Monday Reading

Giants

Traina Forbes.com: Bold Predictions Ahead Of The Giants' 2019 Training Camp
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2019/07/15/bold-predictions-ahead-of-the-giants-2019-training-camp/amp/

Lombardo NJ.com: 2019 Giants game-by-game predictions one week out from training camp
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/07/2019-giants-game-by-game-predictions-one-week-out-from-training-camp.html

QB

Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball)
7/14/19, 10:45 AM
What was Eli Manning doing?

3rd & goal: Odell Beckham is inexplicably left wide open for the easiest passing TD vs the #27 pass D... but with plenty of time on the play clock, Eli fails to audible & instead runs Saquon into a loaded box of the #11 run D

Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
7/14/19, 11:49 AM
I appreciate wanting to hit an elite WR at 3 with no cover down on 3rd and goal from the 3... but there is a little more to this play than just the below..

Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
7/14/19, 11:51 AM
First off, let's start with the All-22 vs broadcast... and immediately we see the Giants were in Empty to start and Manning motions in Barkley to the backfield. What we learned later is PS had called 2 plays, and Manning killed the pass to run IZ to the trips side... pic

Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
7/14/19, 11:53 AM
If you notice from the endzone view... the D is in a Bear front and the OC does not cleanly climb to get the MLB (who ironically prob should have covered down on #3, OBJ), so to the 2 man surface EM's kill to run IZ is "correct" yet poorly executed

Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
7/14/19, 11:57 AM
Now, as to why EM chose not to give some sort of a signal to OBJ for a quick Now route or something to space, IDK. There was a thought process and an "audible", but he chose another option. PS claimed later "both would have been correct

Nick Turchyn (@Tmanic21)
7/14/19, 12:00 PM
My guess: EM is not the best 1 step thrower of the ball to short space (fans can attest to screens) and he may not have been comfortable, OR maybe thought for some reason that play side End would drop off to cut 3, etc... Not the best pre-snap processing, but not the worst

Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner)
7/14/19, 1:57 PM
@SharpFootball How is it a loaded box? 6 blockers and 6 defenders? Guy on outside to right is insignificant to run to left... only thing against his was the front! He looks at BOX & if 6v6 u run it, don’t even consider changing unless u recognize uncovered man!

Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner)
7/14/19, 2:03 PM
Not really - bc when condensed like that in tight RZ - to attack that small area w/ an audible is hard to do! The best they could of hoped for is eye contact & pop up & hit it... but what if the QB thinks his WR sees it & doesn’t & he forgets run to pop to OBJ & he goes to block!

Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71)
7/14/19, 9:41 PM
@SharpFootball It’s a walk in TD if the C even attempts to block the correct LB

OL

Stapleton The Record: NY Giants training camp preview: Breaking down the offensive line
https://amp.northjersey.com/amp/1627300001

NFL

King FMIA: Peyton Manning (Remember Him?) Quarterbacks New TV Series, Mulls Long-Term Life After Football
Peyton Manning talks TV! Life! Definitely not retirement!
A new CBA this week? Umm...
A history lesson for Melvin Gordon
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/07/15/peyton-manning-espn-nfl-show-fmia-peter-king/

Klemko MMQB: How One Agent Is Working to Strengthen Diversity in the NFL’s Head Coaching Ranks
The NFL still very much has a diversity problem in its head-coaching ranks, and when the changing tides come, it will likely start with this agent and the minority coaches whom he represents. Also, second-year head coaches look back and look ahead, beat writers give insight on the rookie quarterbacks, some words from Larry Fitzgerald and much more

“If you had to pick a specific week in the season, when do you predict your team’s rookie quarterback will start his first game in 2019? Describe the likeliest scenario.
Matt Lombardo, NJ Advance Media, New York Giants

On the No. 6 overall draft pick, former Duke QB Daniel Jones: If the Giants’ 2019 season starts off at all similarly to last season’s 1-7 first half, it will be a matter of when, rather than if, rookie QB Daniel Jones replaces starting QB Eli Manning. At some point, during [head coach Pat] Shurmur’s second season, the focus needs to be on winning rather than placating Manning’s legacy. Manning holds all of the cards. If Manning leads the Giants to a fast start, there is no doubt that he’ll be the quarterback as long as the Giants are competitive and in the mix for the postseason. However, if the Giants leave their Thursday night matchup in Foxboro at 1-5 or 2-4, a soft landing spot ten days later in Week 7 against the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium seems to be ideal for Jones to make his debut as the starting quarterback. That would give the rookie an extra three days to prepare with three winnable games looming against the Cardinals, Lions, and Jets, along with the rematch against the Cowboys all on the docket prior to the Week 11 bye. The schedule sets up for the Giants to build some early momentum, but if they fail to do so, Week 7 against the Cardinals seems a safe bet for Jones to make his first career start.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/15/nfl-head-coach-diversity-brian-levy-harold-goodwin-frank-reich-matt-nagy-kyler-murray

