Wednesday Reading

Giants

Edwards CBS Sports.com: 2020 NFL Draft: New York Giants team needs, draft picks, prospects to track
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-new-york-giants-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-track/

Coach

Rock Newsday: Lions coach Matt Patricia thinks Joe Judge can handle coaching the Giants
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/joe-judge-giants-coach-matt-patricia-1.40873949

Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge gets high marks from another Bill Belichick disciple
https://nypost.com/2020/01/22/joe-judge-gets-high-marks-from-another-bill-belichick-disciple/

Salomone Giants.com: Lions' Matt Patricia always saw head coach potential in Joe Judge
https://www.giants.com/news/joe-judge-detroit-lions-matt-patricia-senior-bowl-head-coach

Lombardo NJ.com: Here’s the moment Matt Patricia realized Giants’ Joe Judge could be a successful NFL head coach
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/01/heres-the-moment-matt-patricia-realized-giants-joe-judge-could-be-a-successful-nfl-head-coach.html

OC

Best Newsday: Kerry Collins praises Jason Garrett, his former backup and now the offensive coordinator for the Giants
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/jason-garrett-kerry-collins-1.40861893

Offense

Schwartz NYP: Giants likely hiring Freddie Kitchens as staff comes together
https://nypost.com/2020/01/21/giants-likely-hiring-freddie-kitchens-as-staff-comes-together/amp/

Lombardo NJ.com: NFL rumors: Giants to hire ex-Browns coach Freddie Kitchens | What his role might be on Joe Judge’s staff
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/01/nfl-rumors-giants-to-hire-ex-browns-coach-freddie-kitchens-what-his-role-might-be-on-joe-judges-staff.html

Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
1/21/20, 8:07 PM
My understanding on Freddie Kitchens is that, while it may happen, at this time nothing is finalized with him joining the Giants and Joe Judge’s staff

QB

Lombardo NJ.com: Why Giants’ Daniel Jones needs to ‘calm down’ as he enters pivotal first NFL offseason
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/01/why-giants-daniel-jones-needs-to-just-calm-down-as-he-enters-pivotal-first-nfl-offseason.html

RB

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: On today's podcast, LJSLaw from LockedOnBama joins the show to provide some more insight on Burton Burns, the Giants reported new running backs coach (Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN9343771416.mp3?key=f46d9a9ef71a549dfb20f12e109a2e0a

NFL

Brandt MMQB: Why Luke Kuechly’s Retirement From the NFL Shouldn’t Be Considered Early
Also, some thoughts on the NFL’s newest head-coaching hires, and drawing the line when it comes to cheating in pro sports

“As for Rhule’s choice of the Panthers over the Giants, I get it. Carolina owner David Tepper seems to understand and embrace the fact that while there is a salary cap for players, teams can gain competitive edges by spending liberally in non-capped ares such as coaching, sports science and player amenities. My sense is the combination of Tepper and Rhule, who built successful programs in places very difficult to succeed (Temple and Baylor), will bring sustained success to Carolina.”

“Giants: I joined the many people Googling the name Joe Judge when the Giants made their choice. And although it is important to be open-minded about coaching hires, Judge’s opening press conference was full of so many platitudes and cliches that I am left wondering what, exactly, did the Giants see that truly differentiated him from other candidates? As always, time will tell and the jury will be out for a while on the Judge (sorry, lawyer joke).”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/01/21/luke-kuechly-retirement-nfl-coaching-carousel-business-of-football

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Shanahan refuses to own his Super Bowl LI mistake
https://www.ajc.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/cover-shanahan-refuses-own-his-super-bowl-mistake/Z70ZegS5JhGNwdC6JGoP3N/

Ledbetter AJC: Falcons looking to add three starters from the 2020 draft 
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/the-bow-tie-chronicles-falcons-looking-add-three-starters-from-the-2020-draft/vaAQrxRd0Z3oOao7emiEyH/

