Sunday Reading

Giants

Leonard NYDN: Giants roster moves should start on defensive side
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-roster-moves-joe-judge-20200208-r2hanh4cw5gk7bmd5hwqgr3lcq-story.html

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
2/8/20, 8:30 PM
Giants can win games with the offensive line they currently have with a better defense.

They won't win more games with the same defense and a better offensive line.

Room for upgrades on OL, no question, but not that far off with a piece or two and better coaching/play.

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
2/8/20, 8:47 PM
Giants are also looking at their offense through a different lens now. This current line was built for Shurmur/Shula/Hunter offense. It will be interesting how different system with Judge/Garrett/Colombo looks with current pieces and where they fall in line w/ Gettleman/new staff

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
2/8/20, 8:54 PM
I'll say it again: there will be moves made to improve the OL and the defense.

That being said: the odds are better that Colombo comes in and gets more out of this OL as constituted than Sherrer/Bielema can get out of LB as constituted.

LB a need for far greater upgrade

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
2/8/20, 9:08 PM
I was more confident in Gates' chances in being a starter in 2020 before Shurmur and staff were jettisoned.

I don't know how the new coaching regime feels about Gates

LT

Klis 9News Denver: Solder pleased Shurmur, Shula landed with Broncos

“When I came in the league, I always said I wanted to use my platform to help people. And I don’t think at first I knew exactly what that meant. But it’s such a blessing to be a part of this group. The Walter Payton Man of the Year is very special. A lot of great guys here.”

“So what kind of play caller are the Broncos getting in Shurmur?
“I think he did a great job keeping things dynamic,’’ Solder said. “I think he did a great job of highlighting our best players. We had a lot of success. That wasn’t noticed in our wins and losses but I felt like we did some good things.”
And Shula?
“I know (rookie quarterback) Daniel Jones thought very highly of him and he was the one working with him all day long so that says a lot,’’ Solder said.”

https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/solde-pleased-shurmer-shula-joined-broncos/73-53a060cf-b2e0-46fb-87f4-ca64305deba7

OLB

Giants.com: Inside the Film Room: Analyzing Lorenzo Carter’s tape (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/inside-the-film-room-analyzing-lorenzo-carter-s-tape

NFL

Volin Boston Globe: Sunday Football Notes:
Why most of the country was rooting for Andy Reid in the Super Bowl
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2020/02/08/why-most-country-was-rooting-for-andy-reid-super-bowl/tQy2LarrjOsMdotvtFIinK/story.html

Palazzolo PFF: The most valuable additions in the 2019 NFL season at each position

“G: KEVIN ZEITLER, NEW YORK GIANTS, 0.18 WAR
An offseason trade brought Zeitler to New York, and he shored up the right guard spot for the Giants. He finished with the sixth-best grade among guards and posted a strong 75.0 pass-blocking grade — the sixth-straight year he’s achieved that mark. Zeitler just edges Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito for most valuable offseason addition, in part because he was on the field for 200 more snaps.”

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-most-valuable-additions-2019-nfl-season

BALTIMORE
Eisenberg Ravens.com: No Blank Check for a Free Agency Shopping Spree

“If they elect to keep linebacker Matthew Judon off the market by re-signing or putting the franchise tag on him, that's a costly move. (And my guess is they'll do exactly that, franchise Judon.)”

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/eisenberg-no-blank-check-for-a-free-agency-shopping-spree

BUFFALO
Jacques ESPN Buffalo: Bills' Andre Roberts has seen it all, from Alaska to Antarctica
https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/34224/bills-andre-roberts-has-seen-it-all-from-alaska-to-antarctica?

CINCINNATI
Donnick The Draft Network: GET YOUR GUY: JOE BURROW IS THE BENGALS' ONLY OPTION
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/get-your-guy--burrow-is-bengals-only-option

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Will Browns GM Andrew Berry be aggressive in free agency and the draft? Hey, Mary Kay!

“: If John Dorsey had remained as GM, Schobert, a fourth-round pick of Sashi Brown in 2016, didn’t have much of a chance of sticking around. He wants to be the highest-paid linebacker on the team, and that wasn’t going to happen. Andrew Berry was involved in drafting Schobert and undoubtedly has a higher opinion of the Pro Bowler than Dorsey did. With new defensive coordinator Joe Woods committing to a 4-3 base, the Browns must determine if Sione Takitaki is ready to be their full-time starting middle linebacker, or if they want to keep Schobert in that role. The 2017 Pro Bowler has said he’d like to stay here. We’ll know soon if that’s going to happen. Schobert will become an unrestricted free agent on March 18.”

