Saturday Reading

Giants

Leonard NYDN: Some Giant what ifs to consider as we think back on Big Blue�s recent decision making
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-manning-darnold-odell-scenarios-20190706-6mai5cklbfdwrmzk53nfgntu3y-story.html

RV SNY: 10 most important players to Giants' success in 2019
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/10-most-important-players-for-giants-in-2019/308775216

RB

Salomone Giants.com: 30 Questions in 30 Days: What can Saquon do for an encore in 2019?
https://www.giants.com/news/30-questions-in-30-days-what-can-saquon-do-for-an-encore-in-year-2

WR

Valentine BBV: Giants� 90-man roster: Wide receiver Alonzo Russell gets another shot
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/7/6/20018199/ny-giants-90-man-roster-preview-wide-receiver-alonzo-russell

TE

Lombardo NJ.com: Why Evan Engram is the Giants� �secret weapon�
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/07/why-evan-engram-is-the-giants-secret-weapon.html

T

Valentine BBV: Giants� 90-man roster: OT Victor Salako seems unlikely to make roster
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/7/6/20041734/giants-90-man-roster-preview-ot-victor-salako

G

Nissim WEAR TV: Droogsma gets surprise call from NFL

�Droogsma was a star offensive line at Gulf Breeze and was highly recruited until he decided to focus on throwing in college. But, he hadn't played football in nearly six years when out of the blue he got a call from Charles Tisch, who is from the New York Giants football operations office.
"He's like, 'Hey you want to come try out?' and I'm like, 'You know I didn't play football right?' I don't know if I thought someone was messing with me or if it was some kind of weird scam that they're targeting athletes," Droogsma said.
Droogsma soon found out it was the real deal, the Giants found his name while searching a database of recruited high school players that never played in college. Intrigued by his background, they flew him up for a three-day tryout during rookie mini-camp in early May.
"I was kind like, 'This is going to be a really cool experience, and then I'm going to go back home and go back to my life. It's just going to be a really cool story I can tel my kids one day,'....and then they signed me. I thought they were joking.", said Droogsma.
After a few weeks of working out back home, he returned to New York for a series of full team practices, often going up against six-year NFL vet John Jenkins. "Really kinda got thrown to the wolves on that, but you gotta embrace it, you can't let it break you, and you just gotta run with it," said Droogsma.
Pensacola's Josh Sitton knows all about being a successful offensive lineman in the NFL, the Catholic High grad just retired after 11 seasons. He's also surprised by Droogsma's scenario, but sees the upside for a player with no wear and tear. Sitton also knows the biggest hurdle for a guy lacking football reps.
"You have to be able to react and you have a split second at the line for scrimmage to make a decision, and a split second for you body to react or you screw up. That's going to be his biggest challenge," said Sitton.
Droogsma reports for Giants training camp on July 21st. He might still be considered a long shot to make the team, but he's got a shot. Something seemingly beyond the realm of possibilities a few months ago.
"I'm past the surreal point and we're just getting down to business. Hopefully I can keep giving them that reason to keep me around a little bit longer, a little bit long, cause in my eyes all I need is time," said Droogsma.�

https://weartv.com/sports/local-sports/droogsma-gets-surprise-call-from-nfl

NT/DT

Training Camp Roster Preview: R.J. McIntosh
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-r-j-mcintosh-lIaflSA-aUOqn7rUNZaqGQ/

NFL

Brooks NFL.com: Top five sleeper teams in 2019
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035196/article/steelers-packers-among-top-five-sleepers-in-2019-dak-20?

Rossler Sports Info Solutions Blog: Reactive Playcalling in the NFL
https://sportsinfosolutionsblog.com/2019/07/05/reactive-playcalling-in-the-nfl/

