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Defenderdawg : 5/28/2020 12:00 pm
Giants

Salomone Giants.com: James Franklin: Giants get 'culture driver' in Cam Brown; Saquon will have 'huge' year
https://www.giants.com/news/saquon-barkley-james-franklin-cam-brown-penn-state-nittany-lions-sean-spencer

Coach

Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge won’t make Giants coaching error Pat Shurmur did
https://nypost.com/2020/05/27/joe-judge-wont-make-giants-coaching-error-pat-shurmur-did/amp/

Offense

Citak Giants.com: Ex-Cowboys QB Jon Kitna gives inside look at Jason Garrett's offense
https://www.giants.com/news/jon-kitna-jason-garrett-giants-offense-daniel-jones-saquon-barkley-marc-colombo

QB

Serby NYP: Daniel Jones’ ex-coach David Cutcliffe: Giants QB will make Year 2 leap
https://nypost.com/2020/05/28/daniel-jones-ex-coach-david-cutcliffe-giants-qb-will-excel-in-year-2/amp/

Vincent Rapisardi: Daniel Jones finished with a TD percentage of 5.2% in 2019.
11th among all quarterbacks and the highest among rookie quarterbacks.

Iannoconi BBV: Colt McCoy ready for transition to New York Giants
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/5/27/21272176/colt-mccoy-ready-for-transition-to-new-york-giants

RB

Clemons SI.com: FILM ROOM | The Good, the Great and the Ugly - Saquon Barkley Edition
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/film/film-room-the-good-the-great-and-the-ugly-saquon-barkley-edition

OL

Traina SI.com: Offensive Line Preview | Better or Different?
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/offensive-line-preview-better-or-different

Duggan The Athletic: Left or right? Breaking down the Giants’ position decision with Andrew Thomas
https://theathletic.com/1840863/2020/05/28/left-or-right-breaking-down-the-giants-position-decision-with-andrew-thomas/?

OLB

Falato SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Cam Brown, LB
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-cam-brown-lb

CB

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Giants’ DeAndre Baker, arrested for armed robbery, cleared for N.J. return: Here are the conditions of his travel
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/05/giants-deandre-baker-arrested-for-armed-robbery-cleared-for-nj-return-here-are-the-conditions-of-his-return.html

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: My understanding is DeAndre Baker still not part of team meetings. Team had told him to focus on his legal troubles last week.
Even if he were, offseason activities remain virtual throughout the league.

Raanan ESPN NY: Giants' Darnay Holmes counts Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson among mentors
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/60876/giants-darnay-holmes-counts-deion-sanders-rod-woodson-among-mentors

NFL

Corry CBS Sports.com: Agent's Take: Patriots, 49ers, Ravens, Titans, Chargers could have challenging contract negotiations ahead
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-patriots-49ers-ravens-titans-chargers-could-have-challenging-contract-negotiations-ahead/amp/

Breer MMQB: Inside the Two-Year Process That Could Finally Lead to a SkyJudge for the 2020 NFL Season
NFL owners will vote Thursday on a version of the SkyJudge for the 2020 preseason, with the option to then extend it to the 2020 regular season. It's the culmination of a two-year process that involved blown calls, compromise and a group of hardworking coaches. Plus, notes on the onside kick proposal, minicamps and more

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/05/28/nfl-rules-skyjudge-proposal-inside-story

La Canfora CBS Sports.com: NFL needs a developmental league and rebooting the XFL is the perfect fit to improve league diversity, depth
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-needs-a-developmental-league-and-rebooting-the-xfl-is-the-perfect-fit-to-improve-league-diversity-depth/

Schofield Touchdownwire USA Today: How to create an offensive game script as NFL coaches do
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/05/27/how-to-create-an-offensive-game-script-as-nfl-coaches-do/

BALTIMORE
Hensley ESPN Baltimore: Ravens' Ronnie Stanley hoping to get paid like NFL's top left tackle
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29230975/ravens-ronnie-stanley-hoping-get-paid-nfl-top-left-tackle?

BUFFALO
Louis-Jacques ESPN Buffalo: How Bills quarterback Josh Allen can take the next step
https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/34656/how-bills-quarterback-josh-allen-can-take-the-next-step?

