Sunday Reading

Giants

Schwab Yahoo Sports: 2020 NFL Preview: With Eli Manning gone, Joe Judge and Daniel Jones are the Giants' new hope
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/2020-nfl-preview-with-eli-manning-gone-joe-judge-and-daniel-jones-are-the-giants-new-hope-130058231.html

Emory Hunt: NFL Team Preview: New York Giants
- What to expect from Jones in Year 2?
- Judge's Courtroom
- Investment in OL & Defensive Athleticism
...and more (Video)
https://t.co/3J9qnZFsaU?amp=1

Slater NJ.com: Giants salary cap update: How much space do they have entering training camp? Impact of Leonard Williams contract, Aldrick Rosas release?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/07/giants-salary-cap-update-how-much-space-do-they-have-entering-training-camp-impact-of-leonard-williams-contract-aldrick-rosas-release.html

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

Traina Forbes.com: 5 New York Giants With The Most To Prove In Training Camp
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2020/06/28/five-giants-with-the-most-to-prove-in-training-camp/amp/

Traina SI.com: David Tyree Reveals the Biggest Thing Missing from the Giants Offense
in an exclusive interview, the Super Bowl XLII hero and new Clean Juice Bar business owner believes the Giants are headed in the right direction, but they're missing one critical aspect on offense that he said was vital to Eli Manning's growth as a young quarterback.
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/david-tyree-reveals-the-biggest-thing-missing-from-the-giants-offense

RV SNY: Giants Mailbag: On the futures of Leonard Williams and Markus Golden

“One is that when the Giants and Williams were actually trying to get a long-term deal done late last season and earlier this offseason I never got the sense that they were particularly close in terms. Williams, from what I understand, wanted to be paid like a premier pass rusher (think $18-20 million per year) and the Giants didn’t want to pay that amount.
And now a deal like that is almost impossible to do. The NFL is facing a very uncertain season, probably with games with no fans in the stands, possibly with a reduced number of games, and almost certainly with a big loss of revenue. That will affect the 2021 salary cap and maybe future caps, too. Since no one is sure exactly how, it’s hard to offer players big deals right now.
But there’s also this: While Giants GM Dave Gettleman is all in on Williams after his controversial trade for him last October, I don’t think everyone else in the organization is. Gettleman is on the hot seat and the Williams trade could be one of his biggest mistakes. 
It’s hard to see John Mara and Steve Tisch doubling down on that deal with a big contract when even they don’t know if Gettleman will be here next season. And does Joe Judge want Williams? Who knows?
So there’s too much uncertainty and not enough common ground for a deal to make sense. My guess is the July 15 deadline to sign Williams will pass quietly and maybe they’ll all revisit a long-term deal after the season. Maybe.”

“The status of Golden is basically unchanged. He’s still a free agent and, since the Giants put the “May 5 tender” on him, he’s only got until July 22 (or the first day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later – and that may turn out to be July 28) to find a new team, otherwise his only option is to sign a one-year, $4.125 million deal with the Giants.
And there is no indication that any other team is interested in signing him for more than that.
It’s always possible someone has talked to him or his agent, of course, and that we just don’t know it. But I think it’s clear that if someone wanted Golden for more than that amount he would’ve signed already. He’s been a free agent now for 3 ½ months and that red-line price of $4.125 million has been set for two of them. Everyone knows the deal, but no other team has stepped up.
Will that change? Deadlines often spur action and maybe some team that had a lukewarm interest will have a late change of heart. But for the most part, teams aren’t flush with cap room right now and their rosters are fairly set. My sense is the Giants feel pretty confident Golden will be coming back to them.”

https://sny.tv/articles/giants-mailbag-on-the-futures-of-leonard-williams-and-markus-golden

Schwartz NYP: Giants mailbag: Pass rush hinges on Lorenzo Carter improvement
https://nypost.com/2020/07/03/giants-mailbag-pass-rush-hinges-on-lorenzo-carter-improvement/amp/

Art Stapleton The Record: The structure of NFL training camps this season will be fascinating, especially if teams are tasked to use the first 21 days as an acclimation period for strength and conditioning and no on-field work.
Creates a scenario in which we won't see actual practice until mid-August.

With the NFLPA reportedly pushing for no hotel stays for players, makes me believe teams will continue to do meetings virtually while spending minimal time at facilities over that acclimation period.

Zoom meetings from home either early morning or later at night make sense.

