Thursday Reading

Giants

Eisen Giants.com: Joe Judge announces full coaching staff
https://www.giants.com/news/joe-judge-coaching-staff-jason-garrett-patrick-graham

Salomone Giants.com: Everything you need to know about Joe Judge's coaching staff
https://www.giants.com/news/joe-judge-coaching-staff-history-jason-garrett-patrick-graham-bios

Citak Giants.com: Experience defines Joe Judge's coaching staff
https://www.giants.com/news/joe-judge-coaching-staff-takeaways-jason-garrett-patrick-graham

Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge’s revamped Giants coaching staff is intriguing mix
https://nypost.com/2020/02/05/joe-judges-revamped-giants-coaching-staff-is-intriguing-mix/

Raanan ESPN NY: Joe Judge's Giants staff has college ties, five former head coaches
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/60348/joe-judges-giants-staff-has-strong-college-influence-five-former-head-coaches?

Traina Giantsmaven SI.com: Teachers, Former NFL Players, and Good People: A Deeper Look at Joe Judge's New Assistant Coaching Staff
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/teachers-former-nfl-players-and-good-people-a-deeper-look-at-joe-judges-new-assistant-coaching-staff

RV SNY: These 7 Giants could become cap casualties this offseason
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/these-7-giants-could-become-cap-casualties-this-offseason/312656438

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Giants salary cap: How much money they have before offseason; possible cap casualties, trade candidates | Nate Solder? Alec Ogletree? Others?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/giants-salary-cap-how-much-money-they-have-before-offseason-possible-cap-casualties-trade-candidates-nate-solder-alec-ogletree-others.html

Schneier: Big Blue Banter Podcast: 5 steps to create $24M more in 2020 cap space
Complete Giants salary cap overview for 2020, 2021
Spending breakdown
Dead money
Surprise cuts
Your complete NYG salary cap primer (Audio)
https://twitter.com/danschneiernfl/status/1225069127175417856?s=21

RB

Canavan AP: A Chicago sixth-grader told the NFL how football helped him bond with his father. Saquon Barkley and Roger Goodell surprised him with souvenirs
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-chicago-sixth-grader-nfl-surprise-souvenirs-20200205-5vbro3p7areg5aaxsmqrl6x2iy-story.html

TE

Giants.com: Inside the Film Room: Analyzing Evan Engram's tape
Bob Papa and Shaun O'Hara break down Evan Engram's film (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/inside-the-film-room-analyzing-evan-engram-s-tape

S

Pflum BBV: The Chris and Joe Show - Previewing the safety position for the offseason (Audio)
https://www.bigblueview.com/big-blue-view-radio/2020/2/6/21125305/the-chris-and-joe-show-previewing-the-safety-position-for-the-offseason-ny-giants-podcast

NFL

Graziano ESPN: Sources: NFL player representatives, leadership to meet in Los Angeles
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28643891/sources-nfl-player-representatives-leadership-meet-los-angeles

Freeman B/R: Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Make Way for the Mahomes vs. Lamar Era
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2874703-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-make-way-for-the-mahomes-vs-lamar-era.amp.html

Corry CBS Sports.com: Agent's Take: 2020 NFL offseason dates to know for free agency, contract options, franchise tags and more
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-2020-nfl-offseason-dates-to-know-for-free-agency-contract-options-franchise-tags-and-more/

Football Outsiders: Scramble for the Ball wraps up the season with an extra-long column. Preseason predictions reviewed, Super Bowl reviewed, Super Bowl commercials reviewed, and the winner of the playoff draft "Best of the Rest" competition.
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/scramble/2020/scramble-ball-wrapping-things

Rank NFL.com: Three teams that could enjoy a 49ers-like turnaround

“New York Giants (4-12)

It was not too hard to make a case for the Broncos and Steelers. You probably even agreed with me. The reason why? Defense. It's what spearheaded the 49ers' revival this past season. When you look at the Bears' 12-4 comeup in 2018, it was the defense. And the Rams had an underrated defense during their turnaround, too.
This just isn't the case with the Giants, who were not great on defense last year. To put it mildly. (That's like saying Joker was a bit dark and depressing.) The Giants finished 30th in points allowed, 28th in takeaways and 22nd in sacks.
But I like where the Giants are headed -- at least offensively.
I was a fan of the Joe Judge hire. Dude coached under Nick Saban and Bill Belichick. Won two national titles. Won three Super Bowls. So I'm not as concerned that he was "just" a special teams coach. He has a pretty good offensive coordinator to lean on in Jason Garrett. It's important for a young coach like Judge, who is 38, to have somebody there with him who has called a timeout in the NFL. That's what Garrett brings. Think of him being there for Judge the way Wade Phillips was there for Sean McVay in the Rams coach's first few seasons. (Which apparently means Garrett's going to help get the Giants to the Super Bowl and then get fired.) Garrett is also a good offensive coach. And Big Blue really needs that. Over the past four seasons combined, the Giants rank 27th in the NFL in points per game. They're 29th in rushing during this span. I expect Garrett to change a lot of that. The 2019 Cowboys ranked sixth in scoring and fifth in rushing. Not to mention, first in total offense and second in big plays. And if you want to point out that Garrett wasn't the play caller, I counter with the fact that Dallas was seventh in points scored and fourth in total yards when he was from 2007 through 2012. So burn.