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/will-browns-gm-andrew-berry-be-aggressive-in-free-agency-and-the-draft-hey-mary-kay.html

Pluto Cleveland Plain Dealer: What are Cleveland Browns thinking about Odell Beckham? How about ticket prices?

“My sense is the Browns are willing to start fresh with Beckham.
Beckham, in an interview with Complex Sports, indicated he’s willing to do the same with the new coaching staff.
“I have a good feeling about this,” Beckham said of his meeting with Stefanski.
Stefanski explained: “My meeting went well. Not to get into too many specifics, but we talked about a lot of topics. Commitment is shown over time. I have full confidence in Odell.”
The new coach is wise to keep an upbeat tone about Beckham.
But it is significant that Stefanski said: “Commitment is shown over time.”
That’s similar to what Stefanski told the media the day he was hired: “Personality is welcome, production is required.”
Berry had the same message about Beckham with a slightly different approach.

“We’ve had really good conversations," said the general manager. “He’s one of the most talented receivers in the league. We certainly are happy to have him here.”
So far, nothing special there.
Then Berry added: “Everybody is going to have to fit into our culture in terms of being smart, tough and accountable."

Berry and Stefanski know the Browns seemed to have leadership issues last season.
It started early when Beckham skipped nearly every voluntary practice during the spring.
Granted, it’s “voluntary,” but it also was a chance for Beckham to not only get to know his new teammates and coaches, but to learn a new offense.
Former coach Freddie Kitchens seemed reluctant to say anything about Beckham’s absence, other than once admitting the receiver has “missed a lot.”
Beckham was present for the required practices, but he was not on the field a lot. He had missed 16-of-32 games the previous two seasons and the Browns wanted to simply ease him into the regular season being somewhat healthy.

Beckham was injured most of the season, but played in every game. On January 21, he had surgery to repair “a core muscle injury.”
Beckham ended up with 74 catches for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. Those are good numbers.
But Browns fans know about the narrative of “Odell’s not getting the ball enough” hanging over the team. His lack of on-field chemistry with QB Baker Mayfield was obvious. At least some of that had to do with a lack of practice time.

The Browns know they don’t have to make a quick decision about Beckham.
“I think Kevin is very excited to have Odell on the team,” said owner Jimmy Haslam. “The surgery went well. He is rehabbing and we look forward to having him and him being a big, big producer for the team this year.”
It’s exactly what the owner should say at this point, even though the Browns could not have been happy with Beckham’s recent antics at the NCAA championship game, where he was handing money to victorious LSU players on the field after the game and later slapped a security guard on the rear end

Berry and Stefanski are intrigued by Beckham’s raw talent. But they also have to be concerned about him staying healthy. The receiver has had a lot of injuries for a 27-year-old.
My guess is the Browns will see what Beckham does during the spring practices. For now, he says he wants to stay and the team wants to keep him. But as anyone who followed Beckham knows, lots of things can change quickly.

With Beckham, things change often.
Near the end of the season, there were all the rumors of him wanting out of Cleveland. And there were rumors of him not wanting to leave New York for Cleveland when traded here a year ago.
In one of his final press conferences at the end of this past season, Beckham indicated he wanted to stay.
The new regime in Berea has come in stressing accountability. They will be tested. I’m not just talking about Beckham. It will happen with other players. Kareem Hunt’s situation with the team appears perilous after his recent encounter with police.

We’ll see how the new regime defines “accountability” over the next few months.”

