Monday Reading

Giants

QB

Judge Talk of Fame: WHY GIANTS MAY BE BETTER OFF AT QUARTERBACK THAN YOU THINK
Former Giants’ GM Ernie Accorsi knows quarterbacks.
http://www.talkoffamenetwork.com/giants-may-better-off-quarterback-think/

Braziller NYP: How Giants’ intriguing rookie QB is handling start of Year 1
https://nypost.com/2018/05/13/how-giants-intriguing-rookie-qb-is-handling-start-of-year-1/

TE

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
5/13/18, 4:50 PM
I'm told Giants won't be signing Garrett Dickerson today with the rookie minicamp concluding, but he definitely opened some eyes. Sounds like a numbers game right now. As Pat Shurmur indicated yesterday, Dickerson did enough to put himself on the list for future consideration.

G

Braziller NYP: The enormous old man in Giants camp won’t give up the dream
https://nypost.com/2018/05/13/the-enormous-old-man-in-giants-camp-wont-give-up-the-dream/amp/

OLB

Traina Forbes.com: Giants Rookie LB Lorenzo Carter's Choices Are About Others
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2018/05/13/giants-rookie-lb-lorenzo-carters-choices-are-about-others/

CB

Lombardo NJ.com: Giants rookie minicamp sets stage for roster battle at biggest position of need
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/05/watch_giants_rookie_minicamp_sets_stage_for_roster.html

Dunleavy NJ.com: Giants sign CB Chris Lewis-Harris | Not your average rookie minicamp tryout
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/05/giants_sign_cb_chris_lewis-harris_not_your_average.html

NFL

King MMQB: Matt Millen Fights For His Life: ‘It’s Getting Late. We Need a Big Stop’
A football stalwart gamely battles a rare disease—a heart transplant looms as a possibility—with an attitude of acceptance on acreage in rural Pennsylvania. Other sections include a look back at the late Chuck Knox’s career; notes on Matt Patricia, Mark Ingram, Adam Vinatieri; and more https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/05/14/matt-millen-sick-amyloidosis-detroit-lions-mmqb-peter-king

Mosqueda B/R: Projecting Every NFL Team's Starting Lineup for 2018
https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2775079-projecting-every-nfl-teams-starting-lineup-for-2018.amp.html

Stuart Football Perspective: Implied SRS Ratings for NFL in 2018
Vegas has released point spreads for 240 NFL games this year. This means we can generate the implied ratings Vegas has for each team. I did that for you. The Browns are still the worst team, just behind the Jets. The Pats and Steelers are the top two.
http://www.footballperspective.com/implied-srs-ratings-for-nfl-in-2018/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Five things we learned from Falcons’ rookie minicamp
https://www.myajc.com/sports/football/five-things-learned-from-falcons-rookie-minicamp/xdP8JG8O4TwRJvYIahHJaP/

Ledbetter AJC: How Ryan’s historic deal came together
A nearly 12-hour marathon negotiating session was needed to complete five-year, $150 million extension.
https://epaper.ajc.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?

CAROLINA
Rodrigue Charlotte Observer: Panthers mailbag: Impact of new ownership, underdogs to watch, is DJ Moore for real?
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.newsobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article211062244.html

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Future looks bright for Bears rookie James Daniels, and where he lines up isn't a big issue for now
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-james-daniels-lineman-biggs-20180513-story.html

Jahns Chicago Sun Times: Can rookie Kylie Fitts fill the Bears’ hole at pass rusher?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/can-rookie-kylie-fitts-fill-the-bears-hole-at-pass-rusher/

Campbell Chicago Tribune: Roquan Smith's intangibles leave strong first impression at Bears rookie minicamp
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-roquan-smith-matt-nagy-20180513-story.html

CINCINNATI
Owczarski Cin Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals Xtra: Uphill climb to make roster for Böhringer, undrafted free agents
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cincinnati.com/amp/604845002

Minich Cincy Jungle: Film Room: Malik Jefferson brings dynamic athleticism to Bengals’ linebacker group
https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/amp/2018/5/13/17329454/film-room-malik-jefferson-brings-dynamic-athleticism-to-bengals-linebacker-group

Toback Cincy Jungle: Bengals signing former Stony Brook DB Tyrice Beverette
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/5/13/17350128/bengals-signing-former-stony-brook-db-tyrice-beverette-undrafted-free-agent