You can probably have position meetings with social distancing in the facility, but beyond that, entire offense, defense or special teams meetings conducted in person seems unlikely.

Could see those on Zoom with many away from the facility after their work/training sessions.

Maybe more than any of the other sports, NFL is going to have to reinvent the way it does most things, at least for the time being, and that goes for coverage from a media perspective, too.

Still so many unknowns involved, as reporters, we're going to have to ride the wave a bit

Art Stapleton The Record: Giants have officially hired Dr. Lani Lawrence as director of wellness and clinical services.
Previously a clinical + sport psychologist at USC and for USA Track & Field.
She's assumed duties of director of player engagement/development, a post held most recently by David Tyree.

Dr. Lani Lawrence: "What I was tasked to do was to make our rookies better. But also to make the players better. I'm fortunate that everybody within the organization has those same goals, from ownership to the head coach to the people that I work with in player development."

More from Dr. Lani Lawrence on the player engagement and development component in new role with the Giants: "I get to support the players emotionally, physically and mentally, and my hope is that it translates onto the field."

Giants have restructured the player engagement/development program with Lawrence now part of a group that includes assistant director Ashley Lynn, OLB coach Bret Bielema, STC Thomas McGaughey and Jessie Armstead.

Player engagement and development falls under the umbrella of esteemed senior VP of medial services Ronnie Barnes.

These moves within the Giants' scouting department are now official:
Marquis Pendleton is now an area scout after serving as BLESTO scout. Started in organization as a PR intern.

Hannah Burnett is the new Midlands scout.

Blaise Bell is the new BLESTO scout.

The scouting restructuring falls under Gettleman's umbrella with other influence from within the organization. I'm sure Judge had influence in how the player development/engagement department would be restructured. I think overall NYG have realized it's a much-needed makeover.

Raanan ESPN NY: Giants name Hannah Burnett as team's first female full-time scout
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29404304/giants-name-hannah-burnett-team-first-ever-full-female-scout?

Dunleavy NYP: Giants hire Hannah Burnett as team’s first full-time female scout
https://nypost.com/2020/07/02/giants-hire-hannah-burnett-as-teams-first-full-time-female-scout/

Stapleton The Record: NY Giants make team history, hiring Hannah Burnett as first full-time female scout

"I want to go in there like everyone else goes in there and go about my business like a pro. Everything else will work itself out if I go about my business the right way."

https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/07/03/hannah-burnett-becomes-ny-giants-first-female-scout/5368658002/

Vasquez The Record: NFL players want to skip 2020 preseason entirely: what it means for NY Jets and Giants
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/07/03/giants-jets-why-players-want-to-skip-preseason-in-2020/5372699002/

Coach

Schwartz NYP: Giants’ Joe Judge can finally unpack, self-reflect ahead of season
https://nypost.com/2020/06/30/giants-joe-judge-can-finally-unpack-self-reflect-ahead-of-season/amp/

Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge carrying Bill Belichick leadership-council model to Giants
https://nypost.com/2020/07/04/joe-judge-carrying-bill-belichick-leadership-council-model-to-giants/amp/

Offense

Schofield BBV: Building the Giants’ offense: Imagining a Jason Garrett passing script
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/6/30/21306883/ny-giants-news-jason-garrett-passing-script-daniel-jones

QB

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: Nick Falato of Giants Country/SI.com joins today's program to preview the Giants quarterback position ahead of training camp (Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN9817332162.mp3?

Thompson SI.com: Daniel Jones and Dwayne Haskins: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/daniel-jones-and-dwayne-haskins-a-tale-of-two-quarterbacks

Valentine BBV: Colt McCoy: Prototype backup QB could be important member of New York Giants
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/6/28/21304916/colt-mccoy-prototype-backup-qb-could-be-important-member-of-new-york-giants

Thompson SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Alex Tanney, QB
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-alex-tanney-qb

RB

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: On today's podcast nickfalato and I preview the Giants running back position (Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN6339627717.mp3?