Graziano ESPN: Forecasting the next three NFL seasons: 25 predictions through 2022

“5. Eli Manning will play for a different team
I believe the Giants will move on from Eli next offseason, but I don't think Manning wants 2019 to be his final NFL season. It's going to look super-weird to see him in a different uniform, but I have two guesses as to which one it will be. My favorite guess is the Saints, because he's from New Orleans, his dad played there and it'd be a cool story. But that prediction is tied way too much to other things, especially the completely unknown factor of how much longer Drew Brees wants to play. So my safer guess is the Titans, who could be moving on from Marcus Mariota if he doesn't deliver in 2019.

6. As for the Giants, at least three different QBs will start for them in the next three years

And this isn't a knock on poor Daniel Jones, who's getting way too much grief for the crime of being drafted sixth overall. It's more of a nod to what the Giants have had in Manning for the past 15 years. Since becoming the starter in 2004, Manning has answered the bell for literally every game except the bizarre 2017 one for which they asked him not to. It's far too much to expect the same kind of durability and reliability from his successor, no matter how well Jones plays.

11. Odell Beckham Jr. will lead the NFL in receiving yards and touchdown catches
Yes, I believe Beckham will thrive with Baker Mayfield and the Browns. I do not buy the notion that he was a problem in the locker room with the Giants. His teammates loved him. It was the coaches and administrators who had issues with Beckham.
And while that could certainly be the case in Cleveland, too, I think on-field success (assuming the Browns have it) would iron out a lot of the off-field temper issues Beckham had while doing all the losing he did in New York. Too much has been made this offseason of the aspects of Beckham that have nothing to do with his immense talent. We shouldn't forget how good this player is.”

https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/27183913/forecasting-next-three-nfl-seasons-25-predictions-2022?

Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
7/15/19, 7:49 AM
With today being last day franchise players can sign long-term deals this year, here’s what sources say:

*Houston LB Jadeveon Clowney will not get a deal done.

*Atlanta and DT Grady Jarrett are unlikely to reach an agreement.

*49ers and K Robbie Gould have agreement in place.

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: The NFL's 11 best quarterbacks
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/14/the-nfls-11-best-quarterbacks/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Deadline here for Jarrett, Falcons to reach a deal
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/deadline-here-for-jarrett-falcons-reach-deal/NqYySTKDKxQBimr4N6WDCI/

BUFFALO
Brown Bills.com: Camp Countdown: No. 11 - What should be expected from Ed Oliver?
https://www.buffalobills.com/news/camp-countdown-no-11-what-should-be-expected-from-ed-oliver

Carucci Buffalo News: Can Bills get another strong season out of Lorenzo Alexander?
https://buffalonews.com/2019/07/15/buffalo-bills-lorenzo-alexander-tremaine-edmunds-matt-milano-leslie-frazier-jerry-rice-nfl-football/

CAROLINA
Mahoney Charlotte Post: Carolina Panthers running back Elijah Hood, a Charlotte Catholic graduate, is returning after surgery on a torn ACL sidelined him for the entire 2018 season
http://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2019/07/14/sports/healthy-hood-mounts-comeback-for-job-in-panthers-backfield/

CHICAGO
Arkush Herald News: Bears training camp preview: tight ends
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/14/bears-training-camp-preview-tight-ends/a45bhgr/

Crabbs The Draft Network: BEAR-LY DRAFTED: THE STEAL OF THE 2014 NFL DRAFT
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/bear-ly-drafted--the-steal-of-the-2014-nfl-draft

CINCINNATI
Dragon Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals have looming battle in the trenches
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/1729386001

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: What if Austin Corbett doesn’t win the right guard job? Cleveland Browns 19 questions
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/07/what-if-austin-corbett-doesnt-win-the-right-guard-job-cleveland-browns-19-questions.html

DENVER
Klis 9News Denver: BRONCO PLAYER REPS MCMANUS, HARRIS JR. ON OWNERS' 18-GAME SCHEDULE, 16-GAME PLAYER LIMIT IDEA: INTERESTING, BUT DOUBTFUL
https://www.9news.com/article/news/bronco-player-reps-mcmanus-harris-jr-on-owners-18-game-schedule-16-game-player-limit-proposal-interesting-but-no/73-a6d50a20-620f-4a5e-885d-d6e9c2150422

Klis 9News Denver: Broncos roster preview: After going from unknown to contributor, can Shelby Harris go from contributor to starter?
https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/broncos-roster-preview-after-going-from-unknown-to-contributor-can-shelby-harris-go-from-contributor-to-starter/73-0a33806d-accf-44f0-9d37-88f0c2b3568b

