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Tuesday Reading

Defenderdawg : 6/12/2018 8:41 am
Giants

Traina Forbes.com: New York Giants 2018 Mandatory Minicamp Preview
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2018/06/11/new-york-giants-2018-mandatory-minicamp-preview/amp/

Lombardo NJ.com: Giants minicamp blueprint: Main objectives for Pat Shurmur, Mike Shula, and staff
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/06/giants_minicamp_blueprint_main_objectives_for_pat.html

Lombardo NJ.com: Giants injury update: Who's hurting heading into minicamp?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/06/giants_injury_update_whos_ailing_heading_into_mini.html

Leonard NYDN: 5 storylines to watch heading into Giants minicamp
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-giants-minicamp-watch-20180611-story.html

Lombardo NJ.com: Who will be Giants' 2018 breakout star? Ranking Sterling Shepard, Lorenzo Carter, more
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/06/who_will_be_giants_2018_breakout_star_ranking_ster.html

QB

Stapleton The Record: Eli Manning believes he has 'peak years' remaining in his NY Giants career
https://amp.northjersey.com/amp/691183002

Schwartz NYP: Don’t tell Eli Manning’s old teammates he’s past his prime
https://nypost.com/2018/06/11/dont-tell-eli-mannings-old-teammates-hes-past-his-prime/

Dunleavy NJ.com: Eli Manning: Contract talk can be 'hassle' for Odell Becham, Giants | Expects top WR to be involved in practice
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/06/eli_manning_contract_talk_can_be_hassle_for_odell.html

Schwartz NYP: Eli Manning’s advice for Odell Beckham amid contract ‘hassle’
https://nypost.com/2018/06/11/eli-mannings-advice-for-odell-beckham-amid-contract-hassle/

O’Connor Richmond Times Dispatch: Former UR QB Kyle Lauletta has three-day window to shine at Giants' mini-camp starting Tuesday
http://www.bhpioneer.com/sports/national_sports/former-ur-qb-kyle-lauletta-has-three-day-window-to/article_c9ffd0f2-132a-586d-9ec8-d65ca4b435c7.html

RB

Salomone Giants.com: Wayne Gallman adjusts to big changes in RB room
https://www.giants.com/news/wayne-gallman-adjusts-to-big-changes-in-rb-room

WR

Raanan ESPN NY: Odell Beckham Jr., Giants headed for inevitable showdown
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/57254/odell-beckham-jr-giants-seem-headed-for-inevitable-showdown

Schwartz NYP: Odell Beckham doesn’t need to run to appease Giants
https://nypost.com/2018/06/11/odell-beckham-doesnt-need-to-run-to-appease-giants/amp/

Traina Inside Football: Odell is Reportedly Coming to the Mandatory Minicamp: What It Means and What Can We Expect?
https://insidefootball.com/odell-is-coming-to-the-mandatory-minicamp-what-it-means-and-what-can-we-expect/

OL

Dunleavy NJ.com: Giants' offensive line: Is quick fix even possible? | What Super Bowl XLII champs can teach us
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/06/giants_offensive_line_is_quick_fix_even_possible_w_1.html

OLB

Pflum BBV: Summer School: How will James Bettcher use Olivier Vernon and Kareem Martin?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/6/8/17434346/summer-school-ny-giants-james-bettcher-olivier-vernon-kareem-martin-linebacker-defense

NFL

Volin Boston Globe: New Sunday Football Notes: Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski did their best to minimize the Patriots' drama. Tom Brady did not
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/06/09/bill-belichick-and-rob-gronkowski-did-their-best-minimize-patriots-drama-tom-brady-did-not/jcGr2T6rzmKWEST9ouvlHK/story.html

Breer MMQB: For Pete Carroll’s Seahawks, It’s Time to Compete Again
The ‘Legion of Boom’ core is no more, but things have taken on a 2012 kind of vibe in Seattle—and that’s just how Pete Carroll likes it. Plus, Tom Brady’s taste of normalcy, Hue Jackson jumps in a lake, Kobe Bryant talks to the Pats, Derrius Guice shines on the field, Malcolm Jenkins shines off it, Manziel shines in another country, and Durant, LeBron and Gronk the Horse shine in sports that aren’t
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/06/11/seattle-seahawks-rebuild-pete-carroll-hue-jackson-browns-tyrod-taylor-baker-mayfield

Prisco CBS Sports: Prisco's Top 100 NFL Players of 2018: Rodgers tops Brady for No. 1, Jaguars have most on list
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-top-100-nfl-players-of-2018-rodgers-tops-brady-for-no-1-jaguars-have-most-on-list/

ARIZONA
Somers AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals' revamped offensive line talking the talk
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2018/06/08/arizona-cardinals-dj-humphries-offensive-line-ray-brown/684972002/

Somers AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals sign safety Travell Dixon; waive Jonathan Owens
https://amp.azcentral.com/amp/691865002

ATLANTA
Smith AJC: Parmalee helping Freeman to rebound from ‘toughest’ NFL season
https://www.myajc.com/sports/football/parmalee-helping-freeman-rebound-from-toughest-nfl-season/H7Be9H5iQdc3uVOrlD9n3K/

Bradley AJC: This just in: Julio Jones is not a happy mini-camper
https://www.myajc.com/blog/mark-bradley/this-just-julio-jones-not-happy-mini-camper/nFsnI0BjEbaO1cmz3peRZO/

BALTIMORE
Baltimore Sun: Some things to look for as the Ravens prepare for mandatory minicamp
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-ota-minicamp-preview-0611-story.html

Stuart Football Perspective: Joe Flacco’s Career, A Revised Graphic Novel
http://www.footballperspective.com/joe-flaccos-career-a-revised-graphic-novel/

BUFFALO
Skurski Buffalo News: HOW A 'B' IN GEOGRAPHY INSPIRED TRE'DAVIOUS WHITE TO ALWAYS BRING HIS 'A' GAME
http://buffalonews.com/2018/06/10/tredavious-white-bills-shreveport-lsu/

CAROLINA
Person Charlotte Observer: 5 accomplishments that would signal success in this week's Carolina Panthers minicamp
http://amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article212953994.html

