Monday Reading

Giants

Dunleavy NYP: Jets outlast Giants in depressing battle for supremacy
https://nypost.com/2019/11/10/jets-outlast-giants-in-depressing-battle-for-supremacy/amp/

Schwartz NYP: Giants apologize, call for change after Jets embarrassment
https://nypost.com/2019/11/10/giants-apologize-call-for-change-after-jets-embarrassment/

Schwartz NYP: Giants report card: Ownership won’t be happy with Pat Shurmur
https://nypost.com/2019/11/10/giants-report-card-ownership-wont-be-happy-with-pat-shurmur/

McDonald NYDN: Jets vs. Giants: A terribly amazing game ends in a Gang Green victory
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-lose-jets-win-metlife-stadium-20191110-w2ynpdgo5jdgbajw77zb2ia7bq-story.html

Stapleton The Record: With loss to Jets, Giants take their place as New York's worst NFL team
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/2557340001

Stapleton The Record: NY Giants: 5 takeaways from their 34-27 loss to NY Jets, and what's next for them https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2019/11/11/ny-giants-5-takeaways-34-27-loss-jets-what-comes-next/2554816001/

Battista NFL.com: Jets top Giants in battle of lost NY teams
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001075597/article/jets-top-rival-giants-in-battle-of-lost-new-york-football-teams?

Pflum BBV: Jets 34, Giants 27: Four plays that changed the game
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/11/11/20959254/2019-ny-giants-jets-plays-slayton-tate-adams-barkley-jones-touchdown-fumble-news-analysis

Traina SI Giantsmaven: A Multistep Plan to Fix the Giants Over the Bye
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/a-multistep-plan-to-fix-the-giants-over-the-bye/

Martin Yahoo Sports: Saquon Barkley's frustration, regression show flaws in Giants' rebuild. Are changes coming soon?
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/saquon-barkleys-frustration-regression-show-flaws-in-giants-rebuild-are-changes-on-horizon-022943492.html

Schneier Big Blue Banter Podcast: Pat Shurmur's Days Are Numbered, Have The Giants Hit Rock Bottom? (audio)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-blue-banter-a-new-york-giants-football-podcast/id1387339234

Owner

Leonard NYDN: Giants owners must decide if Dave Gettleman, Pat Shurmur and Daniel Jones are their future leaders
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-dave-gettleman-pat-shurmur-daniel-jones-jets-20191111-hfvdmuek2jhktfzmomuasmgcs4-story.html

Coach

RV SNY: Despite the ugly loss, it's unlikely the Giants fire Pat Shurmur at the moment
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/despite-the-ugly-loss-its-unlikely-the-giants-fire-pat-shurmur-at-the-moment/311478832

Orr SI.com: Will the Giants Be Able to Oust Another Head Coach Quickly If Needed?
https://www.si.com/.amp/nfl/2019/11/11/pat-shurmur-new-york-giants-loss-jets

QB

Willis NYP: Daniel Jones deserved better than this Giants humiliation
https://nypost.com/2019/11/10/daniel-jones-deserved-better-than-this-giants-humiliation/

Schneier CBS Sports.com: Sam Darnold vs. Daniel Jones: In-depth grades, analysis, how the Jets QB earned bragging rights
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/sam-darnold-vs-daniel-jones-in-depth-grades-analysis-how-the-jets-qb-earned-bragging-rights/

RB

Raanan ESPN NY: Giants running back Saquon Barkley banged up in career-worst game
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28054190/giants-running-back-saquon-barkley-banged-career-worst-game

Dunleavy NYP: Saquon Barkley injury concern escalates amid Giants anger
https://nypost.com/2019/11/10/saquon-barkley-injury-concern-escalates-amid-giants-anger/

Lombardo NJ.com: Something is clearly wrong with Saquon Barkley, and Giants should consider shutting him down for the season
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/11/something-is-clearly-wrong-with-saquon-barkley-and-giants-should-consider-shutting-him-down-for-the-season-lombardo.html

NFL Research (@NFLResearch)
11/10/19, 6:30 PM
Saquon Barkley finished today's game with 1 rushing yard on 13 carries.

Not only is this his career low in rushing yards, it's the fewest rushing yards by any non-QB on 10+ carries since Reggie Bush had -5 yards on 11 carries in a Week 9, 2006 win over the Buccaneers

WR

PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants)
11/11/19, 11:23 AM
Rookie Darius Slayton continues to shine and is the highest graded player for the Giants offense yesterday, 78 overall.