CHICAGO
Mayer Bears.com: Nagy shares Bears thoughts on national radio
https://www.chicagobears.com/news/nagy-shares-bears-thoughts-on-national-radio

Finley Chicago Sun Times: Bears betting on athleticism of seventh-round pick Arlington Hambright
https://chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/bears/2020/5/28/21272594/bears-arlington-hambright-seventh-round-pick-tackle-athleticism-colorado-oklahoma-state-garden-city

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: How the revamped Browns match up with the Bengals in 2020
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/05/how-the-revamped-browns-match-up-with-the-bengals-in-2020.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Baker Mayfield on Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry: ‘It’s their time now’
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/05/baker-mayfield-on-odell-beckham-jr-and-jarvis-landry-its-their-time-now.html

Trotter ESPN Cleveland: Browns' Baker Mayfield says he's working hard on field, staying quiet off it
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29231046/browns-baker-mayfield-says-working-hard-field-staying-quiet-it?

Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns Baker Mayfield said on a Zoom call that the change in his footwork (leading with left foot) that Alex Van Pelt has requested is going well, starting to become second nature

ESPN Next Level Cleveland: AdamSchefter just told us that the Browns have offered Jadeveon Clowney the most money and he would be here already if he wanted to be in Cleveland.

“I just think he has balked at going to Cleveland for whatever reason. I think he’s been hesitant to go because if he wasn’t, he would’ve gone already because it’s the most money. It’s the richest offer on the table and he hasn’t taken it.”

DALLAS
Moore Dallas Morning News: In unprecedented offseason, Cowboys have an attribute Mike McCarthy hasn’t been able to lean on before
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/05/27/in-unprecedented-offseason-cowboys-have-an-attribute-mike-mccarthy-hasnt-been-able-to-lean-on-before/?

Archer ESPN Dallas: Cowboys' Mike McCarthy adapts to new learning curve during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29230833/cowboys-mike-mccarthy-adapts-new-learning-curve-coronavirus-pandemic?

Jon Machota The Athletic Dallas: Mike McCarthy on Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe: "They're two damn good veteran football players. They definitely fit what we're trying to do up front, inside. Our outlook on how you play defense is you still got to stop the run. Then you have two big guys that can pass rush too."

Youmans Cowboys.com: UDFA Profile: Kamara Has Length-Speed Combo
https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/udfa-profile-kamara-has-length-speed-combo

DENVER
Matt Bowen ESPN: Broncos TE Noah Fant —
Caught 40-of-63 targets in ‘19 (with only one drop).
Brings explosive play ability to the pass game — 10 receptions of 20+ yards.
Can stretch the seams, run after the catch. Breakout potential in 2020.

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions team doctor: Second wave of coronavirus would be 'incredibly devastating'
https://amp.freep.com/amp/5266540002

GREEN BAY
Demovsky ESPN GB: Better, worse or the same? Packers' D looks the same, which isn't great
https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/49144/better-worse-or-the-same-packers-d-looks-the-same-which-isnt-great?

HOUSTON
Barshop ESPN Houston: Texans' J.J. Watt focused on proving 'my worth,' not an extension
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29230728/texans-jj-watt-focused-proving-my-worth-not-extension?

INDIANAPOLIS
Walker Colts.com: Parris Campbell On 'Taxing' Rookie Season, Getting To 100 Percent, Offensive Role
https://www.colts.com/news/parris-campbell-wide-receiver-ohio-state-rookie-health-media-conference-call

Walker Colts.com: DeForest Buckner On Getting Acclimated To Colts, Three-Tech's Role In Defense, Not Feeling Pressure
https://www.colts.com/news/deforest-buckner-three-tech-no-pressure-san-francisco-49ers-conference-call

JACKSONVILLE
DiRocco ESPN Jacksonville: What Jaguars QB and rocket scientist Josh Dobbs learned at NASA
https://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/28251/what-jaguars-qb-and-rocket-scientist-josh-dobbs-learned-at-nasa?

KANSAS CITY
Teicher ESPN KC: Even with Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs loading up on developmental QBs
https://www.espn.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/28272/even-with-patrick-mahomes-chiefs-loading-up-on-developmental-qbs?

