Saturday Reading

Giants

Traina Inside Football: New York Giants Reader Mailbag: Pre-Camp Edition
https://insidefootball.com/2016/07/new-york-giants-mailbag-pre-camp/

RB

Salomone Giants.com: Summer Q& A with RB Rashad Jennings
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Summer-QA-with-RB-Rashad-Jennings/d9eaca87-57ca-4051-9334-2fc9a4bca9e1

WR

Samuel/Sblendorio NYDN: Victor Cruz says he'll 'be ready to go' for Giants training camp
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/victor-cruz-ll-ready-giants-training-camp-article-1.2721924

NFL

Farrar SI.com: Moneybackers, exotic smashmouth and the NFL's schemes of the future
http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/07/22/nfl-offense-defense-innovations-future-schemes

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Quinn trying to being championship mettle to Falcons
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/football/quinn-trying-to-being-championship-mettle-to-falco/nr2Sf/

BALTIMORE
Preston Bal Sun: John Harbaugh must balance health, conditioning when scheming Ravens camp
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-column-0722-20160721-column.html

Lourim Bal Sun: In top shape, Ravens' Terrance West will try to make his hometown team again
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-terrance-west-summer-20160722-story.html

BUFFALO
Wesseling NFL.com: Bills CB Stephon Gilmore will play out contract in 2016
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000676230/article/bills-cb-stephon-gilmore-will-play-out-contract-in-2016

CAROLINA
Jones Charlotte Observer: Carolina Panthers head to training camp in Spartanburg facing these five questions
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article91315537.html

CHICAGO
Haugh Chicago Tribune: John Fox's reputation biggest selling point of Bears' season … again
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-bears-haugh-spt-0724-20160723-story.html

Campbell Chicago Tribune: Bears position preview: Specialists
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-special-teams-preview-bears-spt-0723-20160722-story.html

CINCINNATI
Owaczarski Cin Enquirer: Bengals' 5 camp questions: Is Cedric Ogbuehi ready to start?
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2016/07/22/cincinnati-bengals-5-training-camp-questions-2016-cedric-ogbuehi-ready-start/87430724/

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Josh Gordon can be reinstated anytime after Aug. 1 and 9 other things to know about his meeting with Roger Goodell
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/07/josh_gordon_can_be_reinstated.html

Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Browns sign defensive lineman Nick Hayden, a former Cowboys starter
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/07/browns_sign_defensive_lineman.html

DALLAS
Hairopolous Dallas Morning News: Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott denies Ohio woman's claims of domestic violence
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/07/22/cowboys-rb-ezekiel-elliott-denies-womans-claims-domestic-violence

DENVER
Kiszla Denver Post: Broncos’ starting QB job is the No. 1 battle to watch in training camp
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/22/denver-broncos-quarterback-battle-training-camp/

Kiszla Denver Post: If it's all about the quarterbacks at training camp, the Broncos are doomed to failure
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/22/kiszla-if-its-all-about-the-quarterbacks-at-training-camp-the-broncos-are-doomed-to-failure/

Wolfe Denver Post: 5 Broncos under the microscope this season
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/22/5-broncos-under-the-microscope-this-season/

Wolfe Denver Post: Breakdown of the Broncos’ rookie class heading into training camp
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/22/breakdown-of-the-broncos-rookie-class-heading-into-training-camp/

Jhabalva Denver Post: Von Miller, now handsomely paid, returns to lead Broncos’ title defense
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/22/von-miller-now-handsomely-paid-returns-to-lead-broncos-title-defense/

Clark The Ringer: Broncos kicker Brandon McManus has perhaps the most unusual side hustle in the NFL: food blogging.
https://theringer.com/denver-broncos-brandon-mcmanus-food-blogger-4c0a23bcddc6#.xkahenvny

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Lions' best players: No. 3 DeAndre Levy capable of Pro Bowl year
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/07/22/deandre-levy-detroit-lions/87458326/

GREEN BAY
McGinn Mil JS: Eddie Lacy seeking a different set of gains
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/eddie-lacy-seeking-a-different-set-of-gains-b99766155z1-388001692.html?ipad=y

Mil JS: Packers by position: Running Backs
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-by-position-running-backs-b99766157z1-388001742.html

Demovsky ESPN GB: Free agency could break up Green Bay Packers offensive line after this season
http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/31242/free-agency-could-break-up-green-bay-packers-offensive-line-after-this-season

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle:Texans confident J.J. Watt will be back for opener
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-confident-J-J-Watt-will-be-back-for-opener-8403117.php

Solomon Houston Chronicle: There's only one certainty: J.J. Watt irreplaceable for Texans
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/columnists/solomon/article/There-s-only-one-certainty-J-J-Watt-8404358.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Expert back surgeon Neel Anand predicts fast return for J.J. Watt from herniated disc surgery
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Expert-back-surgeon-predicts-return-for-JJ-Watt-8403361.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Already a star, Texans' DeAndre Hopkins still sees need to improve his game
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Already-a-star-Texans-DeAndre-Hopkins-still-8404321.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans special-teams ace Brian Peters eager to learn from Larry Izzo
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-special-teams-Brian-Peters-eager-Larry-Izzo-8402779.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Keefer Ind Star: The inside story of Andrew Luck's disastrous 2015 season
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2016/07/22/inside-story-andrew-lucks-disastrous-2015-season/87382606/