Moton B/R: Predicting NFL Stat Leaders for 2019

Yards from Scrimmage: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

�Running back Saquon Barkley became a focal point of the offense even before the Giants traded wideout Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. Barkley was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the league in yards from scrimmage with 2,028.& #8232;The Giants signed wide receiver Golden Tate to replace Beckham, but quarterback Eli Manning's arm remains questionable going into his age-38 term. Furthermore, rookie Daniel Jones could start at some point in the upcoming campaign if Big Blue's passing offense goes through early rough patches. He would probably lean on the ground attack and short passes before finding his groove in the offense.�& #8232;New York also should field an improved offensive line, which bodes well for Barkley.& #8232;In 2018, the Giants offensive line ranked 29th in adjusted line yards (3.90), per Football Outsiders. General manager Dave Gettleman acquired Kevin Zeitler, a durable right guard, and patched up the right tackle spot with eighth-year veteran Mike Remmers.�& #8232;Though it's a lofty prediction, Barkley could rack up 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards if Manning prefers to throw short or head coach Pat Shurmur goes conservative with his rookie replacement.�& #8232;Barkley's projected total: 2,045 yards from scrimmage.�

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2843931-predicting-nfl-stat-leaders-for-2019

BALTIMORE
Brown Ravens.com: Training Camp Position Breakdown: Offensive Line
https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/training-camp-position-breakdown-offensive-line

BUFFALO
Brown Bills.com: Camp Countdown: No. 20 - Three reasons Tremaine Edmunds will excel in 2019
https://www.buffalobills.com/news/camp-countdown-no-20-three-reasons-tremaine-edmunds-will-excel-in-2019

CAROLINA
Fowler Charlotte Observer: Who will be the Panthers� breakout defensive star in 2019? Here�s my candidate
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article231975762.html

DALLAS
Stuart Football Prespective: 2019 Team Records (Coach, Quarterback, Rushers, Receivers) � Cowboys
http://www.footballperspective.com/2019-team-records-coach-quarterback-rushers-receivers-cowboys/

Machota Dallas Morning News: Ranking the Cowboys' roster: Nos. 30-21 include 3 rookies who could make significant impacts in 2019
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2019/07/04/ranking-cowboys-roster-nos-30-21-include-3-rookies-could-make-significant-impacts-2019

Eatman Cowboys.com: Cowboys Counting on Hill to Shine Right Away
https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-counting-on-hill-to-shine-right-away

DENVER
Fredrickson Denver Post: How Broncos� Khalfani Muhammad entered spotlight at 40 Yards of Gold
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/05/40-yards-of-gold-khalfani-muhammad-broncos/amp/

Smith Nola.com: Versatile offensive lineman John Leglue hopes to stick with Broncos as undrafted rookie
https://www.nola.com/sports/tulane/article_cd79681c-9f68-11e9-894d-cbb3a2cf47b8.html

GREEN BAY
Hodkiewicz Packers.com: Billy Turner fitting right in with Packers� offensive line
https://www.packers.com/news/billy-turner-fitting-right-in-with-packers-offensive-line

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: McClain's Mailbag: How will new QB coach help Deshaun Watson?
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/McClain-Mailbag-How-QB-coach-help-Deshaun-Watson-14073383.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans: Pro Bowl LB Benardrick McKinney's recognition overdue
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/amp/Texans-Benardrick-McKinney-recognition-overdue-14073430.php

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Simmons Rams.com: Could the Rams rotate more at wide receiver in 2019?�
https://www.therams.com/news/could-the-rams-rotate-more-at-wide-receiver-in-2019

Klein LA Times: Trial for Ted Rath, Rams' strength and performance coach, begins in Ventura
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-ted-rath-trial-begins-20190705-story.html

MIAMI
Jackson Miami Herald: Why Ryan Fitzpatrick likes the role Marino has carved with Dolphins quarterbacks
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article231882028.html

NEW ORLEANS
Allee-Walsh Sun Herald: How Sean Payton broke out of a funk and made the Saints Super Bowl contenders again
https://amp.sunherald.com/sports/nfl/new-orleans-saints/brian-allee-walsh/article232329302.html

NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: Jets coaches can get creative with underrated Jordan Jenkins
https://nypost.com/2019/07/05/jets-coaches-can-get-creative-with-underrated-jordan-jenkins/amp/

OAKLAND
Williams NBC Bay Area: Raiders QB Carr Could be Poised for his Biggest Season
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-Could-be-Poised-for-his-Biggest-Season-512258582.html

Raiders.com: 2019 Position Battle: Wide Receivers
https://www.raiders.com/news/2019-position-battle-wide-receivers

PHILADELPHIA
Robert Mays (@robertmays)
7/5/19, 11:44 AM
Other than QB, there is not a position where an injury would derail the Eagles. They have depth everywhere. It�s nuts. Tim Jernigan, Stefan Wisniewski, Vinny Curry, and Andrew Sendejo are backups on this team. And they drafted a LT in the 1st and a Jeffery clone in the 2nd.