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/what-are-cleveland-browns-thinking-about-odell-beckham-how-about-ticket-prices.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns hire former Broncos QB coach T.C. McCartney as offensive assistant, source says
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/browns-hire-former-broncos-qb-coach-tc-mccartney-as-offensive-assistant-source-says.html

DALLAS
Watkins Dallas Morning News: Once the Cowboys pay Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, what will be left for guys like Michael Bennett, Maliek Collins, or Robert Quinn?
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/02/08/once-cowboys-pay-dak-prescott-and-amari-cooper-what-will-be-left-for-the-free-agents-on-defense/

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: NFL Journal: Michael Irvin “loves” progress being made by Broncos’ Courtland Sutton
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/02/09/michael-irvin-on-broncos-courtland-sutton/

KANSAS CITY
Craig Minn Star Tribune: Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy misses out on head coaching job but is tasting success with Andy Reid
http://www.startribune.com/chiefs-eric-bieniemy-misses-out-on-head-coaching-job-but-is-tasting-success-with-andy-reid/567699432/

MIAMI
Schad Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins must sign, draft players who respond well to adversity
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20200208/schad-miami-dolphins-must-sign-draft-players-who-respond-well-to-adversity

Hyde Sun Sentinel: As Team Tua maneuvers, Dolphins’ draft work hinges on an element no one acknowledges
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-tua-dolphins-20200208-o2ilzmvikvh4lfsapv227kn2su-story.html

NEW ENGLAND
Reiss ESPN Boston: Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (players take time off, but not Derek Rivers; the case against Patriots-Chiefs opener; Jimmy G follow-up; regret on Chandler Jones trade; lower TE franchise tag; Pepper finally a coordinator – in XFL)

“Pepper resurfaces in XFL in long-coveted coordinator role: One of the constants on Belichick's coaching staff in New England, Pepper Johnson, is back on the sidelines after a three-year hiatus -- this time as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL. Johnson served as linebackers and/or defensive line coach for the Patriots from 2000 to 2013, and when the sides parted ways, my sense was that Johnson had grown frustrated because he had hoped to lead the defense but had been passed over for Dean Pees and then Matt Patricia. Johnson spent a year as Buffalo's defensive line coach and two years in the same role for the Jets, before sitting out the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Now he finally has a chance to lead a defense, albeit in the XFL. One of the assistants working under him is a familiar name to Patriots fans: Otis Smith, the veteran defensive back who started on the franchise's first Super Bowl championship team.”

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4819264/patriots-players-taking-some-time-away-but-not-derek-rivers

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Where the Eagles' 2019 season went wrong, part I: Big pass plays allowed
https://www.phillyvoice.com/where-eagles-2019-season-went-wrong-part-i-big-pass-plays-allowed/

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks position overview: Clowney or no Clowney, Seattle has work to do up front
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-position-overview-clowney-or-no-clowney-seattle-has-work-to-do-up-front/?

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Why the Bucs should pass on free-agent running backs
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/02/08/why-the-bucs-should-pass-on-free-agent-running-backs/?

WASHINGTON
Keim ESPN Washington: Sources: Redskins working to hire Jennifer King, NFL's first African American female full-time assistant coach
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28661698/sources-redskins-working-hire-jennifer-king-nfl-first-african-american-female-full-assistant-coach?

XFL

Bumbaca USA Today: Five things we learned from the XFL's opening game: Trading gimmicks for innovation was wise
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/xfl/2020/02/08/xfl-opening-weekend-five-things-we-learned-dragons-dc-defenders/4702658002/

Spotrac (@spotrac)
2/8/20, 9:09 AM
Starting #XFL Quarterbacks & their past #NFL earnings...

LA, Josh Johnson, $7.1M
DAL, Landry Jones, $5.2M
NY, Matt McGloin, $4.1M
DC, Cardale Jones, $1.5M
TB, Aaron Murray, $1.2M
HOU, Phillip Walker, $246k
STL, Jordan Ta’amu, UDFA
SEA, Brandon Silvers, UDF

Hill Houston Chronicle: Roughnecks roll past Wildcats for first XFL win
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Roughnecks-roll-past-Wildcats-for-first-XFL-win-15041512.php

Melnick Seattle Times: Seattle Dragons can’t keep up with DC Defenders in season-opening loss on XFL’s inaugural weekend
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seattle-dragons-cant-keep-up-with-dc-defenders-in-season-opening-loss-on-xfls-inaugural-weekend/?

Melnick Seattle Times: PATs, fanfare and Austin Proehl: Three takeaways from the Seattle Dragons’ first XFL game
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/pats-fanfare-and-austin-proehl-three-takeaways-from-the-seattle-dragons-first-xfl-game/

Colleges/Draft

PFN: 2020 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine 7-round mock draft

#4) New York Giants: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Nate Solder signing hasn’t panned out as expected, leaving a major need at left tackle. With a young quarterback like Daniel Jones at the helm, protecting the blindside is paramount. 