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: 10 questions for the Bears looking ahead to Matt Nagy's first training camp
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-ten-questions-training-camp-20180608-story.html

Biggs Chicago Tribune: 'Creativity brewing' on Bears offense as backup QB Chase Daniel serves as sounding board for Mitch Trubisky
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-chase-daniel-mitch-trubisky-questions-20180607-story.html

CINCINNATI
Sheeran Cincy Jungle: Film room: There’s no matchup where Tyler Eifert can’t win
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/6/9/17433624/film-room-theres-no-matchup-where-tyler-eifert-cant-win

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Can the Browns win 9 or 10 games in 2018? Hey, Mary Kay!
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/06/can_the_browns_win_9_or_10_gam.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns 2018 minicamp: Can Corey Coleman redeem himself and 5 other questions
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/06/browns_2018_minicamp_can_corey.html

Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: The Browns can't have enough weapons and that's why Duke Johnson's contract extension is a no-brainer
https://www.cleveland.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/06/228bd693134578/duke_johnson_browns.html

DALLAS
Hill Fort Worth Star Telegram: RB Ezekiel Elliott might be the top rusher and top pass target in Dak-friendly attack
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article212957709.html

Machota Dallas Morning News: Why do Cowboys RBs practice with a helmet, boxing glove each attached to a pole? Ezekiel Elliott explains
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/06/11/pole-helmet-attached-another-boxing-glove-practice-ezekiel-elliott-explains

Hill Fort Worth Star Telegram: Suspended Cowboys DE Randy Gregory to meet with NFL about his possible reinstatement
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article212995509.html

Engel Fort Worth Star Telegram: Is David Irving's personal life affecting his professional life with the Cowboys?
http://amp.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mac-engel/article212937809.html

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Following “rocky moments” in 2017, Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles focused on big improvement
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/06/10/broncos-garett-bolles-focused-on-big-improvement/

O’Halloran Denver Post: Shane Ray’s game plan should be to not rush back to Broncos
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/06/09/shane-rays-game-plan-broncos/

O’Halloran Denver Post: Bradley Chubb “prepared” to fill in for injured Shane Ray on Broncos defense
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/06/11/bradley-chubb-shane-ray-denver-broncos-defense/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions summer break 'still a critical time for the team'
https://amp.freep.com/amp/692878002

Atkins Michigan Live: New Lions RB Kerryon Johnson isn't here to be a bell cow
https://articles.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/06/after_rugged_sec_career_kerryo.amp

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones: 'I'm loyal to Detroit'
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/06/11/tj-jones-detroit-lions-wide-receivers/692674002/

Sang Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Michael Roberts top goal for 2nd season: Dependability
https://amp.freep.com/amp/691517002

GREEN BAY
Cohen Mil JS: Four intriguing storylines to watch at Packers minicamp
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/06/11/packers-minicamp-preview/692015002/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: A look at Deshaun Watson's progress from knee surgery
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/A-look-at-Deshaun-Watson-s-progress-from-knee-12978652.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Braxton Miller entering a key season for Texans
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Braxton-Miller-entering-a-key-season-for-Texans-12982538.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans excited about Tyrann Mathieu's transition
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/amp/Texans-excited-about-Tyrann-Mathieu-s-transition-12984657.php

McClain Houston Chronicle: How the Texans will replace Andre Hal
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/How-the-Texans-will-replace-Andre-Hal-12984544.php

JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars head into final phase of offseason program with 3-day mandatory minicamp
http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180611/jaguars-head-into-final-phase-of-offseason-program-with-3-day-mandatory-minicamp?

Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: WILLIAM POEHLS SERVES AS THE SPARRING PARTNER FOR THE JAGUARS' TALENTED PASS RUSHERS
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/william-poehls-serves-as-the-sparring-partner-for-the-jaguars-talented-pass-rushers/77-562884276

Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: CODY DAVIS OFFERING A 'PLEASANT SURPRISE' AS HE IMPRESSES JAGUARS STAFF WITH HIS ATHLETICISM
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/cody-davis-offering-a-pleasant-surprise-as-he-impresses-jaguars-staff-with-his-athleticism/77-562192121

KANSAS CITY
Grathoff KC Star: Tamba Hali has complete faith in Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
http://amp.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article212938449.html

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Woike LA Times: Chargers set to devour mandatory minicamp with much less on their plate this year
http://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-camp-20180611-story.html

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Klein LA Times: As Rams gear up for minicamp, Aaron Donald seems unlikely to suit up
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-camp-20180611-story.html

MIAMI
Perkins Sun Sentinel: Dolphins' first-round picks say mental approach, not just talent, key to rookie success
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-first-round-20180611-story.html

Lieser Palm Beach Post: Dolphins see strides from backup quarterbacks David Fales, Brock Osweiler, Bryce Petty
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/06/11/dolphins-see-strides-from-backup-quarterbacks-david-fales-brock-osweiler-bryce-petty/

Lieser Palm Beach Post: Throwing sessions with Ryan Tannehill give Dolphins TE A.J. Derby advantage
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/06/11/throwing-sessions-with-ryan-tannehill-give-dolphins-te-a-j-derby-advantage/

Kelly Sun Sentinel: Dolphins rookie tight ends Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe cramming to catch up
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-notes-20180611-20180611-story.html

Persak Sun Sentinel: Dolphins' Stephone Anthony comfortable, in the mix for third linebacker job
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-sidebar-20180611-story.html

MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings GM Rick Spielman calls ‘high-priced roster’ a ‘good problem to have’
https://www.twincities.com/2018/06/10/vikings-gm-rick-spielman-calls-high-priced-roster-a-good-problem-to-have/

NEW ENGLAND
McBride Boston Globe: Mike Gillislee looking for a bounce-back season in Patriots backfield
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/06/11/mike-gillislee-looking-for-bounce-back-season-patriots-backfield/0TZ2NQJHr4JcoZaScR2ywN/amp.html

Volin Boston Globe: Julian Edelman case is rife with questions; here are some answers
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/06/11/julian-edelman-case-rife-with-questions-here-are-some-answers/crXuusn3bdYfPfKGiUHtLO/amp.html

