Giants
Leonard NYDN: Forget the QB talk, all signs point to Giants going defense in the draft
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-giants-draft-defense-20190315-story.html
O’Connor ESPN: Operating without a plan: How the Giants failed Odell Beckham Jr.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26246212/operating-plan-how-new-york-giants-failed-odell-beckham-jr
Baker The Ringer: The Directionless Despair of Giants and Knicks Fandom
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/3/13/18264403/new-york-giants-odell-beckham-jr-trade-cleveland-browns
Turchyn/Schneier Big Blue Banter Podcast
NEW episode of the BigBlueBanter podcast dropped:
We break down what he's seen on All-22 from the newest Giants: Peppers, Zeitler, Bethea
We react to the OBJ trade and what it means moving forward, answer your Qs, and a lot more (Audio)
https://www.spreaker.com/user/10669505/obj-trade-reaction-an-all-22-look-at-gia
Raanan ESPN: Breaking Big Blue Podcast:
Where did it all go wrong with Odell Beckham Jr.? Golden Tate, wait, what?! ESPN's Dianna Russini goes over it all with ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan (Audio)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-big-blue-with-jordan-raanan/id1300714083?mt=2& i=1000431400977
GM
Stapleton The Record: NFL Free Agency: NY Giants continue to keep everyone guessing
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2019/03/15/nfl-free-agency-ny-giants-keep-everyone-guessing-what-their-plan/3172722002/
Brinson CBS Sports: Giants claim to have a plan after Odell Beckham trade, but hard to figure out exactly what it is
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/giants-claim-to-have-a-plan-after-odell-beckham-trade-but-hard-to-figure-out-exactly-what-it-is/
NYDN: Speak up, Gettleman: Giants fans deserve answers
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-odell-beckham-gettleman-20190313-story.html
Schwartz NYP: Dave Gettleman spins Odell Beckham trade with Giants ‘plan’
https://nypost.com/2019/03/13/dave-gettleman-spins-odell-beckham-trade-with-giants-plan/
Martin Yahoo Sports: Dealing Odell Beckham Jr. is understandable, but everything else with Giants is baffling
https://sports.yahoo.com/dealing-odell-beckham-jr-understandable-everything-else-giants-baffling-043351806.html
RV SNY: Grading the Giants' offseason moves so far
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/grading-the-giants-offseason-moves-so-far/305247464
QB
Graziano ESPN: Sources: Giants committed to keeping Eli in 2019
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26255947/giants-committed-keeping-eli-2019
RV SNY: Giants sources reveal plans for Eli Manning, who is still under contract as team enters rebuild
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/giants-sources-reveal-plans-for-eli-manning-who-is-still-under-contract-as-team-enters-rebuild/305155880
Glauber Newsday: The next, and biggest, question for the Giants: Who is the quarterback in 2019?
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/giants-gettleman-quarterback-eli-manning-1.28475660#click=https://t.co/ii7TofQlei
RB
Schwartz NYP: The new face of the Giants has what Odell Beckham didn’t
https://nypost.com/2019/03/13/the-new-face-of-the-giants-has-what-odell-beckham-didnt/amp/#click=https://t.co/KigP05pNH5
WR
Eisen Giants.com: WR Golden Tate grew up a Giants fan, excited for new start
https://www.giants.com/news/wr-golden-tate-grew-up-a-big-blue-fan-excited-for-new-start
Schwartz NYP: Golden Tate not trying to fill Odell Beckham Jr.’s shoes
https://nypost.com/2019/03/16/golden-tate-not-trying-to-fill-odell-beckham-jr-s-shoes/amp/
Leonard NYDN: Golden Tate is not trying to fill OBJ's shoes, he's just trying to put his "head down and work"
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-golden-tate-obj-welcome-20190315-story.html
Traina Football Maven: Longtime Giants fan Golden Tate excited to live out a Giant dream
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/news/longtime-giants-fan-golden-tate-excited-to-live-out-a-giant-dream-mHJ1c5aZBEKvzPr61joDOA/
Rock Newsday: Golden Tate excited about Giants' future, thinks they can win in 2019g
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/golden-tate-giants-1.28563727
Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN)
3/15/19, 9:47 AM
1 NFL HC on Giants trade: “they get 3 players & lose a headache: not all bad. People don’t get, its not easy to get the ball to a receiver “enough” to keep him happy. To hear complaining all the time impacts a team in a more negative way than his 10 TDs per year”
Breer MMQB: Why the Giants and Browns Were Both Willing to Risk the Odell Beckham Jr. Trade
https://amp.si.com/nfl/2019/03/13/odell-beckham-jr-trade-cleveland-browns-new-york-giants-risk#click=https://t.co/lOHvXxNNMr
O’Connor ESPN: Operating without a plan: How the Giants failed Odell Beckham Jr.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26246212/operating-plan-how-new-york-giants-failed-odell-beckham-jr
Stapleton The Record: Odell Beckham Jr. trade fallout: Will Giants finally admit they're rebuilding
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2019/03/13/odell-beckham-jr-trade-where-do-ny-giants-go-next-franchise/3148392002/
Pennington NYT: For Odell Beckham Jr., a Departure as Stunning as His Catches
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/13/sports/odell-beckham-jr-trade-giants.html