LAS VEGAS
QB Data Mine: Derek Carr was 72.3% accurate in the fourth quarter, the best quarterback in the NFL.
Drew Brees was the second best and he was more than four percent behind Carr

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Thiry ESPN LA: Tom Telesco aggressively added pieces to Chargers, but will they all fit?
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27527/tom-telesco-aggressively-added-pieces-to-chargers-but-will-they-all-fit?

Miller LA Times: Chargers QB coach Pep Hamilton says Justin Herbert will be ready from Day One
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-05-27/chargers-video-conference-access?

NEW ENGLAND
McBride Boston Globe: Meet the undrafted free agents fighting for roles in the Patriots offense
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/27/sports/meet-undrafted-free-agents-fighting-roles-patriots-offense/

McBride Boston Globe: Meet the seven undrafted free agents fighting for a role in the Patriots’ defense
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/25/sports/closer-look-undrafted-free-agents-patriots-signed-defense/

Perry NBC Sports Boston: NFL Draft spotlight: Michael Onwenu's rare size makes him an intriguing option for Patriots
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/nfl-draft-spotlight-michael-onwenus-rare-size-makes-him-intriguing-option-patriots?

NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: Pressure is on Adam Gase to bring Jets back to playoffs
https://nypost.com/2020/05/27/pressure-is-on-adam-gase-to-bring-jets-back-to-playoffs/

PHILADELPHIA
Gallen Penn Live: How Clemson prepared Philadelphia Eagles rookie K’Von Wallace for the NFL
https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2020/05/how-clemson-prepared-philadelphia-eagles-rookie-kvon-wallace-for-the-nfl.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: The four positions for the 49ers that could become problematic if injuries hit
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/The-4-positions-for-the-49ers-that-could-become-15298064.php

QB Data Mine: Jimmy Garoppolo had 11 completions last year that required a difficult adjustment, 2.1% of his throws. That was the fifth-highest rate in the league. The 260 yards he gained on those plays was the third-most in the league

Madson Ninerswire USA Today: 49ers depth chart: Offensive line among team's deepest units
https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/05/27/49ers-depth-chart-offensive-line-trent-williams/

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: With the roster just about complete, have the Seahawks made themselves better?
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/may/27/bob-condotta-with-the-roster-just-about-complete-h/?

John Clayton ESPN 710 Seattle: Clayton: Seahawks offensive formula doesn’t need more passing by Wilson
https://sports.mynorthwest.com/843726/clayton-seahawks-dont-need-to-pass-more/amp/

Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks OL Duane Brown staying in the moment as he prepares for 13th NFL season
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-ol-duane-brown-staying-in-the-moment-as-he-prepares-for-13th-nfl-season/

TAMPA BAY
Ledyard Pewter Report: In this week's #Bucs Briefing, the cogent gregcosell was gracious enough to talk in-depth with me about:
• Chris Godwin's rise to stardom
• How Tyler Johnson fits in
• Analyzing an Evans-Brady connection
• Gronk's fit in Arians' O
https://www.pewterreport.com/bucs-briefing-tampas-elite-top-3-weapons/

Stroud TB Times: Bucs’ Ali Marpet excited to protect Tom Brady, but his process remains the same
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/05/28/bucs-ali-marpet-excited-to-protect-tom-brady-but-his-process-remains-the-same/

WASHINGTON
Fortier Washington Post: Scott Turner and Dwayne Haskins are Redskins’ key duo. So far, the coach likes what he sees
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/27/scott-turner-dwayne-haskins-are-redskins-key-duo-so-far-coach-likes-what-he-sees/?

Keim ESPN: Redskins OC pleased with Dwayne Haskins in virtual meetings
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29230801/redskins-oc-pleased-dwayne-haskins-virtual-meetings?

