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Defenderdawg : 7/15/2018 9:07 am
Giants

TE

Lombardo NJ.com: How do Giants tight ends grade heading into training camp?
https://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/07/how_do_giants_tight_ends_grade_heading_into_traini.html

Braziller NYP: Evan Engram sees two keys to ‘big’ year from Giants offense
https://nypost.com/2018/07/14/evan-engram-sees-two-keys-to-big-year-from-giants-offense/amp/

LT

Traina BBV: Nate Solder upgrades the Giants offense in more ways than one
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2018/7/14/17418308/nate-solder-ny-giants-free-agent-left-tackle-2018-90-man-roster-analysis

DE/OLB

Pflum BBV: Position Preview: Will the Giants be able to generate pressure off the edges?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/7/15/17569652/2018-ny-giants-training-camp-position-preview-edge-olivier-vernon-kareem-martin-lorenzo-carter

NFL

Volin Boston Globe: Sunday Football Notes:
The NFL awarded three grants for player safety research. Here’s a closer look at the winners and their products
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/07/14/the-nfl-awarded-three-grants-for-player-safety-research-here-closer-look-companies/oNsQLDZ0W2dblYNFZxSppI/story.html

Armstrong NYDN: As NFL tries to solve its growing concussion problem, a new flag football league believes it has the solution
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/ny-sports-flag-football-endzone-20180713-story.html

DALLAS
Sherrington Dallas Morning News: Ready or not: NFL's new helmet rule will leave players, refs, and fans scratching their heads
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/07/14/ready-not-nfls-new-helmet-rule-will-leave-players-refs-fans-scratching-heads

Machota Dallas Morning News: 437,514 defensive alignments and the right way to pour ketchup: Meet the Cowboys' new offensive line coach
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/07/14/437514-defensive-alignments-right-way-pour-ketchup-meet-cowboys-new-offensive-line-coach

DENVER
Klis 9News Denver: The wait must end: Pat Bowlen up for subcommittee vote next month
https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/the-wait-must-end-pat-bowlen-up-for-subcommittee-vote-next-month/73-573788844

Heath 9News Denver: BRONCOS GUARD RON LEARY HEALTHY AND READY FOR TRAINING CAMP
https://www.9news.com/amp/article?section=sports& subsection=nfl& topic=denver-broncos& headline=broncos-guard-ron-leary-healthy-and-ready-for-training-camp& contentId=73-573814870

O’Halloran Denver Post: Sweet science preparing Broncos’ Jones for first camp
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/15/nfl-journal-denver-broncos-jones-first-camp/

DETROIT
Crawford Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions radio: Jim Brandstatter 'passes torch' to Lomas Brown
https://amp.freep.com/amp/785389002

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions 2018 most important: No. 3 Taylor Decker key to O-line
https://amp.freep.com/amp/785393002

INDIANAPOLIS
Walker Colts.com: Deon Cain: Body Control, Speed, Route Running — Check
https://www.colts.com/news/deon-cain-body-control-speed-route-running-check

Walker Colts.com: Matthew Adams Brings A Thumper To The Colts’ Defense
https://www.colts.com/news/matthew-adams-brings-a-thumper-to-the-colts-defense

MIAMI
Beasley Miami Herald: Beginning in 2020, the Miami Dolphins might practice where they play. Here’s why
http://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article214821545.html

OAKLAND
Velotta LV Review Journal: Raiders’ success in selling Las Vegas tickets makes some uneasy
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/raiders-success-in-selling-las-vegas-tickets-makes-some-uneasy/amp/

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp preview: Running back
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-preview-running-back-2018/amp/

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp preview: Wide receiver
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-preview-wide-receiver-2018/

Moore Bucks County Times: Free agent Corey Nelson eyes starting spot for Eagles
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/sports/20180714/moore-free-agent-corey-nelson-eyes-starting-spot-for-eagles?

PITTSBURGH
Madden Pittsburgh Tribune Review: DeMarco Murray should serve as warning to Steelers not to sign Bell long term
https://triblive.com/sports/columnists/markmadden/13866607-74/mark-madden-demarco-murray-should-serve-as-warning-to-steelers-not-tom

Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers training camp preview: Important year for Javon Hargrave in middle of defensive line
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/13866617-74/steelers-training-camp-preview-important-year-for-javon-hargrave-in-middle-of

Pompei B/R: Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams Forged Brotherhood out of Competition, Tragedy
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2785353-ryan-shazier-and-vince-williams-forged-brotherhood-out-of-competition-tragedy

TAMPA BAY
Frederickson Denver Post: Vincent Jackson closes NFL career proud of Colorado roots, excited for what’s ahead
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/14/nfl-vincent-jackson-northern-colorado-widefield-preps/