Serby NYP: How Justin Tuck thinks Giants fans should view Odell Beckham trade
https://nypost.com/2019/03/14/how-justin-tuck-thinks-giants-fans-should-view-odell-beckham-trade/
Schwartz NYP: Inside the Giants’ shocking about-face on Odell Beckham
https://nypost.com/2019/03/13/inside-the-giants-shocking-about-face-on-odell-beckham/
Kelly The Draft Network: 3 WIDE RECEIVER TARGETS FOR THE GIANTS IN NFL DRAFT
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/3-wide-receiver-targets-for-the-giants-in-nfl-draft
RG
Salomone Giants.com: Here's how Kevin Zeitler improves the Giants' O-Line
https://www.giants.com/news/here-s-how-kevin-zeitler-improves-the-giants-o-line
DT
Schwartz NYP: Giants sign another ex-Cardinal
https://nypost.com/2019/03/16/giants-sign-another-ex-cardinal/amp/
Stapleton The Record: Olsen Pierre: 3 things to know about new NY Giants defensive lineman
https://amp.northjersey.com/amp/3180646002
Lombardo NJ.com: NFL free agents: Giants sign ex-Cardinals DL Pierre Olsen after losing Josh Mauro, Mario Edwards
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/03/nfl-free-agents-giants-sign-ex-cardinals-dl-pierre-olsen-after-losing-josh-mauro-mario-edwards.html
OLB
Schwartz NYP: Giants need rebound season from Markus Golden as much as he does
https://nypost.com/2019/03/15/giants-need-rebound-season-from-markus-golden-as-much-as-he-does/
Lombardo NJ.com: Why new Giants’ pass rusher Markus Golden ‘just loves’ playing in James Bettcher’s scheme
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/03/why-new-giants-pass-rusher-markus-golden-just-loves-playing-in-james-bettchers-scheme.html
Salomone Giants.com: 10 things you need to know about OLB Markus Golden
https://www.giants.com/news/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-olb-markus-golden
Gottlieb Fox Sports Radio: Connor Barwin Is Just Biding His Time (Audio)
“OBJ was probably the most talented athlete I've ever been around. Everyone loved playing with him. Everybody knows he's a very emotional, passionate guy but I look at that as a good thing."
https://foxsportsradio.iheart.com/content/2019-03-15-connor-barwin-is-just-biding-his-time/
SS
Stapleton The Record: Pressure awaits Jabrill Peppers in his homecoming to NY Giants, New Jersey
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2019/03/13/jabrill-peppers-giant-homecoming-comes-familiar-pressure/3151617002/
NYDN: Jabrill Peppers: Meet the player coming back to the Giants in the Odell Beckham deal
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-jabrill-peppers-giants-browns-20190313-story.html
Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII)
3/13/19, 6:38 PM
Experience still growing into the safety role.. played Hybrid LB at Mich.. but what I love is his apparent coachability knows his keys and then plays football
Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
3/13/19, 7:05 PM
As Carl pointed out, Jabrill Peppers played a wide variety of roles at Michigan in that scheme. He’ll settle in nice for the #Giants at safety where they’ll be able to use them interchangeably with Bethea while grooming Chandler and likely a 2019 draft pick
Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
3/13/19, 10:35 AM
I think one key with Jabrill Peppers is that he was always going to take time in the NFL to get used to playing a role on defense. The Giants haven't done much management wise to earn trust, but I like what I've seen from the coaching (schematically). Like his fit with Bettcher
Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
3/13/19, 12:59 PM
One more note on Peppers, he has a very team-friendly contract with the Giants:
Per OverTheCap:
2019: $1.4 million cap hit
2020: $1.8 million cap hit
2021: Team option
Was PFF's No. 18 safety overall last season. Learning the position. Better fit for Bettcher? Not a throw in
Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
3/13/19, 6:44 PM
& #8294;& #8234;@CarlBanksGIII& #8236;& #8297; heard Brown recently praise him every time his tape came on. Didn't have many concerns in my notes but playing through the catch point consistently may be one. When in phase didnt see him turn to ball, think he may rely on physicality through the stem too much, but its nitpickin
NFL
Volin Boston Globe: NFL teams consider dead money a dying breed because salary cap keeps increasing
“Dead money used to protect a player’s roster spot. But teams just don’t care anymore, mostly because the salary cap keeps increasing by $10 million-$11 million each season.
The Steelers traded away Antonio Brown even though he will count a whopping $21.12 million in dead money this year, or 10.24 percent of the Steelers’ overall salary cap. The Giants traded away Odell Beckham even though he has a $16 million dead money hit. The Jaguars are taking a $16.5 million dead money hit on Blake Bortles. The Dolphins took a $9.1 million hit on Suh last year, and another $13.1 million in 2019. The Packers took an $11 million hit on Nick Perry.
The Giants lead the NFL with a whopping $33.656 million in dead money for 2019, per Over The Cap, thanks mostly to the trades of Beckham and Olivier Vernon ($8 million). That’s over 17 percent of the Giants’ salary cap that they are using on players no longer with the team. The Jaguars are second at $24.15 million in dead money, or 12 percent of their salary cap.