Let's also be honest and acknowledge that Garrett has enticing young talent to work with. I mean, you have Saquon Barkley, as gifted a running back as we've seen enter the NFL in many, many years. Quarterback Daniel Jones looks like he could be the real deal, as he had at least one touchdown pass in each of his 12 starts. (Mr. Dimes does need to stop with the fumbles, though.) I also like Darius Slayton. I know people were gaga over A.J. Brown, who was indeed great, but Slayton tied Brown for the most receiving touchdowns by a rookie (8). Slayton could develop into a WR1 on his own, but could you imagine if they were able to land a guy like Amari Cooper in free agency? Offensive line could be a priority in the draft, with somebody like Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton being an interesting option at No. 4.
Obviously, New York represents the biggest leap of faith in this exercise. I'm really curious to see what the Giants do in the offseason. I'm not making an official prediction yet, but I've got my eye on them.”

https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001101309/article/broncos-steelers-giants-could-execute-a-49erslike-turnaround?

ARIZONA
Urban Cardinals.com: Return Of Brentson Buckner Highlights Coaching Hires For Cardinals
https://www.azcardinals.com/news/return-of-brentson-buckner-highlights-coaching-hires-for-cardinals

CAROLINA
Newton ESPN Charlotte: From Super Bowl to overhaul in 4 years: Panthers pick up the pieces

“Norman didn’t hesitate when asked how the Panthers got where they are.
“Two words," he said. “Dave Gettleman."
Norman has some personal resentment toward Gettleman, now the GM of the New York Giants. He placed the franchise tag on Norman in 2016 and then rescinded it when, in his words, a long-term deal “was not attainable.”
Norman then signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Redskins.
According to sources, some in the organization didn’t agree with Gettleman's move. When Norman was shutting down opponents’ best defenders in 2015, the Carolina defense thrived. The defense ranked sixth both overall and in points allowed (19.1) in 2015. A year later, they fell to 26th in points allowed (25.1) and 12th overall.
The Panthers were in what Gettleman called “salary-cap hell” -- $16 million over -- when he took over in January 2013. In his first two years, he made unpopular decisions such as cutting all-time leading receiver Steve Smith and all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams.
Both had big contracts and were near the end of their careers.
Then word leaked during the 2017 offseason that Gettleman might move on from linebacker Thomas Davis, a player then-owner Jerry Richardson considered the pillar of the franchise.
Gettleman was fired just before 2017 training camp.”

“Gettleman also missed on two second-round picks: defensive end Kony Ealy in 2014 and wide receiver Devin Funchess in 2015. That led to using high draft picks the past two seasons to replenish those positions instead of filling other needs.
Only seven of 21 players selected by Gettleman from 2013 to 2016 are on the current roster and five of those players are free agents this offseason. Of the 25 free agents Gettleman signed, none are on the current roster.
Gettleman did make some good choices. Michael Oher, the anchor at left tackle during the Super Bowl year, was one in free agency. Selecting running back Christian McCaffrey with the eighth pick in 2017 was a home run. But overall, the draft and free-agent moves didn’t strengthen the roster enough in the long term.”

https://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/33258/from-super-bowl-to-overhaul-in-4-years-panthers-pick-up-the-pieces

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Bears Q& A: Is Greg Olsen a solution at tight end? Did Matt Nagy take notice of the fullbacks in the Super Bowl? Will Nick Kwiatkowski be re-signed?

“That’s a good question and a somewhat complicated one when you consider that he is one of three inside linebackers set to become unrestricted free agents on March 18. Danny Trevathan and Kevin Pierre-Louis are also coming out out of contract and the Bears could lose all three of them. Last season some wondered if it was wise for the Bears to bring Kwiatkowski back for the fourth year of his contract when the proven-performance escalator bumped up his base salary north of $2 million, a lot to pay a reserve inside linebacker. He proved to be worth it when he filled in for Roquan Smith and later Trevathan. Kwiatkowski likely has his sights set on a starting spot and a significant pay increase. How much the Bears are willing to invest in a starter alongside Smith remains to be seen. The Bears could choose a cheaper option and perhaps look at Pierre-Louis, who runs a little better, on a short-term deal, maybe a two-year contract. Let’s see how this plays out. All three should have options. Keep in mind if Trevathan and Kwiatkowski leave via free agency and the team opts to re-sign Pierre-Louis, it could potentially benefit in 2021 with compensatory draft picks.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-mailbag-greg-olsen-ryan-pace-quarterback-20200205-4hk6tqgxondurksjx5ns7idsbq-story.html