Thomas Forbes.com: Patriots Cornerback Stephon Gilmore's Contract Doesn't Look So Daunting Now
https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverthomas/2018/06/12/patriots-cornerback-stephon-gilmores-contract-doesnt-look-so-daunting-now/

Daniels Providence Journal: Cornerback J.C. Jackson has lots to prove, on and off field
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20180611/cornerback-jc-jackson-has-lots-to-prove-on-and-off-field

NEW ORLEANS
Erickson NO Advocate: Five things to watch during the Saints' mandatory minicamp: QBs, Mark Ingram, more
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_478559a0-6da0-11e8-958d-7fd2afb242de.html

Triplett ESPN NO: Saints' top pick, Marcus Davenport, to undergo thumb surgery
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23761932/new-orleans-saints-top-pick-marcus-davenport-undergo-hand-surgery

Katzenstein Nola.com: Craig Robertson thinks linebacker depth could help Saints be special
https://articles.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/06/saints_linebackers_craig_rober.amp

NEW YORK JETS
Braziller NYP: Jets’ make-or-break unit is one big question mark
https://nypost.com/2018/06/11/jets-make-or-break-unit-is-one-big-question-mark/

OAKLAND
Kawahara SF Chronicle: Raiders adding two experienced defensive linemen
https://www.sfchronicle.com/raiders/amp/Raiders-adding-experienced-defensive-tackle-12985481.php

Harris Sac Bee: Why Raiders defensive star Khalil Mack is expected to skip team's mandatory minicamp
http://amp.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/oakland-raiders/article212977884.html

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: An early look ahead at the Eagles' potential 2019 salary cap casualties
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-potential-2019-salary-cap-casualties-cuts-michael-bennett-timmy-jernigan/

Domowitch Phil.com: Press Taylor is living life in the fast lane, from unearthing the 'Philly Special' to coaching the QBs
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/press-taylor-eagles-quarterbacks-carson-wentz-nick-foles-philly-special-20180611.html

Berman Phil.com: Duce Staley might not be Eagles' offensive coordinator, but he's confident about his new role
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/duce-staley-eagles-offensive-coordinator-doug-pederson-20180611.html

Berman Phil.com: Eagles' Mike Wallace excited about new playbook
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/mike-wallace-philadelphia-eagles-playbook-organized-team-activities-20180608.html

Sielski Phil.com: Eagles receivers coach Gunter Brewer and Mack Hollins have a good history, and maybe a good future together
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/mike_sielski/new-eagles-wr-coach-gunter-brewer-and-mack-hollins-have-a-good-history-together-and-maybe-a-good-future-mike-sielski-20180611.html

McLane Phil.com: Winning another Super Bowl is why Eagles' Brandon Graham is willing to play out his contract
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/eagles-brandon-graham-contract-season-howie-roseman-super-bowl-negotiations-20180609.html

Fierro Allentown Morning Call: Kickoff rules changes have Eagles special teams coordinator's approval
http://www.mcall.com/sports/football/eagles/mc-spt-eagles-dave-fipp-kickoff-changes-20180611-story.html

PITTSBURGH
Gorman Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert embraces mentor role
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/13749343-74/steelers-right-tackle-marcus-gilbert-embraces-mentor-role

Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: The Steelers are still waiting for Daniel McCullers to explode
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2018/06/07/daniel-mccullers-steelers-defensive-line-OTAs-pittsburgh/stories/201806070181

SEATTLE
Bell News Tribune: After year learning under Sherman, Shaquill Griffin moves into more prominent role
https://amp.kitsapsun.com/amp/691170002/

TAMPA BAY
Laine ESPN TB: Winning TD catch fuels Chris Godwin's offseason momentum
http://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/20756/winning-td-catch-fuels-chris-godwins-offseason-momentum

Stroud TB Times: Jason Pierre-Paul arrives for Bucs’ mandatory minicamp, but OTAs absence was costly
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/06/11/jason-pierre-paul-arrives-for-bucs-mandatory-minicamp-but-otas-absence-was-costly/

TENNESSEE
Wolf The Tennessean: Titans' Kevin Dodd making positive impression among 3 keys to successful minicamp
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/690863002

WASHINGTON
Copeland Washington Post: Gruden happy with ‘evolved’ culture as Redskins shift to mandatory minicamp
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/football-insider/wp/2018/06/11/gruden-happy-with-redskins-evolved-culture-as-team-transitions-from-otas-to-mandatory-minicamp/

Farrar B/R: New-Look Washington Offense Has High Upside, Playoff Potential
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2780029-new-look-washington-offense-has-high-upside-playoff-potential

Draft

Miller B/R: An Early Look at Scouts' Top 10 Players in the 2019 NFL Draft
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2780168-an-early-look-at-scouts-top-10-players-in-the-2019-nfl-draft.amp.html

CB
Rang NFL Draft Scout: NFL supplemental draft sneak peak -- CB Sam Beal
https://www.themaven.net/nfldraftscout/news/nfl-supplemental-draft-sneak-peak-cb-sam-beal-1W8jP5IUikufOiSoYSTFVQ/?

History

Branch SF Chronicle: Dwight Clark’s impact extended beyond 49ers
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Dwight-Clark-s-impact-extended-beyond-49ers-12981517.php?

Almond SJ Mercury News: Long before Dwight Clark, three forgotten 49ers perished from ALS
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/06/09/long-before-dwight-clark-three-forgotten-49ers-perished-from-als/

Stuart Football Perspective: Vinny Testaverde and The Worst Passer Ratings By Season
http://www.footballperspective.com/vinny-testaverde-and-the-worst-passer-ratings-by-season/

Stuart Football Perspective: Which Receivers Played On The Most Efficient Passing Offenses?
http://www.footballperspective.com/which-receivers-played-on-the-most-efficient-passing-offenses/

Stephenson Alabama.com: Ex-Auburn star Larry Willingham: World Football League was 'most fun I ever had playing football'
https://articles.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/06/ex-auburn_star_larry_willingha.amp

Giants Training Camp Previews from prior seasons

1967

The Fran-chise, Frederickson the knee and the damage done; the search for talent extends to West Texas State and Grambling; Chuck Mercein from NYG to the minor leagues to a Super Bowl...