Six teams are carrying more than $20 million in dead cap money, and another six are carrying over $10 million. The Patriots have the least amount of dead cap space in the NFL, a little over $700,000. The Bears are the only other team under $1 million.
But what it means is that the annual double-digit salary cap increases have made it easier for teams to swallow these large cap charges, giving players even less roster security.
Not surprisingly, neither Steelers GM Kevin Colbert or Giants GM Dave Gettleman have taken questions from the media about trading away Brown or Beckham, instead releasing brief statements through social media.”
“You can’t trust a word that comes out of the Combine press conferences
“We didn’t sign Odell to trade him. OK?” Gettleman said in Indianapolis on Feb. 27. “I know that’s all over the place. So understand that. That’s all I need to say about that.”
Two weeks later, Beckham is a Brown, and the Giants are in full rebuilding mode. The Giants clearly had buyer’s remorse over the large contract extension they gave Beckham last August, and traded him despite the large dead money hit, and despite paying him more than $21 million in cash for the 2018 season.
It’s one thing for a general manager to talk out both sides of his mouth, or to keep his intentions close to the vest. That’s to be expected. Colbert talked himself in circles over the last month when asked about trading Brown.
But Gettleman should know better than to lie to the media and the fans.”
“The Giants’ moves make sense if you squint hard enough. They’re clearing out the expensive players from the previous regime, collecting draft picks, investing in the trenches, and signing inexpensive veterans such as Golden Tate to set an example for the younger players. The one move that doesn’t make sense is keeping Eli Manning as the starter. The Giants will almost certainly draft a quarterback or trade for Josh Rosen, but the rebuild won’t really begin until they move on from Manning .”
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2019/03/16/nfl-teams-consider-dead-money-dead-because-salary-cap-keeps-increasing/S3KxVrEhr0mcWbtpzVxkzI/story.html
Brooks NFL.com: Browns' blueprint a winner in today's NFL
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001022892/article/browns-follow-eaglesrams-blueprint-antonio-browns-outlook?
Corry CBS Sports: Agent's Take: Nine power brokers who'll play a big role in determining the 2019 financial terrain
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-nine-power-brokers-wholl-play-a-big-role-in-determining-the-2019-financial-terrain/amp/
ARIZONA
Smith 1090 SD Radio: Daniel Jeremiah: “Talent Wise, Rosen’s One Of The Better Guys To Come Out In A Long Time”
Daniel Jeremiah on takeaways from Kyler Murray’s pro day and why he’s not concerned with the weight-gain, why Josh Rosen merits a first-round pick and why the Giants trade of Odell Beckham Jr. appears inexplicable. (Audio)
https://www.mighty1090.com/episode/daniel-jeremiah-talent-wise-rosens-one-of-the-better-guys-to-come-out-in-a-long-time/
Bickley AZ Sports: Cardinals facing colossal decision in Kyler Murray as NFL Draft looms
http://arizonasports.com/story/1873777/cardinals-facing-colossal-decision-in-kyler-murray-as-nfl-draft-looms/
McManaman AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals sign kicker, make trade for Gilbert, release of Gresham official
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2019/03/13/arizona-cardinals-sign-kicker-cole-murphy-make-other-moves-official/3156577002/
McManaman AZ Central: If Jordan Hicks stays healthy, Arizona Cardinals will have hit free-agency jackpot
https://amp.azcentral.com/amp/3179810002
ATLANTA
McClure ESPN ATL: Here's a take on new Falcons offensive guard Jamon Brown from a scout familiar with him: ``Like him. He helped stabilize [the Giants] line. Big, athletic, great guy in the locker room who plays hard. A few penalty issues and will miss a line twist from time to time.''