WASHINGTON
Connolly ThereAdoptional: Film Room: Derrius Guice, Washington’s run-game, and how the two fit together
https://thereadoptional.com/film-room-derrius-guice-washingtons-run-game-and-how-the-two-fit-together-44328385c8f7

Draft

WR
Wellham AJC: Former California WR Demetris Robertson announces transfer to Georgia
https://www.ajc.com/sports/college/demetris-robertson-announces-will-transfer-georgia/e1hSPf9LHGjb76frqCa2OM/

History

Giants Ring of Honor: Of Missing Persons
Part 1: Jim Katcavage

Who is in the Giants Ring of Honor
https://www.bigblueinteractive.com/information-pages/new-york-giants-ring-of-honor/

Candidates to consider:

Jim Katcavage LDE/DT 1956-1968
D4 Dayton 1956
All Pro 1961, 1963
Pro Bowl 1961, 1962, 1963

1964 Profile: Jim Katcavage
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Now the anchorman of the Giants' defensive line, Jim Katcavage hopes to make the All-NFL team for the fourth straight season. He's the only survivor of the once famous Fearsome Foursome: Andy Robustelli has retired, Roosevelt Grier and Dick Modzelewski have been traded.
Born October 28, 1934, he was a little-known end at Dayton but played in the East-West Game. Drafted No. 4 by the Giants in 1956, he won a starting berth as a rookie and contributed to the NFL championship that year.
Jim is a cement salesman in the off-season."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"New York's famed Fearsome Foursome is now reduced to a single original, Jim Katcavage, and there are few to equal his all-around dependability as a defensive end. Always the most under-publicized of the glamorous quartet, he's a definite All-NFL workman and still considered to be at the peak of his game. Listen to a fullback who's spent years working him over as a blocker:
'I'm black and blue after a session with that guy. He springs at you and doesn't let up like many other defensive ends. He won't stop until he stomps you into the ground, walks over you and flings the passer down.'
Born October 28, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he's in a business between seasons that's logical for him - concrete sales."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

" 'In college,' recalls defensive end Jim Katcavage, 'I used to watch the ball and go with the snap. My first eight games with the Giants, I watched the ball and the offensive tackle beat me on the first step every play.'
Then veteran defenseman Andy Robustelli offered Katcavage some good advice: 'Jim, the offensive tackle knows the count and you don't. He's moving on the snap and he always has the edge on you.'
Robustelli made that observation back in 1956, Jim's rookie season with the New Yorkers. Since then Katcavage has reacted to the slightest movement of the offensive lineman. He has quickened the pace of his getaway charge and now he usually beats the other guy to the punch.
Jim enjoys playing in the bone-crunching world of defensive football. One of the most dedicated players in the game, Katcavage revels in dropping a rival ball carrier in his tracks with a jarring tackle or obliterating a rival quarterback under his 240 pounds of beef. Significantly, the Giants have won six Eastern Conference titles since he joined the club. During the last three seasons, Katcavage has made every All-Pro team.
Born October 28, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Jim led Philadelphia's Roman Catholic High School to three straight football championships. He went on to win All-America honors at the University of Dayton.
For several seasons Jim labored in the shadow of the more publicized members of New York's superb defensive unit. But in recent years he's been receiving the recognition that was always his due. Katcavage is quick to credit Robustelli for teaching him the finer points of the game.
'I learned everything watching Andy play end,' says Jim. 'He knows all the tricks.'
Now 37, Robustelli has just retired after 13 years as a pro to devote his full time as the Giants' defensive coach. His job will be made easier with players like New York's big 'Kat.' "

-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac

"One of the National Football League's defensive bulwarks, Jim is one of the reasons why the Giants have been Eastern Division kingpins these past several seasons. Recognition has come to Katcavage during these last three campaigns after years of being taken for granted. He's been named to both the AP and UPI All-NFL teams for the seasons of 1961, 1962 and 1963.
The Giants drafted 'Kat' as their fourth selection in 1956. He immediately became a starter, teaming up with Andy Robustelli, Dick Modzelewski and Rosey Grier to form the New Yorkers' famed 'Fearsome Foursome' rush line."

-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants

"Jim won a starting spot at defensive end in his first pro year. He plays tackle, too, but Allie wants him at end. 'Kat' ranks with the NFL's top defensive ends."