FB

Traina SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Eli Penny, FB
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-eli-penny-fb

WR

Ragazzo SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Golden Tate, WR
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-golden-tate-wr

Thompson SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Sterling Shepard, WR
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-sterling-shepard-wr

Ragnazzo SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Darius Slayton | WR
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-darius-slayton-wr

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Who will be the Giants’ No. 4 wide receiver in 2020? Analyzing 6 candidates for the job
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/07/who-will-be-the-giants-no-4-wide-receiver-in-2020-analyzing-6-candidates-for-the-job.html

Traina SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Da'Mari Scott, WR
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-damari-scott-wr

Clemons SI.com: Giants Player Profile | David Sills V, Wide Receiver
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-david-sills-v-wide-receiver

Clemons SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Binjimen Victor, Wide Receiver
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-binjimen-victor-wide-receiver

TE

Joyce NYP: Evan Engram looks ready for next step in Giants return
https://nypost.com/2020/06/30/evan-engram-looks-ready-for-next-step-in-giants-return/amp/

PFF Giants: Evan Engram stats the past two seasons:

2018: 45 catches, 8.7 YAC/reception (ranked 2nd behind Kittle), 6 avoided tackles.

2019: 44 catches, 5.7 YAC/reception (ranked 12th), 1 avoided tackle.

Imagine Engram playing at 100% for a full season

Falato SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Levine Toilolo, TE
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-levine-toilolo-te

Falato SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Eric Tomlinson, TE
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-eric-tomlinson-te

OL

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: Today, BrandonThornNFL, a well-known O-line expert, joins me on the podcast to talk about the Giants O-line (Audio)
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/getting-to-the-heart-of-the-offensive-line-issues#click=https://t.co/QHNJwJy6aY

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: Coach geneclemons joins the podcast for the first time to help break down the Giants OL and DL before camp
(Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN2394327427.mp3?key=f499542ba3e50db76513886835e39b65

T

Thompson SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Nate Solder, OT
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-nate-solder-ot

Salomone Giants.com: Giants Now (7/2): Andrew Thomas making 'tremendous' improvement
https://www.giants.com/news/andrew-thomas-kynan-forney-nfl-draft-georgia-bulldogs-marc-colombo

Raanan ESPN NY: Giants' Andrew Thomas: Right or left tackle in his rookie season?
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/60958/giants-andrew-thomas-right-or-left-tackle-in-his-rookie-season?

Schwartz NYP: Giants gifting Andrew Thomas left tackle job would be mistake
https://nypost.com/2020/06/27/giants-gifting-rookie-andrew-thomas-left-tackle-spot-would-be-mistake/amp/

Ragazzo SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Andrew Thomas, OT
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-andrew-thomas-ot

Valentine BBV: Can Giants — and their fans — have patience with rookie OT Matt Peart?
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/7/1/21307707/matt-peart-profile-ny-giants-90-man-roster-analysis

Falato SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Eric Smith, OT
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-eric-smith-ot

G

Giants.com: Kevin Zeitler discusses virtual offseason programming, preparing for 2020 season
Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler joins John Schmeelk to discuss the progress the Giants made throughout the virtual offseason program and getting ready for the upcoming season (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/kevin-zeitler-virtual-offseason-program-marc-colombo-joe-judge-john-schmeelk

Schwartz NYP: Rookie Shane Lemieux reminding Giants of champion Rich Seubert
https://nypost.com/2020/07/01/rookie-shane-lemieux-reminding-giants-of-champion-rich-seubert/amp/

Clemons .SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Chad Slade, OL
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-chad-slade-ol

Valentine BBV: Giants’ UDFA OL Kyle Murphy offers intriguing versatility
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/6/30/21306076/ny-giants-90-man-roster-udfa-ol-kyle-murphy-offers-intriguing-versatility

C

Valentine BBV: Spencer Pulley is probably the Giants’ starting center, like it or not
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/7/4/21312423/spencer-pulley-is-probably-the-giants-starting-center-like-it-or-not

Falato BBV: Film study: As a starter, Giants’ Spencer Pulley leaves much to be desired
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/6/29/21304714/film-study-spencer-pulley-ny-giants-analysis-projection

Defense

Duggan The Athletic: The Giants want to recreate New England’s defense: How close is their personnel?

ICYMI, sized up the defensive personnel of the 2020 Giants and 2019 Patriots. Giants DL has a much more impressive pedigree, Patriots secondary is significantly better. Found the LB comparison to be most interesting. Not easy to find pieces to fit scheme

https://theathletic.com/1901404/2020/06/30/the-giants-want-to-recreate-new-englands-defense-how-close-is-their-personnel/

Lombardo NJ.com: These 6 Giants are the foundation of rebuilt defense in 2020
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/06/these-6-giants-are-the-foundation-of-rebuilt-defense-in-2020.html

Pflum BBV: Summer School 2020: The Tite Front - what it is and how to beat it
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/6/26/21291442/summer-school-2020-the-tite-front-what-it-is-and-how-to-beat-it-giants-patrick-graham-analysis