01-24-1967

GIANTS TO TRAIN THROUGHOUT YEAR; Football Club Establishes Physical Fitness Section

“A new department of physical fitness, to operate the year round, has been established by the New York Giants. Johnny Dziegiel, for many years a trainer of the Giant teams and also those at Fordham, will direct the department. Wellington T. Mara, the president of the club, announced the new plan yesterday.”

02-10-1967 Lost Gary Wood QB; Bob Schultz C; and Jim Garcia DE to New Orleans in the expansion draft

03-07-1967 Traded a 1967 first round draft selection, a 1967 second round draft selection, a 1968 first round draft selection, and a 1969 second round draft selection to Minnesota for Fran Tarkenton

03-14-1967 Traded Jerry Hillebrand LB to St. Louis for Bill Triplett HB

04-08-1967

SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER LOS ANGELES

“Every team in the recent AFL-NFL draft passed up West Texas State’s record-setting passing star Hank Washington, but the quarterback was signed to a bonus contract by the New York Giants last week, it was learned.

Former Giants all-pro Em Tunnell flew here from New York to sign Washington and former Grambling College track ace Richard Stebbins. Washington broke virtually every passing record at West Texas State in two years of play. He led the nation in total offense and passing for several weeks last season. Hank wound up third in the nation in passing and fourth in total offense. West Texas State set a total of 27 teams and individual records last season and 11 were registered by Washington. His marks included the following: Net yards passing— 390 against the University of Pacific; passes attempted —48 against Memphis State; passes completed — 27 against Memphis State; net yards total offense — 2,189; net yards passing — 2,107; passes attempted — 281; passes completed — 163 and touchdown passes — 17. His two-year career record includes 282 completed passes, 3,510 yards gained passing, and 26 touchdown passes. Stebbins, a 9-3 sprinter, was the 10th round draft choice of the Giants. He was recommended to the Giants by the Grambling public relations director, Collie J. Nicholson. Nicholson recommended former Grambling tackle Willie Young to the Giants last season and, according to Tunnell, he turned out to be the team’s best rookie lineman. Stebbins, a member of the 1964 Olympic Games team, along with the Giant’s defensive back Henry Carr and the Dallas Cowboys’ Bob Hayes, is one of the fastest men in the world. He played only part of the season with Coach Eddie Robinson’s Grambling gridders last fall. However, Tunnell and head coach Allie Sherman feel that if Stebbins can catch and with his speed they can teach him the rest. Stebbins said he was confident he could make the grade, “if I’m given the chance.”

06-21-1967 Waived Jim Prestel DT; claimed by Washington

1967 New York Giants Outlook

"As any follower of the football Giants knows, they are a devil's brew of heady success and abysmal failure. In recent seasons, any attempt to get a fix on them has turned out to be an exercise in frustration. They again are unpredictable for 1967, except to say that they are far from being what they once were, but not quite as bad as they were last year.
There are two reasons for this. The first is that the Giants went to camp with a more realistic assessment of themselves than they did at the same time a year ago. Then, they were slightly tipsy from their second-place (tie) .500 finish of 1965. The second reason - and perhaps more far-reaching - is that they once again seem to have bailed themselves out by engineering a trade for a star.
This time, the rescuer's name is Francis Tarkenton, and while he may not make the Giant restoration complete all by himself, he will keep the customers distracted from the team's many shortcomings. And he's the kind of young and experienced quarterback with whom they can plan a happier future. Earl Morrall, who provided the Giants with efficient temporary relief in 1965, will be in the bullpen if his injured wrist is completely healed. The third quarterback is Tom Kennedy, who performed well at times last year after being recruited from the Continental League. He completed 55 passes out of 100 attempts for 748 yards and seven touchdowns.
The first time Tucker Frederickson carries the ball in earnest you can bet coach Allie Sherman will be holding his breath. The fullback, who enjoyed a brilliant rookie campaign in '65, was out all of last season with a wrecked knee; it means everything to him - physically and psychologically - to survive the first mean bump he takes. If Frederickson makes it, the backfield will have some of its old Baby Bull wallop. Chuck Mercein, a merciless but inartistic runner, is back and so is ex-Packer Allen Jacobs and third-year man Ernie Koy. The Giants also acquired halfback Bill Triplett from the St. Louis Cardinals during the off-season, and he could add outside running speed to the attack.
The Giants appear to be well-manned at the ends. The exciting Homer Jones is still gaining velocity at split end, all-purpose Joe Morrison is resourceful at flanker, and Aaron Thomas is a top clutch receiver at tight end. Freeman White, a high draft choice in 1965 who got to play linebacker last season, probably will be returned to end.
But the most critical area for the Giants is in the line, where Sherman would like to establish some consistency. The pass blocking broke down alarmingly in 1966, but Sherman believes this was due more to a loss in technique than to inadequate personnel. We'll see. It's bound to be somewhat improved with the return of Francis Peay to one of the tackle positions; he was knocked out of action midway through a promising rookie year. Soph Willie Young, who was coming along toward the end of the season, plays the other tackle. Bookie Bolin, Pete Case and Darrell Dess all played well below their abilities in '66, but they are old-pro guards who should rebound. At center, Greg Larson made a remarkable recovery from a severely damaged knee and appears to be playing at full speed again. The reserves are second-year man Charlie Harper, taxi-squader Owen Thomas and rookie Randy Staten (Minnesota) at guard, veteran Roger Davis at tackle and Joe Wellborn at center.
Paralleling the breakdown in the Giant offensive line last year was the dismemberment of their defensive line - partly through injury, partly through bad play. Jim Katcavage returns to one end; he's still plenty tough, but he may be slowing down at this stage of his career. Roosevelt Davis, who figures to start at the other end, was just reaching pro-level efficiency last season when he was kayoed by a knee injury. The tackle jobs are up for grabs among Glen Condren, Jim Moran, Don Davis and Roger Anderson, none of whom has played with much distinction in the past. Sherman is sure to test Lou Thompson, his top draft choice, at one of the tackles. Thompson is a 6-2, 240-pounder from Alabama who was rated as one of the fastest linemen in his conference last season. Bill Matan is a spare end.
Confusion and injuries decimated the linebacking corps last year. Bill Swain and Larry Vargo, the most experienced operatives, were lost for most of the season, and promising rookie Jeff Smith was hurt at the very end - all were knee cases. They're back this year, along with Mike Ciccolella, who did some good work in the middle as a rookie in '66, Stan Sczurek and newcomer Ken Avery, who was drafted as a future out of Southern Mississippi. Sherman is depending on his new defensive coach, Harland Svare, to bring some order to the chaotic linebacking situation.
As the Giants learned so painfully in 1966, a good defense is predicated on a tough pass rush and a resourceful crew of linebackers. If there's any improvement up front, it will make the quartet in the secondary more effective than it has been. Spider Lockhart and Clarence Childs are a pair of speedy, gambling cornerbacks, and Henry Carr and Wendell Harris are alert at the safeties. Carr is expected to change places with Lockhart this season, and Harris, the greybeard of the group, is a steadying influence. He could be pushed by second-year man Phil Harris (no relation). The rookies are Peterson Matthews (Grambling), Scott Eaton (Oregon State) and Ted Holman (Syracuse).
But don't expect too much from Giant rookies as a whole. The Giants traded away their first three draft choices, and didn't get to pick until the fourth round."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