CAROLINA
Henson Panthers.com: Baylor players at Senior Bowl describe what it was like to play for Coach Rhule
https://www.panthers.com/news/baylor-denzel-mims-jamycal-hasty-senior-bowl-matt-rhule-coach-impact

Getzenberg Charlotte Observer: Justin Herbert impressive in his first Senior Bowl practice in front of Panthers coaches
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Bears Q& A: Does Matt Nagy’s new staff have too many cooks in the kitchen? How long will they stick with Mitch Trubisky? Would HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ come to Halas Hall?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-mailbag-matt-nagy-mitch-trubisky-tom-brady-20200122-gut7y5barrgjhf5f2b64icw7nm-story.html

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Freddie Kitchens expected to join Giants staff, per report; Browns interview Rich Scangarello; let most remaining assistants go
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/01/freddie-kitchens-expected-to-join-giants-staff-per-report-browns-interviewed-rich-scangarello-let-most-remaining-assistants-go.html

DALLAS
Gehlken Dallas Morning News: Cowboys ‘not at all’ surprised Jason Garrett joined Giants’ coaching staff

“Jason’s a football guy,” Jones said. “He wants to go coach. He’s a great offensive mind. They got a good one in Coach Garrett in my mind. Certainly, he’s got some good tools to work with up there. Certainly, we’ve seen them between the quarterback and the running back. They’ve got some good receivers up there. So, it looks like he’s going to have a lot to work with, and we’re going to get to see him twice a year.”
Garrett’s contract with the Cowboys officially expired on Jan. 14.

The Giants interviewed him the next day and hired him on Jan. 17.
“He’s from New Jersey,” Jones said. “I know what the organization thinks of him. He was there as a quarterback. Always wish Jason nothing but the best. He was nothing but a class act here. I know he’ll certainly help the Giants get on that road to where they want to go, as well.”

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/01/22/cowboys-not-at-all-surprised-jason-garrett-joined-giants/

Owning Dallas Morning News: Grading Mike McCarthy’s offensive staff: Why keeping Kellen Moore at OC is a win-win for the Cowboys
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/01/20/grading-mike-mccarthys-offensive-staff-why-keeping-kellen-moore-at-oc-is-a-win-win-for-the-cowboys/

Gehlken Dallas Morning News: Cowboys’ offseason priorities: Dak Prescott’s deal first, Amari Cooper second
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/01/21/cowboys-have-priorities-dak-prescott-first-amari-cooper-second/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: New Detroit Lions D-coordinator Cory Undlin wants 'guys that play with their hair on fire'
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/21/detroit-lions-cory-undlin-matt-patricia-defense/4532626002/

Meinke Michigan Live: Detroit Lions haven’t decided who will call the defensive plays next season
https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/detroit-lions-havent-decided-who-will-call-the-defensive-plays-next-season.html

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Why the departed Jeff Davidson is still coaching with Detroit Lions at Senior Bowl
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/21/detroit-lions-coaching-staff-jeff-davidson/4536171002/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Anthony Weaver's promotion excites Texans defenders
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Anthony-Weaver-s-promotion-excites-Texans-14993705.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Bengals, Lions still open to trading picks, but it would take king's ransom for Colts to move up for QB in NFL draft
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2020/01/21/possible-colts-trade-up-qb/4455759002/

JACKSONVILLE
Maske Washington Post: Former Redskins coach Jay Gruden agrees to be Jaguars’ offensive coordinator
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/01/21/former-redskins-coach-jay-gruden-agrees-be-jaguars-offensive-coordinator/

Carlyon 1010XL Jacksonville: THE JAGUARS PLAN PART 1: FIGURING OUT NICK FOLES
https://www.1010xl.com/2020/01/21/the-jaguars-plan-part-1-figuring-out-nick-foles/