#36) New York Giants: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Zack Baun is a blue-collar, throwback type of player who fills a major need for the G-Men. Also, as his 12.5 sacks in 2019 would indicate, Baun excels at pressuring the quarterback

*#98) New York Giants: Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
It seems the Giants struck gold with Darius Slayton in the 2019 draft, but there is work to be done when it comes to finding weapons for Daniel Jones. 

#107) New York Giants: Trevon Hill, EDGE, Miami

#150) New York Giants: Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh

#184) New York Giants: Jared Mayden, S, Alabama

#219) New York Giants: Keith Ishmael, OL, SDSU

#239) New York Giants: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State

*#248) New York Giants: Kyle Murphy, OL, Rhode Island

*#256) New York Giants: Myles Dorn, S, UNC

WR
Kelly The Draft Network: Laviska Shenault is a first-round talent in the 2020 NFL Draft, but you better have a plan for him
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/laviska-shenault-first-round-talent-2020-nfl-draft/

Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: James Proche, WR, SMU
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/2/8/21129173/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-james-proche-wr-smu-scouting-report-ny-giants

Edge
Crabbs The Draft Network: I don't care where you play Zack Baun — on the edge or off the ball. Football IQ and hand usage like this is going to make an impact
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/zack-baun/Mz84FQ0LEV

History

Parrish The Undefeated: Canadian Football League was a refuge and proving ground for pioneering black quarterbacks
https://theundefeated.com/features/canadian-football-league-was-a-refuge-and-proving-ground-for-pioneering-black-quarterbacks/

Giants Birthdays 2-09

Saquon Barkley RB D1-Penn State 2018 NYG 2018-2019 2-09-1997

Giants.com: Saquon Barkley's best plays from record game
Take a look at New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley's best plays from his career-high yardage game in Week 16 against the Washington Redskins (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/saquon-barkley-s-best-plays-from-career-high-yardage-game

Brad Maynard P D3-Ball State 1987 NYG 1987-1990 2-09-1974

Dave Young TE D2-Purdue 1981 NYG 1981 2-09-1959

NYT: Young Finds Making Giants Is Not Easy
(7-28-1981)

“When the Giants selected Dave Young, the Purdue tight end, on the second round of last April's National Football League draft, many football people were shocked.
They did not figure that Young, though a unanimous all-American, would be selected so high. They questioned his concentration when catching passes. They wondered why his blocking was so erratic, when he blocked at all. Some criticized his attitude. Some called him lazy.
Now, almost halfway through training camp, the report cards are cautious. ''He is showing good, steady improvement,'' said Coach Ray Perkins today at the Giants' training camp. ''It's a learning process,'' said Pat Hodgson, the receiver coach. ''His catching is not great, but he has jammed thumbs. He is doing a pretty good job blocking.''
''I'm learning,'' Young said. ''My blocking is improving. I have a problem catching passes now because of my thumbs. I dropped that pass in practice this morning because I couldn't squeeze the ball.''

Size and Speed

“But a healthy Dave Young can be a different story. He is 6 feet 6 inches, 240 pounds, and has run 40 yards in 4.62 seconds. His moves are good enough to free him from pass defenders. The Giants thought enough of him to sign him to a series of five one-year contracts worth $565,000.

He is sure to make the 45-man team, although Gary Shirk or Tom Mullady, both veterans, will probably start. But the questions remain.
''In college,'' said the player personnel director of another N.F.L. team, ''his minuses canceled his pluses. He was a 50-50 player. Bennie Cunningham of the Steelers was the same way. So is Benjie Pryor, the Bengals' rookie. Young has the skills to make it. It's up to his coaches to turn him on -if he wants to be turned on.''
Young said he wanted to succeed, but there were new problems. ''Right now,'' he said, ''I'm banged up. My thumbs are throbbing from pain, and I have to ice them four times a day. My right shoulder is bruised. My right knee has a little tendinitis. My left hamstring is tight. We've been going for two weeks straight. I'm not tired, but my body is just not as fluid as when I'm rested.''