He caught 10 of 14 targets for 121 yards and two scores

RT

Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY)
11/11/19, 12:10 PM
Pat Shurmur said RT Nick Gates played well last night. "We think he's got a chance to be a good player." ... He might end up as the Giants' RT next year. The Giants are high on him

PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants)
11/11/19, 10:56 AM
Nick Gates allowed 2 total pressures in 54 pass blocking snaps. He had a 64.7 overall grade and the 2nd best run blocking grade among the Giants OL yesterday

Defense

Schwartz NYP: James Bettcher could be the first Giants domino to fall
https://nypost.com/2019/11/11/james-bettcher-could-be-the-first-giants-domino-to-fall/amp/

Lombardo NJ.com: After Jets carve up Giants defense, James Bettcher deserves to be fired | Ranking best candidates to replace him
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/11/after-sam-darnold-jets-carve-up-giants-defense-james-bettcher-deserves-to-be-fired-ranking-best-candidates-to-replace-him.html

DT

Schwartz NYP: What left Sam Darnold laughingly telling Leonard Williams ‘F you’
https://nypost.com/2019/11/11/what-left-sam-darnold-laughingly-telling-leonard-williams-f-you/

PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants)
11/11/19, 11:04 AM
Leonard Williams did not have a “box score” performance but he graded at an elite 90 overall with 6 total pressures against his former team.

Williams’ 78.6 pass rush grade is his best game grade since week 10 of 2017

PK

Dunleavy NYP: Aldrick Rosas is causing Giants problems they can’t overcome
https://nypost.com/2019/11/11/aldrick-rosas-is-causing-giants-problems-they-cant-overcome/amp/

NFL

King FMIA: FMIA Week 10: Playoffs For Steelers? It’s a Whole New World in Pittsburgh
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/11/11/steelers-playoffs-nfl-week-10-fmia-peter-king/

Jason OTC: Bad Teams Should Use the Season to Challenge Conventional Wisdom
https://overthecap.com/bad-teams-should-use-the-season-to-challenge-conventional-wisdom/

Burke ESPN: How to solve rising penalty rates in the NFL: Increase the yardage
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28021502/how-solve-rising-penalty-rates-nfl-increase-yardage

ARIZONA
Cliff AZ Republic: Not pass interference: Arizona Cardinals robbed on final play vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2019/11/11/arizona-cardinals-hurt-pass-interference-non-call-tampa-bay-buccaneers/2561507001/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Dan Quinn: ‘Give credit to the guys’ for gutsy win over Saints
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/what-dan-quinn-said-after-the-win-over-the-saints/a8mLfWfvD2viulmPdJf9HM/

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
11/11/19, 10:50 AM
Falcons TE Austin Hooper, the NFL’s leader at his position with 56 catches, is getting an MRI on a knee injury suffered Sunday source said. Hooper is expected to miss some time, but the MRI will determine how much. Atlanta could be without Devonta Freeman & Hooper this week

McClure ESPN Atlanta: Falcons bring consistent pressure, look like different team in upset
https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/34777/falcons-bring-consistent-pressure-look-like-different-team-in-upset?

BALTIMORE
Oyefusi Baltimore Sun: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson punctuates another perfect passing day with ankle-breaking 47-yard TD run
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-jackson-bengals-20191110-bmgesyn32nbp7dn46ibbhehao4-story.html

BUFFALO
Maiorana Rochester Democrat: Do we really believe the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen are playoff-caliber?
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2019/11/10/josh-allen-buffalo-bills-offense-not-good-enough-taken-seriously-as-nfl-playoff-caliber/2530206001/

CAROLINA
Fowler Charlotte Observer: Yes, the Panthers lost. But IMHO, that was Kyle Allen's best game yet. And you'll want to read what Greg Olsen says:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article237025694.html

CHICAGO
Campbell Chicago Tribune: Mitch Trubisky and the Bears will have to prove the 3-TD surge in their win over the Lions actually means something
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-mitch-trubisky-lions-campbell-20191111-tkims4d3dzdnxaa72jflfyeqeu-story.html

Biggs Chicago Tribune: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Bears’ 20-13 win over the Lions
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-10-thoughts-brad-bigs-20191111-bm65pqonavgcxcihfo7v3j4imi-story.html

Kane Chicago Tribune: Nick Kwiatkoski, the Bears’ ‘little hidden gem’ steps up big after Danny Trevathan goes down with a gruesome arm injury
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-danny-trevathan-injury-nick-kwiatkoski-20191111-c7pivxy5anahrckr3mcrjhlb7q-story.html

CINCINNATI
Manchester CincyJungle: Bengals’ youth movement continues with Germaine Pratt and Drew Sample
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2019/11/11/20958603/bengals-draft-2019-germaine-pratt-drew-sample

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Kareem Hunt and Rashard Higgins come up big as Browns beat Bills, 19-16, to improve to 3-6
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/11/kareem-hunt-and-rashard-higgins-come-up-big-in-browns-19-16-victory-over-the-bills-to-improve-to-3-6.html

Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: The future of Browns’ backfield looks bright featuring both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt together
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/11/the-future-of-browns-backfield-looks-bright-featuring-both-nick-chubb-and-kareem-hunt-together.html

DALLAS
Moore Dallas Morning News: Loss to Vikings proves Cowboys are still a level below the NFC’s best
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2019/11/11/loss-to-vikings-proves-cowboys-are-still-a-level-below-the-nfcs-best/

Gehlken Dallas Morning News: How the Vikings flipped the script on the Cowboys turning AT& T Stadium in Bizarro World
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2019/11/11/how-the-vikings-flipped-the-script-on-the-cowboys-turning-att-stadium-in-bizarro-world/

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos at the bye: Defensive rankings high, but improved pass-rush, takeaways needed
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/11/11/broncos-defense-at-the-bye-ranked-high/amp/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Lions lose to Bears, offer inconsistent explanations of Matthew Stafford's injury
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/11/10/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-injury-chicago-bears/2554875001/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Darius Slay: Things will get 'ugly' if we don't win out
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/11/10/darius-slay-things-get-ugly-if-detroit-lions-dont-win-out/2558827001/

KANSAS CITY
Paylor Yahoo Sports: Chiefs got vintage Patrick Mahomes but they left door open for Raiders in AFC West
https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-got-vintage-patrick-mahomes-but-they-left-door-open-for-raiders-in-afc-west-033407414.html

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Farmer LA Times:
Rams’ path ahead is not pretty after devastating loss to Steelers
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-11-10/sam-farmer-analyzes-rams-at-steelers-game

Klein LA Times: Steelers’ strategy holds Cooper Kupp to zero catches to help beat Rams
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-11-10/rams-aaron-donald-cooper-kupp-no-catches-pittsburgh-steelers-loss

Klein LA Times: More injuries on offensive line has Rams scrambling to fill holes in loss to Steelers
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-11-10/more-injuries-on-offensive-line-has-rams-scrambling-to-fill-holes-in-loss-to-steelers

Thiry ESPN LA: The biggest concern for the Rams continues to be the offensive line. It already lacked depth, but on Sunday C Brian Allen suffered a knee injury that sidelined him in the first quarter. Austin Blythe, who started at LG, transitioned[ to center as Austin Corbett, acquired last month in a trade, was inserted at LG. Late in the game RT Rob Havenstein was sidelined also because of a knee injury, which forced right guard David Edwards to move to RT, and Coleman Shelton played RG

MIAMI
Hyde Sun Sentinel: Ten thoughts on Dolphins’ 16-12 win over Colts
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dave-hyde/fl-sp-hyde10-dolphins-colts-thoughts-20191111-mkqsfsuwf5hdrdntoqyissmaoe-story.html

Hyde Sun Sentinel: Chris Grier must succeed like Brian Flores for Dolphins’ plan to work
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-dolphins-colts-column-20191111-7nyl4u7op5ey5pkxmbzapa2ro4-story.html

Kelly Sun Sentinel: Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick takes issue with timing of concussion test during fourth quarter of Colts game
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-colts-notes-20191110-7fnrv3tbc5hand7kpgxt667yo4-story.html

MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings QB Kirk Cousins comes up big in prime-time win over Cowboys
https://www.twincities.com/2019/11/11/vikings-qb-kirk-cousins-comes-up-big-in-prime-time-win-over-cowboys/

Goessling Minn Star Tribune: Vikings nose tackle Linval Joseph sidelined by knee surgery
http://www.startribune.com/vikings-nose-tackle-linval-joseph-had-knee-surgery/564734142/

NEW ENGLAND
Cox NESN: Patriots Have Enjoyed Nearly Unparalleled Success In Games After Bye Week
https://nesn.com/2019/11/patriots-have-been-one-of-nfls-most-successful-teams-after-bye-week/amp/

Sullivan Boston Globe: When is it time for the Patriots’ Tom Brady to hand off his duties?
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2019/11/10/when-time-for-patriots-tom-brady-hand-off-his-duties/hqbT7X67HWA0Q4emZlCyaL/story.html

NEW ORLEANS
Johnson Nola.com: Saints vs. Falcons takeaways: What we learned and final thoughts from an ugly loss
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_279e1264-03d4-11ea-9424-d3c38b9207f7.html

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Sam Darnold riding high after Jets beat Giants and improve to 2-7: ‘We got a chance at the playoffs’
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-sam-darnold-playoffs-adam-gase-giants-20191110-kgxvsuquxnexnk7mgrhjiqdhze-story.html

Serby NYP: Sam Darnold sacks ‘Fire Adam Gase’ talk in Jets declaration
https://nypost.com/2019/11/10/sam-darnold-sacks-fire-adam-gase-talk-in-jets-declaration/