KANSAS CITY
Wetzel Yahoo Sports: Patrick Mahomes didn't stick to one sport, making him a prime example for multisport youths
https://sports.yahoo.com/patrick-mahomes-didnt-stick-to-one-sport-making-him-a-prime-example-for-multisport-youths-200712740.html

MIAMI
Deen Sun Sentinel: Could Jalen Hurts be an option for Miami Dolphins at quarterback?
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-jalen-hurts-senior-bowl-20200122-igfoqy5d45bkvcfqtcb5na4lqm-story.html

Salguero Miami Herald: One coordinator remains from Brian Flores’ original staff. Here’s how his unit performed
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article239515408.html

MINNESOTA
Krammer Minn Star Tribune: Grades and outlook: Dalvin Cook's breakout sets up payday; will Vikings buy in?
http://www.startribune.com/grades-and-outlook-dalvin-cooks-breakout-sets-up-payday-will-vikings-buy-in/567133072/

Krammer Minn Star Tribune: Grades and outlook: Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph adjusted to new roles with Vikings
http://www.startribune.com/grades-and-outlook-stefon-diggs-kyle-rudolph-adjusted-to-new-roles-with-vikings/567158912/

Krammer Minn Star Tribune: Grading the Vikings: Offensive line improved, but talent gap clear vs. top NFC foes
http://www.startribune.com/grading-the-vikings-offensive-line-improved-but-talent-gap-clear-vs-top-nfc-foes/567193482/

NEW ENGLAND
Volin Boston Globe: The Jimmy Garoppolo deal actually worked out well for both the Patriots and 49ers
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2020/01/21/the-jimmy-garoppolo-deal-actually-worked-out-well-for-both-patriots-and-ers/cjFpxrEkeoxr0p2VGJXlpI/story.html

Daniels Providence Journal: Patriots Julian Edelman underwent shoulder procedure last week
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200121/patriots-julian-edelman-underwent-shoulder-procedure-last-week

Reiss ESPN Boston: Devin McCourty plans to play in 2020; will it be for the Patriots?
https://www.espn.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/90848/devin-mccourty-plans-to-play-in-2020-will-it-be-for-the-patriots

Daniels Providence Journal: Patriots reportedly add Vinnie Sunseri to coaching staff
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200121/patriots-reportedly-add-vinnie-sunseri-to-coaching-staff

OAKLAND
Paskal Raiders.com: General Manager Mike Mayock discusses first season in Silver and Black, 2019 rookie class, the future, and more
https://www.raiders.com/news/general-manager-mike-mayock-discusses-first-season-in-silver-and-black-2019-rook

PHILADELPHIA
Wulf The Athletic: Hands, shoulders, hips and toes: The week-by-week physical toll of an NFL season on Eagles center Jason Kelce
https://theathletic.com/1525844/2020/01/22/hands-shoulders-hips-and-toes-the-week-by-week-physical-toll-of-an-nfl-season-on-eagles-center-jason-kelce/

Shore-Parks WIP Radio Philadelphia: Report: Eagles interested in Byron Jones and Chris Harris
https://94wip.radio.com/blogs/eliot-shorr-parks/report-eagles-interested-in-byron-jones-and-chris-harris

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Art Rooney II says Le'Veon Bell 'experience' won't impact Steelers' use of franchise tag
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/01/21/bud-dupree-contract-franchise-tag-steelers-art-rooney-ii/stories/202001210085

SAN FRANCISCO
White NBC Bay Area: 49ers' Jed York willing to extend Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch contracts
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-jed-york-willing-extend-kyle-shanahan-john-lynch-contracts

Chan NBC Bay Area: How 49ers' unique locker room culture starts at top with Kyle Shanahan
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/how-49ers-unique-locker-room-culture-starts-top-kyle-shanahan

Branch SF Chronicle: The versatile 49ers can win ‘any kind of way’
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/The-versatile-49ers-can-win-any-kind-of-way-14993453.php