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Why the concern over Baker Mayfield's height and not Tyrod Taylor's? Hey, Mary Kay!
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/05/why_the_concern_over_baker_may.html

Ulrich Akron Beacon Journal: How former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington is advising Browns No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to approach his rookie season
https://www.ohio.com/akron/sports/browns/how-former-nfl-quarterback-chad-pennington-is-advising-browns-no-1-overall-pick-baker-mayfield-to-approach-his-rookie-season

DALLAS
Machota Dallas Morning News: How Cowboys QB prospect Mike White has previously been connected to Kellen Moore
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/05/13/cowboys-qb-prospect-mike-white-previously-connected-kellen-moore

DENVER
Mizell Denver Post: Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell raised on tending to 130 cattle, 18,000 turkey and a lot of corn
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/13/josey-jewell-denver-broncos/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Contract talks with Lions slow, but Tate optimistic in booming market
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/605717002

GREEN BAY
Wilde State Journal: Jake Kumerow unfazed by Packers' large crowd of wide receiver candidates
https://www.google.com/amp/host.madison.com/sports/football/professional/jake-kumerow-unfazed-by-packers-large-crowd-of-wide-receiver/article_5b44c421-edd3-5196-8b64-ad82b8fd6214.amp.html

Cohen Mil JS: Packers pass-rush prospect C.J. Johnson looking to defy odds
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/05/13/packers-pass-rush-prospect-defy-odds/602646002/

INDIANAPOLIS
Bremer Herald Bulletin: Raw Turay has tools to aid Colts' ailing pass rush
http://www.heraldbulletin.com/cnhi_network/raw-turay-has-tools-to-aid-colts-ailing-pass-rush/article_8ebe309e-56df-11e8-b6d2-d3d414c8191e.html

JACKSONVILLE
Heilman Florida Times Union: Jaguars sign tryout tight end Conque
http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180513/jaguars-sign-tryout-tight-end-conque

Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: SOURCE: THE JAGUARS PLAN TO SIGN OREGON STATE LB MANASE HUNGALU FOLLOWING TRYOUT
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/source-the-jaguars-plan-to-sign-oregon-state-lb-manase-hungalu-following-tryout/77-551667007

MIAMI
Perkins Sun Sentinel: Keep an eye on Dolphins' fourth-round selections | Analysis
https://www.google.com/amp/www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-20180513-story.html

Habib Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins hopeful Jamiyus Pittman draws inspiration from ex-UCF teammate Shaquem Griffin
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/05/13/miami-dolphins-hopeful-jamiyus-pittman-draws-inspiration-from-ex-ucf-teammate-shaquem-griffin/

MINNESOTA
Coller 1500 ESPN Minn: Changing places: Several Vikings rookies switching positions this offseason
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/05/changing-places-several-vikings-rookies-switching-positions-offseason/

NEW ENGLAND
Daniels Providence Journal: Several Patriots' players capable of a 'second-year jump'
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20180512/several-patriots-players-capable-of-second-year-jump

Garven Providence Journal: Sony Michel brings plenty of potential to the Patriots
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20180513/sony-michel-brings-plenty-of-potential-to-patriots?

Reiss ESPN Boston: New leader of Patriots' defense, Brian Flores, 'tough on players'
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4813507/new-leader-of-patriots-defense-brian-flores-tough-on-players?

NEW ORLEANS
Katzenstein Nola.com: Tyrunn Walker, Matt Elam among veterans hoping to impress at Saints tryout
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/05/matt_elam_saints_tyrunn_walker.amp

Erickson Nola.com: Former Ohio State star J.T. Barrett living up to reputation at Saints' rookie minicamp
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_1fecee9c-56eb-11e8-a69b-b7a6d1a42eec.html

Katzenstein Nola.com: Saints to sign offensive lineman Michael Ola after tryout: source
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/05/michael_ola_saints.amp

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Mehta's Jets Mailbag: Examining Mike Maccagnan’s spotty draft history, the truth about Lorenzo Mauldin & Gang Green’s biggest need
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-mailbag-examining-mike-maccagnan-spotty-draft-history-article-1.3987945

Mehta NYDN: The Jets’ draft-day steal that nobody is talking about
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-jets-draft-day-steal-talking-article-1.3981480

PHILADELPHIA
Rosenblatt NJ.com: Eagles' Jordan Mailata needs more 'peanuts': On the Aussie rookie's 1st ever football practice | Can he make the team?
http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2018/05/eagles_jordan_mailata_rookie_minicamp.html