PHILADELPHIA
Smith Phil Inquirer: What the Eagles can learn from the Cowboys-Vikings game
https://www.inquirer.com/newsletters/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-dallas-cowboys-nfc-east-nfl-running-game-20191111.html

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: James Conner expected to return for Steelers' game vs. Browns
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/11/11/pittsburgh-steelers-james-conner-injury-cleveland-browns-thursday-night-football/stories/201911110070

Batko Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Steelers utility man Trey Edmunds comes up clutch again — and this time, so does his brother
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/11/10/nfl-running-back-interceptions-trey-edmunds-terrell-steelers-rams-jalen-ramey-juju/stories/201911100190

Pryor ESPN Pittsburgh: Steelers needed one stop and Minkah Fitzpatrick delivers in win over Rams
https://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/31396/steelers-need-one-stop-and-minkah-fitzpatrick-delivers-in-win-over-rams

Heifetz The Ringer: The Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade Officially Saved the Steelers’ Season
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/11/10/20958753/pittsburgh-steelers-los-angeles-rams-minkah-fitzpatrick-tj-watt

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: Russell Wilson vs. 49ers’ No. 1 defense: Monday night’s prime-time matchup
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Russell-Wilson-vs-49ers-No-1-defense-Monday-14824445.php

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Analysis: Here’s what’s on the line for the Seahawks against the 49ers on ‘Monday Night Football’
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/it-may-just-be-one-game-out-of-16-but-a-lot-is-on-the-line-when-seahawks-face-49ers-monday/

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: How Jamel Dean redeemed himself, and the Bucs
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2019/11/11/how-jamel-dean-redeemed-himself-and-the-bucs/

Laine ESPN TB: Bucs bench CB Vernon Hargreaves for lack of effort
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28054098/bucs-bench-cb-vernon-hargreaves-lack-effort

TENNESSEE
Reyes USA Today: Titans OT Taylor Lewan rips himself as 'an absolute liability' for penalty issues
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2019/11/10/tennessee-titans-taylor-lewan-liability-penalties/2559534001/

Bacharach The Tennessean: Titans' Joshua Kalu timed his winning block so well vs. Chiefs it looked like he was offsides
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2019/11/10/titans-chiefs-joshua-kalu-blocked-kick-field-goal/4156421002/

Colleges/Draft

Kubena Nola.com: Peek at LSU vs. Alabama film: How LSU put pressure on Tua and finally beat the Tide
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_92fa997c-03f4-11ea-ac3f-9367e0cdecdb.html

Ryan Minn Star Tribune: Gophers considered a top-10 team for the first time in nearly 60 years
http://www.startribune.com/gophers-considered-a-top-10-team-for-the-first-time-in-nearly-60-years/564725902/

QB

Wilson CBS Sports.com: 2020 NFL Draft QB Stock Watch: Joe Burrow dominant vs. Alabama, Jordan Love has best game of season
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-qb-stock-watch-joe-burrow-dominant-vs-alabama-jordan-love-has-best-game-of-season/

TE

Lesmerises Cleveland Plain Dealer: How Ohio State’s football’s Rashod Berry earned his place in Buckeyes history with his work and his questions
https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/11/how-ohio-states-footballs-rashod-berry-earned-his-place-in-buckeyes-history-with-his-work-and-his-questions.html

History

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Matt Millen remembers Charles Rogers for his big heart, not as draft bust
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/11/11/charles-rogers-dies-cause-of-death-detroit-lions-matt-millen/2562777001/

Veterans Day

During World War II it was estimated that over fifty members affiliated with the Giants at one time or another were serving overseas. The heroic and tragic stories of Al Blozis and Jack Lummus, who died in The Battle of the Bulge and on Iwo Jima respectively are well known.

Al Blozis "who could have been the greatest tackle who ever lived" according to Mel Hein, spent most of two seasons with the Giants. He sought and received a dispensation from military height restrictions. He was inducted into the Army on December 9, 1944. During training he set a grenade toss record, more than 3x the distance of a normal throw. On his first patrol, less than two months after what would be his final Giant game, in an encounter related to the epic Battle of the Bulge, he was killed.