Info from:
https://newyorkgiantsannualinformation.blogspot.com/

Jim Katcavage
Statistics
Position: Defensive End/Tackle
Team(s): New York Giants (1956-68)
“Bio: Legend has it that Giants fans of the late 1950’s were the first to exhort the home team with chants of DE-FENSE. Though overshadowed by fellow defensive end Andy Robustelli and middle linebacker Sam Huff, Jim Katcavage was nonetheless a key part of that defense from his left end position. Sack totals from Katcavage’s era are considered unofficial but he posted outstanding numbers during his peak years including consecutive years in 1962-63 when he led the NFL with 17 and 20.5. John Turney, a football historian and leading expert on defensive line play, believes Katcavage would have contended for Defensive Player of the Year in 1963 had the award existed. He also ranked fourth with 13.5 sacks in 1964 and had 10 in 1961 and 9 in 1967. The Giants won the East six times and the NFL title in 1956 during Katcavage’s career. Along the way, he was instrumental in New York’s leading the NFL in fewest points in 1958, 1959 and 1961, fewest yards in 1956 and 1959, fewest rushing yards in 1956 and 1959, fewest passing yards in 1958 and 1959 and most sack yardage in 1956 and 1963. The 1959 Giants are one of only a handful of teams to rank first in both fewest rushing and passing yards allowed in the same season. Katcavage was a consensus first team all-pro in 1961 (AP, UPI, New York Daily News), 1962 (UPI, NEA) and 1963 (AP, UPI, New York Daily News) and was selected to the Pro Bowl the same three years. He played in all 112 games of the last eight seasons of his career.”
http://www.profootballresearchers.org/hall-of-very-good-2016.html

PFR: Andy Robustelli and the Giants popularized the ‘D’

Quoting Andy Robustelli:
“Jim Katcavage: “Kat was like a big, raw-boned kid brother, but he probably was a better defensive player than I. If he had played on my side, on the right where there rarely was a tight end’s block to contend with, he might have had much more recognition. He certainly was as quick as any defensive end who ever played, helping to mitigate a relative lack of size (six-foot-three and 240 pounds) when he faced a bigger offensive tackle. We nicknamed him ‘Kat’ not as much for his last name but because of his quickness, which was the biggest obstacle he had to overcome initially. He was so fast that he sometimes carried himself past his area of responsibility. But once he learned to control that quickness, he saved us from
being burned on many potential big plays.”
Robustelli goes on to tell one of his favorite stories about Kat and Mo. On one play Katcavage was buried under several bodies and began to scream, “My shoulder! My shoulder!” He staggered out of the pile and headed for the sidelines. “Where the hell are you going?” Modzelewski asked him.
“My shoulder, my shoulder!” Kat replied in pain. “I don’t know if it’s broken.” “To hell with your shoulder,” Mo told him. “It’s going to be fine. You stay here, we’ve got a defense to play and we need you.” “Jim played the rest of the game and afterward X-rays showed the shoulder was indeed broken,” Robustelli wrote. “I sometimes have wondered, ‘Were we being cruel to him making him play with a broken shoulder?’ At the time, it never occurred to me because playing the game was all-important. Now, I don’t know.”
http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/14-05-484.pdf

NYT: Jim Katcavage, 60, Giants Star Of '56 Championship Team, Dies (1995)
“What happened next at Yankee Stadium kept Giant fans warm for the next three decades. Facing a Chicago Bears team that had fought them to a 17-17 tie earlier in the season, the Giants, wearing basketball shoes to adapt to frozen field conditions, rolled to a 47-7 victory.

For all the glory that attached to the high-scoring offensive unit, it was the defense that left its mark on professional football.

"That game was the beginning of the defensive era," Mr. Robustelli recalled yesterday. "Before then, nobody had paid much attention to defense."

Although the Giants did not win another title until after the 1986 season, the team made it to the championship game five times in the next seven years, with Katcavage shining on defense all the way. He was an All-Pro three times. He scored a total of three safeties, tying for second on the league career list, and in the 14-game 1963 season, 19 years before the league started keeping official sack records, he was credited with 25 sacks, 3 more than the official 16-game season record.

"You know why?" Mr. Robustelli asked. "We were paid $5 for each one." But the money, he added, went to charity.

Wellington Mara, the Giants' co-owner, who called Katcavage "one of our great defensive ends," recalled yesterday that he had played the entire second half of a game with a broken collarbone.”
https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/23/obituaries/jim-katcavage-60-giants-star-of-56-championship-team-dies.html

Giants Birthdays 7-15

Matt Mitrione DT UDFA-Purdue 2002 NYG 2002 7-15-1978
Kat was one of my faves back then. Solid, rather unsung  
Big Blue '56 : 7/15/2018 9:16 am : link
with Robustelli, Grier and Little Mo as his linemates getting a ton of ink..

Poor guy, his linemates gone, Tittle on his last legs, Huff traded and he had to endure that awful season. Started a string of 18 straight non playoff seasons..Good times
Jim Katcavage & Joe Morrison  
JerseyCityJoe : 7/15/2018 12:49 pm : link
These were my first NY Giants idols. Wonderful players from an era gone by.
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