IN BRIEF
Probable 1967 Finish: 3rd
Strengths: good pass receiving, paced by Homer Jones, and a springy set of defensive backs.
Biggest Needs: help on both interior lines and a workable team of linebackers.
1966 finish: 8th

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

8-04-1967

Giants, Falcons To Conduct Drills At Ithaca Field ITHACA -

“ New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, flying In from their training camps next Friday, for the Saturday. Aug. U, Finger Lakes Pro - Bowl game at Cornell's Schoellkopf Field, will have drills here tha,t afternoon The Giants plan to work out at S pjn. and the Falcons at 4 o'clock. Both sessions, free to the public”

8-12-1967

By Alan Mover

“Tarkenton will start at quarterback for the Giants and Allie Sherman says he will use Earl Morrall and Tom Kennedy to back him up. Tucker Frederickson will give his carved-up knee a test and Sherman will have his fingers crossed.”

The end result:

12-10-1967

NYT: Knees Are Just Not Meant Football

“Don Weiss of the National Football League office figured out-thee had been 19 knee surgeries this year involving prominent NFL players, before Frederickson's incision. The doctor of Tucker's injury, Dr. Pisani, also an orthopedic surgeon, visited Jim Colvin's room in the Hotel Summit, where the Giants stay before home games. He stuck a long needle in Colvin's left knee and withdrew an ounce and a half of fluid. It was routine. He also went to Darrell Dess' room and drained three ounces of fluid. warm, and after 15 minutes it wears ff. and then it's just you and your guts to take you the rest of the way." Colvin figured we're only hearing a lot more about knee injures now because the number of pro football players since he " broke in has doubled and there's more notoriety because of celebrated cases like Frederickson and Namath. Dr. Pisani agreed and pointed out, "Back in the 1940s, every player on the first string line of the Brooklyn Dodgers had at least one knee operated on. We have operated on 11 of the Giants who are now playing regalarly." He has had eight knee surgeries this year alone. But still, it's not like pulling a tooth. "The knee," he added, "was not meant for football. Its motion is limited to straight knee bending so-called extension inflexionwhereas the other joints, the ankle and the hip, have inversion and eversion, up and down, and the hip can rotate and go into several different planes of motion. The knee, having just two ranges of motion, is much more susceptible to injury." Tucker Frederickson can verify that. He made his own diagnosis when he limped off the field and into surgery. It was tough to accept, though. He had actually hurt his knee on the previous play and stayed in the game to carry the ball one more time for no gain.”

NEW YORK (NEA) - Tucker Frederickuon . . . makes own diagnosis

“Tucker Frederickson dragged himself up from under the pile of players and limped a straight path across the field to the sidelines. Alex Webster, coaching the backs for the Giants, asked him, "You got a Charley horse?" ' Tucker shook his head. He looked at linebacker Bill Swain, his buddy, and muttered, "The other one's gone." And Bill knew what he meant. At 7 o'clock that night, Dr. Anthony Pisani had him in the operating room at St. Vincent's Hospital in mid-Manhattan and cut into he right knee of the New York Giant running back to repair damage tothe medial ligament and medial cartilage and, as he suspected, a tear of the anterior cruiciate ligament. That was the medical part of it. There was no diagnosis for the way it tore Tucker up inside. He was just getting over 15 months ( pain and frustration and self-doubt, the post-operational effect of surgery on his other knee, and now Tucker Frederickson, 24 years old and magnificently gifted for professional football, lies in a hospital bed and doesn't know if he'll ever feel the elation of a football tucked tight against his elbow. His case is not unique. The knee, fragile and vital, exposes the tenmnis future of every man who plays football for a living. the most accurate wrist timepiece in the world "Heck," noted the doctor, "I used to drain (fullback) Phil King's knee between halves." Both Colvin, a defensive tackle, and Dess, a guard, had operations last winter. Colvin, who is approaching 30 and played seven years on good teams in Baltimore and Dallas before being picked up by the Giants as a desperation gamble, told what it was like. "You get the cast off after seven weeks," he said, "and see your leg it was about !ike my arm and you just figure you're through, and if you get any more time in you're going to be lucky. "I had broken arms and separated shoulders and not missed any time. Your legs are everything in this game, so you get this, shot of novocaine to dull the pain.”

08-12-1967

DICK JOYCE UPI Sports Writer FAIRFIELD, Conn. (UPI)

“The pressure is on Fran Tarkenton to revive the New York Giants' offense and pull them from the depths of the National Football League. plagued by quarterback problems since Y.A. Tittle called It quits, the Giants dealt off the rights to two top draft choices lor the 27-year-old scrambler, who feuded with coach Norm Van Brocklln for six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Tarkenton figures to be buddy, buddy with New York coach Allie Sherman if he can return the Giants to respectability. More than 60,000 fans who jam Yankee Stadium for each home game rang out with "Goodby Allle" chants last season as the Giants won only once, lost 12 and tied once. It was their worst season in history.

Their schedule appears tougher, too, in the NFL realignment. Playing In the Century division of the Eastern Conference, New York meets Cleveland, St. Louis and Pittsburgh twice each plus single games against Central Division teams—Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota.