More on Blozis:
http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index.ssf/2014/01/guest_opinion_blozis_a_giant_h.html

https://storify.com/DigitalFirst/athletes-who-went-to-war/elements/509d4493c57476fd250c7368

http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index.ssf/2014/01/guest_opinion_blozis_a_giant_h.html

Jack Lummus was a football star at Baylor and a two way end for the Giants 1941. In January 1942, he joined the Marines and became a company commander. In February 1945 he along with nearly 7,000 Americans would die in the battle to take Iwo Jima. His citation for the Medal of Honor reads as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for two days and nights, First Lieutenant Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic one-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition, until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Lummus had inspired his stouthearted Marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."
(Signed)

HARRY S. TRUMAN

More on Lummus:

http://www.jacklummus.com/

http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/jack-lummus-the-nfls-hero-iwo-jima/5223/

In a NYT article from July 7, 1944, reporter Arthur Daley recounted a conversation he had with Wellington Mara, then the Giants' secretary and talent scout. Mara at the time was serving as a radar officer aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Mara mentioned a unexpected face to face encounter with one of his own, end Jim Poole.

“The aircraft carrier Mara was on had dropped anchor and the officers were grumbling about having to wear ties while in port. Mara looked out and saw a solitary figure rowing out to the U.S.S. Randolph, dressed in a sun helmet and shorts, Mara admired how the individual was tastefully attired. When he boarded the ship, the man exclaimed, "Good grief, these are the first ties I have seen in two years!" It wasn't just any beachcomber but the Giants end, now lieutenant Jim Poole. Whether it was Poole's presence or not, the next day, an order was issued rescinding ties.

While Poole is the only one Mara saw, he mentioned what he knew of other Giants..."Nello Falaschi is doing a great job on some island in the South Pacific and Pete Cole is training Chinese troops somewhere in China. I recently heard George Franck reported as a Marine fighter pilot in the South Pacific...let me think, Red McClain is running a PT boat down there, and Frank Reagan is a Marine Captain in charge of all the leathernecks on one of our newest and biggest battleships. Remember Grenny Lansdell? He is now a transport pilot towing gliders somewhere in Europe."

Nello Falaschi had been a QB at Santa Clara, leading his team to a stunning upset of LSU in the 1937 Sugar Bowl. He joined the Giants in 1938 where his primary role was as a blocking back on offense and a linebacker on defense. After the Giants loss in the 1941 Championship game, Falaschi and 25 other Giants joined the military. For Falaschi it would mark the end of his pro football career, after the war he became a contractor. He is in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Pete Cole had been a guard for the Giants from 1937 until 1940. While serving as a supply officer for a Chinese-American detachment in Burma he became acquainted with members of the press using the shot-up fuselage of a C-47 as a press room. The plane provided shelter as well, from the menacing sun. Cole became a occupant of the airplane and his ability to find rations for the media was well appreciated.

George Franck was a All-American at Minnesota as a back, safety, and kick returner. He helped lead Minnesota to a 8-0 record in 1940 and the National Championship. He was the Giants first round draft pick in 1941. At halftime of the College All-Star game with the Bears he and four teammates were sworn into the naval air corps in front of 98,000 witnesses. Before a shoulder injury sidelined him in the game, he had a 46 yard kickoff return, then he caught a 22 yard touchdown pass. After being named MVP for the All-Stars in the game, the Navy brass was so thrilled with the favorable publicity their new recruit received, they delayed his entrance into the Navy so he could play the 1941 season with the Giants.

Franck would play both before and after the war, as he played parts of four seasons with the New York Giants. In 1941 he served as Ward Cuff's backup contributing the the Eastern Division champions with his speed, ability to return kicks as well as his punting. He intercepted four passes as well that season. During the war he was a captain USMCR/Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He received nine battle stars, and he survived his plane being shot down in the South Pacific in 1945, some 200 yards from a Japanese controlled island.

He returned to the Giants in 1945 and played for them until being released prior to the 1948 season. In 1946 he rushed for 270 yards averaging 4.6 yards per carry. In 1947 he caught a 88 yard touchdown pass. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Red McClain was a back out of SMU who joined the Giants for the 1941 season. He was orphaned at a early age and was raised in a Methodist home. He would serve as a lieutenant on a PT boat in the South Pacific. After the war he would coach at SMU and be a member of their Hall of Fame.

Frank Reagan was a triple threat back at Pennsylvania who also played minor league baseball. He signed with the Giants with the knowledge that he would be going into the military during the season in 1941. He had a significant impact in the five games he participated in, rushing for 146 yards and four touchdowns. When he departed his speed was missed in the Giants' backfield. After leaving the team and waiting to be sent overseas he was quoted in newspaper articles as advocating pay for collegiate players. He would spend the next 32 months As a senior Marine officer on the Battleship New Jersey in the Pacific. After four tears in the service he was discharged as a captain, having been one of the earliest NFL athletes to go to war.

By the start of training camp in 1945 it was the hope that the Giants would regain the services of several players serving in the military such as Reagan, Franck, Merle Hapes, Lou DeFilippo, Howie Yeager, and Marion Pugh. The Giants were at the time still losing standouts to military duty such as Bill Paschal and Len Younce.