DETROIT
Meinke Michigan Live: Detroit Lions training camp preview: Kerryon Johnson takes center stage
https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-kerryon-johnson-takes-center-stage.html?outputType=amp

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Top 5 Detroit Lions sack producers for 2019 (and how many they’ll have)

“T-2. Devon Kennard
Kennard also had a career-high in sacks last year with seven, which was second on the team behind Romeo Okwara. He played primarily as a stand-up linebacker on the left side of the line and rarely came off the field when healthy. Kennard got off to a fast start last year with five sacks in the first five games but was relatively quiet the second half of the year. Consistency is key for him in Year 2, and the Lions can help by cutting back his snaps with a deeper front seven. That might not help his sack production, but 6.5 sacks is still pretty good.

4. Romeo Okwara
Okwara turned out to be quite the waiver-wire addition last year with 7.5 sacks in 15 games. He signed a two-year extension in February, but his contract, which was only slightly more than the restricted free agent tender, gives you an idea of what the Lions think they have in the 24-year-old. He’s a productive player but not an elite pass rusher, and he seems ripe for a slight tick down in production now with Flowers playing in front of him at right end. Okwara still will see plenty of playing time, but he’s looking at six sacks this fall.”

https://amp.freep.com/amp/1647831001

GREEN BAY
Monroe Toledo Blade: Toledo native DeShone Kizer confident in his future as star QB
https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2019/07/14/green-bay-packers-quarterback-deshone-kizer-future-star-qb/stories/20190714164

Reischel Forbes.com: The Most Important Packers: Adrian Amos Brings Stability To Safety Position
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robreischel/2019/07/14/the-most-important-packers-adrian-amos-brings-stability-to-safety-position/amp/

INDIANAPOLIS
Bremer Herald Bulletin: GROUND SUPPORT: Colts aim for top-five rushing offense in 2019
https://www.heraldbulletin.com/sports/colts/ground-support-colts-aim-for-top-five-rushing-offense-in/article_73a41258-a4e8-11e9-816c-ef2739a5f8a6.html

NEW ORLEANS
Brown Nola.com: James Tabary's road toward NFL minicamp and beyond filled with ups and downs
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_bd596e3c-9c25-11e9-8c39-3bac84c475d9.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
RV SNY: 10 most important players to Jets' success in 2019
https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/10-most-important-players-for-the-jets-in-2019/308773810

Mehta NYDN: Mehta’s Top 20 Jets Countdown: No. 5 DL Leonard Williams
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-leonard-williams-countdown-20190715-cm76aqibq5exfdxixqwlnjqw2e-story.html

PHILADELPHIA
Fierro Allentown Morning Call: Connor Barwin? Darren Sproles? Work never ends for Howie Roseman in shaping fluid but solid Eagles roster
https://www.mcall.com/sports/eagles/mc-spt-eagles-roster-tweaks-20190714-20190714-jarmgegoxjar3b77icusvt7a44-story.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp preview: Defensive tackle
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-preview-defensive-tackle-2019/amp/#click=https://t.co/Jh51DRhyNT

Kaye NJ.com: Eagles DE breakdown: Could Josh Sweat lock down major role in defensive line rotation?
https://www.nj.com/eagles/2019/07/eagles-training-camp-could-josh-sweat-lock-down-major-role-in-defensive-line-rotation-examining-de-position.html

PITTSBURGH
Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Ex-AAF players hope experiences translate into jobs with Steelers
https://triblive.com/sports/ex-aaf-players-hope-experiences-translate-into-jobs-with-steelers/

TENNESSEE
Wyatt Titans.com: Training Camp Preview: Breaking Down the Quarterback Position for Titans
https://www.titansonline.com/news/training-camp-preview-breaking-down-the-quarterback-position-for-titans-x7626

Badenhausen Forbes.com: Titans Linebacker Derrick Morgan Retires From NFL And Launches $200 Million Opportunity Zone Fund
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2019/07/15/titans-linebacker-derrick-morgan-retires-from-nfl-and-launches-200-million-opportunity-zone-fund/amp/

Colleges/Draft

Tuls The Draft Network: TULS TAKES 2.0: SENIOR LB STUDS, BALL SKILLS VS BALL PRODUCTION, SLEEPER CFB GAME
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/tuls-takes-2.0--senior-lb-studs-ball-skills-vs-ball-production-sleeper-cfb-game

QB
DiPaola Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Pitt’s Kenny Pickett learns ‘between the ears’ QB skills from Mannings
https://triblive.com/sports/pitts-kenny-pickett-learns-between-the-ears-quarterbacking-from-the-mannings/