History

Judge SI.com: Who are the best AFL players not in Canton? The countdown is about to begin

“Introducing the preliminary list of candidates for the AFL Call for the Hall:
OFFENSE (26)
QB – John Hadl (San Diego, 1962-72; L.A. Rams, 1973-74; Green Bay, 1974-75; Houston 1976-77), Jack Kemp (L.A./SanDiego, 1960-62; Buffalo 1962-69), Daryle Lamonica (Buffalo 1963-66; Oakland 1967-74).
RB – Clem Daniels (Dallas, 1960; Oakland, 1961-67; San Francisco, 1968), Cookie Gilchrist (Buffalo, 1962-64; Denver, 1965, 1967; Miami, 1966), Abner Haynes (Dallas/Kansas City, 1960-64; Denver, 1965-66; Miami, 1967; N.Y. Jets, 1967),  Keith Lincoln (San Diego, 1961-66, 1968; Buffalo, 1967-68)    Paul Lowe (L.A./San Diego, 1960-68), Kansas City, 1968-69); Jim Nance ( Boston/New England, 1965-71; N.Y. Jets, 1973).
WR – Chris Burford (Dallas/Kansas City, 1960-67), Gino Cappelletti (Boston, 1960-70), Elbert Dubenion (Cleveland, 1959, Buffalo, 1960-68), Charlie Hennigan (Houston, 1960-66), Art Powell (Philadelphia, 1959; New York Titans, 1960-62; Oakland, 1963-66; Buffalo, 1967; Minnesota, 1968), Lionel Taylor (Chicago, 1959; Denver, 1960-66; Houston, 1967-68),  , Otis Taylor (Kansas City, 1965-75), Warren Wells (Detroit, 1964, Oakland, 1967-70), .
TE – Fred Arbanas (Dallas/Kansas City, 1962-70), Dave Kocourek (L.A./San Diego, 1960-65; Miami, 1966; Oakland, 1967-68).

OT – Jim Tyrer (Dallas/Kansas City, 1961-73; Washington, 1974), Ernie Wright (L.A./San Diego Chargers, 1960-67; Cincinnati, 1968-71; San Diego, 1972).
OG – Ed Budde (Kansas City, 1963-76), Wayne Hawkins (Oakland, 1960-69), Walt Sweeney (San Diego, 1963-73; Washington 1974-75), Bob Talamini (Houston, 1960-67; N.Y. Jets, 1968).
C – Jon Morris (Boston/New England, 1964-74; Detroit, 1975-77; Chicago, 1978).
DEFENSE (18)
DT – Houston Antwine (Boston/New England, 1961-71; Philadelphia, 1972), Tom Keating (Buffalo, 1964-65, Oakland, 1966-67, 1969, 1970-72; Pittsburgh, 1973; Kansas City, 1974-75), Ernie Ladd (San Diego, 1961-65, Houston, 1966, Kansas City, 1967-68), Tom Sestak (Buffalo, 1962-68).
DE – Earl Faison (San Diego, 1961-66; Miami, 1966), Rich Jackson (Oakland, 1966; Denver, 1967-72; Cleveland 1972), Ike Lassiter (Denver, 1962-64; Oakland, 1965-69; Boston/New England, 1970-71), Jerry Mays (Dallas/Kansas City, 1961-70), Gerry Philbin (N.Y. Jets, 1964-72, Philadelphia 1973).
LB – Dan Conners (Oakland, 1964-74), Larry Grantham (N.Y. Titans/Jets. 1960-72), E.J.Holub (Dallas/Kansas City, 1961-70), Mike Stratton (Buffalo, 1962-72; San Diego, 1973), George Webster (Houston, 1967-72, Pittsburgh, 1972-73; New England, 1974-76). 

CB – Butch Byrd (Buffalo, 1964-70, Denver, 1971), Dave Grayson (Dallas Cowboys, 1961; Dallas/Kansas City, 1961-64, Oakland, 1965-70).
S – Goose Gonsoulin (Denver, 1960-66; San Francisco, 1967), George Saimes (Buffalo, 1963-69; Denver 1970-72).
SPECIAL TEAMS (2)
P – Jerrel Wilson (Kansas City, 1963-77; New England, 1978).
PK – Jim Turner (N.Y. Jets, 1964-70; Denver, 1971-79).

https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/countdown-on-the-afl-stars-who-belong-in-canton

Giants Birthdays 5-28

Jay Alford DT D3-Penn State 2007 NYG 2007-2008, IR 2009 5-28-1983

NJ.com: Inside how Giants started a program to curb 1 common problem facing ex-NFL players | Why it reflects Mara family motto (7-01-2019)

“The Giants are wrapping Year 2 of an internship program for former players. Super Bowl XLVI champion Henry Hynoski was the inaugural graduate, and Super Bowl XLII champs Kevin Dockery and Jay Alford are nearing the end of their their year-long stints cycling through various departments like scouting, production, human resources and community relations.

