Friday Reading

Giants

Leonard NYDN: Giants Mailbag: How will Big Blue approach the NFL's offseason? We dive in to answer your questions
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-giants-mailbag-beckham-20190214-story.html

Offense

Dunleavy NJ.com: NFL free agency: 6 offensive players Giants could target | Dolphins' Ja'Wuan James or Patriots' Trent Brown? Saints' Teddy Bridgewater?
https://www.nj.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/02/3e2e6db4c03543/-nfl-free-agency-6-defensive-players-giants-could-target-dolphins-jawuan-james-or-patriots-trent-brown-saints-teddy-bridgewater.html

QB

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
2/14/19, 3:04 PM
This Eli Manning career context will always stand out to me.
Giants Pass Blocking Ranks, per PFF (last 8 years):
11: No. 32
12: No. 14
13: No. 31
14: No. 14
15: No. 22
16: No. 21
17: No. 27
18: No. 28
- 75% with a bottom-third PB O-line. Never had a top-10 PB O-line

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
2/14/19, 3:38 PM
A QB's mobility does not factor into how PFF grades their offensive line play. That has nothing to do with it. However, former GM Jerry Reese spending just 7 total draft picks (Rds. 1-4) on an O-lineman in 11 draft classes tells you most of what you need to know

WR

Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
2/15/19, 7:03 AM
Some chatter on who is "tradeable" on the Giants recently, when Sterling Shepard's name comes up, I think of this slant route from the CAR game, he is by far the best route runner on the team. Although not dominant on the outside, has versatility in the formation

C

Salomone Giants.com: ‘Don't forget Pio': How Halapio fits in O-line plans
https://www.giants.com/news/don-t-forget-pio-how-jon-halapio-figures-into-o-line-plans


DL

PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants)
2/14/19, 2:25 PM
Dalvin Tomlinson led all in NFC East DIs in Run Stops in 2018 w/ 26

Rookie BJ Hill took 3rd with 22

DB

Schneier 247 Sports: 11 Defensive Backs the Giants could target in 2019 Free Agency
https://247sports.com/nfl/new-york-giants/LongFormArticle/Giants-free-agency-2019-cornerback-safety-129106482/Amp/

NFL

Orr MMQB: Who Could Get the Franchise Tag? Candidates for All 32 NFL Teams
https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/14/franchise-tag-free-agency-jadeveon-clowney-nick-foles-grady-jarrett-demarcus-lawrence-leveon-bell-cj-mosley

Brandt NFL.com: Best team fits for notable free agents
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001017939/article/free-agency-fits-leveon-bell-to-jets-earl-thomas-to-cowboys?

Graziano ESPN: A quarterback buyer's market? Why this NFL offseason is rare
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25988932/welcome-nfl-ever-rare-quarterback-buyers-market-2019

Heifetz The Ringer: Denver Started This Game of QB Musical Chairs. Who Will Be Left Standing?
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/2/15/18225857/joe-flacco-trade-nick-foles-blake-bortles-case-keenum-free-agent

White CBS Sports.com: 2019 NFL Free Agency: Quality starters at top of offensive line market but talent thins out fast
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2019-nfl-free-agency-quality-starters-at-top-of-offensive-line-market-but-talent-thins-out-fast/amp/

Thorn USA Football: The Jump Hook Technique - What is it and how do NFL offensive linemen use it?
https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/7034/the-jump-hook-technique-what-is-it-and-how-do-nfl-offensive-linemen-use-it_

Walker Baltimore Sun: Five years after Ray Rice's arrest, the story of the NFL and partner violence remains complicated
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-ray-rice-partner-violence-0215-story.html

ARIZONA
Sikkema The Draft Network: ARIZONA CARDINALS PRE-COMBINE 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/14/arizona-cardinals-pre-combine-7-round-mock-draft/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Falcons add Will Harriger as offensive assistant
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/harriger-named-offensive-assistant-coach/9T1yz8uhkxepsjHcaglBTK/amp.html

Ledbetter AJC: Falcons’ 2018 unit-by-unit analysis: The tight ends
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/2018-unit-unit-analysis-the-tight-ends/x9TdTYzRdamDN5xlDo44EL/

BALTIMORE
Mink Ravens.com: Greg Roman Is Building a More Balanced Ravens Offense for 2019
https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/greg-roman-is-building-a-more-balanced-offense-for-lamar-jackson

BUFFALO
Mendelson Bills.com: How Buffalo impressed recent free agent signee Spencer Long
https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-today-how-buffalo-impressed-recent-free-agent-signee-spencer-long

CHICAGO
Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Bears offseason storylines: Chuck Pagano's mission, Kareem Hunt's baggage and the 2019 schedule's early hints
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-chuck-pagano-kareem-hunt-2019-schedule-20190214-story.html

CINCINNATI
Page Cincinnati Enquirer: Who said what and how Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor got here in pursuit of a DC
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/2869026002

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
2/14/19, 4:58 PM
The Saints are planning to block the Bengals from interviewing New Orleans’ secondary coach Aaron Glenn for their defensive coordinator opening, sources say. The respected assistant was requested earlier today. Cincy’s search rolls on..