BALTIMORE
Shaffer Baltimore Sun: In the 'chess match' of free agency, Ravens struck fast to win over Earl Thomas
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-earl-thomas-mark-ingram-20190315-story.html
Walker Baltimore Sun: Ravens special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg retiring after 11 seasons
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-jerry-rosburg-20190315-story.html
BUFFALO
Veronica Buffalo News: Blitz newsletter: Josh Allen's presence helped John Brown pick the Bills this time around
https://buffalonews.com/2019/03/15/bn-blitz-newsletter-josh-allens-presence-helped-john-brown-pick-the-bills-this-time-around/
CHICAGO
Kane Chicago Tribune: Bears open free agency with four signings and the official release of Cody Parkey. But what’s next?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-free-agent-signings-20190313-story.html
Campbell Chicago Tribune: Bears' reported deal with Cordarrelle Patterson would add speed and flexibility to offense and special teams
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-cordarrelle-patterson-20190312-story.html
Kane Chicago Tribune: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was drawn to the Bears by friend Eddie Jackson — and the chance to prove himself on a 'special defense'
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-ha-ha-clinton-dix-eddie-jackson-20190315-story.html
CINCINNATI
Page Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals sign free agent offensive lineman John Miller
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/3174286002
CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Baker Mayfield on Odell Beckham Jr. joining the Browns: ‘Pick your poison’
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/03/baker-mayfield-on-odell-beckham-jr-joining-the-browns-pick-your-poison.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: On OBJ, John Dorsey says the object is to surround Baker Mayfield ‘with as many good players as you can’
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/03/on-obj-john-dorsey-says-the-object-is-to-surround-baker-mayfield-with-as-many-good-players-as-you-can.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns RB Kareem Hunt suspended 8 games by NFL for two physical altercations
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/03/kareem-hunt-suspended-for-8-games-by-nfl-source-says.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Odell Beckham Jr.: 5 reasons Browns GM John Dorsey is confident he won't be a problem
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/03/35c0131f282179/odell-beckham-jr-5-reasons-browns-gm-john-dorsey-is-confident-he-wont-be-a-problem-here.html
Pompei B/R: The Browns Finally Are Super Bowl Contenders After Landing Odell Beckham Jr.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2825356-the-browns-finally-are-super-bowl-contenders-after-landing-odell-beckham-jr
Kelly The Ringer: Odell Beckham Jr. Fundamentally Changes the Browns Offense
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/3/13/18263292/odell-beckham-jr-browns-baker-mayfield-title-window
Tanier B/R: The Browns Finally Are Super Bowl Contenders After Landing Odell Beckham Jr.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2825356-the-browns-finally-are-super-bowl-contenders-after-landing-odell-beckham-jr
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Odell Beckham Jr. sounded a lot happier about the Browns trade a day later
https://www.cleveland.com//browns/2019/03/odell-beckham-jr-sounded-a-lot-happier-about-the-browns-trade-a-day-later.html
Patsko Cleveland Plain Dealer: Odell Beckham Jr. is joining the Browns: 3 things you should know
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/03/31b205167a5190/odell-beckham-jr-is-joining-the-browns-3-things-you-should-know.html
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Ex-Texans tackle Kendall Lamm to Browns on $7 million deal
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Ex-Texans-tackle-Kendall-Lamm-to-Browns-13691655.php
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Kevin Zeitler for Olivier Vernon: 7 things the Browns' trade means
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/03/faebfd8a142917/kevin-zeitler-for-olivier-vernon-7-things-the-browns-trade-means-.html
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Is Austin Corbett the answer at right guard for the Cleveland Browns? We’ll find out soon enough
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/03/is-austin-corbett-the-answer-at-right-guard-well-find-out-soon-enough.html
Patsko Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cornerback Phillip Gaines returning to Browns on one-year deal: Report
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/03/cornerback-phillip-gaines-returning-to-browns-on-one-year-deal-report.html
DALLAS
Cowlishaw Dallas Morning News: All-in Browns are just the latest team to show willfully ignorant Cowboys how things are done in today's NFL
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2019/03/15/browns-just-latest-team-show-willfully-ignorant-cowboys-things-done-todays-nfl
Machota Dallas Morning News: Why the Giants trading away Odell Beckham Jr. could help save Jason Garrett's job in Dallas
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2019/03/13/outside-cleveland-no-one-happier-jason-garrett-odell-beckham-jr-trade
Moore Dallas Morning News: With Earl Thomas off the table, here's the next step the Dallas Cowboys must take this offseason
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2019/03/13/earl-thomas-table-next-step-dallas-cowboys-must-take-offseason
DENVER
Keeler Denver Post: Joe Flacco’s goal for the new-look Broncos: “Win the Super Bowl”
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/03/15/joe-flacco-denver-broncos-introduction/amp/
Fredrickson Denver Post: Kareem Jackson aims to bring physical presence to Broncos secondary
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/03/15/kareem-jackson-broncos-texans-signed/amp/
DETROIT
Rogers Detroit News: Signings prove Matt Patricia isn't scaring players away from Lions
https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/3167484002
GREEN BAY
Owaczarski Mil JS: Packers agree on one-year deal to keep receiver Geronimo Allison
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2019/03/15/packers-agree-one-year-deal-keep-receiver-geronimo-allison/3181609002/
HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: A conservative start for Texans in free agency
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/columnists/mcclain/article/McClain-A-conservative-start-for-Texans-in-free-13692237.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Source: Texans work out former Bengals OT Jake Fisher
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/amp/Source-Texans-work-out-ex-Bengals-OT-Jake-Fisher-13692888.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: How Texans safety Justin Reid is approaching a bigger role in second year
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/How-Texans-safety-Justin-Reid-is-approaching-a-13682315.php#click=https://t.co/yraYwQX611
INDIANAPOLIS
Walker Colts.com: A Journeyman No More Pierre Desir had bounced around from team to team by the time he got picked up on waivers by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. After two solid seasons with the team, Desir on Thursday signed a reported three-year deal to stay in Indy for the foreseeable future, the latest chapter of an unlikely NFL journey.
https://www.colts.com/news/a-journeyman-no-more
JACKSONVILLE
Dehner Jaguars.com: DeFilippo on Foles: “Really, really thrilled”
https://www.jaguars.com/news/defilippo-on-foles-really-really-thrilled
DiRocco ESPN Jacksonville: Like it or not, Blake Bortles was one of best QBs in Jaguars history
http://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/26772/like-it-or-not-blake-bortles-was-one-of-best-qbs-in-jaguars-history
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)
3/16/19, 8:59 AM
The Jaguars are making a pair of moves on offense around Nick Foles this morning. They’re signing WR Chris Conley, who had five TDs for the Chiefs last year and former Bengals first-round OT Cedric Ogbuehi, sources say
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars sign former Cowboys TE Geoff Swaim
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20190315/jaguars-expected-to-sign-former-cowboys-te-geoff-swaim?