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Andrew Berry acknowledges ‘very painful’ 1-31 period, but eager to put his stamp on the Cleveland Browns as youngest GM in NFL history
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/andrew-berry-acknowledges-very-painful-1-31-period-but-eager-to-put-his-stamp-on-the-cleveland-browns-as-youngest-gm-in-nfl-history.html

Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Andrew Berry returns to Cleveland and offers a clear vision of how he wants Browns organization to run
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/andrew-berry-returns-to-cleveland-and-offers-a-clear-vision-of-how-he-wants-browns-organization-to-run.html

Patsko Cleveland Plain Dealer: What Andrew Berry said he learned from Sashi Brown and John Dorsey
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/what-andrew-berry-said-he-learned-from-sashi-brown-and-john-dorsey.html

Trotter ESPN: Browns GM Andrew Berry has talked with Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham Jr. about incidents
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28640368/browns-gm-andrew-berry-talked-kareem-hunt-odell-beckham-jr-incidents?

Goul Cleveland Plain Dealer: NFL free agents 2020: Marcus Peters leads cornerbacks available this offseason
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/nfl-free-agents-2020-marcus-peters-leads-cornerbacks-available-this-offseason.html

Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: NFL Draft 2020: Top safeties who could help the Cleveland Browns secondary -- Film Review
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/nfl-draft-2020-top-safeties-who-could-help-the-cleveland-browns-secondary-film-review.html

DENVER
Klis 9 News Denver: Broncos have NFL's oldest, most experienced coaching staff at 'Top 6' positions
https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/broncos-experienced-coaching-staff/73-695bcf2f-c927-4026-8f32-45cff4375220

KANSAS CITY
Fowler ESPN: Inside the nine minutes that won Super Bowl LIV for the Chiefs

“Mahomes' success on the fourth-quarter touchdown drive seemed to do the same for the Chiefs' defense, which looked determined to match that intensity. The next drive, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had Kittle wide-open over the middle, but Jones did "a helluva job" batting the ball down, Shanahan said. The Chiefs had two crucial pass deflections on Garoppolo, who was forced to hold on to the ball because of a surging pass rush and deft scheming by seasoned defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

The architect of the New York Giants defense that once took down Tom Brady in the Super Bowl knows from experience that having two weeks to game-plan can be a curse because of overplanning, so he tried to keep things relatively simple.
Spagnuolo employed a "moon coverage" on the 49ers -- two double-teams, one on Kittle and another on a receiver, and used use delayed "hug rushes" for safety Daniel Sorensen and linebacker Ben Niemann, whose jobs were to occupy a 49ers lineman by pretending to cover the tight end. That led to more rushing lanes for themselves or others. Both got to the quarterback late in the game.
These big plays were all part of the script for Jones, a disruptive free agent who says he wants to play with Kansas City forever to win more titles.
Jones knew the Chiefs would come back because he estimated that Mahomes and his weapons and an opportunistic defense wouldn't need much time.
"Sack nation, baby," Jones declared. "They are going to make a movie about this."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28626252/inside-nine-minutes-won-super-bowl-liv-chiefs

Joseph For the Win USA Today: Chiefs' Jeff Allen annihilated the narrative that Eric Bieniemy interviewed poorly
https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/02/chiefs-eric-bieniemy-interview-video-head-coach-jeff-allen-super-bowl

LAS VEGAS
Raiders.com: Las Vegas Raiders announce hiring of Rod Marinelli and Austin King
https://www.raiders.com/news/las-vegas-raiders-announce-hiring-of-rod-marinelli-and-austin-king

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Williams ESPN LA: Drue Tranquill bright spot in underwhelming Chargers 2019 draft class
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27256/lb-drue-tranquill-bright-spot-in-underwhelming-chargers-2019-draft-class

NEW ORLEANS
Triplett ESPN NO: Saints wouldn't be sunk without Brees, but would they choose Teddy or Taysom?
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/32794/saints-wouldnt-be-sunk-without-brees-but-would-they-choose-teddy-or-taysom

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Jets Mailbag: Should Christopher Johnson have a playoff mandate for Adam Gase in 2020?
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-christopher-johnson-adam-gase-20200205-7odqdtokpvhh5jxozgzkircru4-story.html

Mehta NYDN: Jets embroiled in dispute with former assistant Rick Dennison
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-dispute-rick-dennison-20200206-oaqku4bbgng47knjwvwpyhpiiq-story.html