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: What's next for the Browns: the combine, free agency, trading period, draft and more
https://www.cleveland.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/02/945dc586014203/whats-next-for-the-browns-the-nfl-combine-free-agency-the-trading-period-the-draft-and-more-.html

Burns Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns 2019 free-agent options at defensive end, a breakdown: Film Room
https://www.cleveland.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/02/eb961e4f6a1770/cleveland-browns-2019-freeagent-options-at-defensive-end-a-breakdown-film-room.html

DALLAS
Hill Fort Worth Star Telegram: Decision looming: Are the Cowboys going to cut former Pro Bowl LB Sean Lee?
https://amp.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article226271840.html

GREEN BAY
Wilde Wisconsin State Journal: Jake Kumerow hopes long road to NFL firsts sets stage for healthy 2019 with Packers
https://madison.com/sports/football/professional/jake-kumerow-hopes-long-road-to-nfl-firsts-sets-stage/article_89486820-08e9-5805-898b-1f696f3a1fec.amp.html

INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Colts snap counts: Quenton Nelson, Andrew Luck emerge as iron men for offense
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/2868763002

MIAMI
Jackson Miami Herald: Here’s Jimmy Johnson’s multi-step guide as the Dolphins begin their rebuilding program
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article226200710.html

NEW ORLEANS
Underhill NO Advocate: Saints in the offseason: 5 key questions to answer while managing salary cap
https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_74fb81e0-308f-11e9-bfc4-f3d0ab97650b.html

Johnson Nola.com: When healthy, Saints' starting o-line was one of the NFL's best — and they'll all be back
https://www.nola.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/02/fbb7a1f71a1457/when-healthy-saints-starting-oline-was-one-of-the-nfls-best-and-theyll-all-be-back.html

OAKLAND
Kawahara SF Chronicle: Raiders announce 5 additions to coaching staff
https://www.sfchronicle.com/raiders/amp/Raiders-announce-five-hires-to-coaching-staff-13617792.php

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Is the transition tag the Steelers' best option with Le'Veon Bell?
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/02/14/le-veon-bell-transition-tag-steelers-news-nfl/stories/201902140185

Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Analysis: Steelers offensive line is in transition but has personnel to remain stellar
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/02/14/steelers-news-offensive-line-analysis-2019/stories/201902170016

SAN FRANCISCO
Crabbs The Draft Network: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS PRE-COMBINE 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/15/san-francisco-49ers-pre-combine-7-round-mock-draft/

Branch SF Chronicle: Report: 49ers to part ways with Pierre Garcon
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/Report-49ers-to-part-ways-with-Pierre-Garcon-13616352.php

SEATTLE
John Clayton 710 ESPN Seattle: Just 4 draft picks? That won’t be a problem for Seahawks GM
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/602977/4-draft-picks-no-problem-for-seahawks-gm/amp/

Condotta Seattle Times: Tyler Lockett and Doug Baldwin are an elite duo, but the Seahawks could look to add a third receiver
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-position-analysis-lockett-and-baldwin-an-elite-duo-but-seattle-could-look-to-add-a-third-receiver-in-offseason/?

TENNESSEE
Wyatt Titans.com: Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph is a Fan of New Titans Tight Ends Coach Todd Downing -- and Veteran TE Delanie Walker
https://www.titansonline.com/news/vikings-te-kyle-rudolph-is-a-big-fan-of-new-titans-tight-ends-coach-todd-downing

WASHINGTON
Carpenter Washington Post: Quarterback is far from the only offseason need for the cash-strapped Redskins
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/2019/02/14/quarterback-is-far-only-offseason-need-cash-strapped-redskins/

Fowler Redskins.com: Rob Ryan Looking For Linebackers To 'Create A New Line Of Scrimmage' 
https://www.redskins.com/news/rob-ryan-looking-for-linebackers-to-create-a-new-line-of-scrimmage

Colleges/Draft

Waldstein NYT: New Jersey Unveils New Limits on High School Football Practices
High school football players in New Jersey will be limited to 15 minutes of full-contact practice each week under new rules that state officials called the toughest in the country
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/sports/new-jersey-football-rules.html

Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks)
2/14/19, 7:45 PM
Most teams practice at “thud” tempo during team periods. The 15-minute restriction shouldn’t impact performance—if coaches run NFL-like practices.. High-energy.. Flying to the ball.. Thud, wrap and release or tag off at the hips.. Stay off the ground!