DT

Sikkema The Draft Network: WHAT CAN GIANTS EXPECT FROM LEONARD WILLIAMS IN 2020?
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/leonard-williams-expectations-giants-2020

Lombardo NJ.com: If Giants sign veteran to contract extension, here’s who NFL salary cap expert says Dave Gettleman should prioritize
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/07/if-giants-sign-veteran-to-contract-extension-heres-who-nfl-salary-cap-expert-says-dave-gettleman-should-prioritize.html

Thompson SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Dalvin Tomlinson, DL
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-dalvin-tomlinson-dl

Valentine BBV: Giants need to see production from DT R.J. McIntosh
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/6/28/21304919/giants-need-to-see-production-from-dt-rj-mcintosh

Thompson SI.com: Giants Player Profile | Chris Slayton, DL
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-chris-slayton-dl

Edge

Valentine BBV: Can Chris Peace be part of Giants’ pass-rushing puzzle?
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/6/30/21306200/can-chris-peace-be-part-of-ny-giants-pass-rushing-puzzle

OLB

Lombardo NJ.com: Why Oshane Ximines is Giants’ X-factor in 2020
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/06/why-oshane-ximines-is-giants-x-factor-in-2020.html

ILB

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Is David Mayo the Giants’ most underrated player? Why Sports Illustrated thinks so
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/06/is-david-mayo-the-giants-most-underrated-player-why-sports-illustrated-thinks-so.html

Falato SI.com: Giants Player Profile: Josiah Tauaefa, ILB
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-josiah-tauaefa-lb

CB

Ragazzo SI.com: Exploring How the Giants Might Deploy Their Cornerbacks
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/exploring-how-the-giants-might-deploy-their-cornerbacks

FS

Salomone Giants.com: Xavier McKinney ready to contribute wherever needed
https://www.giants.com/news/xavier-mckinney-nick-saban-joe-judge-2020-nfl-draft-alabama-crimson-tide

Salomone Giants.com: Julian Love explains how Giants bonded virtually
https://www.giants.com/news/julian-love-joe-judge-notre-dame-fighting-irish-graduate-training-camp

Giants.com: Julian Love discusses bonding with teammates during virtual offseason program
Second-year defensive back Julian Love joins Madelyn Burke to discuss how Joe Judge has brought the team together this offseason despite the virtual setting (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/julian-love-virtual-offseason-program-notre-dame-madelyn-burke

Falato BBV: Julian Love film study: How does he fit with Giants in 2020?
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/7/4/21311575/julian-love-film-study-how-does-he-fit-with-ny-giants-in-2020

SS

Falato BBV: Giants Player Profile: Jabrill Peppers, S
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-player-profile-jabrill-peppers

Valentine BBV: Jabrill Peppers: Is what you see what you get, or is there more to unwrap with Giants safety?
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/7/3/21308817/jabrill-peppers-is-what-you-see-what-you-get-or-is-there-more-to-unwrap-with-giants-safety

FS

Joyce NYP: Xavier McKinney is more than ready for this Giants challenge
https://nypost.com/2020/06/28/xavier-mckinney-is-more-than-ready-for-this-giants-challenge/amp/

NFL

King FMIA: FMIA Guest: Joe Browne Looks Back At AFL-NFL Merger, 50 Years Later

“Giants owner Wellington Mara told his peers that he had just signed standout Buffalo Bills kicker Pete Gogolak, who had played out his AFL option with that team. It was the first time an AFL player was jumping to the NFL. I wasn’t in attendance but later was told it was one of the more emotional league meetings ever held. How could the Giants, who knew about the Schramm-Hunt talks, have thrown gasoline on a burning fire? What were the usually-NFL loyal Giants thinking? Mara defended the move by replying that Rozelle earlier had told him there was no legal reason Gogolak could not sign.
When the league meeting ended, several of the most influential NFL owners met privately in the hotel. They agreed that the financial madness in player signings had to end. The group instructed Schramm to convince his close friend Rozelle, who leaned more to fighting than merging, to get onboard and bring these merger talks to a conclusion. Pete, who  believed the AFL was spending itself out of business, finally agreed...”