Branch SF Chronicle: Earl Mitchell in Super Bowl with 49ers after helping set the foundati
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Earl-Mitchell-in-Super-Bowl-with-49ers-after-14993850.php

SEATTLE
John Clayton ESPN 710 Seattle: Seahawks should take note from rivals that strong run game is still key to success
https://sports.mynorthwest.com/755931/clayton-seahawks-focus-on-the-run/

Calkins Seattle Times: Did the Seahawks make a mistake by letting Richard Sherman go?
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/did-the-seahawks-make-a-mistake-by-letting-richard-sherman-go/

WASHINGTON
Washington Post: Daniel Snyder wants legalized gambling at a future Redskins stadium in Maryland
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/daniel-snyder-wants-legalized-gambling-at-a-future-redskins-stadium-in-maryland/2020/01/21/7104b0ee-3ca9-11ea-8872-5df698785a4e_story.html

Svriluga Washington Post: Joe Gibbs sold Ron Rivera on the Redskins and Dan Snyder. No one sells them harder
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/joe-gibbs-sold-ron-rivera-on-the-redskins-and-dan-snyder-no-one-sells-them-harder/2020/01/21/d2b584d6-3c80-11ea-8872-5df698785a4e_story.html

Bullock The Athletic: Five concepts Scott Turner can retain from Kevin O’Connell to help Dwayne Haskins’ development
https://theathletic.com/1550370/2020/01/21/five-concepts-scott-turner-can-retain-from-kevin-oconnell-to-help-dwayne-haskins-development/

Colleges/Draft

Kelly The Ringer: The Ringer NFL Draft Guide for 2020 is now live! includes my initial top-32 with scouting reports, player stylistic comps, stats, and more (this list will expand/evolve as we get further into draft
https://nfldraft.theringer.com/

Dellenger SI.com: Risers and Sliders After the 2020 NFL Draft Early Entry Deadline
https://www.si.com/college/2020/01/21/nfl-draft-2020-decisions-clemson-lsu-miami-texas

Renner PFF: 2020 NFL Draft: PFF Top 100 Big Board Update
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pff-top-100-big-board-update

Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout)
1/21/20, 12:59 PM
Pre-Senior Bowl Top 30:

1. Young, DE
2. Burrow, QB
3. Okudah, CB
4. Jeudy, WR
5. Simmons, LB
6. Brown, DL
7. Tua, QB
8. Wills, OT
9. Lamb, WR
10. Epenesa, DL
11. Ruggs, WR
12. Higgins, WR
13. Kinlaw, DL
14. Thomas, OT
15. Wirfs, OT

Jeremiah NFL.com: Daniel Jeremiah's mock draft 1.0: 4 QBs in top 15
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001097592/article/daniel-jeremiah-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-four-qbs-in-top-15

Solak The Draft Network: 2020 SENIOR BOWL DAY 1 NORTH PRACTICE: DEFENSIVE RECAP
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/2020-senior-bowl-offense-north-defense-practice-day-one-recap

Reid The Draft Network: 2020 SENIOR BOWL DAY 1 SOUTH PRACTICE: OFFENSE RECAP
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/2020-senior-bowl-day-one-south-practice-offense-recap

Brugler The Athletic: Senior Bowl: Adam Trautman, Kyle Dugger and Ben Bartch make strong impressions on Day 1
https://theathletic.com/1552239/2020/01/21/senior-bowl-adam-trautman-kyle-dugger-and-ben-bartch-make-strong-impressions-on-day-1/

Edholm Yahoo Sports: NFL draft: Day 1 winners and losers from the Senior Bowl
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-day-1-winners-and-losers-from-the-senior-bowl-011117889.html

Falato BBV: Senior Bowl Day 1 practice report: Players who impressed on first day of practice
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/1/22/21076159/2020-senior-bowl-day-1-practice-report-players-impressed-first-day-practice-nfl-draft-ny-giants-news