MMQB: NFL Draft Big Board: The Pre-Combine Top 50

“7. DWAYNE HASKINS, QB, OHIO STATE
Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 220 pounds
For any viewers of ESPN’s late-morning programming, you could argue Haskins is “more of a runner than a thrower”—between trying to catch the bus, racing friends at recess in second grade, etc., over the course of his nearly 22 years on the planet he probably has run more than he’s thrown things. However, from a quarterbacking standpoint, he’s probably as close to a classic pocket passer as you’ll find among modern-era quarterbacks. Haskins is a power thrower with the willingness to test tight windows, and can get the ball into those tight spots with velocity even after he’s moved off his spot. He’s a quiet mover within the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield and moving through progressions with good tempo. He’s also a serviceable athlete who can pick up yards as an occasional scrambler and can probably be used—sparingly—on read-option plays. There’s always concern with one-year starters, as opponents haven’t had a chance to truly dissect their games and scheme to take away their strengths, but Haskins encouragingly bounced back from a mid-season lull and finished strong. He’s the top QB prospect in this class.”

https://amp.si.com/nfl/2019/02/13/draft-big-board-rankings-nick-bosa-dwayne-haskins-kyler-murray-drew-lock-daniel-jones

Marino The Draft Network: 6-PACK THURSDAY: THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE 2019 NFL DRAFT
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/14/6-pack-thursday-things-i-love-about-the-2019-nfl-draft/

QB
Serritella Football Maven: Previewing the 2019 NFL Combine: Studs, starters and sleepers at Quarterback
https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/combine/previewing-the-2019-nfl-combine-studs-starters-and-sleepers-at-quarterback-AfZhclWwXUWsO12QxNp0aQ/

Waldman RSP: Matt Waldman’s RSP Film Room No.143: QB Kyler Murray (Oklahoma)
https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2019/02/15/rsp-film-room-no-143-qb-kyler-murray-oklahoma/

S
Sikkema The Draft Network: BREAKING THE 2019 SAFETY CLASS INTO NFL ROLES
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/14/breaking-the-2019-safety-class-into-nfl-roles/

History

Richmond Pigskin Books: Interview: Bob Glauber
"I started covering the NFL in 1985 [...] little did I realise what a unique time in NFL history that turned out to be." Bob Glauber looks back on 1980s football
https://pigskinbooks.com/2019/01/17/interview-bob-glauber/

Orr MMQB: A Look Back at the Firing of Bill Belichick
https://amp.si.com/nfl/2019/02/15/bill-belichick-firing-cleveland-browns-baltimore-ravens-art-modell-bernie-kosar

Giants Birthdays 2-15

Karl Chandler C/LG UDFA-Princeton 1974 NYG 1974-1977 2-15-1952

1975 Giants Media Guide

“Signed as a free agent after an impressive performance in a preseason tryout camp at Fordham, Chandler proved to be a valuable addition in his rookie season. When starter Bob Hyland was injured in the season opener, Chandler stepped right in alongside rookie guards John Hicks and Tom Mullen and did a solid job. All told, he started four games during the season and appeared in all 14 as a special teams player as well. Line coach Ray Wietecha feels Chandler has top potential.
Chandler earned varsity letters in both football and wrestling at Princeton, playing offensive tackle with the Tigers. In wrestling, Karl had an imposing record, losing only two matches in three years and setting Princeton records for points scored, career.
Karl was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and starred at Newton High School in Newton Square, PA where he still resides. He is a fine handball and squash player, likes to sail and plans on entering the construction engineering business after his football career."