Alford, who last played in the CFL in 2013, left a job designing graphics for a finance company for one where he creates images seen on the Giants social media accounts. He puts his Penn State degree to use.
“I was one of the lucky ones who knew what I wanted to do,” Alford said. "Growing up, I was always into art and graphics. To actually do it after football is a natural transition for me. It’s like family: It’s always good to come back and see them.”

The program is not meant for former players to hang around the locker room or inspire memories of past success. But it doesn’t hurt to have a few more sage voices around, especially with such a young roster.

“That space and time in my life was fun, but I’m in a whole different space,” Alford said. "But when I see them, I give them tidbits. With (Michael) Strahan being one of my mentors, giving them the same wisdom he gave me is always special.”

https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/07/inside-how-giants-john-mara-started-program-to-curb-1-problem-facing-ex-nfl-players.html

Tom Blanchard P D13-Oregon 1971 NYG 1971-1973 5-28-1948

Today in Football History: Highlighted Year: Tom Blanchard, 1974

“Age: 26
4th season in pro football, 1st with Saints
College: Oregon
Height: 6’0”   Weight: 190

Prelude:
A quarterback in college, Blanchard had problems with an injured knee as a senior and split time with sophomore Dan Fouts, who would go on to a Hall of Fame career as a pro. He was chosen by the New York Giants in the 12th round of the 1971 NFL draft and caught on as the punter. In three years with the Giants, Jennings punted 169 times for a 41.6-yard average, with a high of 42.7 in 1972. He was beaten out by Dave Jennings in the 1974 preseason, but when the Saints cut P Donnie Gibbs following the first game, Blanchard took his place.

1974 Season Summary
Appeared in 13 of 14 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Punting
Punts – 88 [4]
Most punts, game – 10 at Atlanta 10/20
Yards – 3704 [2]
Average – 42.1 [2, 1st in NFC]
Best average, game – 47.5 (on 6 punts) vs. LA Rams 11/17
Punts blocked – 0
Longest punt – 71 yards

Saints went 5-9 to finish third in the NFC West.

Aftermath:
Blanchard spent another four seasons with the Saints and averaged 41.3 yards on 447 punts. He again led the NFC with a 42.4-yard average in 1977 and proved adept at dropping punts inside the 20. The arrival of kicker Russell Erxleben, a first-round draft choice in 1979, caused the Saints to trade Blanchard to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he remained for the last three years of his career. An injury finished his ’81 season in the third week and he was released afterward. Overall, he averaged 41.3 yards on 819 punts for his career. Blanchard returned to his hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon and coached high school football for 18 years, as well as softball.”

https://fs64sports.blogspot.com/2015/07/highlighted-year-tom-blanchard-1974.html


Jay Bromley DT D3-Syracuse 2014 NYG 2014-2017 5-28-1992

Ron Dixon WR D3-Lambuth 2000 NYG 2000-2002 5-28-1976

Eric Schubert PK UDFA-Pittsburgh 1985 NYG 1985 5-28-1962

NYT: SCHUBERT IS READY NOT TO KICK AGAIN (12-25-1985)

“The betting line for the wild-card game here Sunday favors the San Francisco 49ers over the Giants by 3 points. Theoretically, that means that one field goal by Eric Schubert of the Giants would make the teams even and two would win the game for the Giants.
Schubert shrugged off the mathematics. ''I don't care about that,'' he said. Perhaps, then, he would be happy if the outcome came down to one kick.
''No,'' he said with a smile. ''I'd like to kick a couple of field goals and win by two touchdowns.''
A couple of field goals would be a change of pace because the field goal has suddenly disappeared from the Giants' offense. Schubert became the kicker in midseason and in his first five games made 10 of his 12 attempts. But in the last three weeks, he has tried only one field goal, a 27-yarder last Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, and he missed.