Schmeelk Giants.com: Senior Bowl Report: Standouts from Day 1
https://www.giants.com/news/senior-bowl-standouts-javon-kinlaw-marlon-davidson-alex-taylor

Kempski Phillyvoice: Senior Bowl practice notes, Day 1
https://www.phillyvoice.com/senior-bowl-practice-notes-day-1-2020-marlon-davidon-javon-kinlaw-jason-strowbridge/

Bowen Phil Inquirer: Top Senior Bowl prospects Javon Kinlaw and Kyle Dugger took very different paths to NFL testing ground
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/senior-bowl-nfl-draft-javon-kinlaw-south-carolina-kyle-dugger-lenoir-rhyne-20200122.html

QB
Wilson CBS Sports.com: 2020 Senior Bowl: Justin Herbert, Jordan Love show why they deserve to be first-round picks in 2020 NFL Draft
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-senior-bowl-justin-herbert-jordan-love-show-why-they-deserve-to-be-first-round-picks-in-2020-nfl-draft/

Davison Fort Worth Star Telegram: Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts ready to take center stage at the Senior Bowl
https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/oklahoma-sooners/article239482718.html

T
Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks)
1/21/20, 9:57 PM
Some folks are surprised how high I have Becton (OT Louisville). There aren’t many humans out there capable of moving like him at 6’7 370 LBs. As a FR/Soph, he flopped sides throughout games (strong side/weak side). This year he was dominant at LT. Rare dude

DE
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Why Michigan's Josh Uche the Picasso of pass rushers in the 2020 NFL draft
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/21/michigan-footballs-josh-uche-2020-nfl-draft/4536841002/

LB
Rock Newsday: Giants among those singing praises of Clemson's Isaiah Simmons
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/isaiah-simmons-giants-senior-bowl-nfl-draft-1.40875291

Schwartz NYP: Badgers LB Zack Baun wouldn’t mind being on Giants’ radar
https://nypost.com/2020/01/22/badgers-lb-zack-baun-wouldnt-mind-being-on-giants-radar/

Former Giants News

Reid Florida Times Union: Former Jaguars top executive Tom Coughlin says he needs to be active, not ready to retire from NFL
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200121/former-jaguars-top-executive-tom-coughlin-says-he-needs-to-be-active-not-ready-to-retire-from-nfl

History

ESPN: 53 Super Bowl rings, 53 stories:

“SUPER BOWL XXI
1986: NEW YORK GIANTS
Bobby Johnson, WR Addicted to crack cocaine, homeless and in need of a fix, Johnson sold his Super Bowl XXI ring. "I actually asked the man what he could give me for it," Johnson said for a 2016 ESPN story. "He offered me $1,000. I said no because I knew I wasn't going to be able to come back and pay it. Finally, he got down to $250. I said, 'I'll take it.'" The story has a happy ending. Johnson got sober and he got his ring back — thanks to the help of former coach Bill Parcells and New York businessman Lee Einsidler — during an alumni weekend event.

SUPER BOWL XXV
1990: NEW YORK GIANTS
Lawrence Taylor, LB An East Coast collector bought Taylor's ring as part of a collection of championship rings from various sports in a 2012 auction. The sale price — $230,401 — is the highest known price paid for a Super Bowl ring from a player. "It's Super Bowl. It's New York Giants," SCP Auctions president David Kohler said. "And then when it came to Lawrence Taylor, he was the most prominent player on the team. He's LT." Taylor originally gifted the ring to his son TJ, who later decided to sell it. Rumor had it that it had been purchased by Charlie Sheen. That turned out to be false. Instead the most expensive Super Bowl ring ever is part of a collection.