Morrall Returns Behind Tarkenton, the Giants have a fine backup signal-caller in Earl Morrall, sidelined by injuries most of last season. Running back Tucker Frederickson is another key to the Giants’ offense. He must bounce back from a knee operation after sitting out last season, Chuck Mercein, Allen Jacobs, Ernie Koy and Joe Morrison, switched from flanker, also must carry the load as running backs. Sherman and his new coaching staff have moved Aaron Thomas from tight end to flanker. Bob Cresplno moves up as first string tight end. Speedy Homer Jones is at split end. If Sherman can patch holes at offensive tackles, the rest of the line looks good with Fran Peay, Wille Young, Bookie Bolin, Pete Case and Greg Larson as starters. The Giants were further bolstered by the return of veteran guard Darrell Dess, who had walked out of camp last week. Roger Davis and Charlie Harper will be backup guards.

Defense Is Problem The major problem is defense. The Giants established an NFL record of giving up 501 points last season, Including a 72-41 setback by Washington, Defensive end Jim Katcavage at 32 is the lone bright spot on the defensive line. Tackle is the sore spot where Sherman has his pick of Jim Moran, Glen Condren, first year flop Don Davis, Roger Anderson and rookie Fred Freeman. To add to problems, the Giants don't have an established placeklcker with Pete Gogolak serving a hitch in the army. Merceln will handle the chores.”

8-23-1967

By JACK HAND Associated Press Sports Writer FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) —

“When the New York Giants dashed out for their first scrimmage of the year, a leather- lunged fan bellowed, "Thanks for showing up, Allie." Allie Sherman showed up al] right with a revised coaching staff that is dedicated to ignoring the 1-12-1 disaster of 1965 while connceutrating on the future. With Frank Tarkenton scrambling in and out of the pocket, The Giants are cautiously optimistic about the year. Harold Svare is doing a major overhaul job on the defense that gave up a staggering total of 501 points last year. Svare, former Giant linebacker and also former head coach at Los Angeles, was brought in as an assistant to specialize on defense. He brought Jack Patera with him for his old Rams' staff. The Giants sustained 29 major injuries last year, including six knee cases that required surgery. Tucker Frederickson, the key running back as a rookie in 1955, missed the entire $66 season. Earl Morrall's wrist fracture left the Giants with only Gary Wood and Tom Kennedy as quarterbacks. No wonder they had to be satisfied with a win over Washington and a tie with Pittsburgh in the club s worst season. Federickson played the entire first half of the first game with Atlanta. After the game, Sherman said, "If anything happens to Tucker now, it will have to be a new injury. He has been whacked good." Tarkenton, a first string quar terback for six years with the Minnesota Vikings, is the brigh hope for 1967. The former Geor gia passer is known for his ability to ramble around the fielc when his protection breaks down, until he spots an open receiver or decides to run with the ball. Typically, in the Giants' 10-10 opening tie with Atlanta, Tar kenton was the second best runner on the club. Where all of this leaves Morrall is not clear at the moment The former Detroit Lion did a fine job for the team in 1965 bu was ineffective, with little help up front, until he was hurt las year. He still is a fine quarterback who could play first string with several clubs but also is valuable to the giants as protection now that Wood is gone. A trade may be the answer if the Giants can get line help. If Frederickson holds up, the starting backfield probably will see Tucker teaming with Bill Triplett, picked up from St Louis in a trade for Jerry Hillebrand. Allen Jacobs, Chuck Mercein and punter Ernie Koy are the others. Homer Jones, Joe Morrison Del Shofner. making a fine comeback, and Aaron Thomas are the top receivers. Dick Ko tite, a free agent from Wagne College, is challenging Bobby Crespino at tight end. Dick Stebbins, a track star at Grambling, may wind up on the tax squad. The offensive line which broke down last year and let the pass er get smothered 82 times for losses of 524 yards still is a problem. Greg Larson at Cen ter, Bookie Bolin and Pete Case at guards and Willie Young ant Francis Peay are the holdovers Peay has been hobbled by a leg injury. Charlie Harper may move into a tackle job and rookie Andy Gross of Auburn has impressed Sherman a guard. The veteran Roger Davis and Darrell Dess are available. Defensively, Spider Lockhart has moved from left corner to free safety and Henry Carr, has been tried at right corner with Clarence Childs moving to lefl corner. Freeman While, 6-5, 225 originally an offensive end bul used as linebacker last year, has been working at strong safety with Wendell Harris, the 1966 regular. Rookie Scott Eaton of Oregon State is another with a chance. There were times last year when the Giants had three rookie linebackers as regulars Things should be better with Bill Swain and Larry Vargo re covering from surgey and a sound Jeff Smith battling with Mike Ciccolella in the middle. Sid Williams, acquired from Cleveland, is a possibility. The best looking rookie is Ken Avery of Southern Mississippi. Lack of a strong pass rush is another problem. Jim Kalcavage, still going strong at 32, is at one end. Another injury to Rosey Davis has given Glen Condren and Jim Toon a shot at the other end with Jim Moran and Roger Anderson in the middle. Don Davis trimmed down to 260 but has been handicapped by injuries. Fred Freeman, rookie from Mississippi Valley, has a long shot chance. With Pete Gogolak still in an Army hospital, Mercein proba bly will do ths place kicking.”

08-23-1967

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.