The 1970’s

“Rozelle decided to take a different approach on Friday, Jan. 16. He believed some owners had talked so much that even they didn’t know what division they wanted. He had received enough feedback during this entire process that he knew the rivalries that were critical to each owner and those which were secondary. That morning, Pete told the clubs that the 49ers, who via the merger agreement had a veto right to any alignment plan they did not like, had agreed to respect Pete’s authority to force an alignment. Pete then recessed the meeting for 20 minutes. He had a chalkboard that contained five different alignment scenarios labeled 1 through 5 wheeled into The Fish Room.  Pete gave it one last shot. If there were no consensus on any one plan, he would draw the number of the winning alignment out of a hat and they all could go to the airport. Fifty years ago, hardly any owner had a private plane, or a yacht for that matter. They flew on commercial jets and ate peanuts just like the rest of us.
The owners accepted this game-plan because they had become as tired of the arguments as Pete. In addition, it was Friday and they wanted to get out of town. Several had been on the road since the pre-Super Bowl activities in New Orleans the previous week.
When the recess was over, Pete unveiled the board and the owners viewed the possibilities. Some got up and moved to the front of the room to see the board close-up. Others sat back in their chairs and looked at the combinations. Most were resigned to the fact that regardless of which plan was selected they would only get a slice of what they had been fighting for all these months.

“Without even a drumroll, Thelma reached in, pulled out a slip and announced that the winning plan was number 3.  Owners squinted at the chalkboard to see where their teams were in Plan 3.
Tex Schramm let out a little cheer and smiled at Cowboys owner Clint Murchison who was beside him. Plan 3 was the ONLY combination that had the Cowboys in the same division as the Giants, Redskins and Eagles. Schramm, the former public relations and television executive, knew the added exposure his team received by playing teams in those three large markets twice a year. The Cowboys since their inception had played most seasons (but not all) with those three teams in their division. They made it clear they did not want to lose those rivalries. Despite the odds stacked against them, they got their way at the end. (Did I mention that Thelma worked alongside Tex when both were with the Rams in the 50s?  Strictly coincidental, Cowboys Haters.)”

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/06/28/fmia-guest-joe-browne-afl-nfl-merger/

Breer MMQB: Cam Newton to New England; Team Doctors Discuss COVID-19 Spread; More
What Norv Turner, Cam Newton’s last full-time offensive coordinator, told Bill Belichick about the former MVP. Plus, two former NFL team doctors talk about disease spread in an NFL locker room, we remember our friend Don Banks and much more
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/06/29/cam-newton-new-england-patriots-team-doctors-covid

Breer MMQB: Mailbag: Is 2020 a Make or Break Year For Jimmy Garoppolo?
Plus, a look at how close the Bills are from a Super Bowl, the Patriots making moves to free up cap space, when Tua Tagovailoa might start and what will likely happen with the Jets and Jamal Adams
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/07/01/nfl-mailbag-jimmy-garoppolo-tua-patriots

Orr SI.com: Every NFC Team's Most Underrated Player

“Giants
David Mayo, LB
Pro Football Focus’s second-best run defender among linebackers in 2019, Mayo drastically improved his coverage stats and missed tackle numbers to earn himself more of a regular role on defense last year (and was awarded with a contract extension in kind). While the Giants will continue to struggle defending backs and tight ends, Mayo is an example of a true workhorse who is developing his game to fit a changing NFL.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/06/27/every-nfc-team-most-underrated-player

Orr SI.com: Every AFC Team's Most Underrated Player
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/06/26/every-afc-team-most-underrated-player

Corry CBS Sports.com: Agent's Take: Examining decline of running back salaries after Adrian Peterson calls market 'disrespectful'
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-examining-decline-of-running-back-salaries-after-adrian-peterson-calls-market/

Riske PFF: Ranking the NFL’s best pass-blocking offensive lines on longer developing plays

On long developing plays, The Giants offensive line kept Jones clean longer than average and has a chance to be even better in 2020.

9. NEW YORK GIANTS
2019 ranking on long plays: 8th
2019 ranking on intended long developing plays: 12th
Starters lost: C Jon Halapio (56.1), RT Mike Remmers (69.0)
New starters: T Andrew Thomas (89.0*)
The New York Giants’ offensive line got some of the blame for Daniel Jones’ fumbling issues, but this wasn’t justified by any means. The Giants’ offensive line kept Jones clean longer than average, and they have a chance to be even better in 2020: Will Hernandez is supposed to improve in Year 3, Kevin Zeitler had his worst season in a long time and is expected to bounce back and rookie Andrew Thomas should be able to replace the non-impressive Mike Remmers. Will Daniel Jones make a sophomore-year jump? If not, don’t blame the offensive line.