Blocking Questions

What about his blocking? ''At Purdue,'' he said, ''we didn't run that much. We passed maybe 60 percent of the time, and when we ran, we ran a lot of stuff to the weak side. So I didn't have to do a lot of blocking on the line. That's one reason my blocking was not as good as it could have been. And maybe I had poor blocking technique because I lacked concentration.''
''His college blocking was not very good,'' Perkins said. ''He kind of zinged it two out of 3 downs. Just how good he'll be depends on him.''
One problem for Young has been trying to make the grade in pro football and keep his 22-year-old body together. ''When you get up in the morning,'' he said, ''you're aching. Sometimes, you don't know if you'll make it. Your body doesn't want to move. Mainly you're trying to survive and get to the point where you feel good.
''You'll try anything. You go to bed early, maybe 9:30 or 10 P.M. In the morning, you get up and you feel worse. I guess that's what training camp is all about.''

https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/28/sports/young-finds-making-giants-is-not-easy.html

In Memoriam

Tommy Myers B UFFA-Fordham 1925 NYG 1925 Born 2-09-1901 Died 7-01-1944

Malan The New York Giants' NFL Legacy Began With a Game Played in New Britain

“All-New Britain was the first legitimate team the Giants played, making New Britain’s Willow Brook Park the site of the Giants’ first legitimate game.
The New Britain Herald announced the Giants’ arrival: “New York’s first league eleven will be a revelation to New Britain fans with its striking blue and red uniforms, hooded sweaters and huge numerals that can be seen for a block.”
The Giants had been training at the Polo Grounds under floodlights at night after the players got off work from their day jobs. The team arrived in New Britain at 8 a.m. Sunday with 20 players, four club officials and one game official. They ate a pregame meal at the Hotel Burritt and dressed for the game at the Knights of Columbus on Franklin Square before heading to Willow Brook Park.

Game-day temperatures offered ideal autumn weather in New England, and the Giants came out playing sharp football.

Thorpe kicked off to start the game, and All-New Britain used several short passes to move near midfield. But the team attempted one too many. New York’s Jack McBride intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown and Dutch Hendrian kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead. All-New Britain continued to push and consistently gained first downs against New York’s defense, but fumbles stymied scoring opportunities.
In the second quarter, the teams traded punts — with Thorpe kicking for the Giants — and New York ended up with the ball deep in New Britain territory after a penalty against the hosts. With the ball five yards from the end zone, Thorpe got the call and blasted through for a touchdown from his halfback position.

When Hinkey Haines returned a punt 57 yards for another touchdown, the Giants took a 20-0 lead into halftime.

Thorpe didn’t play in the second half, and the last two quarters were quiet, save for Paul Jappe’s 35-yard touchdown catch from New Britain native Tommy Myers to cap New York’s scoring. (Myers, a halfback and quarterback at Fordham, played two NFL seasons, for the Giants in 1925 and the Brooklyn Lions in their only season in 1926.)

With a 26-0 win in hand, the Giants started making plans for the following week’s game in Providence.

NEW YORK GIANTS SWAMP LOCAL TEAM,” the Herald declared before noting the admirable effort All-New Britain gave.
The New York Times wedged its game report deep inside the sports section among stories of amateur tennis matches, horse racing in Paris and an international chess tournament. Pro football struggled for attention in New York City. When the Giants played their first home game later in October, Mara gave away 5,000 tickets to boost attendance and generate enthusiasm.
But that changed with Red Grange, the college phenom turned Chicago Bear who drew massive crowds and legitimized the NFL during his 1925 rookie season. His appearance at the Polo Grounds in December drew more than 70,000 fans, the largest crowd to see an NFL game at the time, and provided enough gate receipts to save the nearly bankrupt New York Giants, who finished 8-4 in their first NFL season.
Only two years later, in 1927, the Giants would win the first of their eight league championships.
How many people in Connecticut witnessed the Giants’ historic first game? New Britain’s newspaper reported about 3,000 — which today’s Giants attract for training camp practices — while other news outlets, including The New York Times, claimed 10,000.
The New York Giants are now a proud NFL franchise with legions of fans who wait decades for the opportunity to become season-ticket holders in the sea of a sold-out crowd. But there was a time when they were grateful for crowds of any size, including the few thousand people who showed up at Willow Brook Park.”

https://www.connecticutmag.com/the-connecticut-story/the-new-york-giants-nfl-legacy-began-with-a-game/article_d4b74f24-7000-11e8-8baf-4711e13593bf.html

Dom Principe B D9-Fordham 1940 NYG 1940-1942 Born 2-09-1917 Died 4-09-2010

Caldwell WSJ: When Fordham Introduced Football to Television

“Sleepy" Jim Crowley was just looking for a tuneup for his 1939 Fordham football team. The coach, already famous for being one of the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame, made history instead.
With big games looming against Alabama and Tulane, the coach arranged for the Rams to open their season in New York by limbering their muscles against tiny Waynesburg College (now University), whose campus is 50 miles south of Pittsburgh.
So on Sept. 30, 1939, the two teams played before 9,000 people at Triborough Stadium, on Randall's Island. The only surprising development in the Rams' 34-7 victory was that Waynesburg scored first.
But the game, played 75 years ago this week, was historic for a much bigger reason: It was the first football game to be televised.