Snap Was High and Wide
On that kick, Bart Oates's snap was high and outside and Jeff Rutledge, the holder, had to stretch to pull down the ball. Schubert's timing was thrown off, he lunged at the ball and the kick sailed wide to the right. Coach Bill Parcells said that regardless of the snap, he thought Schubert could have made the kick good.

Schubert says his timing begins when he sees Rutledge reach for the ball. Rutledge says Schubert is one of the few kickers who watches the snap rather than the spot where the holder will place the ball. Schubert says Gary Anderson, the Steelers' Pro Bowl kicker, watches the snap, too.
''Basically,'' said Schubert, ''kicking is all technique. I've missed three this year, and on all three I know what I did wrong. I don't think too much about what I did wrong.''
Kicked in Exhibition Game
For the first half of this season, the 23-year-old Schubert did not think much about anything except his jobs as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach at Lakeland Regional High School in Wanaque, N.J. He had kicked for the Giants in one exhibition game, and then his season appeared over.

But when Ali Haji-Sheikh's tender hamstring acted up and his replacement, Jeff Atkinson, missed his two attempts in one game, Schubert found himself with a new job. It consisted of a few field goals and conversions, a few kickoffs and a lot of watching and waiting.
''The waiting comes with the job,'' he said. ''You go in once or twice a game and kick a field goal, and if you miss people want to know why. But put someone on the sideline and have them kick one or two a game and see how they take it. If a quarterback has only two pass attempts a game and both have to be touchdowns, you'll see how the pressure is.''

There is pressure of another sort on Schubert. Haji-Sheikh, an all-pro as a rookie two years ago, is on injured reserve, but well enough to kick. He works out with Schubert every day, a situation that might leave another kicker looking over his shoulder.
Told the Job Was His
''We get along very well,'' said Schubert. ''I get along great with everyone. Bill told me it's my job, just keep kicking the ball and it'll be all right.''

Life has been all right for Schubert since he rejoined the Giants.
''I have a better job now,'' he said. ''I'm doing what I want to do now. I haven't been teaching, but maybe I will after the season.''

Meanwhile, despite his chunkiness at 5 feet 7 inches and 193 pounds, Schubert is an athlete, more so than people realize.
''Basically,'' he said, ''I'm a hockey player. I grew up in Massachusetts, and I've been skating since I was 3. In football, I was a tailback and a safety in high school, and I played a little defensive back in practice. I chose kicking because that was my best chance to make the pros.''
Always on the Upbeat
Now he is a pro about to appear in his first playoff game. Parcells said there was no need to pump up Schubert for the occasion.

''He's all right,'' said Parcells. ''He always seems to be upbeat.''
Until recent weeks, Schubert also seemed to be busy kicking field goals. If the game came down to a field goal, Parcells was asked, would he feel comfortable with Schubert?
''Absolutely,'' said the coach.”

In Memoriam

Bill Paschal FB UDFA-Georgia Tech 1943 NYG 1943-1947 Born 5-28-1921 Died 5-26-2003

Paschal Comes From Nowhere To Put Pro Giants in Playoff by Sam Davis
New York Tribune (12-19-1943)

“Dazed and amazed by it all, William Avner Paschal Jr., who was out two years after playing all of three minutes of college football – as a freshman – as the National league’s leading ground gainer.
Shy, blond and blue-eyed Bill Paschal came from nowhere as a nobody to put the New York Giants in the eastern division playoff for the right to battle the Chicago Bears for the championship.
The recurrence of a knee injury suffered while starring for Tech high of Atlanta put the 22-year-old, six-foot, 1930-pound Paschal on the sideline at Georgia Tech, where he matriculated on a scholarship.  Bill Alexander knew what he had.
“Oddly enough, smiles the personable Paschal, who is just a big kid. “I didn’t hurt the knee playing football.  I hurt it falling out of a double-decker bed while asleep at the University of Georgia, where my high school team was having fall practice.”
Young Paschal made the all city, state and southern teams in 1929, was coached by Gabe Tolbert, who turned out such luminaries as Tom Hargrove of Alabama and Stumpy Thomason of Georgia Tech.
Christmas of 1940 found Paschal minus the knee cartilage.  Georgia Tech paid the bill, but Bill married comely Carolyn [Brown], whom he met in college, had to drop out of school to be a bread winner, worked in the railroad yards.  From the time of his operation until August of this year, Paschal did not have a football in his hands.  But he possessed campus fever, hung around the Tech grounds, elbowing and chewing the fat with youngsters who would have been classmates.  Last March Coach Alexander asked Paschal if he would be interested in returning to football.  “Sure,” said Bill, “if my knee –”