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-the-best-offensive-lines-on-longer-passing-plays-las-vegas-raiders-tennessee-titans

BALTIMORE
Preston Baltimore Sun: NFL needs ‘Hail Mary’ to beat coronavirus and get on field
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/analysis/preston/bs-sp-preston-nfl-july4-20200704-37hnagpktfgahbakyxwfkpcky4-story.html

Shaffer Baltimore Sun: The Ravens’ offseason program is over, but the NFL’s ‘dead period’ can still shape the season ahead
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-coronavirus-judon-franchise-tag-20200701-5zdai4jxjrdxpibckni7ws33ke-story.html

Karpovich SI.com: Ravens' Ronnie Stanley is steadfast advocate for pet adoption
https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/ravens-stanley-dogs

BUFFALO
Skurski Buffalo News: How Sean McDermott is preparing for a training camp unlike any other
https://buffalonews.com/sports/inside-the-bills-how-sean-mcdermott-is-preparing-for-a-training-camp-unlike-any-other/article_5c4d8182-bc9f-11ea-a6e6-7306d67e779c.html

Carucci Buffalo News: Inside the 'Iron Bills Games,' a team-bonding experience in a time of coronavirus
https://buffalonews.com/sports/inside-the-iron-bills-games-a-team-bonding-experience-in-a-time-of-coronavirus/article_d4392ed4-b728-11ea-97ed-67ba068facc6.html

CINCINNATI
Sheeran CincyJungle: Bengals OL coach Jim Turner graded Hakeem Adeniji as 2nd-round player
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2020/6/30/21307082/bengals-ol-coach-jim-turner-hakeem-adeniji-2nd-round-grade-senior-bowl-kansas-jayhawks-football

CincyJungle: Interview: Billy Price is healthy and ready to prove himself
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2020/6/29/21303744/interview-billy-price-is-healthy-and-ready-to-prove-himself

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Did the Browns really talk to Cam Newton before he signed with the Patriots? Hey, Mary Kay!
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/07/did-the-browns-really-talk-to-cam-newton-before-he-signed-with-the-patriots-hey-mary-kay.html

Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Which looming contract decisions should we watch? Cleveland Browns 20 questions for ‘20
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/07/which-looming-contract-decisions-should-we-watch-cleveland-browns-20-questions-for-20.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: David Njoku’s new agent Drew Rosenhaus asks Browns to trade him by start of camp, but they want to keep him, source says
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/07/david-njoku-asks-the-browns-to-trade-him-his-agent-drew-rosenhaus-tells-espn.html

Adam Schefter ESPN: 1/2 Browns’ TE David Njoku and his agent Drew Rosenhaus asked today for the team to trade him. The Browns told Njoku they would like to keep him, but Rosenhaus told them he’s intent on a trade. They want a trade before training camp.
2/2 About David Njoku’s trade request today to the Browns, agent Drew Rosenhaus said: "It is in David's best interest to find a new team at this time."

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Have we seen the best of Myles Garrett? Cleveland Browns 20 questions for ‘20
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/07/have-we-seen-the-best-of-myles-garrett-cleveland-browns-20-questions-for-20.html

GREEN BAY
Kruse Packerswire USA Today: Packers pre-training camp 53-man roster predictions: Quarterbacks
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/30/packers-pre-training-camp-53-man-roster-predictions-quarterbacks/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans lineman Max Scharping built confidence, knowledge as rookie starter
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-lineman-Max-Scharping-strong-rookie-starter-15376453.php

JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Six things to look for from Jaguars a month before training camp opens

“Will Yannick Ngakoue be traded?
This standstill is problematic for the Jaguars. Ngakoue wants out, and he's not going to make anything easy for the franchise. For most, it would be an easy decision to sign the Jaguars' $17.8 million non-exclusive franchise tag tender offer and get on with the business of playing football. Also, it would be easier for the Jaguars to trade Ngakoue if he signed the tender so teams would have the assurance of knowing he would be under contract for the 2020 season. But Ngakoue is firm on his convictions. He is not likely to back down from his previous statements of wanting out of Jacksonville. It is time for both sides to move on. At some point, the Jaguars will have to seek the best trade offer instead of waiting on a team to meet their trade wishes. The NFL deadline for the Jaguars to re-sign Ngakoue to a long-term deal is July 15. If the deadline passes without an extension, Ngakoue will have to play under the terms of the franchise tag tender. He could decide to sit out the season by not signing the franchise tag tender.”