Spadaro Eagles.com: Derek Barnett poised to take next step at defensive end
https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/derek-barnett-poised-to-take-next-step-at-defensive-end

PITTSBURGH
Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers 2-a-days: AAF star Kameron Kelly a sleeper, Justin Layne another mid-round cornerback
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-2-a-days-aaf-star-kameron-kelly-a-sleeper-justin-layne-another-mid-round-cornerback/

SAN FRANCISCO
Farrar USA Today: MythBusters: Is a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo automatically the answer for the 49ers? Thanks
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/06/mythbusters-is-a-healthy-jimmy-garoppolo-automatically-the-answer-for-the-49ers/

WASHINGTON
Phillips Richmond Times Dispatch: Is Kevin O'Connell the next head coach of the Washington Redskins?
https://www.roanoke.com/redskins-is-kevin-o-connell-the-next-head-coach-of/article_9b732ef9-176c-528f-8221-9fb23d4d7cc3.amp.html

Colleges/Draft

Cason USA Football: College Coach details Quarters coverage
https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/7382/college-coach-details-quarters-coverage

RB
Reid The Draft Network: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SCOUTING: RUNNING BACKS
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/what-to-look-for-when-scouting--running-backs

WR
Reid The Draft Network: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SCOUTING: WIDE RECEIVERS
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/what-to-look-for-when-scouting--wide-receivers

S
Tuls The Draft Network: BUILDING THE PERFECT NFL SAFETY
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/building-the-perfect-nfl-safety

History

Bacharach The Tennessean: Steve McNair's legacy seems unaffected by circumstances surrounding death
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/1624116001

Princiotti Boston Globe: Former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi recovering from a stroke
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2019/07/05/former-patriots-linebacker-tedy-bruschi-recovering-from-stroke/i6KuiDRUb3S39RPsMOK2NL/story.html

Fitzgerald SF Chronicle: Milt McColl helped 49ers win a Super Bowl. At 59, he�s practicing medicine
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/Milt-McColl-helped-49ers-win-a-Super-Bowl-At-59-14072074.php

Giants Birthdays 7-6

Matt Bahr PK W-CLE 1990 NYG 1990-1992 7-06-1956

Shuck BBV: Where are your former Giants now? K Matt Bahr (12-29-2018)
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2018/12/29/18158033/where-are-your-former-giants-now-k-matt-bahr

Nat Behre S D5-San Diego State 2014 NYG 2014-2017 7-06-1991

Corey Coleman WR W-NE 2018 NYG 2018 7-06-1994

Fred Dryer DE D1-San Diego State 1969 NYG 1969-1971 7-06-1946

1969 NFL Draft

The Bears picked thirteenth just ahead of the Giants and here was a tale to tell.

For many years Jim Dooley blamed himself, not the great man George Halas for the Bears' failures during Dooley's stint as Chicago head coach. However as the years passed and one coach after another was unsuccessful he came to the conclusion that indeed Bears management did what was best for them not the coach or players. There was elation in 1965 when the Bears drafted Butkus and Sayers, but that was more do to with then defensive coach George Allen making the calls.

With Allen gone to LA, Dooley was in his second year at head coach. He would tell Pierson of the Chicago Tribune in 1999 that he and "others" wanted Fred Dryer, but that there were not enough "others" to make a difference. Every coach and scout voted, but a consensus could not be reached. Jim Parmer working with the BLESTO scouting service and who was consulted by the Bears was asked by Halas to step into the packed war room and found a chaotic scene. Denied the opportunity to give an opinion do to the loud din of coaches arguing and tossing profanities making him unable to speak, Halas said "Thank You" and Parmer left speechless.