“Hank Washington, who received a $40,000 bonus contract from the New York Giants, probab-lv won't even sec Yankee Stadium this fall. But somedav soon he might be the National Football League's first Negro quarterback. Washington, a 6-foot-4, 212-pounder from West Texas State via Los Angeles High School was fourth in the nation last year in total offense and fifth in passing. With those fine credentials and appearances in two All -Star games -the North-South and Senior Bowl he figured to be a iiigh draft pick by the pros. But he was ignored. Teams 'Scared' "I definitely was disappointed, but really could not say why I wasn't picked" Washington said. " Maybe I was the victim of newspaper stories saying how great I was. They exaggerated a bit and possibly scared some of the teams off, thinking my price would be too high. "But," Washington added, "right after the draft, six or seven teams from both pro leagues contacted me, and just about everyone from Canada." "I signed with the Giants because I liked the way they talked to me. They were really Interested. Wellington Mara, Giants president; Emlen Tunnell, defensive bad-field coach, and head coach Allie Sherman all treated me great," Washington said. New York acquired quarterback Fran Tarkenton from the Minnesota Vikings before the start of pre-season training, and after one week Washington was sent to the Westchester Bulls of the Atlantic Coast Football League. The Bulls are a farm club of the Giants. Tom Scott, general manager of the Bulls, explained, "Washington was sent down here , to break him of some bad habits, which every rookie has. He'ii also get a chance to play every game. That's the main reason he's here. With the Giants he would not have had the opportunity." "But he’s a clean cut kid and a hard worker. He might be up with the Giants next year or the year after. He might just take rigfit off and make it sooner, you never know."

“On the training scene, Olympic sprinter Dick Stebbins of Grambling will start at flanker for the Giants in place of Homer Jones, who has two cracked ribs. Fullback Tucker Frederickson will be a doubtful starter and six other Giants will be deifnitely out when New York, which allowed a record 501 points last season, takes on the sophomore Atlanta
Falcons at Ithaca, N. Y.”

08-28-1967 Acquired Ed Weisacosky LB from San Francisco for a tenth round draft selection

Giants Obtain Ed Weisacosky FAIRF1ELD, Conn. (AP) -“

“The New York Giants obtained j Ed Weisacosky, a rookie linebacker, from San Francisco in a National Football League trade Monday. In return, the 49ers will receive a future draft choice. Weisacosky, 23 years old, is from the University of Miami, Fla. He is a 6-foot-l, 225 pound-er. The transaction was made after the Giants had placed Jim Toon, a defensive end, on the injured waiver list. Toon has strained right knee ligaments.”

09-06-1967

“The New York Giants cut five players and reactivated one. Added to the roster was Jim Colvin, a defensive tackle. The Giants dropped ends Dick Stebbins and Mike Purzyeki, backs Steve Bowman and Phil Harris and offensive tackle Roger Davis.”

09-07-1967 Claimed Doug Van Horn G off waivers from Detroit

09-09-1967

(GREEN BAY) -

“Bart Starr, rebounding from a rib injury, hit 15 of 21 passes as the unbeaten Packers battered New York 31-14 in the final tune-up. Starr, who had been sidelined two weeks with bruised ribs, marked his recovery by passing for two touchdowns and 235 yards before sitting out most of the second half. The NFL's MVP guided the Packers on scoring drives of 80 and 94 yards in the first half. Green Bay struck quickly for two more touchdowns and a 28-0 lead early in the third period after a 54-yard kickoff return by Donny Anderson and a pass interception by Tom Brown. The victory was the 13th straight for the Packers, including six in exhibition play and seven last season, when the NFL champions captured the first Super Bowl crown.”

RUSHING
GREEN BAY - Jim Grabowski 8-58, Ben Wilson 6-25, Donny Anderson 4-19, Elijah Pitts 5-15 2 TD, Travis Williams 5-15
NEW YORK - Tucker Frederickson 13-58, Ernie Koy 7-27 1 TD, Chuck Mercein 5-25, Allen Jacobs 7-18 1 TD, Tom Kennedy 1-7, Fran Tarkenton 2-4
PASSING
GREEN BAY - Bart Starr 21-15-235 2 TD 1 INT, Zeke Bratkowski 5-3-38
NEW YORK - Fran Tarkenton 22-8-128 3 INT, Tom Kennedy 1-0-0
RECEIVING
GREEN BAY - Marv Fleming 6-71, Jim Grabowski 3-35, Carroll Dale 2-89 1 TD, Aaron Brown 2-20, Max McGee 2-17 1 TD, Donny Anderson 1-17, Boyd Dowler 1-13, Claudis James 1-11
NEW YORK - Joe Morrison 3-45, Homer Jones 2-22, Del Shofner 1-42, Aaron Thomas 1-12, Bobby Crespino 1-7

09-11-1967 Traded a 1969 third round draft selection to Los Angeles for Bruce Anderson DE

09-11-1967 Traded a draft selection to Green Bay for Dave Hathcock DB

09-11-1967 Traded a 1968 sixth round draft selection for Vince Costello MLB

09-12-1967

“Another veteran, middle linebacker Vince Costello, who anchored Cleveland's defense through r.iany a winning season, also felt the bite as the Browns sent him to the linebacker-starved New York Giants, also for a draft choice. The Giants, easily the most active of teams a week before the NFL season opens, also picked up defensive end Bruce Anderson from the Rams and safety Dave Hathcock from Green Bay for draft picks. To make room, the Giants sent veteran tackle Jim Colvin back to Dallas because of a bad knee, placed third-string quarterback Tom Kennedy on injured waivers and dropped defensenien Ted Holman, Joe Siesel and Bob Trygstad.”

09-13-1967

NYT

Giants Put Mercein on Waivers And Attach Him to Taxi Squad.

“It is rare for a pro football team to cut its leading run net of the previous season. But the New York Giants did that yesterday, taking a calculated gamble and winning it with Chuck Mercein, the fullback and sometimes placekicker.”

Mil JS: Mercein talks of 1967 season

“Mercein was later brought back to the Giants, but only to be used as a kicker. Sherman told Mercein that if he missed a kick he would be waived again. Mercein made an extra point on his first kicking attempt, but because the Giants were holding, it didn’t count and the next attempt was 15 yards further out. As luck would have it, Mercein missed the kick and his time with the Giants was over.

Mercein was all set to sign with the Washington Redskins after his release by the Giants, as he had played for head coach Otto Graham in the College All-Star game, but before that could happen, he received a call from Wellington Mara.

The night Mara called was the same day that both halfback Elijah Pitts and fullback Jim Grabowski were lost for the season with injuries when the Packers played the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium in Week 8.

“So the phone rings and it’s Wellington Mara,” Mercein said. “He told me that he had heard that I was talking to the Washington Redskins about playing with them. He was also very apologetic about what happened with me in New York. Anyway, he said if I didn’t sign anything, that he had recommended me to Vince Lombardi and that he was interested in bringing me to Green Bay. Mara told me the next call I would be getting would be from Lombardi himself.