Kratch NJ.com: Rutgers’ Artur Sitkowski ‘can change everything’ for Scarlet Knights, rival coach says in season preview
https://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/2019/07/rutgers-qb-artur-sitkowski-can-change-everything-for-scarlet-knights-rival-coach-says-in-season-preview.html

WR
Howell Denver Post: Colorado Buffaloes’ Laviska Shenault is a star, but not satisfied
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/14/laviska-shenault-colorado-buffaloes-not-satisfied/

S
Poorman State College.com: Penn State Football: Garrett Taylor is Latest in Long Lion of Stalwart Safeties
https://bit.ly/2GdTlxY

History

Willis PFJ: Centers—The NFL's Best Ever Pre-WWII

“1)      Mel Hein (1931-1945) Easy choice for number one spot. Hein was an NFL 1930’s All-Decade selection…selected to NFL’s 50th and 75th Anniversary teams…won 1938 NFL MVP Award (Joe F. Carr Trophy)…helped Giants win 2 NFL Championships, 1934, 1938…Charter Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963…Made 4 Pro Bowls, 1938-1941…Durable, played 15 seasons with the Giants at a high level (170 games). Film study confirms Hein was one of the best athletes to ever play his position, very mobile at 6-2, 225 pounds, Hein was tough at the point of attack, equally good at run and pass blocking, and flawless on snaps in Steve Owen’s single-wing and “A” formations offense. On defense, always around the ball and makes many of his tackles at the line of scrimmage, not downfield…had 10 career interceptions, returning one for a score- a 50-yard return against the Packers in 1938 (Nov. 20) to win 15-3…Giants retired his no. 7 jersey….First-team All-Pro by the NFL 8 straight years, 1933-1940; by UP 5 times, 1934-1935, 1938-1940; by NYDN, 4 times (1937-1940); by I.N.S. 4 times (1937-1940; Collyers 3 times (1934-1936); and GBPG 2 times, (1934-1935)…Second-team 3 times by UP (1933, 1936-1937); by NFL twice in 1931-1932 and Collyers in 1937, 1939; once by I.N.S. in 1944…Honorable mention by NFL in 1941-1943 and by the AP in 1944.

“I’ve been around this league a long time and I’ve never seen a player who made fewer mistakes than Mel. He has a feel for football, an instinctive understanding and grasp of it that allows him to command every bit of action on the field…teaching him was like teaching Babe Ruth. Mel was a dynamic offensive blocker, a most accurate snapper, and a genius at backing up the line. Hein could discourage the most accomplished attacking stars who ever lived.” —Steve Owen, Giants Hall of Fame coach.

“He could center a ball from 50 yards and hit a needle in its eye…even as a rookie (1931) there was no one like him. Usually you look for the rookies on another team and try to take advantage of them. We tried working on Hein from the beginning, he was too smart.”—George Halas, Bears Hall of Fame coach.

“Hein is the perfect center- that’s all. He does everything right and he seems to do everything instinctively.” —Curly Lambeau, Packers Hall of Fame coach.

“There were some other great ones, we the Bears had some great ones, but Mel Hein was the greatest linebacker that I played against … He had the ability to analyze plays and where the play was going to develop. He was always in the right spot at the right time. He was a deadly tackler once he got his hands on you.”— Bronko Nagurski, former bears Hall of Fame fullback.

“The first time I saw him he looked like a giant back there backing up the line. As soon as I got through the line of scrimmage, he knocked me back into it. But Mel was a hog on defense, and a tremendous pass defender, and still took care of the linebacking duties. On offense he was a tremendous blocker, so he was an all-around great football player.”—Clarke Hinkle- former Packers Hall of Fame fullback.”

http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2019/07/centersthe-best-ever-pre-wwii.html

Note: Larry Schmitt, Giants writer/historian for BBI contributed to the research for this article...well before ESPN, PFF, ect., one has to dig extensively to be able to capture what line play was and who the stalwarts were in the NFL pre-1945, if not for many years later as well.

Giants Birthdays 7-15

Matt Mitrione DT UDFA-Purdue 2002 NYG 2002 NYG IR 2003 7-15-1978

Benton Giantswire USA Today: Ex-Giant turned MMA fighter Matt Mitrione: 'I carry Big Blue with me all the time' (6-24-2017)

“Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Purdue, Mitrione spent three seasons with the Giants, but appeared in only nine games.
Mitrione suffered a devastating injury in the team’s crushing playoff collapse against the San Francisco 49ers in 2003. He underwent seven surgeries on his foot, including one to extend his Achilles tendon, and was on crutches for 18 months.
The Giants released Mitrione in 2004, and although he had brief stints with the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, he was never able to get his NFL career back on track.
That’s when Mitrione turned to MMA...”

https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2017/06/24/new-york-giants-matt-mitrione-mma-bellator-carry-big-blue/amp/