KANSAS CITY
Pryor KC Star: Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill under investigation for alleged battery
https://amp.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article227983684.html
Kerkhoff KC Star: Four Chiefs defensive starters are gone. Here’s who the team added and has on roster
https://amp.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article227634684.html
Paylor Yahoo Sports: Chiefs reflect cold-hearted business of the NFL in their swap of Eric Berry for Tyrann Mathieu
https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-reflect-coldhearted-business-of-the-nfl-in-their-swap-of-eric-berry-for-tyrann-mathieu-063850494.html
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Miller LA Times: Adrian Phillips re-signs with Chargers; general manager Tom Telesco gets contract extension
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-adrian-phillips-chargers-20190315-story.html
Henne Chargers.com: Chargers Bring Back NT Brandon Mebane
https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-bring-back-nt-brandon-mebane
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Dennis Rams.com: McVay wants explosive players out of next month’s NFL Draft
https://www.therams.com/news/mcvay-wants-explosive-players-out-of-next-month-s-nfl-draft
Simmons Rams.com: How Michael Brockers’ position flexibility helps the Rams’ defensive line
https://www.therams.com/news/how-michael-brockers-position-flexibility-helps-the-rams-defensive-line
Dennis Rams.com: Snead updates linebacker void as Barron return remains on the radar
https://www.therams.com/news/snead-updates-linebacker-void-as-barron-return-remains-on-the-radar
Klein LA Times: Rams strength and conditioning coach Ted Rath on leave after sexual battery charges
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-ted-rath-rams-sexual-battery-20190315-story.html
MIAMI
Deen Sun Sentinel: Dolphins' rebuild begins with subdued, frugal start to free agency
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-free-agency-20190313-story.html
Hyde Sun Sentinel: New York Giants, not Teddy Bridgewater, are real threat to Dolphins getting Tua
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-dolphins-quarterback-options-20190313-story.html
Beasley Miami Herald: Miami Dolphins trade Ryan Tannehill to the Titans, get valuable asset in return
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article227956769.html
Jackson Miami Herald: The Miami Dolphins do not tender an offer to this former third-round pick
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article227504499.html#click=https://t.co/hSlJEV8OlW
Beasley Miami Herald: Why a ‘fresh start’ with the Dolphins should do this former Miami Hurricane some good
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article227855259.html
MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings offer guard Nick Easton deal to re-sign, but other teams are in the mix
https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/15/vikings-offer-guard-nick-easton-deal-to-re-sign-but-other-teams-are-in-the-mix/amp/
Tomasson Twincities.com: Chad Greenway: ‘It says a lot’ for Anthony Barr to return to Vikings for less than what Jets offered
https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/13/chad-greenway-it-says-a-lot-for-anthony-barr-to-return-to-vikings-for-less-than-what-jets-offered/
NEW ENGLAND
Duffy Boston Herald: Analysis: Examining the Patriots roster after one week of free agency
https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/03/16/analysis-examining-the-patriots-roster-after-one-week-of-free-agency/amp/
Daniels Providence Journal: Phillip Dorsett returns to Patriots on 1-year deal
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20190313/phillip-dorsett-returns-to-patriots-on-1-year-deal
Duffy Boston Herald: During free-agent negotiations, the Patriots made Phillip Dorsett feel comfortable that he'd have the opportunity for an expanded role in 2019. So he's back on a one-year deal
https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/03/13/patriots-re-sign-wr-phillip-dorsett/
Boston Globe: Patriots release defensive end Adrian Clayborn
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2019/03/15/patriots-release-defensive-end-adrian-clayborn/MmDfsv1gEKM5OvHsbWQTDO/story.html
NEW ORLEANS
Dabe Nola.com: Mario Edwards Jr., new to Saints, follows dad’s path from Florida State to NFL
https://www.nola.com/saints/2019/03/mario-edwards-jr-new-to-saints-follows-dads-path-from-florida-state-to-nfl.html
Walker NO Advocate: Mario Edwards Jr. on signing with Saints: 'This was the best fit for me'
https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_d2957a54-4755-11e9-ab02-733a7be01219.html
NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Reversal of Fortune: Jets on the rise with Darnold, Le'Veon Bell while Giants look completely lost
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-sports-jets-giants-mehta-20190313-story.html
Cannizzaro NYP: New-look Jets already have their first win — over the Giants
https://nypost.com/2019/03/13/new-look-jets-already-have-their-first-win-over-the-giants/
Costello NYP: Looking past Jets’ ugly mistakes to appreciate Le’Veon Bell potential
https://nypost.com/2019/03/13/looking-past-jets-ugly-mistakes-to-appreciate-leveon-bell-potential/
OAKLAND
Kurtenbach SJ Mercury News: Why Mike Mayock was the Raiders’ top offseason addition
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/13/oakland-raiders-antonio-brown-jon-gruden-mike-mayock-nfl-trent-brown-free-agent-signings-rumors-news-latest/amp/
Dubow AP: Addition of Antonio Brown 'changed everything' for Raiders
https://www.chron.com/sports/amp/Addition-of-Antonio-Brown-changed-everything-13686672.php
Kawahara SF Chronicle: Raiders sign WR Tyrell Williams
https://www.sfchronicle.com/raiders/amp/Report-Raiders-pursuing-WR-Tyrell-Williams-13685859.php
McDonald SJ Mercury News: Raiders free agent prize Trent Brown felt `disrespected’ by 49ers
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/13/raiders-free-agent-prize-trent-brown-felt-disrespected-by-49ers/amp/
PHILADELPHIA
Berman Phil.com: Eagles roster breakdown: Where do they stand after the first week of free agency?
