for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

Schmelk interviews Tom Quinn on Giants Insider

BlueLou : 7/26/2016 3:26 am
at giants.com.

As much as Quinn has been called out on BBI, his ST teams were among the top in the league last year.

In response to Schmelk's question about the key STs players returning from 2015, Quinn temporally listed them in this order:

Herzlich
Casillas
JT Thomas
Darkwa
Whitlock
Dwayne Harris.

As for Dwayne Harris being listed last, consider what Quinn said in response to Schmelk's direct question about "Harris's value as both a return guy and coverage guy on STs".

Quinn replied, paraphrasing, 'we didn't get to use [Harris] on coverage because of his role on offense. Hopefully with Cruz and some new guys on offense we get him back for that. As good as he is at returns, his greatest strength is coverage. He's one of the best in the league at that, that's his real strength.'

Maybe I am reading into it, but to me that helps explain why Geremy Davis received so many 1st team reps during the Spring practices. It may be a team goal to promote Davis over Harris on the WR depth chart not because of any lack of performance by Harris at WR, but rather because Harris is so outstanding at STs coverage.

Interestingly also in response to a direct question by Schmelk, Quinn praised Wing for his directional punting, mentioning also that they like Wing's effort this off season and that being Australian in origin, "the ball cones off his foot in a lot of different ways naturally. We want to do more with him that way."

So Wing might look average or worse by gross yards, but expect him to even improve in net yards punting as they do more things with him to limit returns.

Lastly, a lot of us have hoped to see Herzlich cut from the team because his LB play has been mediocre at best. For that to happen, we better pray Goodson or Kelvin Sheppard can effectively replace him on STs. It helps explain why Pat Traina's early roster prediction includes Herzlich. Admittedly even Quinn won't know much about replacing Herzlich until the pads come on for STs practices. Quinn said "some guys look good in shorts but not in pads, and conversely some guys who look nothing special in shorts excel once the pads come on..." Shades of Bryan Kehl vs Jon Goff!

The LB battle will be crucial for STs, as will some other positions on the 53 Quinn didn't even address I imagine. Bennet Jackson and Nat Berhe are two to factor in to your roster prognoses.
good stuff  
I Love Clams Casino : 7/26/2016 7:55 am : link
Thanks...

Interesting about Harris...it alludes to some of the "depth" conversations being had in the McAdoo-Millennials thread....

Depth is a big key that seems barely touched here on BBI -
Amazing what good health and talent  
Big Blue '56 : 7/26/2016 8:05 am : link
will accomplish on Specials
Disapointed in Smelk  
WillieYoung : 7/26/2016 8:40 am : link
he never asked about the new kickoff touchback rule which should benefit us immensely. Last year we had among the fewest touchbacks in the league on kickoffs but were among the league leaders in opponents starting field position because our kickoffs had a lot of hangtime and our kick coverage was good. Now that they're putting the ball on the 25 after a touchback we could easily lead the league.
Didn't Harris say last year  
smshmth8690 : 7/26/2016 9:46 am : link
that the reason he signed with the Giants. was the opportunity to get more offensive plays? With the return of a healthy (hopeful) Cruz, and the addition of Shepard, I hope that will not have any negative effects on Harris.
RE: Didn't Harris say last year  
BlueLou : 7/26/2016 10:50 am : link
In comment 13045227 smshmth8690 said:
Quote:
that the reason he signed with the Giants. was the opportunity to get more offensive plays? With the return of a healthy (hopeful) Cruz, and the addition of Shepard, I hope that will not have any negative effects on Harris.


Yeah that's what he said I believe.


But the Giants also offered him a nice boatload of dough for a "special teamer", much to the angst of BBI, some beat writers, and most of the NFL talking heads.

I don't think Quinn gives a rat's ass what he was paid or promised. He wants Harris on every ST he's got except maybe field goals and PATs.
Back to the Corner