Alexander buzzed Grantland Rice, who wrote Steve Owen.  Paschal arrived in New York in May, got a job in Brooklyn shipyard.
Professional players of any kind – especially the football variety – are hard to get these days, so you can imagine Stout Steve Owen’s delight when at Bear Mountain in August the unheralded  unknown snapped right into it – as tho he’d been playing all the while.  Whatta pickup!

Modest Bill Paschal gives all credit to Tuffy Leemans.  The Giants have the old college try, he points out, are nervous and tense before each game, fight for death ole Steve.  The lad talks with a pronounced southern accent.
Paschal played only briefly when Sid Luckman set records as the Bears smothered the Polo Grounders, 56-7, was grounded for practically three full games as the result of injuring his ankle in the match with Green Bay.  Yet he carried oftener than any other back in the circuit – 147 times for 572 yards and an average of 3.9.
Paschal assisted in coaching Trinity high of New York this fall, will be head man next season.  He is anxious to complete his education, plans to be a college coach.  At home he fiddles with a motion picture camera just purchased, taking shots of Billy III and Diane, eight weeks.
He is fond of mother’s cooking especially southern fried chicken, but his pretty missus better not hear of this.
His only idiosyncrasy is that his socks must be neatly straight in football shoes that fit perfectly, which is precisely how Bill Paschal fits into professional football.

William Avner “Billy” Paschal Jr., inducted in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 for Football.  Georgia Tech Football Letterman ’42.  Pro Football with the New York Giants ’43-’47 and the Boston Yanks ’47-’48  Paschal became the first player to win back-to-back rushing championships in the NFL, gaining 572 yards in nine games his rookie year and 737 yards in 10 games his second year.  Named the Rookie of the Year in ’43 when he scored 12 touchdowns.  Named All Pro ’43, ’44, ’45.  He played through the 1948 season and had 2,430 yards for his career.”

http://paschal-paschall.com/2019/08/27/pascal-comes-from-nowhere-to-put-pro-giants-in-playoff/

Jim Thorpe TB FA-1925 NYG 1925 Born 5-28-1887 Died 3-28-1953

By 1925, Jim Thorpe was so tattered and torn, the New York Giants paid him $200 per half, figuring that's about all he would last.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1990-10-31-1990304188-story.html

Eisenberg for NYDN: How Tim Mara went from paper boy to bookmaker to becoming the patriarch of football's first family in new book on NFL's beginnings

“Meanwhile, March began to construct the team. He started by hiring a coach, Bob Folwell, a former wrestler whose penchant for foul language had cost him several college coaching jobs. March then signed “name” players such as Century Milstead, a tackle from Yale, and Henry “Hinky” Haines, a Penn State running back. Mara, the innate promoter, believed the roster needed more exciting players for the Giants to compete, both on the field and for the attention of fans. It was a thrilling time for sports in New York City. Babe Ruth was bashing home runs. Tunney fought regularly at Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and the Polo Grounds, and Jack Dempsey, the world heavyweight champion, also fought in the city. The Army-Navy college football rivalry drew sellout crowds, as did games featuring Notre Dame. Fordham and New York University fielded popular football squads. Desperate to get the Giants noticed, Mara struck a deal with Jim Thorpe, hoping his presence on the team would generate newspaper coverage. But March doubted that Thorpe, now thirty-eight, could still play, given his sore knees and fondness for alcohol, so while his teammates would be paid either by the game or for the season, Thorpe would earn $250 per half, in case he tired and had to sit on the bench after halftime.