As a result every team's nightmare and what the fans would hope for when a live audience began to count down time on the clock in years to come actually came to fruition this time. The Bears unable to get enough votes to reach a consensus, exceeded the allotted time and the Giants next in line jumped in and selected Dryer. The Bears then hurriedly submitted the name of Ohio State tackle Rufus Mayes. Mayes was a tight end who was moved to tackle his senior year. The Bears then announced Mayes was the man they wanted all along.

The Bears claimed in the BLESTO ratings he was right behind George Kunz the highest rated tackle. They also claimed that Woody Hayes the Ohio State head coach told them that Mayes was the best offensive tackle he ever coached. Hayes later said that Mayes rates up with the best, praising his athleticism, strength, nastiness, and leadership qualities. Dooley said just before he was drafted they called Mayes and asked if he could pull on the toss sweep to Gale Sayers and Mayes said yes.

Regardless of the accolades and Bears claiming they got their man, the fact is that Mayes was raw in terms of experience at left tackle and the Bears by the time the 1970 draft occurred shipped Mayes to Cincinnati for two veteran defensive lineman. The Bears coming off a 1-13 season also shipped their first round pick to Green Bay for veterans as Dooley indicated the Bears need to "win now" and couldn't wait in draft picks, as well as by implication projects such as Mayes.

In later years, Dooley went onto say that player lists were coated by designations according to race, Parmer was not aware of this but recalls Abe Gibron who succeeded Dooley asking who are the top white players at certain positions. That wouldn't have affected Dryer who was white, and the player they selected was black (Rufus Mayes) but it certainly indicated dysfunction as did the fact that Dooley also related that he believed players with an agent were eliminated from consideration.�

1969 Giants Preview

�There are bound to be some important changes on the defensive line this year - changes which should create a more aggressive pass rush. The Giants made a strong step in this direction by getting Clark Miller from the 49ers to fill a conspicuous gap at one of their defensive ends. At the other end, Jim Katcavage was intent on returning this year for one last hurrah, and his desire may be all he has left. He is going to have a whale of a battle on his hands (according to all reports) from number one draft choice Fred Dryer, a 6-6, 235-pound animal out of San Diego State, where he supposedly did everything.�

Asbury Park Press (8-05-1969) Dryer Showed Up Well

"It tasted real good to get a piece of Joe Namath" said Fred Dryer, the New York Giants' No. 1 draft choice, in the steamy and crowded locker room of the College All Stars after Friday night's 26-24 loss to the world champion New from San Diego State York Jets. The 6-6, may be the answer to man's major problems

Sherman has made no secret of his displeasure with the team's defensive forward wall last year and his scouts came back with glowing reports about the big Californian. Dryer was classed as an excellent pass rusher, recording 4.8 speed in the all important 40-yard dash. . All-America Choice Two Ways He was an All-America Junior College choice at El Camino Junior College, then won honors again at San Diego State in his senior year. Dryer was a stickout in both the East-West and Hula Bowl games and added immensely to his credits with his performance against the Jets. With the All Stars getting pushed around early in the game Coach Otto Graham gave Dryer the nod and he came in to face the vaunted Jet attack guided by Broadway Joe Namath. Dryer was a bit over anxious on his first play and charged into the Jet backfield, only to be . eliminated from the play on a well executed trap. He more than made up for this oft repeated rookie mistake and put concerted pressure on Namath in addition to downing the Jets' quarterback on three occasions.

Preferred to Be With Giants
"As much as I enjoyed the game, I wish I wasn't here," said Dryer, "because I need the work with the Giants. "What I learned here won't hurt me, but when I get to training camp I'll have to learn new terminology all over again." Dryer has been indoctrinated well in winning ways San Diego State lost only one game in his three years, winning the NCAA small college championship three straight years. He comes from the same mould that sent players like Gary Garrison to the San Diego Chargers, Haven Moses to the Buffalo Bills, and Don Horn and Leo Carroll to the Green Bay Although the scouts feel that Dryer has the potential to break into the starting team as a rookie his task will not be an easy one, particularly with his loss of training camp time.