https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200630/six-things-to-look-for-from-jaguars-month-before-training-camp-opens

MIAMI
Jackson Miami Herald: Details on new rules impacting how Dolphins fans will get news. And new NFL/COVID rules
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article244001557.html

MINNESOTA
Coller Purple Insider: Which Vikings would be most hurt by a shortened preseason?
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/coller-which-vikings-would-be-most-hurt-by-a-shortened-preseason

NEW ENGLAND
Reiss ESPN Boston: Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (Cam Newton's arrival in New England has striking similarities to Randy Moss in 2007; Marshall Newhouse's inside perspective on Cam/Patriots; 2021 draft pick re-set; homegrown QB streak could end etc.).
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4820458/cam-newton-joining-patriots-has-similarities-to-randy-moss-in-07

Reiss ESPN Boston: Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (21 members of organization gather for TV show; scouts Steve Cargile and Ronnie McGill; Scar's insight on Isaiah Wynn; why a Wonderlic score of 17 or 18 is defining line for Patriots with o-line etc.)
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4820412/21-members-of-patriots-organization-gather-for-tv-special

Castleberry Boston Herald: Signing Cam Newton is all upside for Patriots
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/07/01/signing-cam-newton-is-all-upside-for-patriots/

Guregian Boston Herald: Bill Belichick plays all the cards right to land former NFL MVP Cam Newton
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/06/29/bill-belichick-plays-all-the-cards-right-to-land-former-nfl-mvp-cam-newton/

Shaughnessy Boston Globe: If Cam Newton is healthy, this is a Patriots signing to get excited about
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/29/sports/if-cam-newton-is-healthy-this-is-signing-get-excited-about/

Brinson CBS Sports.com: Cam Newton to Patriots: What are his injuries, why didn't other teams sign him, how will Pats offense look?
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cam-newton-to-patriots-what-are-his-injuries-why-didnt-why-didnt-other-teams-sign-him-how-will-pats/

Curran NBC Sports Boston: Cam Newton’s presence could put Jarrett Stidham on a Jimmy Garoppolo timetable
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/cam-newtons-presence-could-put-jarrett-stidham-jimmy-garoppolo-timetable

Preston Baltimore Sun: With Patriots, Cam Newton has to beat the new style of quarterback he helped create
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/analysis/preston/bs-sp-cam-newton-20200630-z4ci4yvotnbp5gsxo5i5fiw2ie-story.html

Hyde Sun Sentinel: Belichick’s masterstroke of signing Cam Newton and sidestepping cheating talk
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-patriots-newton-20200629-x5ffrr5befaobmkriyhr7gum6i-story.html

McDonald NYDN: QB specialist Quincy Avery breaks down Cam Newton’s fit with the Patriots
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/ny-cam-newton-new-england-patriots-offense-quincy-avery-20200703-35ufgmgncjfdbbm2pphk7gwwqq-story.html

Gil Brandt NFL.com: Patriots are first team in NFL history to lose an MVP QB and replace him with another MVP QB in same offseason. It is the third time a team lost an MVP and added another MVP in same offseason:

-2005 Cardinals: Emmitt Smith/Kurt Warner
-2000 Dolphins: Dan Marino/Thurman Thomas

NEW ORLEANS
Johnson Nola.com: Maybe it's not fair to compare Saints' Tommy Stevens to Taysom Hill — but it's hard not to
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_3113ef98-bcad-11ea-b1d1-e30a41899502.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
Barnwell ESPN: Is this Sam Darnold's last chance? A progress report on the Jets QB and what to expect in 2020
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29402013/is-sam-darnold-last-chance-progress-report-jets-qb-expect-2020

PHILADELPHIA
Mosher Inside The Birds: The Buzz: What Eagles Do With Ertz, Goedert Contracts?
https://www.insidethebirds.com/post/the-buzz-what-eagles-do-with-ertz-goedert-contracts

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles rookies likely won't cross-train at multiple positions in 2020 training camp
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-rookies-likely-wont-cross-train-multiple-positions-2020-training-camp/

PITTSBURGH
Gosselin SI.com: Continuity -- and defense -- win in Pittsburgh
The Steelers have remained loyal to the 3-4 defense for 37 years and it has paid impressive dividends
https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/loyalty-to-the-3-4-defense-has-paid-dividends-for-the-steelers

SAN FRANCISCO
Madson Ninerswire USA Today: 49ers training camp roster primer and depth chart projections
https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/07/04/49ers-training-camp-roster-depth-chart-primer/