Kelly Saalfeld C W-GB 1980 NYG 1980 2-15-1956

Saalfeld keeps connection to football through officiating 6-23-1997

“He became an All-Big Eight lineman that season, helping the Huskers to a 10-2 season. The following spring, Saalfeld was drafted in the ninth round by Green Bay. After being waived by the Packers, he played the 1980 season with the New York Giants.
He was released the following fall, in 1981.
Saalfeld was invited to try out with Philadelphia in 1982, but made the decision to walk away from football.
And he’s glad he did.
“I’m quite thankful now, knowing what we know relative to CTE, that I didn’t play longer than I did,” Saalfeld said, referring to the degenerative brain disease linked to concussions.”

https://columbustelegram.com/sports/college/saalfeld-keeps-connection-to-football-through-officiating/article_dff6e4bc-1a3c-5dc0-9977-d7bcacc52b4d.amp.html

Lance Scott C W-ARI 1997 NYG 1997-1998 2-15-1972

In Memoriam

Forrest Griffith LH D5-Kansas 1950 NYG 1950-1951 Born 2-15-1928 Died 12-12-2007

09-08-1950
“1. Ottawa, 1950: New York Giants 27, Ottawa Rough Riders 6. The first half was played under Canadian rules before 15,000 at Lansdowne Park, with 12 men to a team, a 110 yard long field, three downs instead of four and no downfield blocking. Ottawa scored the first touchdown of the game, worth 5 points at the time. Giants’ assistant coach Allie Sherman suited up as the New York quarterback, while Tom Landry scored the only “rouge” of his career to make the game 5-1. At halftime, the Giants led 13-6 and boundaries were set down to accomodate NFL rules. Forrest Griffith scored two touchdowns in the second half to win the first of several NFL games in Canada.”

http://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/22-05-865.pdf

1950 season

“Forrest Griffith plays halfback the first half of the year. Jim Ostendarp takes his place the second half of the campaign. These youngsters both have their moments, but the halfback who is key to the attack is the Gene "Choo Choo" Roberts. He gains only 125 yards rushing on 45 carries the first seven games, then explodes setting a new league record. Roberts explodes for 218 yards against the Cardinals. Choo Choo does not catch as many passes as he has in the past, yet he is still a weapon when called upon. Roberts like all Giant backs is a willing and effective blocker...”

http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2018/04/theres-rhubard-out-there-nyg-50.html

11-09-1950

News Wire Reports:
“Injury suffered Sunday by Forrest Griffith, New York Giants professional football player, has caused the postponement of his marriage to Miss Ann Lawrence, of Kansas City. The couple had planned to be married Monday at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. The wedding probably will be delayed about six weeks.”

Cecil Tex Grigg BB FA-Rochester 1926 NYG 1926 Born 2-15-1891 Died 9-05-1968

Obituary:

“Cecil Burkett "Tex" Grigg was an American football player who played running back for eight seasons in the National Football League for the Canton Bulldogs (with Jim Thorpe, the Rochester Jeffersons, the New York Giants, and the Frankford Yellow Jackets. He made his professional debut in 1919 with the Bulldogs who were still members of the Ohio League, the direct predecessor to the NFL. For 34 years he coached foodball for the Rice Institute Owls of the Southwest Conference. From 1934 through 1961, "Cece" Grigg was the ONLY man to serve for ALL six Rice teams that won or tied for SWC grid titles (1934, 1937, 1946, 1949, 1953, 1957) and for EVERY one of the seven Owl teams to play in major bowl games.”

Jim Ostendarp HB UDFA Bucknell- 1950 NYG 1950-1951 Born 2-15-1923 Died 12-15-2005

Bucknell HOF:

“An honorable mention Little All-America halfback who set a single-game rushing record that stood for 28 years, James "Smokey" Ostendarp played two years with the New York Giants and was head football coach at Amherst from 1959-91. He rushed for a then-record 211 yards against NYU on Oct. 1, 1949. That total included an 88-yard TD run, which today remains the third-longest in school history. Ostendarp's 6.9 yards-per-carry average in 1949 is still the school single-season record. He is a former president of the American Football Coaches Association.”

Max Reed C FA-Frankford 1928 NYG 1928 Born 2-15-1902 Died 6-27-1973

Bucknell HOF:

“Max Reed was an outstanding offensive lineman on Bucknell football teams coached by Pete Reynolds that had a combined 22-14-2 record in 1920-23. He was also a third baseman on the baseball team. A four-year letterman and captain of the 1923 football team, Reed played both center and guard for the Bison and was one of the first Bucknell alumni to play in the National Football League. After playing with both the Frankford Yelowjackets and the New York Giants, he returned to his hometown of Lewisburg to serve as an assistant coach under Carl Snavely. Reed later assisted Snavely in the latter's highly successful tenure at both Cornell and North Carolina, and he was an assistant coach with the Washington Redskins. Snavely, who had a 42-16-8 record in seven years at Bucknell, often credited Reed with being responsible for a great deal of the success his teams enjoyed.”