Sherman Has Made 2 Switches
Sherman has switched Bruce Anderson from his right end spot where he started last year, to left end where he will be battling 14 year All-Pro veteran Jim Katcavage for a starting berth. Clark Miller, a starter for the past seven B'easdns with the San Francisco 49ers, was acquired in the off-season for a future draft choice and presently is the leading contender for the right end post. With Miller, one of the better pass rushers in pro football, and Dryer ready to join the squad, the Giants' defensive pass rush should be greatly enhanced, allowing Sherman to devote more time to some of the other Giant trouble spots like running back and linebacking.

1970 Profile: Fred Dryer

Defensive End
No. 89
San Diego State
"The Giant preseason prospectus lists right defensive end Fred Dryer at 6-6, 240 pounds. The height is right but, last season at least, the weight was strictly wishful thinking. As a rookie in '69, Dryer weighed 230 at best; the Giants feel he must be bigger heavier to give and take punishment like the All-Pro defensive end the team thinks he can and will become.
There was some speculation last year that if Fred did not fill out physically, he might be switched to outside linebacker to take advantage of his speed (40 yards in 4.8 seconds) and agility. But on the other hand, that would be wasting Dryer's enormous potential as a pass rusher - and since the Giants need a pass rush more than anything, look for Fred to remain in the front four.
Dryer, 24, was an All-American at San Diego State."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

1971 Profile: Fred Dryer

Defensive End
No. 89
San Diego State
A West Coast surfer in the off-season, Fred Dryer is probably the fastest defensive end in the league.
The Giants' number one draft choice in 1969, Dryer had a great first half last year. However, as his 235-pound weight slipped to 215 near the end of the grueling campaign, his play slipped, too. The club is hoping a weight-lifting program will build him up- without fat- and that the 6-6 Dryer will have the stamina to go all the way.
Probably the best indication of his potential are the offers the Giants have received for him from other teams."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

Giants.com: Once a Giant, Always a Giant
1-19-2010

For many years, former teammates of Dryer wanted to bring him back into the Giants� fold. A defensive end from San Diego State who was the team�s first-round draft choice in 1968, Dryer played just three seasons for the Giants. He was a member of the 1970 squad that missed a playoff berth because of a loss to the Rams in the season finale.� Dryer led the team in sacks each of those three seasons with 8� in 1969, 12 in 1970 and 8� in 1971 (12 years before sacks became an official statistic). Dryer was traded to New England in February 1972 for three draft choices, then on draft day of that year he was dealt to the Rams. In 1973, he became the only player in NFL history with two safeties in one game (he still holds that distinction). Dryer later went on to a successful career as an actor, most notably starting in the television series Hunter, a crime drama.
What he did not do was reconnect with the Giants � until last month�s Alumni Weekend.
�This is the first Giant event that I have been invited to,� Dryer said. �So I go by the goodwill that was expressed by that invitation. It�s good to see everybody. I haven�t seen some of these people for 35 years. Life takes you a lot of different directions. I am always amazed by the passage of time and how funny life is. Nothing is guaranteed for tomorrow. So to take advantage of this opportunity to come back on this occasion is really a great thing to be a part of.
�We have a bond, we have some good memories together,� said Duhon, a running back who played for the Giants from 1968-72. �Freddie has gone off and done his own thing and he�s very successful. We were all proud that we knew Freddie before he did it. We all have feelings for each other, we keep in contact with each other with phone, or Christmas cards or emails or whateve

https://www.giants.com/news/once-a-giant-always-a-giant-5114457

Chandler Fenner CB W-SEA 2014 NYG 2014 7-06-1990

Brandon Jacobs RB D4-Southern Illinois 2005, W-SF 2013 NYG 2005-2011, 2013 7-06-1982