SUPER BOWL XLII
2007: NEW YORK GIANTS
Eli Manning, QB As part of a group that included ownership, coach Tom Coughlin, receiver Amani Toomer and offensive lineman Shaun O'Hara, Super Bowl XLII MVP Manning helped design the ring. Manning remembers they were all set with a classic design, something that wasn't too big and could be worn around. But then defensive end Michael Strahan showed up to give his opinion. "All I care about is I want a 10-table ring!" Strahan said. Nobody knew what that meant. Strahan explained that when he went into a restaurant, he wanted the ring to be seen from 10 tables away. "We kind of threw out everything we'd done and started over," Manning said. Strahan's final version, a 1.72-carat ring, was all about size and was significantly bigger than what they originally agreed upon.

SUPER BOWL XLVI
2011: NEW YORK GIANTS
Steve Weatherford, P This might be the most random place a Super Bowl ring ever ended up -- on a hot dog. It was the Fourth of July in 2012, less than six months after the Giants won their second Super Bowl in four years. Weatherford was at the Malibu, California, home of Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. Let's just say the party got a little wild. The result: Weatherford and Tisch tried their Super Bowl rings on a pair of hot dogs. "Is this kosher?" Weatherford asked at the time.”

http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/28360921/53-super-bowl-rings-53-stories

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: The best NFL head coaches who have never won a Super Bowl

Dan Reeves

“Regular-season record: 190-165-2
Postseason record: 11-9
Denver Broncos, 1981-1992
New York Giants, 1993-1996
Atlanta Falcons, 1997-2003

Reeves, who helped win Super Bowl VI at the end of the 1971 season as a running back with Tom Landry’s Cowboys, won another at the end of the 1977 season as Dallas’ offensive coordinator as Dallas beat the Broncos, 27-10, in Super Bowl XII. Denver responded by hiring Reeves as its head coach for the 1981 season, and within five seasons, Reeves had helped to design a Super Bowl team. Reeves’ Broncos represented the AFC in three of four Super Bowls from the 1986 through the 1989 seasons, and they were thrashed by the NFC team in every one. Denver’s 55-10 loss to the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIV, the team’s inability to return to the Super Bowl, and subsequent power struggles with quarterback John Elway, led the Broncos to look elsewhere following the 1992 season. After four seasons with the Giants, Reeves got back to the Super Bowl at the end of the 1998 season with the Falcons, only to lose to Elway and the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/the-best-nfl-head-coaches-who-have-never-won-a-super-bowl/

Turney PFJ: The All-Time "Short-Career" Team
http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-all-time-short-career-team.html

Giants Birthdays 1-22

Marcus Dowtin LB W-BUF 2013 NYG 2013 1-22-1989

Jeff Rutledge QB TR-LA 1982 NYG 1983-1989 1-22-1957

From a 2016 interview:

“Rutledge was a quarterback in the NFL from 1979-92 but might be remembered best for a two yard run. Bill Parcells liked calling trick plays for his special teams unit. In the 1986 divisional playoffs, Rutledge threw a 23-yard pass to Mark Bavaro when the 49ers were expecting a field goal try and didn’t have a defensive back on the field.
With the Giants trailing the Broncos 10-9 early in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXI, New York broke its punt formation and Rutledge lined up under center. The Broncos kept it’s defense on the field with one man back in case the Giants decided to punt but Rutledge looked to the sidelines, Parcells gave the go-ahead, and Rutledge gained two yards. “Certainly a gutsy call to do in that situation,” Rutledge said.
The Giants would go on to score 30 second half points in the 39-20 win.
Rutledge had not played in the Rams Super Bowl XIV loss to the Steelers and then backed up Mark Rypien on the Redskins Super Bowl XXVI championship team. “Three teams I played with and all made it to the Super Bowl, not that I had a helluva lot to do with it,” Rutledge said.
Later in his career, the QB had a message for teams. “All you need to do is keep me around,” Rutledge said.
His high school team won 36 games in a row and had eight players go to SEC teams. Rutledge went to Alabama, where his brother, Jeff had played and won a national championship. Rutledge was the starting QB on the 1978 national championship team which won a classic Sugar Bowl over Penn State. Then he was selected by the Rams.
“I ran the wishbone which was not what NFL teams were looking for,” Rutledge said. “Ray Malavasi saw something in me enough to draft me.”
Rutledge spent most of his career as a backup although he started four games for the 1983 Giants and threw for over 300 yards in three of them. Once his playing days ended, he had to figure out what to do for work. “We didn’t make the money those guys get today,” Rutledge said. “My best year in the league I didn’t get what the league minimum is now.”