Reagan made his return but not until 1946. he had to overcome a wrist injury limiting him to six games that season, rushing for 246 yards. He was also the recipient of a nasty shot by the Bears Ed Sprinkle that sent him to the hospital during the 1946 championship game. In 1947 he led the NFL with 10 interceptions. He followed that up with nine interceptions in 1948.

In 1949 he joined the hometown Eagles pulling down seven interceptions, he also recovered a crucial turnover in the 1949 Championship game when a ball slipped from Rams QB Norm Van Brocklin's hand early in the fourth quarter with the Rams at the Eagle two yard line. The Eagle go on to win that game. He ended his NFL career with the Eagles in 1951.

Grenny Lansdell was a star back at USC and the Giants number one pick in 1940. At USC he was a member of the 1939 College Championship team and the leading rusher and scorer at USC in 1938 and 1939. He had started a year of service in the Army in 1939 and joined the Giants in 1940 for training camp. A deep Giants backfield, as well as injuries led him to being sent to the Giants' farm team in Jersey City despite showing promise. He would only play In two games in 1940. After serving as a pilot in World War II he remained in aviation as s pilot for TWA.

Before the end of the war in 1945, a total of 55 former Giants had served in the military. These were just a few of the many that served.

There were those who served before they ever became Giants, including two of the greats:

Charlie Conerly

Cleveland Jackson Clarion Ledger: Conerly not only starred for Ole Miss, but as a Marine

“The late Charlie “Roach” Conerly, from Clarksdale, was a football and baseball star at Ole Miss in 1941, having just finished his freshman season when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Not long after, Conerly volunteered for the Marines.

A year later, he was on a ship headed for Guadalcanal and the Pacific theatre for some of the most intense, bloody fighting of World War II.

I once talked to Conerly and two of his fellow Marines, Paul Fugate and Miller Dent, about the fighting.

What Conerly said will tell you much about one of Mississippi's most humble sports and war heroes. “I was lucky not to be killed,” Conerly said. “I didn't want to go and I was lucky to be able to come back.”

That was Conerly, a man of few words, and none more than necessary about himself.

His two buddies said far more.

Fugate told about one day when all three were on patrol in Guam.

“We were in a mortar platoon,” Fugate said. “One day we were out on a seven-man patrol, and Roach was the point man. He had two guns shot out of his hands that day and he just kept on going. He knew what his job was and he went out and did it.”

Dent went further.

“I don't know exactly how to say it, but Roach was like a magnet,” he said. “Roach was a natural leader. You just felt safe as long as you were around him. You felt as long as you were around him, you would be safe.”

Somehow, all three made it back. So many did not. Roach Conerly not only led Ole Miss to its first SEC football championship in 1947 but also led the Rebel baseball team in hitting with a .467 average. He could have played either professional football or baseball. He chose the former. And he was just as modest about his football greatness as he was his bravery in war.”

https://amp.clarionledger.com/amp/85261488

Emlen Tunnell:

US Coast Guard: History: Emlen Tunnell, an unsung hero

“Football fans across America marveled over Mr. Defense’s on field heroics, his accomplishments were hardly surprising to those who witnessed his valor and heroism as a Coast Guardsman during World War II.

Tunnell served honorably from 1943-46 as a steward’s mate aboard several ships – twice cited for exceptional acts of heroism.
On April 27, 1944, the Coast Guard-manned cargo ship USS Etamin was unloading 6000 tons of explosives and gasoline while at anchor at Aitape Harbor, Papua New Guinea. Without warning, Etamin was attacked by Japanese aircraft and a torpedo blew a hole 27 feet by 27 feet in the ship’s starboard side.

With the shell plating and shaft alley of Etamin ruptured, gasoline sprayed over the after part of the ship, creating a dangerous situation for all aboard. It was Coast Guard Steward’s Mate Emlen Lewis Tunnel who came to the aid of Machinist’s Mate First Class Fred Shaver, who was on fire, pulling him to safety and severely burning his own hands in the process.

USS Etamin

The Coast Guard-manned cargo ship USS Etamin was attacked by Japanese aircraft in 1944. Tunnell was aboard when a torpedo blew a hole 27 feet by 27 feet in the ship’s starboard side. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Tunnell, who was known to speak in football metaphors, later recalled the sinking ship as, “a small, tough fullback, without much speed, pounding forward every minute of the game.”

On March 17, 1946, Tunnell was nominated for the Silver Lifesaving Medal for once again saving the life of a fellow shipmate.
His shipmate, Alfred Givens, fell off the dock of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa. Without regard to his own safety, Tunnell jumped into the 32-degree seas and rescued Givens. Tunnell saved his drowning shipmate, and despite being in the water for only fifteen minutes, suffered exposure and shock.