PITTSBURGH
Lolley DK Pittsburgh Sports: Steelers now have plenty of hybrid options
https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2018/05/14/steelers-hybrid-options/

TAMPA BAY
Auman TB Times: Small-school stars: Bucs sign two tryout players to rookie contracts
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/05/13/small-school-stars-bucs-sign-two-tryout-players-to-rookie-contracts/

Horner Indianapolis Star: UIndy alum Ruben Holcomb gets a shot in the NFL
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.indystar.com/amp/606069002

TENNESSEE
Glennon Titans.com: Athletic Harold Landry Learning a New Kind of Flexibility
http://titansonline.com/news/article-4/Athletic-Harold-Landry-Learning-a-New-Kind-of-Flexibility/70ab4c84-5514-4f51-8bcb-f095eefb7eeb

Higgins Nola.com: Kenner native Joe Este survives 3-day tryout, signs rookie contract with Tennessee Titans
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/05/joe_este_survives_three-day_tr.amp

Former Giants News

Rothstein ESPN Detroit: Why an NFL lineman [Emmett Cleary] walked away at age 27 to pursue medical school
http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/275379/why-an-nfl-lineman-walked-away-at-27-to-pursue-med-school

History

Farmer LA Times: Former Rams, Seahawks coach Chuck Knox dies at 86
"I never had a guy that breathed intensity into a group of men before kickoff as well as he did.” — Jackie Slater on the late Chuck Knox.https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-chuck-knox-obit-20180513-story.html

Stone Seattle Times: Seahawks needed Hard Knox so they could taste their first success
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-needed-hard-knox-to-taste-first-success/

Garcia-Navarro NPR: 'Heroic, But He's No Hero': Revisiting Football Great Jim Brown
https://www.npr.org/2018/05/13/610396047/heroic-but-he-s-no-hero-revisiting-football-great-jim-brown

Training Camp Previews throughout the years - 1972

Return of the ‘nutcracker’

Asbury Park Press:
WEDNESDAY, JUIY 12, 1972 31 Giants Will Hit Early and Often
Alex Webster promised through the media that the "nutcracker" would he revived alter a three-year hiatus. The "nutcracker" consists of an offensive and defensive lineman head to bead between two blocking dummies, with a ball carrier following the offensive players's block. "This will tell us right away who is tough enough to play football, and who likes to hit people." Webster said he expected the squad to master every play as they went along by drilling on only three or four basic plays until they had them down pat. "We'll develop a play like the Green Bay power sweep and our basic dive plays and work on them until everybody knows what everybody is doing on every play. We'll put in our mobile offense slowly, adding our motions and "peels" as the exhibition season wears on. "We think this will help our quarterbacks, especially (Norm) Snead. Fortunately, he has played for three teams (Washington, Philade-phia and Minnesota) which number their running holes the same as we do. We number even holes left and odd holes right. "This is a big problem for rookies to get adjusted to, because a lot of the colleges number the reverse way." Webster is high on his quarterbacks Randy Johnson and Snead, backed by Eddie Raker, a taxi squadder last year. "Randy has the edge right now because he knows the system, but Norm has a good arm and good football sense and he's going to be a big help." Also meshing with the quarterbacks' styles is the strong receiving corps, led by Bob Grim, Bob Tucker, Rich Houston, Coleman Zeno, Dick Kotite, Don Herrmann, and Joe Morrison. "We will use a lot of medium deep turnins and turnouts to find the gaps in the zone defenses we'll see more and more of," added Webster.

The entire squad had reported by 5 p.m. yesterday, except for rookie defensive back Wilmer Levels, due in later in the day. The full squad numbers 51 veterans and 31 rookies, but three of the first-year men are with the College All-Stars in Chicago. No. 1 draft choice Eldridge Small, a wide receiver out of Texas A& I; defensive end Larry Jacobson out of Nebraska and defensive tackle John Mendenhall from Grambling are on the squad that will play the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys Julv 28 in Chicago. They'll join the Giants the following day in Canton, Ohio, where the Maramen meet the Kansas City Chiefs in the annual Hall of Fame game, their first exhibition test. New faces on the coaching staff are Ray Wietecha, a Soring Lake resident, handling the offensive line, while Jim Garrett, former offensive backfield coach, is now the over-all defensive coach. His job has to be the toughest, and yesterday afternoon, he was closeted in an anteroom at Beechwood Hall poring over his playbnok and gelting ready for the first drills. In Garrett's new defensive strategy, the Giants will play a rover defense with a player acting as a defensive end sometimes and a linebacker at others. Told that end Jack Gregory, a recent acquisition from Cleveland for a draft choice, had arrived, Garrett’s face broke into a wide grin. "Here's my rover back; I've got to talk to him right away."