https://www.philly.com/eagles/eagles-roster-breakdown-nfl-free-agency-analysis-20190316.html
Sielski Phil.com: It’s up to DeSean Jackson to make sure his Eagles reunion is a happy one
https://www.philly.com/eagles/desean-jackson-eagles-return-doug-pederson-odell-beckham-antonio-brown-receiver-20190314.html
McLane Phil.com: Eagles restructure Chris Long’s contract, but he says he’s made no decision about his future
https://www.philly.com/eagles/chris-long-contract-restructured-derek-barnett-malik-jackson-eagles-defensive-line-20190315.html
PITTSBURGH
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: The next big Steelers deal coming is likely Ben Roethlisberger's
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/03/13/ben-roethlisberger-contract-steelers-moves/stories/201903130102
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Report: Steelers land free agent WR Donte Moncrief
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/03/14/Steelers-land-free-agent-WR-Donte-Moncrief-antonio-brown/stories/201903140087
SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ most pressing issue may be the ability to remain healthy
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/49ers-most-pressing-issue-may-be-the-ability-13692876.php
Chan NBC Bay Area: New 49ers receiver Jordan Matthews reveals why he's been lifelong fan of team
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/new-49ers-receiver-jordan-matthews-reveals-why-hes-been-lifelong-fan-team
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers hope roster turnover leads to turnovers on defense
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-hope-roster-turnover-leads-to-turnovers-on-13690204.php
Branch SF Chronicle: Sacked: 49ers release pass rusher Cassius Marsh
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/Sacked-49ers-release-pass-rusher-Cassius-Marsh-13692407.php
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers new CB Verrett thinks he’s among NFL best — when healthy
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-new-CB-Verrett-thinks-he-s-among-NFL-best-13689611.php
SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Analysis: Assessing the Seahawks’ first week of free agency and where things go from here
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/analysis-assessing-the-seahawks-first-week-of-free-agency-and-where-things-go-from-here/
Bell News Tribune: K.J. Wright to KJR: “I thought I was gone,” details he must prove himself in new Seahawks deal
https://amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article228016274.html
TENNESSEE
Bacharach The Tennessean: Titans’ Jon Robinson: Ryan Tannehill not here to take Marcus Mariota’s starting job
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/3181095002
Bacharach The Tennessean: Titans release guard Josh Kline
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/3173597002
Wyatt Titans.com: DE Cameron Wake Calls Titans “A Match Made in Heaven”
https://www.titansonline.com/news/de-cameron-wake-calls-titans-a-match-made-in-heaven
WASHINGTON
Copeland Washington Post: Redskins sign veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/2019/03/15/redskins-sign-veteran-cornerback-dominique-rodgers-cromartie/
Copeland Washington Post: Landon Collins dismisses ‘box safety’ criticism, plans to be a playmaker for Redskins
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/2019/03/15/landon-collins-dismisses-box-safety-criticism-plans-be-playmaker-redskins/
Colleges/Draft
Miller B/R: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook: NFL Free Agency Has Rocked 2019 Draft Plans
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2825467-matt-millers-scouting-notebook-nfl-free-agency-has-rocked-2019-draft-plans.amp.html
Crabbs The Draft Network: THIS WEEK IN SCOUTING: THE 2019 ALL-UPSIDE TEAM
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/this-week-in-scouting--the-2019-all-upside-team
Edholm Yahoo Sports: NFL draft: Yahoo Sports' top 2019 prospects, Nos. 91-100
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-yahoo-sports-top-2019-prospects-nos-91100-181913337.html
Edholm Yahoo Sports: NFL draft: Yahoo Sports' top 2019 prospects, Nos. 81-90
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/nfl-draft-yahoo-sports-top-2019-prospects-nos-8190-201947912.html
DE
Bair NBC Sports Bay Area: Rashan Gary skips Michigan pro day drills, already prepping for NFL draft
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/raiders/rashan-gary-skips-michigan-pro-day-drills-already-prepping-nfl-draft
Chengelis Detroit News: Michigan's Chase Winovich driven to turn NFL contract into new car for mom
https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/3172032002
LB
Montz Ames Tribune: Iowa State Football: Willie Harvey ready to take advantage of NFL opportunities
https://www.amestrib.com/sports/20190315/iowa-state-football-willie-harvey-ready-to-take-advantage-of-nfl-opportunities?