In recognition of Tunnell’s heroic actions, the commanding officer of Tampa, Cmdr. Ralph Jenkins, nominated Tunnell for the Silver Lifesaving Medal. A momentous occasion considering African Americans were not customarily awarded medals at that time in our history. He would receive a posthumous Combat Action Ribbon and is currently being considered for a Silver Lifesaving Medal.”

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2011/02/history-emlen-tunnell-an-unsung-hero/

Less famous on the field, was Frank LoVuolo E D7 1949 NYG 1949 5-01-1924

"Billeted in the luxury Villa Prüm on Clervaux's rue Brooch was Sergeant Frank A. LoVuolo, with Battery 'B' of the 107th Field Artillery, who would later play professional football with the New york Giants. He remembered being on guard duty when the artillery barrage began. 'I could hear shell fragments striking the pavement and nearby buildings and was forced to race for protection of the villa,' he recalled. 'Crawling and running, I finally reached the front door.' He slammed it shut behind behind him. 'No one at the time knew what all the German activity really meant. We were completely out of communication with everyone, and stayed put until late morning. At that point in time we heard the clanging and creaking sound of armor coming down the Wiltz road and thought the worst.' The tanks were friendly Shermans and their commander entered LoVoulo's villa and told his group the Germans had broken through their lines in several places. 'He advised us to get out of Clervaux as quickly and as best we could to avoid encirclement. Those were the last semblance of orders I would receive until I rejoined my unit at Christmas. Without hesitation and without packing of our belongings, everyone escaped onto the hillside behind,' becoming part of the ever-growing stream of Americans moving west. 'There was mass confusion and I was a part of it,' admitted LoVoulo.

"Typical of many GI's cast adrift in those first few days Sargeant Frank LoVuolo had begun to make his what cross country in search of his unit. As he recalled, 'This began an eternity of foraging for food, sleeping in barns, sprinting across open fields, and hiding in deep woods. I decided that as long as I was on my own and under no direct orders, I would strive for three objectives, (1), stay alive (2), avoid capture, and (3), find my artillery unit...in that order I succeeded in all three.' "

pp.306-308 Snow and Steel: The Battle of the Bulge, 1944-45 by Peter Caddick-Adams

LoVuolo would also have a part in one of the biggest comebacks in Giants history...on October 30, 1949 the Chicago Cards led the Giants 28-7 at the half, but in the third quarter Jack Salscheider returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a score. A minute later LoVuolo scooped up a Charlie Trippi fumble for another touchdown and the Giants would then build a 34-31 lead on two Gene Roberts plunges into the line for touchdowns. The Cards weren't finished and pulled ahead 38-31 until a Charlie Conerly 68 yard pass to Roberts set up a one yard Joe Scott run for the winning touchdown with four minutes left...

The Vietnam War

Don Holleder:

Roth Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Heroes didn't come any larger than Don Holleder: 50th anniversary of death in Vietnam (2017)

“In 1956, the Giants selected Holleder, one of just 28 Army players ever drafted by the NFL, in the same class they took Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff. But Holleder’s sights were on a military career.

For the next decade, he rose in the ranks in a variety of leadership positions, including a stint as a West Point assistant coach. Knowing combat duty would advance his career and telling a friend it would be hypocritical of him to train officers for battle and not be willing to go himself, he volunteered for duty in Vietnam at a time of escalation and protest.
Now, at the Battle of Ong Thanh, about 40 miles north of Saigon, a battalion from the First Infantry Division walked into an ambush and was nearly wiped out.

From a helicopter, Holleder saw men and wounded soldiers on the fringe of the jungle in serious trouble. Hearing the anguish in their voices over a squawking radio, Holleder implored his superiors to let him organize a rescue effort. On the ground, he gathered up a few men and a medic and rushed towards the battle, attempting to do what operations officers don’t usually do.

“I never saw him before and he said, 'Come on Doc, there's wounded in there, let's go get 'em,' '' medic Tom “Doc’’ Hinger would recall. “I have never seen such a man. He went running ahead of us. We warned him there was still firing coming in from snipers and an AK-47 opened up out of the tree line and cut the major down.’’

Supported by cover fire, Hinger reached Holleder. He had been hit in the chest and thigh.

“I tried to patch him up, but he died in my arms,’’ Hinger said. “I only knew him for three minutes but I will remember him and what he was trying to do that day forever.’’