Koppett NYT: Giants Open Camp in Jersey Tuesday (7-09-1972)
“The New Jersey phase of the history of the New York football Giants will begin on Tuesday, when both rookies and experienced players are scheduled to report for preseason training at Monmouth College in West Long Branch, N. J.

The new training site is, presumably, the first stage of the team's transfer to a proposed new stadium in East Rutherford, N. J., in time for the 1975 season.

“Uncertainty” is the single word that best describes the entire Situation of the 47& #8208;year& #8208;old franchise. The playing talent is essentially unproven and, com ing off a 4–10 won& #8208;lost record last year, not highly regarded throughout the league. The coach, Alex Webster, is pretty clearly on a “produce or else” spot, with a revamped coaching staff of his own choosing.

No start has been made on con structing the new stadium, but Yankee Stadium, where the Giants have been tenants since they left the Polo Grounds in 1956, is scheduled for reconstruction at the end of the 1973 baseball season. So it isn't even Clear whether this campaign will be the last for the Giants in the Bronx, or what kind of playing site problems they might face in 1973 and 1974.

What is certain, however, is that the 1972 Giants are distinctly different for better or worse. Gone are Fran Tarkenton and Fred Dryer, in trades, and Tucker Frederickson, in retirement. Of the 82 players on the training camp roster, 31 are rookies and half a dozen others have been signed as free agents.
Jim Garrett, who has replaced Norb Hecker as defensive coach, will try to install an entirely different style of defense, based on the use of Jack Gregory (obtained from Cleveland) as a “rover.” Ray Weitcha, the new offensive line coach, has his own distinct ideas, too.

Webster, who establishes the offense, will have a new situation, also, now that Tarkenton is gone. This is only the second time since the T formation became universal in pro football during the 1950s that the Giants don't have a big& #8208;name super& #8208;quarterback. They went from Charley Conerly to Y. A. Tittle to Tarkenton, with only a gap in 1965 and 1966, when Earl Morrall was the regular.

Now the quarterback will be either Randy Johnson or Norm Snead, both capable professionals but neither the dominant force that Conerly, Tittle and Tarkenton were. Their presence always meant that the Giant quarterback was the primary consideration for rival defenses. Now the quarterback will be a part of a more diffuse responsibility, and that implies different offensive conceptions.

Real Problems Are on Defense

It also implies more dependence than ever on Ron Johnson, whose brilliance as a running back made possible the nine victories the Giants posted in 1970. He got into only two games last year because of leg injuries, and his absence undercut whatever capabilities the team had.

He is, according to reports, in tap shape physically again, and he will have to operate against defenses that may feel less threatened by Johnson or Snead than they were by Tarkenton.

Even so, the real problems that have to be solved are on defense. Jim Kanicki, recovering from surgery on an Achilles tendon, won't be able to help for many weeks. Larry Jacobson and John Mendenhall, the two most promising rookies in the defensive line, won't show up until after their all& #8208;star commitment on July 28. (Eldridge Small, the other top draft choice listed as a wide receiver, will also be unavailable until then).

The others will plunge immediately into two& #8208;a& #8208;day drills starting Thursday, because the first exhibition game is on July 29, the earliest date a Giant team has ever played. It will be against Kansas City at Canton, Ohio, as part of the annual Hall of Fame ceremonies. The second game will be against the Steelers at Pittsburgh on Aug. 5, and two weeks later the Giants will play the Jets at New Haven. That's the earliest one can expect even a hint of an indication about what this team will really look like.

On Sept. 1, the Giants will leave Monmouth (where the basketball Knicks will move in a few days later) and will have their workouts at Upsala College in East Orange, N. J., until the Yankees vacate the Stadium in early October.”
https://nytimes.com/1972/07/09/archives/giants-open-camp-in-jersey-tuesday-giants-open-camp-in-jersey.html

Giants Birthdays 5-13

Charles James CB UDFA-Charleston Southern 2013 NYG 2013 5-14-1990