ILB
McMann Michigan Live: Devin Bush reflects on career at Michigan, long NFL draft process
https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2019/03/devin-bush-reflects-on-career-at-michigan-long-nfl-draft-process.html
CB
Melo Draftwire USA Today: Meet Julian Love, Notre Dame's stud CB prospect
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/03/14/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-interview-julian-love-notre-dame/
Kratch NJ.com: Rutgers pro day: Blessuan Austin runs 40, has this vow for the NFL team that gives him a chance
https://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/2019/03/rutgers-pro-day-blessuan-austin-runs-40-has-this-vow-for-the-nfl-team-that-gives-him-a-chance.html
S
Pflum BBV: Ugo Amadi could be the DB the Giants are looking for
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/3/16/18268486/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-ugo-amadi-s-oregon-scouting-report-ny-giants-news
Lev Arizona Daily Star: DFF to the NFL? Arizona’s Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles impresses scouts at pro day
https://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/football/dff-to-the-nfl-arizona-s-demetrius-flannigan-fowles-impresses/article_65cdf969-b30a-5c0e-b752-ae8bf8c0b8c7.amp.html
Media
Raissman NYDN: Gettleman and the Giants are in full circus mode and deserving of a few 'Hard Knocks'
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-giants-gettleman-mara-raissman-20190315-story.html
History
NYT: The Times columnist Dave Anderson once called Johnny (Lam) Jones "the Jets' millionaire messenger." Jones died on Friday, after battling cancer.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/15/obituaries/johnny-lam-jones-dead.html
Borges Talk of Fame: Why isn't '69 Chiefs' defense listed among all-time best? HOF corner wonders why
https://footballmaven.io/talkoffame/shows/why-isn-t-69-chiefs-defense-listed-among-all-time-best-hof-corner-wonders-why-y1lD2c-AbUyo16ZKANh93g/
Giants Birthdays 3-16
Walker Gillette WR W-STL 1974 NYG 1974-1976 3-16-1947
Shuck BBV: Where are your former Giants now? WR Walker Gillette 12-01-2018
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2018/12/1/18118801/where-are-your-former-giants-now-wr-walker-gillette
Frank Marion MLB/LILB FA-MEM WFL 1977 NYG 1977-1983 3-16-1951
Giants defeat Falcons 27-24 10-26-1981
GIANTS WIN, 27-24, ON OVERTIME KICK
“The Giants are for real. In a game filled with opportunities made and opportunities lost, they seized enough chances at the right time today and upset the Atlanta Falcons, 27-24.
The winning margin came on Joe Danelo's 40-yard field goal after 9 minutes 20 seconds of sudden-death overtime. The field goal was set up when Curtis McGriff forced William Andrews to fumble and Brad Van Pelt recovered for the Giants on the Falcons' 31-yard line.
There were other big plays for the Giants - Frank Marion's blocked punt that Mike Dennis recovered for a touchdown, Phil Simms's 80-yard pass play to Johnny Perkins that set up the Giants' second touchdown and Bill Currier's interception that set up a 27-yard Danelo field goal.
The Falcons were favored by 8 1/2, and for good reason. They are one of the premier teams in the National Football League, with explosive passing and running and a model defense. For years, the Giants have been regarded around the league as a soft touch, a welcome opponent, and they filled the bill last year when they won only 4 games and lost 12.
But these Giants have been improving all season, and they entered the game, like the Falcons, with a 4-3 record. However, the Giants had played only two strong teams - the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys - and had lost to both. Coach Ray Perkins had said they could not be taken seriously until they beat playoff-type teams.
''It's a great feeling pulling out a game like this,'' said the coach. ''It's better than if we won it 75-0. It's a big confidence factor for us to pull it out in overtime.''
''Some of the veterans,'' said Van Pelt, playing his ninth season for the Giants, ''thought this was the biggest game we have ever been in. We gave the Falcons opportunities. We just hung in there until the breaks came our way.''
The statistics weighed heavily against the Giants. The Falcons outdid them in total yardage (430 to 289), passing yardage (287 to 213), rushing yardage (141 to 76), offensive plays (87 to 45) and time of possession (35 minutes 59 seconds to 33:21). The Falcons did better on kickoff and punt returns. They had fewer penalties.
But the Giants survived. ''Every time they got the ball in the fourth quarter,'' said Beasley Reece, the Giants' free safety, ''it started raining. When we got the ball, it stopped. What does that tell you?''
The message the 48,410 spectators at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium received for the first 40 minutes of the game pleased them. The Falcons were handling the Giants and in the first half had allowed them only three first downs, all in the same possession.
''It was discouraging,'' said Simms. ''I missed guys and guys dropped the ball.'' Bartkowski on Target
Late in the third quarter, the Falcons led, 17-7, on scoring drives of 60, 86 and 68 yards. Two touchdowns came on passes by Steve Bartkowski, and his passes helped set up a field goal.