Keefer Ind Star: Insider: Could Art Jones' suspension end his stay in Indy?
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2016/07/22/colts-arthur-jones-suspended-4-games-nfl/87450070/

KANSAS CITY
Paylor KC Star: Analyzing the Chiefs' training camp roster by position
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article91429237.html

MIAMI
McPherson Miami Herald: As camp nears, Dolphins' offensive line strives for consistency, health
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article91443197.html

MINNESOTA
Vensel Minn Star Tribune: A look at wide receivers and tight ends heading into Vikings training camp
http://www.startribune.com/a-look-at-the-wide-receivers-heading-into-vikings-training-camp/387918712/

NEW ENGLAND
Reiss ESPN Boston: Patriots adding depth to OL as training camp approaches
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4793999/patriots-adding-depth-to-ol-as-training-camp-approaches

NEW ORLEANS
Underhill NO Advocate: Saints roster preview: Quarterback is set since Drew Brees is good at football
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_08c58002-502c-11e6-a911-6bd2709d13b9.html

Underhill NO Advocate: Saints roster preview: Depth at linebacker should be improved
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_d99478a4-5028-11e6-a2f4-1b433669cbe1.html

PHILADELPHIA
McLane Phil.com: Doug Pederson: The great unknown
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20160724_Doug_Pederson__The_great_unknown.html

Berman Phil.com: Pederson says his Eagles camp routine is 'time-tested'
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20160723_Pederson_says_his_Eagles_camp_routine_is__time-tested_.html

McLane Phil.com: Eagles position preview: Wide receiver
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20160724_Eagles_position_preview__Wide_receiver.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles 2016 training camp preview: Linebackers
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-2016-training-camp-preview-linebackers/

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles 2016 training camp preview: Cornerbacks
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-2016-training-camp-preview-cornerbacks/

PITTSBURGH
Fittipaldo Pitt Post Gazette:Report: Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell faces four-game suspension
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/07/22/Report-Steelers-running-back-Le-Veon-Bell-faces-four-game-suspension-pittsburgh/stories/201607220163

Fittipaldo Pitt Post Gazette: How does Le'Veon Bell's drug suspension affect the Steelers' and his long-term future?
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/07/22/Analysis-How-Le-Veon-Bell-s-drug-suspension-affects-the-Steelers-and-his-long-term-future/stories/201607230035

Zeise Pitt Post Gazette: Steelers should not offer Le'Veon Bell a new contract
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/zeise-is-right/2016/07/22/Paul-Zeise-Steelers-should-not-offer-Le-Veon-Bell-a-new-contract/stories/201607220172

SAN DIEGO
Williams ESPN SD: Steve Williams out to prove three-turnover performance no fluke
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/207514/steve-williams-out-to-prove-three-turnover-performance-no-fluke

SAN FRANCISCO
Fann 49ers.com: 10-year Veteran Joe Staley Provides Stability on 49ers Offensive Line
http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/10-year-Veteran-Joe-Staley-Provides-Stability-on-49ers-Offensive-Line/ad88983f-4d0b-4381-af0b-5820b09ba2c4

Williams NBC Bay Area: Niners' Buckner Believes He's in Position to Thrive
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buckner-Believes-Hes-in-Position-to-Thrive-387937522.html

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks 16 for 16: Will Justin Britt be a good fit at center?
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-16-for-16-will-justin-britt-be-a-good-fit-at-center/

Jenks Seattle Times: Seattle Seahawks DE Michael Bennett unhappy with contract
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-defensive-lineman-michael-bennett-unhappy-with-his-contract/

WASHINGTON
Testfatsion Wash Post: Redskins release LB Adam Hayward
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/07/22/redskins-release-lb-adam-hayward/

Tesfatsion Wash Post: Josh Norman is the 'Dark Knight' on the field, a son of rural South Carolina off it
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/josh-norman-is-the-dark-knight-on-the-field-a-son-of-rural-south-carolina-off-it/2016/07/22/dc655282-4471-11e6-88d0-6adee48be8bc_story.html

Draft

QB
Brugler CBS Sports: Top NFL Draft Prospects: Scouts keeping close watch on Chad Kelly
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/top-nfl-draft-prospects-scouts-keeping-close-watch-on-chad-kelly/

Chirinos Sun Sentinel: Miami's Brad Kaaya focused on 2016 season, not his NFL future
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-hurricanes/fl-um-acc-0723-20160722-story.html

History

Banks SI.com: Memories of covering Dennis Green through his Vikings highs and lows
http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/07/22/dennis-green-minnesota-vikings-career-bio-death

RIP Zeke Smith who played for the Giants in 1961 as a lineman/linebacker.