Holleder had been in Vietnam just three months...”
https://amp.democratandchronicle.com/amp/747902001

Rochester Business Journal: Recalling the short, heroic life of Maj. Donald Holleder

“A superb receiver and defender, Holleder caught five touchdown passes his junior yearp and was named to several All-America teams. With starting quarterback Peter Vann’s eligibility up and no underclassman to fill the void, Army head coach Earl Blaik asked Holleder to make the switch to quarterback his senior season. Holleder had never played the position before, but Blaik loved his leadership skills. The move was not well received at the academy. Administrators and cadets wondered if the Hall of Fame coach had lost his marbles. The press called the experiment “Blaik’s Folly.” The criticism reached a crescendo during a late-season loss to Syracuse in which the cadets began chanting for Holleder’s backup to enter the game.

But Blaik’s unwavering faith was rewarded when the quarterback led Army to a 14-6 upset of highly ranked Navy the Saturday after Holleder’s handsome face was splashed on the cover of Sports Illustrated. In a telegram sent to Blaik following the game, a euphoric Gen. Douglas MacArthur called the victory one of the most stirring in Army history.
That winter, the New York Giants drafted Holleder in the eighth round, and Lombardi, then a Giants assistant, drove to West Point in hopes of convincing his former player to forgo his military career and play pro football. But Holleder turned him down...”

https://rbj.net/2015/05/22/recalling-the-short-heroic-life-of-maj-donald-holleder/

There was Army graduate and veteran Bob Anderson who suited up for the Giants in 1963...

Space Coast Sports Hall of Famer Bob Anderson Consensus All-American at West Point (July 2019)

“He surely was one of the best to ever play football for the Black Knights of Army.
Several injuries to his right knee slowed him during his senior season for Army in 1959 and prevented him from playing more than one game for the New York Giants in 1963 after he finished his duties in the Army.
That’s what slowed Anderson and might have prevented him from winning the Heisman Trophy during his tenure with Army.
Anderson, who was born on March 31, 1938, in Elizabeth, N.J., moved to Florida with his family when he was 11-years-old.
He had been diagnosed with rheumatic fever and doctors recommended the warmer climate.
He wasn’t sickly for long, growing to 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds by his senior year at Cocoa High.
Anderson starred in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He was Brevard County’s leading rusher and scorer in football three times.

NATION’S TOP RECRUIT
Anderson also was all-county and all-conference in basketball and baseball three times. Anderson set school, county and conference records in the 100-yard dash and the shot put.

As a freshman, Cocoa football coach Chuck Klein named Anderson the starting quarterback.
This was back in the days of segregation when Brevard County had just three high schools for white students – Cocoa High, Titusville High and Melbourne High.
It also was a time period before the space program and before the Space Coast became the Space Coast.
Anderson was good enough to play professional baseball, but the college football coaches of the Deep South knew who he was. He gave legendary Georgia Tech coach Bobby Dodd a verbal commitment.
But when Army and another legendary coach, Earl “Red” Blaik, showed interest, Anderson told his parents he wanted to go to West Point.
To this day, Anderson wonders what it would have been like to play for Dodd and the Yellow Jackets.
Freshmen weren’t eligible to play college football back in those days, but Anderson did play as an outfielder and occasional pitcher for the baseball team before joining the football team. He also played one year of basketball.

WEST POINT CONSENSUS ALL AMERICAN

As a sophomore, Anderson was one of the finest players in the country. He rushed for 983 yards and 12 touchdowns on 153 carries for a 6.4 average.
He caught six passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Anderson also completed 6 of 11 passes for 30 yards and one touchdown.
Army’s offense was designed to move only between the tackles, so Anderson was forced to run in crowded traffic.
College football hadn’t implemented a two-platoon system at that time, and Anderson added four interceptions as a standout player on defense.
Army finished 7-2 and ranked No. 13 in the country. Anderson was a consensus selection for the 1957 College Football America Team with Heisman Trophy winner John David Crow of Texas A& M.

During his junior year, Anderson gained 564 yards on 126 carries. He also caught 14 passes for 138 yards, completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and returned four punts for 78 yards.
Anderson added three interceptions as Army finished 8-0-1 and was ranked No. 3 in the country. Its lone blemish was a 14-14 tie against Pittsburgh. He was named to the All-America team.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
After graduation Anderson served as a lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division for three years before signing a contract with the Giants.
In 2004, Anderson was named to the College Football Hall of Fame.”

https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/07/anderson-consensus-all-american-at-west-point/

Giants Birthdays 11-11

Victor Cruz WR UDFA-Massachusetts 2010 NYG 2010-2016 11-11-1986

Tom Mullen LG/LT D2-SW Missouri State 1974 NYG 1974-1977 11-11-1951

Adewale Ojomo DE UDFA-Miami 2012 NYG 2012 11-11-1988

Alex Tanney QB W-TEN 2018 NYG 2018-2019 11-11-1987

In Memoriam

Roger Anderson RT/LDT D7-Virginia Union 1964, W-ATL 1967 NYG 1964-1965, 1967-1968 Born 11-11-1942 Died 3-21-2018