“Sure enough five minutes later, Lombardi calls. It was quite something. It was like the voice of God on the other end of the phone, as I had so much respect for him as a coach and the Packers as a team. Lombardi was very frank about everything and he said that the Packers could really use my help. He also said that I could help the team win another championship.”

RICH ROBERTS The Most Improbable Packer

"They were great to me. They're a very close team and yet 'they can assimilate a newcomer like myself without causing any trouble. It's a great feeling."--Chuck Mercein o/ the Green Bay Pncfeers. "Say you're sitting around the house and the phone rings'-and somebody says, 'This is Vince Lombardi and I want you to play fullback for me." - You might reply, "Forget it, buster -- and I don t want my driveway oiled or a room added on, either. If you bother hie any more I'll call the police." Actually, Chuck Mercein had more reason than you or I to expect such a phone call. But not much. "It looks like a little bit of fiction, doesn't it?" he says upon finding himself in the Super Bowl today. "But it hap- ..How it happened is one. of the strange tales of the season; Mercein admits that "it's a very confusing story," how .-he opened the season as a castoff, sank ingloriously into the minors, then flopped at a comeback until the magic phone call that led to the end of the rainbow.

IF CHUCK, 24, weren't a level-headed Yale man he might not be able to handle his dazzling luck. With the New York Giants last season, Mercein was the leading ball carrier for the NFL's worst team, despite missing half of the campaign with a ruptured kidney. But in the off-season Tucker Frederickson got well and the Giants acquired Bill Tripplett, another running back. "But what made my number come up was when our middle linebacker was injured and the Cleveland Browns offered Vince Costello for a future draft choice," Mercein explains. ‘That was three days before the regular season opener and the deal put the Giants one over the player limit.

So long.Chuck. Nobody picked him up the waivers, so Mercein went to play for the Giants' semipro affiliate, the Westchester Bull's. 'Aren't they in the Atlantic Coast League.' "I think so, yeah," Chuck says.'"It's shady to me, too, believe me. I keep trying to slip that out of the story 'because I went down there without any thought that this Is where I belonged or deserved to be. But I did keep in shape and that's part of the reason I could go out and play for the Packers right away."

MERCEIN FIGURED he had escaped the minor league stigma when the Giants brought him back a few weeks later. "Since Pete Gogolak was in the Army, they wanted me to go back to doing some kicking, which I had done in college. I kicked in one game and didn't do well at all ... then, lo and behold, Gogolak surprisingly shows up with weekend passes. So I decided at that point that my future didn't look too bright in New York." Then, as Chuck puts it, "I looked around. The Washington Redskin situation looked promising. They had a fullback with a broken'arm and had released Joe Don Looney." But after several days that wasn't working out, either. "I hadn't been activated because I didn't know the system --in.-the eyes of coach (Otto) Graham, at least," Chuck says. "And then coach Lombardi called me and he says come out and we'll activate you right away. I was on the next plane." Of course, Lombardi was desperate, too. Running backs Jim Grabowski and Elijah Pitts were crippled and wouldn't be ready for the NFL playoffs. Mercein found the welcome mat out. · "After the first game," Chuck recalls, "Bart Starr himself asked me to his house for drinks and later to dinner with him and Zeke Bratkowski. So socially there was no problem, either."

9-14-1967

St Louis Post Dispatch

An Edge in Triplett Deal?
By Robert Morrison Bill Triplett for Jerry Hillebrand?

“The swap has. looked pretty good for the New York Giants but, after all, the season hasn't begun yet. It will open Sunday when the Giants send Triplett as their chief wide running threat, against his former teammates, the football Cardinals, at Busch Memorial Stadium. The 26-year-old Triplett, who last season was pushed out of a regular job by the Big Red's rookie of the year, Johnny Roland, has been the leading ground gainer for the Giants In preseason games. The arrival of Roland made Triplett expendable, particularly since the Big Red were look-ing for help at linebacker. Larry Stallings was in military service and Bill Koman and Dale Meinert weren't getting any younger. Hillebrand, however, has become only a backup to Koman, Metnert and Stallings, who will be able to play on weekend leaves. That would seem to give the Giants the edge in the deal that gave them Triplett. " Bill, whose brother Mel had some good years with the Giants, appears to have benefited by the change of scenery. In preseason games, he has 174 yards and a 4.0 average. "He's our best outside runner," said Giant publicist Don Smith. "He didn't play in our last preseason game against Green Bay because he had a slight ankle injury. Coach Alii Sherman wanted to rest him so he'd be ready this week." Triplett's success, plus the comeback of big backs Tucker Frederlckson and Ernie Koy. who together averaged five yards a carry against the Packers, suggests something. The Giants just might have one of the better offenses in their division.' Fran Tarkenton now can throw when he chooses rather than out of necessity. ' "We have the receivers," said Smith. "Homer Jones is at split end, so Del Shofner has switched to flanker. And after an off year that almost persuaded him to retire, Shofner is looking better than he has since the 1961-63 days with Y. A. Tittle at quarterback. "Because Shofner has come back, Aaron Thomas returned to his usual tight end position instead of playing flanker. "And because Frederlckson and Koy are ready, and be cause we have Triplett and Allen Jacobs as other running backs, Joe Morrison can go back to his usual utility role as either a runner or receiver." In addition, the Giants' advance man said, the offensive line has been functioning so well that the Packers didn't get to Tarkenton once. The middle of the. line has veterans, with Greg Larson at center and Pete Case, Darrell Dess and Bookie Bolin for the two guard spots. But it has young ones at tackle, Willie Young and Charley Harper.”

09-22-1967 Traded a 1968 fifth round draft selection to Baltimore for Bob Lurtsema DT

Giants Birthdays 6-12

Gordon Gravelle LT TR-PITT 1977 NYG 1977-1979 6-12-1949
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Big Blue '56 : 6/12/2018 10:14 am : link
Quote:


“...The middle of the. line has veterans, with Greg Larson at center and Pete Case, Darrell Dess and Bookie Bolin for the two guard spots. But it has young ones at tackle, Willie Young and Charley Harper.”



I would take that talent anytime
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