A member of Auburn's 1957 National Championship team and age was a winner of the Outland Trophy as the top lineman in college football in 1958. He was a fourth round draft selection of Baltimore in 1959. After playing LB for the Colts in 1960 he was selected by the expansion Vikings in the 1961 allocation draft. He never played for Minnesota as on 7-01-1961 he was traded along with DB Dave Whitsell and two draft selections to the Giants for veterans Mel Triplett, Bob Schnelker, and Bob Schmidt. At the time the Giants were thought to be engaged in a rebuilding mode with youth following their missing the playoffs in 1960. Indeed AP speculated this was the first of two or three deals to come involving veterans for youth.

Giants head coach Allie Sherman expected to use Smith at guard for the Giants. He played in all 12 games for Eastern Division champion Giants in 1961. In 1962 he was waived at the end of training camp and went on to play two seasons in the CFL.
https://www.seccountry.com/auburn/former-auburn-all-american-zeke-smith-dies-at-age-79

RIP Marsh White D12 by the Giants in 1975, he was a RB with the Giants in 1975 and 1976.

After playing football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, he was selected in the 12th round of the 1975 draft by the New York Giants. In 1975 he carried the ball 17 times for 90 yards on the season. his best game was in the Giants season finale at San Francisco when he carried 12 times for 69 yards and a touchdown versus the 49ers.

In 1976 his season totals were 69 rushing attempts for 223 yards and a touchdown. He had 11 carries for 48 yards against the Redskins in the Giants 12-9 upset of Washington to end a nine game losing streak. Late in the season he added 51 yards on 9 carries in a win over the Lions.

He missed the 1977 season due to a hand injury. In 1978 he was traded to the Lions for a future draft pick.

White was a cousin of Joe Morgan the Baseball HOF second basemen for the Reds. After his football career he graduated from the Dallas Theological Seminary. He delivered the story of Christ into Russia and into Africa.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heralddemocrat/obituary.aspx?pid=180697457

Goshay Canton Repository: Niece preserves legacy of Plain's Butch Gibson, an early NFL player
"He was featured in Ripley's "Believe it Or Not" for his ability to tear New York City telephone books in half, and for being table to tear packs of playing cards into 1/16th-inch pieces.
"He could do things ordinary men could not do," she said proudly.

During an exhibition game in New Jersey on Dec. 16, 1934, Gibson fractured his neck but didn't realize it until he returned to Canton and underwent an X-ray to find out why it was sore.

Five weeks later, he was back on the field.

"Those guys were pretty rugged," Bussard said. "He had played at least one game with a broken neck and didn't know it."

The New York Giants ' roster from 1930 to 1935 is a who's who of NFL history. Five were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Morris "Red" Badgro, Mel Hein, Ray Flaherty, Ken Strong and coach Steve Owen. During that same span, Gibson, who wore No. 11, played guard or tackle in 64 of 67 games. A three-time All-Pro, he faced such legendary opponents as Bronko Nagurski, "Red" Grange and Benny Friedman."

http://cantonrep.com/news/20160722/niece-preserves-legacy-of-plains-butch-gibson-early-nfl-player

Talk of America: HOF outsiders Reeves, Seifert, Pearson, Andersen, Mecklenburg, Flores join HOFer Art Shell on Talk of Fame Network:
http://www.talkoffamenetwork.com/five-hall-of-fame-outsiders-still-waiting-for-call/

Giants Birthdays 7-23

Wayne Haddix CB UDFA-Liberty 1987 NYG 1987-1988 7-23-1965
A 2016 Article as Haddix went from knee problems to become a reserve CB in NY to fame in Tampa Bay
https://tecmobowlers.com/2016/04/miracles-of-wayne-haddix-1/

Mark Jackson WR FA-DEN 1993 NYG 1993-1994 7-23-1963
With Mark Ingram departing through free agency to Miami and with Stephen Baker a free agent the Giants reached out to WR's including Mark Jackson of Denver and Mike Sherrard of the 49ers. New Giants coach Dan Reeves had witnessed the magic that Jackson brought as one of the "Three Amigos" in Denver. However Jackson in NY never matched that production and was waived the next year.

Kato Serwanga CB W-WAS 2002 NYG 2002-2003 7-23-1976
In 2002 Serwanga made a key play vs the Redskins:
"After cutting the Giants' lead to 6 points, the Redskins had the ball at the Giants' 42-yard line when quarterback Patrick Ramsey hit wide receiver Darnerien McCants with a 12-yard pass. Serwanga tackled McCants, then stripped him of the ball as he struggled for an extra yard. The Giants recovered with 3 minutes 59 seconds left to play.
The game was essentially over, although Washington got the ball back. The Giants defeated the Redskins, 27-21, and sped up Steve Spurrier's frustrating spiral in his rookie season as the Redskins' coach."

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/09/sports/sports-of-the-times-a-journeyman-gets-a-hand-then-uses-it.html