Edmond Miles LB W-MIA 2008 NYG 2008 7-06-1984

Billy Taylor RB/FB D4-Texas Tech 1978 NYG 1978-1981 7-06-1956

Dave Whitmore SS D4-Stephen F Austin 1990 NYG 1990 7-06-1967

In Memoriam

Gary Ballman TE W-PHI 1973 NYG 1973 Born 7-06-1940 Died 5-20-2004

NYT (11-10-1973) �It should have been a happy 12th wedding anniversary yesterday for Gary and Judi Ballman. Instead, the 33 year old Ballman took the occasion to announce his immediate retirement from professional football.
�I still think I'm good enough and healthy enough to play,� the former New York Giant tight end said from his home in Rockaway, N. J., before taking his wife into Manhattan for dinner and a show. �But for some reason, nobody else does. It's been a weird couple of weeks.�
Ballman's predicament is not new to football�the old pro being cut late in the season to make room for youth, particularly on poor teams planning for the future.
Three days ago, Kansas City asked waivers on Willie Frazier, a 31year old tight end, and released him. San Diego also waived Lionel Aldridge, the 32 year uold former Green Bay defensive end, but recalled him when no teams showed any interest.
Injured in a Car
In Ballman's case, his problems began with an injury he suffered in an auto accident while returning from an outing at the Winged Foot Country Club on Oct. 16. He was placed on the injured reserve list before the Giants sent him through irrevocable waivers on Oct. 31.
�It's a Very unhappy and unfortunate situation,� Judi Ballman said, distressed over her husband's travail of the last three weeks. �When you think about it, Gary lost his job because of the auto accident. I don't think a company like I.B.M. would fire one of its employes if they were injured coming home from work.�
Mrs. Ballman, who met Gary while both were students at Michigan State, said she found it sad that pro football players had to live with such fears.
�Whenever Gary got together with our three boys for a little rough housing,� she said, �I'd sit there having a heart attack worrying about him hurting his knees. I used to tell the boys, �be careful, now.� Can you imagine having to live that way?�
Ballman, who had caught 37 touchdown passes in an 11 year career with the Steelers and Eagles before coming to the Giants, could take his case to court, but he remains undecided about any legal moves. He said he held no grudge against the Giants' management, which has agreed to pay half his regular season salary for the first seven games and defer payments, for tax purposes, until next year.
His Salary Was High
Ballman became expendable for reasons besides age. His salary, as an accomplished wide receiver, was high, since the Giants assumed the second year of his three year contract with the Eagles after he made the club.
Then there was the delicate question of what the Giants would do with younger players such has Tom Gatewood and Brad Van Pelt. Gatewood, a second year wide receiver & tight end, was activated Nov. 1 after having been sidelined all summer with a foot injury sustained in another auto accident.
Van Pelt, the club's top draft choice last year, was shifted to tight end after an unsuccessful attempt at weakside linebacker.
Before the accident, Ballman said he had no reason to believe he might be cut. He had impressed Giant coaches during the summer and started most preseason games while Bob Tucker, the regular tight end, was injured.
After the accident, in which he suffered lacerations and a swollen knee, Ballman attempted to convince the Giants that he was fit during a workout at Roosevelt Stadium. But he was cut nonetheless.
�It's not that Gary got a raw deal, because you come to expect these things now,� one Giant player said. �But here's a guy who's been in the league 12 years, who busts his hump to make the club and who plays when they need him. Then they give up on him.�

Gave Moving Speech
Ironically, what many Giant players remember most about the 6 foot one inch, 215 pound Ballman was not his blocking or pass catching but a speech lie made to members of the offense before the Washington game last month, when the club was skidding into its, six game losing streak.
�Gary knew what was wrong with us,� said Don Herrmann, a wide receiver. �He stood up and said, �When we wanted to make yards in the preseason, when we needed passing or running, we made it, because we wanted to make it. We believed in ourselves. Now it seems that we don't believe in ourselves.�
Apparently, the Giants also didn't believe enough in Ballman.�

https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/10/archives/ballman-retires-ending-a-sad-season-injured-in-a-car-his-salary-was.html

Doug Oldershaw RG/LB D11-Cal State Santa Barbara 1938 NYG 1939-1941 Born 7-06-1915 Died 10-30-1995

UCSB HOF - �Doug Oldershaw
Football (1935-37), Rugby (1937)
The 1937 captain of the football team...Named a Little All-American in 1936 and 1937...Played professionally for the New York Giants (1939-40).�

Oldershaw would make second team All-Pro in 1941 then would enter military service. He was a lifeguard on the Jersey shore, and a volunteer ambulance driver on the west coast in a fundraiser for Great Britain. In 1941 the Giants added an outstanding wave of young talent to young veterans like Oldershaw. By 1942 the pre season roster would number less than 30 and several of those would ordinarily not make the team.