did what he does best, taking it up the middle for the score.
Leemans now back in form after struggling with injuries earlier in the season threw a 27 yard touchdown pass and the Giants led 21-0 at the half. In the third quarter Danowski would score from 31 yards out on a burst up the middle followed by sharp cut to the right for the touchdown. The Giants, with the shutout win, would continue their battle with Washington for NFL East supremacy.
11-10-1940 Cleveland Rams 10 Giants 0
By 1940 the Cleveland franchise was improving and the Rams had their own pair of threats in Parker Hall and Johnny Drake two stars in a deep and talented backfield. Dutch Clark the Rams coach who formerly tormented the Giants as a player in Detroit had moved back to the single wing, in which the wingback was reversing, the tailback attacked the tackles, while the bucker went up the middle, all complemented by Hall's passing that spread the field.
While Hall hurt the Giants with his quick kicks and Drake scored a touchdown, yet another member of the Rams backfield stood out vs the Giants. Vic Spadacinni had two interceptions, including a 60 yard return for a touchdown, each keeping the game from being a scoreless tie.
The Giants lost despite Tuffy Leemans rushing for over 100 yards. The team also lost several players due to injury, the most serious being Ward Cuff who suffered a spinal concussion. The loss pretty much eliminated the Giants from division title contention.
11-16-1941 Giants 49 Cleveland Rams 14
While Hall was still one of the best all around players in the league, his team had fallen on hard times and they now traveled to New York to face a Giant team leading the East. The Giants had old hands like Danowski, Leemans, and Cuff, but now they featured new talent in the form of first round pick George Franck and the undrafted Howie Yeager.
Franck was a multi talented back who had helped lead Minnesota to a undefeated national championship season in 1940. He was playing for the Giants on borrowed time having been sworn into the Air Force at halftime of the College All Star game in Chicago. He was to be named the All-Stars MVP catching a touchdown pass in a loss to the Chicago Bears. He was featured at right halfback with Heisman winner Tom Harmon at left halfback. Jackie Robinson was Franck's backup in the game. The Navy impressed by him and aware of his value as a recruiting tool, allowed him to play the 1941 season with the Giants. It would be his last NFL season until 1946 due to his military commitment.
Yeager was at the other end of the spectrum, undrafted he reported to the Giants in 1938 from Santa Barbara-Cal State and immediately flashed his speed but the Giants depth kept him on the minor leagues with Jersey City until 1941. Franck and Yeager added speed and were part of group of impressive Giant rookies that included hard hitting Andy Marefos, Marion Pugh a accurate passer, and Frank Reagan a quality back from Penn.
No better example of what this new group was capable of then the Giants victory over the Rams. Franck had a rushing touchdown of 11 yards and a touchdown reception of 44 yards. Yeager caught two touchdown passes covering 6 and 65 yards. The last reception helped the Giants pull away making it 28-14 in the second quarter.
Giant Birthdays 12-20 to 12-26
12-20
Lyle West DB D6 1999 NYG 1999-2000 12-20-1976
12-21
R.W. McQuarters CB/KR NYG 2006-2008 12-21-1976
Brandon Mosley G D4 2012 NYG 2012-2014 12-21-1988
12-22
George Adams RB D1 1985 NYG 1985-1989 12-22-1962
Lance LeGree DE/DT NYG 2001-2004, 2006 12-22-1977
12-23
James Brewer G/T D4 2011 NYG 2011-2014 12-23-1987
Joe Jurevicius WR D2 1998 NYG 1998-2001 12-23-1974
Vyto Kab TE NYG 1985 12-23-1959
12-24
Al Barry LG NYG 1958-1959 12-24-1930
Chris Bober C/RT NYG 2001-2003 12-24-1976
Ray Hickl LB D9 1969 NYG 1969-1970 12-24-1946
12-25
Shawn Andrews OL NYG 2010 12-25-1982
Gordon Bell RB D4 1976 NYG 1976-1977 12-25-1953
Bill Briggs DE D5 1966 Training camp 1966 12-25-1943
Larry Csonka FB NYG 1976-1978 12-25-1946
Dick Hanson T NYG 1971 12-25-1949
Robbie Jones ILB D12 1984 NYG 1984-1987 12-25-1959
Bob Scholtz C NYG 1965-1966 12-25-1937
Corey Widmer MLB D7 NYG 1992-1999 12-25-1968
12-26
Chykie Brown CB NYG 2014 12-26-1986
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