To that point, the Giants had made one big play. In the second quarter, they put a 10-man rush on John James, who was punting from midfield. Marion, the special-team's captain, burst through untouched and blocked the kick.
The ball rolled toward the Atlanta goal line, with both teams in pursuit. Dennis fell on the ball on the 3 and was pushed and bumped into the end zone for the Giants' first touchdown.
''I just got the jump on their center,'' said Marion. ''I was in the right place at the right time. I hit the ball with my hand, but if it missed my hand I would have got it with my body.''
''It was my first touchdown in the N.F.L.,'' said Dennis. ''It is a dream for a defensive back.'' A few minutes before, Simms had thrown a long pass to Johnny Perkins in the clear on the Falcons' 15, only to have Perkins drop the ball. In the third quarter, on the first play after the Falcons' field goal, Simms threw long to Perkins again. Bobby Butler tried to intercept and missed. Perkins caught the pass and seemed touchdownbound until he was overhauled on the 2-yard line by Tom Pridemore, the only member of the West Virginia Legislature in the N.F.L. Young's First Touchdown
The play covered 80 yards, the longest in Simms's career. On the next play, Simms faked a handoff to Rob Carpenter and lobbed a pass to Dave Young, the rookie tight end who had blocked a linebacker and then drifted into the end zone. Young caught the pass for his first pro touchdown, and the Giants trailed by only 17-14.
Three players later, Currier intercepted a pass on the Falcons' 39, and Simms passed 36 yards to Leon Bright on the first play. Four plays later, as the third quarter ended, Danelo kicked his first field goal. Within five mintues, the Giants had scored again on a 12-yard pass from Simms that Johnny Perkins juggled and caught.
That put the Giants ahead, 24-17, and they seemed to have the game in hand when the Falcons regained possession on their 34 with 2:22 remaining. But Bartkowski passed his way downfield, and the Falcons tied the score on Lynn Cain's battering 3-yard run with 60 seconds remaining.
In overtime, Simms was sacked for 15 yards on the Giants' first possession and 8 and 7 yards on their second. A 28-yard punt that Dave Jennings shanked added to the Giants' problems. But the biggest problem struck the Falcons when Andrews, a fine runner all day, carried on first down from his 28. He gained 3 yards until McGriff tackled him hard and jarred the ball loose.
''The ball was just laying there,'' said Van Pelt. ''It looked beautiful. It looked even more beautiful when I fell on it.'' Now the Giants were confident they could score because Danelo had kicked nine straight field goals in three games, including this one. So they gave the ball to Carpenter on three consecutive runs that gained 8 yards, making it fourth down on the Falcons' 23. A Study in Perfection
The next play was the last. The snap was perfect, the hold was perfect and Danelo's kick was perfect, and the Giants stormed from the bench to climb on him. They had won a game they said they had to win.”
Tim Stokes T W-GB 1981 NYG 1981 3-16-1950
In Memoriam
Keith Beebe B NYG D24-Occidental 1943 NYG 1944 Born 3-16-1921 Died 7-13-1998
Beebe combined his football duties with the Giants and academic pursuits, having previously entered Princeton’s Theological Seminary in 1943. His NFL career would “supplement” his income from working in Princeton’s physical education department as well as attending school. After graduation he became a minister in California before returning east for graduate studies at Columbia and Union Theological Seminary while working was a football scout for Columbia’s Lou Little. Then he returned to Princeton as the associate Dean of the Chapel.
Ed Sutton HB W-WAS 1960 NYG 1960 Born 3-16-1935 Died 9-20-2008
Obituary
“Sutton was one of the first eight undergraduate Morehead Scholars at the University of North Carolina, where he was a record-setting athlete. He played in the National Football League and is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He was born in Sylva on March 16, 1935, and spent his early years in Cullowhee. He attended Cullowhee Elementary School and Cullowhee High School, where he played basketball and baseball and graduated in 1953 as valedictorian of his class.
He entered UNC in 1953 as one of the first Morehead Scholars. He lettered in basketball, football and track and still holds the school football record of 6.9 yards per carry. He played in the Blue-Gray game, the Senior Bowl and the College All-Star Game.
In 1956-57, he was the first recipient of the William Prouty North Carolina Scholar-Athlete Award and an Academic All-American. In 1956 he was drafted by the Washington Redskins and accepted to several medical schools. He graduated from UNC in 1957 and entered the University of Tennessee medical school. There, he split time
between medical school and professional football, playing for the Redskins, the New York Giants and the 1961 champion Green Bay Packers.
He graduated from medical school in 1962. He went into general practice in Gardena, Calif.
In 1966 he was drafted into the Army Medical Corps and sent to Vietnam. He served in a M.A.S.H. unit and as chief of the outpatient clinic at the 17th Field Hospital in Saigon. After returning to the U.S. he resumed his practice in Gardena and then relocated to Fresno as a quarter partner in the Fresno Industrial Medical Group, which he ultimately purchased, renaming it the Valley Industrial and Family Medical Group. He retired in 2006.”