https://www.nysportsday.com/2016/12/15/former-giant-jeff-rutledge-talks-playing-and-coaching/

In Memoriam

Allan Webb SS/HB FA-Montreal CFL 1961 NYG 1961-1965 Born 1-22-1933 Died 7-18-2011

Allan Webb was a small college All American at Arnold College in 1952, had a tryout with the baseball Milwaukee Braves in 1953, had a tryout with the Rams in 1955, served In the navy for two years, performed in the CFL for two seasons, and joined the Stamford Golden Bears in the football minor leagues, before joining the Giants in 1961.

A two-way star in college and Canada, Webb became a NFL strong safety. He had three interceptions each in 1962 and 1963 as the Giants strong safety. He was a starter in 1962 at that position and in 1963 he shared time there with Dick Pesonen.

After his playing career ended he was a assistant coach in minors with the ACFL before becoming head coach of the Long Island Bulls in 1971. As such he became the first black head coach of a professional football franchise.

From the NYT, May 8, 1970: “Pro football named its first black head coach today. Allan Webb, the 37 year ;old former New York Giants' back, was eleyated to the post by the Long Island Bulls of the Atlantic Coast Foot ball League. Webb has been the defensive coach of the Bulls since they became a Giants affiliate three years ago. There are four black as sistant coaches in the National Football League—Emlen Tunnell and Roosevelt Brown, with the Giants, who were also Webb's teammates; Iry Cross of the Philadelphia Eagles and Lionel Taylor of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Asked whether he expected any problems as the first black coach, Webb said, “I don't really care. It makes little difference to me. If let it become a big thing it will only deter me in my ability to project with the players. You can't think about it because then you are not really a coach but carry a big chip on your shoulder.”

Webb, a 6 foot, 200 pounder, played five seasons with the Giants, primarily as a member of their defensive secondary but also occasion ally as a halfback and a split end. During that period the Giants won the Eastern Conference championship of the N. F. L. three consecutive years starting in 1961.”

https://www.nytimes.com/1970/05/08/archives/bulls-name-webb-first-negro-to-coach-a-pro-football-team.html

In 1972 he became a Giants scout, a special assistant in 1973 before becoming the Giants backfield coach. After leaving the Giants after the 1978 season, he worked as the director of pro personnel with the Browns until 1983, then joined the 49ers in the same capacity. Working with Bill Walsh, and former Giants coach John McVay, Webb saw the team win four Super Bowls before he retired after the 1997 season.

A 1995 article in the Hartford Courant pointed to the personnel department as a key to the 49ers success: “"Our scouts are well-organized, and they really know what they're doing," owner Ed DeBartolo Jr. said. "It helps that we have had continuity in that department. It has been a gigantic tool for us. It has been really vital in keeping our team competitive."

The 49ers, making their fifth Super Bowl appearance in 14 years, play the Chargers Sunday at Joe Robbie Stadium. They have not finished worse than 10-6 since the strike season of 1982, when they lost six of the nine games. They have played in the conference championship game nine of the past 14 seasons.

Vice president for football administration John McVay, who joined the 49ers in 1979 a few months after being fired as Giants coach, is the point man in getting players. Coordinator of football operations Dwight Clark, who played for the 49ers in 1979-87, has been in the front office six years. Director of pro personnel Allan Webb, a native of Ansonia, has been evaluating players around the league for the 49ers since 1983.