To drum up interest for the team’s first home game on October 18 against the Frankford Yellow Jackets at the Polo Grounds, Mara hired a publicist, bought newspaper ads, courted sportswriters, and paid for sound trucks to drive around the city blaring details about the game. He walked around with packs of tickets in his pockets but gave most away, unable to sell them. It was a humbling experience. He was accustomed to his ventures enjoying immediate success.
A day before the game, the Giants and Yellow Jackets played at Frankford’s tiny home field near Philadelphia. The Giants lost, 5–3, with the decisive points coming on a safety when the Yellow Jackets blocked a New York punt through the back of the end zone in the second quarter. Yet again, the game received no coverage in the New York Times, which devoted its eight-page sports section the next day almost entirely to college football results. Army had defeated Notre Dame, 27–0, before 80,000 fans at Yankee Stadium.

The Giants took a Saturday evening train back to New York after their game. The next day, Mara and his wife and sons attended morning mass at Our Lady of Esperanza Church on 156th Street, then stood outside the church for a few minutes before heading to the game. “Well, I’m going to see if I can put pro football over in New York,” Mara told a friend before leaving. The game attracted 27,000 fans. Although less than half had paid for their tickets and the crowd was meager compared to the big college game the day before, Mara was encouraged. This was more interest than he had expected.

He hoped the Giants would put on a show. Early in the first quarter, Thorpe took a handoff and stumbled a few yards downfield. Mara, sitting on the bench, turned to his publicist and exclaimed, “Isn’t that the greatest run you’ve ever seen?” A football expert he was not.
Mara’s teenage son, Jack, was on the field with him, working a sideline yard marker. Mara’s wife and younger son, nine-year-old Wellington, were seated in the stands behind New York’s bench. Their side was in the shade, and Wellington came home with a cold, prompting Lizette to suggest moving the Giants’ bench to the other side of the field, where the sun shone. “He made that switch and we’ve been on that side ever since,” John Mara said.
In the end, the game was a disappointment. The Giants lost, 14–0, and the Thorpe experiment came to an inglorious conclusion. After losing a fumble in the second quarter, the once-great star limped to the sidelines and pitched forward onto a tarpaulin, either exhausted or drunk, possibly both. He would not earn $250 for playing in the second half. Mara and March had seen enough; the Giants were through with Thorpe.”

url] https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-sports-end-zone-mara-book-20181025-story.html[/url]

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

“Head coach Bob Folwell, a successful college coach in the East, oversaw the Giants’ numerous stars, including former All-Americans Century Milstead (Yale), Rhett Bomar (Vanderbilt), Art Carney (Navy), Bob Nash (Rutgers) and Joe Alexander (Syracuse).
The Giants’ most famous player on the field was the estimable Jim Thorpe, considered one of the finest athletes in sports history as a college football All-American, professional football player, Olympic decathlete and pentathlete, and professional baseball player. Though past his prime at 37 years old in 1925, Thorpe still garnered attention and contributed to victories. He split the 1925 season between the Giants and the NFL’s Rock Island Independents, and then played another three seasons of pro football.

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.

Newspapers reported on the match-up, but a visit from the fledgling NFL team was hardly considered major news.
Courtesy of the New Britain Herald
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-played-in-new-britain/article_d4b74f24-7000-11e8-8baf-4711e13593bf.html

Shawnee History: Shawnee history: It happened in October of 1925

“An announcement came on October 28, 1925, that Jim Thorpe, famous Indian athlete, had been released by the New York Professional Football Club. It was said because of failure to get into proper playing condition for competition.
He came to the New York team from Rock Island, Illinois, which also held a franchise in the new national league. It was with the understanding that he must get into condition to obtain an engagement there. Two weeks earlier he played against a Philadelphia team, but failed to show anything like his old-time form and was withdrawn. He had been handicapped by an injured knee, which failed to respond to treatment. Officials of the New York team said Thorpe's contract would revert to Rock Island, but it was considered doubtful that he would play again during the season.
Thorpe was 39 years of age, and his failure to gain a regular position on the local team led athletic observers to see the end of his spectacular athletic career. The big Indian had a checkered career, but also one of the most marvelous all-around records in competitive circles...”

https://www.miamiok.com/news/20191228/shawnee-history-it-happened-in-october-of-1925?
Lots of good history reading today!  
truebluelarry : 5/28/2020 3:40 pm : link
Jim Thorpe, Tim Mara, Bill Paschal...even Eric Schubert :-)

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