PHILADELPHIA
Bowen Phil Inquirer: ‘All or Nothing’ TV series doesn’t tell all about the Eagles’ season, but it does tell a lot
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-nfl-films-amazon-prime-brandon-graham-carson-wentz-20200206.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Report: Eagles to promote Press Taylor, add two others to offensive staff
https://www.phillyvoice.com/report-eagles-promote-press-taylor-passing-game-coordinator-qb-coach/

PITTSBURGH
Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Steelers sign GM Kevin Colbert to one-year extension
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/02/05/kevin-colbert-contract-extension-steelers/stories/202002050150

Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Art Rooney II: Steelers won't sign a veteran quarterback
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/02/05/Art-Rooney-II-Steelers-team-president-veteran-quarterback-Ben-Roethlisberger-running-game/stories/202002050167

Klinger Penn Live: Steelers position review: Waiting for Ben Roethlisberger and wondering loudly about his backups
https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/2020/02/steelers-position-review-waiting-for-ben-roethlisberger-and-wondering-loudly-about-his-backups.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ George Kittle watched Super Bowl replay: ‘It made it a lot worse’
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/49ers-George-Kittle-watched-the-Super-Bowl-15033454.php

Chan NBC Bay Area: Arik Armstead open to 49ers using franchise tag on him, wants to stay
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/arik-armstead-open-49ers-using-franchise-tag-him-wants-stay

TENNESSEE
Wyatt Titans.com: Receiver A.J. Brown Didn't Win Offensive Rookie of the Year, But Brown – and the Titans – Have Plenty to Smile About
https://www.titansonline.com/news/receiver-a-j-brown-didn-t-win-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-but-brown-and-the-tit

WASHINGTON
Keim ESPN Washington: Redskins' desire to add talent around Dwayne Haskins means big changes
https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/39563/redskins-desire-to-add-talent-around-dwayne-haskins-means-big-changes?

Crabbs The Draft Network: 2020 FREE AGENT PROFILE: GUARD BRANDON SCHERFF
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/brandon-scherff-free-agent-2020

XFL

Benton Giantswire USA Today: Many former Giants littered throughout the XFL
https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/05/many-former-new-york-giants-littered-throughout-the-xfl/amp/

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Ex-Texan Charles James returns to Houston with XFL’s Roughnecks
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Ex-Texan-Charles-James-returns-to-Houston-with-15033625.php

Colleges/Draft

WR
Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/2/5/21123944/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-gabriel-davis-wr-ucf-scouting-report-ny-giants

T
Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL)
2/5/20, 2:51 PM
Jedrick Wills, OT, #Alabama:

• Anchor/strength (++)
• Creates craters in defenses
• Finishing mindset at all times
• Match/mirror skills are excellent
• Always wants to be the aggressor

LB
Melo Draftwire USA Today: Meet Akeem-Davis Gaither, the gem of the 2020 LB class
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/05/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-akeem-davis-gaither-interview/

History

Giants Birthdays 1-06

Rich Glover NT D3-Nebraska 1973 NYG 1973
1-06-1950

Hague Hudson Reporter: SCOREBOARD
(7-03-2019)

“Reames didn’t know about Glover’s background. Glover’s coach at Nebraska, Bob Devaney, called Glover “the greatest defensive player I ever saw.”
For Glover’s three years at Nebraska, the Cornhuskers won two national championships and posted a record of 34-1-2. He was a two-time All-America honoree, the second time earning the honor unanimously. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
“I was impressed by what he accomplished,” Reames said. “He went to college, then the NFL. That was kind of cool.”
What’s even cooler is when the Cornhuskers visited the White House after winning the national title, then-President Richard Nixon escorted the team into the Situation Room, where exclusive cabinet meetings were held.
When the Cornhuskers huddled in the room, Nixon asked, “Which one is Glover?” Glover identified himself to the president and Nixon said, “Come sit here. This is where the Secretary of Defense sits.” Now that personifies cool.

Although he’s now 69 years old, Glover was out there in the hot sun, running around, offering instruction, playing with the kids.”

https://hudsonreporter.com/2019/07/03/scoreboard-81/?amp

1976 Interview:

“What was the transition like going from Nebraska to the New York Giants?
RG Now it's more of a job. In college it was fun, you got a good education and going to the Giants was great because I grew up in the area watching the Giants. It was exciting plus they played their games at Yankee Stadium. We played preseason games in Yankee Stadium and regular season games at the Yale Bowl and we practiced right here in Jersey City where I played my high school football. That was pretty cool. Practicing for the Giants where I used to play high school football. It was great. Larry Jacobson was on the team. We had a good team but pro football as you know is Not For Long. They had the player strike. Then the coach got fired. Like they say. It's nothing personal. It's business. For me pro ball was great. I enjoyed it all but you have to be at the right place at the right time.”