Among the legendary coups: Safety Dwight Hicks, ignored in the draft, was found working with a florist in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1979. He made the Pro Bowl three times in seven seasons with the 49ers. Dwaine Board, now the defensive line coach, was signed after being cut by the Steelers in 1979. He had 61 sacks and earned three Super Bowl rings in a nine-year career.
Jones may be the best example of the 49ers' smart shopping. He played at Santa Clara, near where the 49ers train, but was picked by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 1986 draft. But he injured his neck in an auto accident and never played for the Steelers. They put him on injured reserve and released him two weeks into the season.

The 49ers signed him for the next season, and he became a starter in 1989, helping the franchise to its fourth Super Bowl victory. This season, he had 49 catches for 670 yards and nine touchdowns, and was voted to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year.

Two starting offensive linemen, Ralph Tamm (Jets) and Derrick Deese (Seahawks), were cut by other teams. With the salary cap making it difficult to keep high-priced veterans for backup roles, the 49ers made due with three receivers cut by the Giants -- tight end Ted Popson (13 catches, 141 yards) and wide receivers Nate Singleton (21- 294) and Ed McCaffrey (11-131).

"These guys just have that eye for talent," said Singleton, a 12th round pick by the Giants in 1992 who was cut in training camp and signed by the 49ers a year later.
"A lot of organizations don't have that eye. Here, they can see inside a player to the potential he has."

On San Francisco's 53-man roster are 26 players who were drafted, 26 free agents -- 16 of whom fit in the "discard" category -- and one acquired by trade: quarterback Steve Young, stolen from Tampa Bay in 1987 for second- and fourth- round picks.

"Ours is a team of intricate parts put together in a very sophisticated manner," 49ers president Carmen Policy said.
From the moment free agency came into the league in 1992, the 49ers have outshined other teams in signing proven players. After losing the NFC Championship Game in the 1990, '92 and '93 seasons, the coaching staff was assigned to the Pro Bowl. Coach George Seifert said this gave him a chance to look at standout players from around the league and consider who would fit in on his team.

The Giants were ready to make center Bart Oates, 35, a backup this season. The 49ers offered him less money but a starting job, and he ended up making the Pro Bowl. The Saints were rebuilding their defense, leaving linebacker Ricky Jackson, 36, and cornerback Toi Cook, 29, on the free agent market. Both have played well in limited roles with the 49ers' rebuilt defense.

When injuries left the 49ers in need of a pass-rusher, they found nine-year veteran Tim Harris, who had been cut by the Eagles, managing a seafood restaurant in Santa Cruz, Calif. Harris, 30, joined the 49ers Nov. 22 and had two sacks against Dallas Jan. 15.

"It's all a tribute to the way this organization is run," said offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, hired in 1991. "There are competent people from the top of the organization right on down, and they hold on to these people. Anyone who showed incompetence [in evaluating talent] probably didn't stay around here very long."
https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1995-01-27-9501270522-story.html

“Webb, who was also a star center fielder for Ansonia, went to the now-defunct Arnold College of Milford after high school. Webb then served in the Navy in the Korean War before beginning pursuit of a professional career.
In 1955, he had a tryout with the Los Angeles Rams before playing for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. Webb later played for the minor league Stamford Golden Bears before finally getting another pro tryout, with the Giants in 1961 -- nine full years after his final college season.
Webb earned a spot with the Giants because of his versatility. He played safety, running back and returned kicks. Webb turned to coaching after a knee injury ended his playing career. He was the defensive backs coach for the Giants from 1972-78 before working as the director of player personnel with the Browns from 1979-82.
Webb then took the same role with the 49ers and saw the team win four Super Bowls before he retired after the 1997 season.
"I've been lucky," Webb said. "To grow up in Ansonia, play for the Giants and then work for the Browns and the 49ers."

https://www.nhregister.com/news/amp/NEW-HAVEN-200-Ansonia-s-Allan-Webb-made-football-11523655.php