"The fact that the game was televised was of no significance to us," Dom Principe, the Fordham fullback, told Stan Grosshandler in a 1990 article published in the Main Event.

It was, of course, a significant event. Although there were only 200 television sets in New York at the time, and an estimated 500 people watched, the telecast by W2XBS, which later became WNBC-TV, served as a kickoff to what has become wall-to-wall fall football coverage.
Fordham was a powerhouse at the time and a favorite to win the 1939 national championship, but that's not why the Waynesburg game was staged at a bigger stadium. The W2XBS signal was transmitted from the 8-year-old Empire State Building, which was visible from Randall's Island. Television was still an experiment—radio with pictures—and sending a signal from Randall's Island via a relay station to the transmitter was easier.
Television was a sensation at that year's World's Fair, in Queens, and sports quickly became popular programming. Several months before the Fordham game, the back end of a doubleheader between Columbia and Princeton at Baker Field in Manhattan had become the first baseball telecast. Indoor bicycle races, prizefights and tennis matches followed.
The medium was in its infancy, but by September, broadcasters knew enough to know that setting up for a telecast was complicated. Jack McPhee, who officiated the game, told Grosshandler that he remembered seeing what "looked like a railroad boxcar"—one of two "Telemobile" trucks—parked outside the 40-yard line.

Iconosphere cameras, recently patented by RCA, NBC's parent company, were positioned at the sideline and on the truck's roof. Both were on dollies; one was wheeled to midfield for the pregame coin toss. The players avoided wires near the benches.
"We were trying not to fall over cables and look bad," said Mo Scarry, who played for Waynesburg, in a 1989 interview with the Associated Press. "In those days, we figured, what's TV?"
Calling the game was Bill Stern, a top radio sportscaster who would subsequently fail to make it on TV, it was said, because he liked to embellish what he saw. A 26-year-old Alabama native handled the pregame interviews. His name was Mel Allen.
As the Waynesburg school paper, the Yellow Jacket, reported, "The science of television has not been perfected to the point where the broadcast can carry any great distance."

No one more than 50 miles outside New York City, including in Waynesburg, could watch the game on TV. But Yellow Jackets coach Frank Wolf had his team fired up to play the nation's top college team. Less than five minutes into the game, Bob Brooks, a 153-pound sophomore, peeled off a 63-yard touchdown run to give Waynesburg the lead.
Fordham recovered and grabbed a 21-7 halftime lead, but Crowley was alarmed, and for good reason. Fordham went on to lose to Alabama and Tulane, and finished 6-2. Brooks's off-tackle touchdown run, TV's first-ever highlight football play, might have spun the Rams in the wrong direction.

Principe became one of several Fordham players to go to the NFL, suiting up for the Giants from 1940 to 1946.

Ralph Friedgen, who scored two touchdowns for Fordham against Waynesburg, had a son, Ralph Jr., who became Maryland's head coach and is now Rutgers's offensive coordinator.
Triborough Stadium was renamed Downing Stadium in 1955, then was demolished in 2002 to make room for Icahn Stadium. Four other college games in the New York area were televised in the fall of 1939, but those who participated in the game on Randall's Island eventually became aware of its importance.

"When I returned to my home in Youngstown, Ohio, I told my wife about it," McPhee told Grosshandler. "She was all excited, asking me what television was and how did it work. Of course, I did not know.''

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/when-fordham-introduced-football-to-television-1412123075

NYT: PRINCIPE TO START FOR GIANT ELEVEN; Former Fordham Fullback Will Face Eagles Sunday (10-11-1940)

“Dom Principe, Fordham's ace fullback last Fall, probably will start for the New York Giants when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in their opening home game of the National Football League campaign at the Polo Grounds on Sunday.”