Maiocco NBC Bay Area: 49ers' D.J. Reed sidelined after sustaining torn pectoral muscle
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-dj-reed-sidelined-after-sustaining-torn-pectoral-muscle

SEATTLE
Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is making a push for racial equality in the NFL
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/06/30/seahawks-head-coach-pete-carroll-is-making-a-decided-push-for-equality-in-the-nfl/

Stone Seattle Times: Why Seahawks coach Pete Carroll’s compassionate leadership approach could be more important than ever
https://tdn.com/ap/larry-stone-why-seahawks-coach-pete-carroll-s-compassionate-leadership-approach-could-be-more-important/article_4be8e0a3-94cc-527d-8f33-e0699e93dfa8.amp.html

Condotta Seattle Times: Is this the year Seahawks QB Russell Wilson separates himself from the rest of the NFL?
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/is-this-the-year-seahawks-qb-russell-wilson-separates-himself-from-the-rest-of-the-nfl/

Calkins Seattle Times: Bill Belichick’s signing of Cam Newton proves he’s still a step ahead of the NFL. And yes, that includes the Seahawks
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/bill-belichicks-signing-of-cam-newton-proves-hes-still-a-step-ahead-of-the-nfl-and-yes-that-includes-the-seahawks/

Clayton 710 ESPN Radio Seattle: Jadeveon Clowney could end up deciding between Seahawks and sitting 2020 out
https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1000280/clayton-clowney-seahawks-may-sit-season-out/

WASHINGTON
Carpenter Washington Post: As the Redskins consider a name change, Daniel Snyder’s inner circle is smaller than ever
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/04/redskins-consider-name-change-daniel-snyders-inner-circle-is-smaller-than-ever/?

Carpenter Washington Post: Ron Rivera says it ‘would be awesome’ if Redskins change name by start of 2020 season
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/04/ron-rivera-redskins-name/

Brewer Washington Post: The old name is dead. Daniel Snyder wouldn’t backtrack from “NEVER — you can use caps” to a team statement vowing to consider “the best interest of all in mind” without resignation that his protection of tradition must end
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/03/daniel-snyder-no-longer-has-choice-he-knows-it-this-controversy-has-reached-its-endgame/

Mark Maske Washington Post: From our story, source familiar with the discussions between Daniel Snyder and the NFL: “You know where this leads. They’re working on that process [of changing the name]. It will end with a new name. Dan has been listening to different people over the last number of weeks.”

Keim ESPN Washington: Washington Redskins' nickname has been under scrutiny for decades
https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/40107/washington-redskins-nickname-has-been-under-fire-for-decades

John Keim ESPN Washington: Had to go on SportsCenter earlier today. Among the nuggets: said that I had been told Snyder had been in contact with the league about this before this past week. Yes could happen sooner rather than later (1) But they have to work through a lot of things: how a possible change impacts the league; marketing/sales etc; cost comes from having to change signage, merchandise, marketing material. No exact timeline from the NFL. Skins Will be talking to NA groups, military, alums, fans.

I’d be real surprised if the colors changed. I know the sentiment from some was theyd want to move forward with traditions that matter (band/colors/song/etc). Which those are not 100 %sure. The NA connection has mattered to them. Interesting to see where it goes.

Carpenter Washington Post: Tribal leaders, politicians: Redskins’ review of name is step toward NFL being on ‘right side of history’
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/03/tribal-leaders-politicians-redskins-review-name-is-step-toward-nfl-being-right-side-history/

Orr SI.com: Five Potential New Names for Washington’s Football Team
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/07/03/five-potential-team-names-for-washington-football-team-dan-snyder

Colleges/Draft

Rang SI.com: NFL cancels 2020 supplemental draft due to Covid-19 pandemic
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-cancels-2020-supplemental-draft-due-to-covid-19-pandemic

Crabbs The Draft Network: 2021 Draft Rankings
https://thedraftnetwork.com/prospect-rankings

Rang SI.com: Clemson teammates lead official NFLDraftScout 2020 Preseason All-American Team
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/clemson-teammates-lead-official-nfldraftscout-2020-preseason-all-american-team

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Notre Dame
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-notre-dame

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Illinois
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-illinois

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Indiana
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-indiana

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Iowa
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-iowa

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Maryland
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-maryland

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Michigan
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-michigan

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Michigan State
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-michigan-state

Rang SI. Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Minnesota
https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-minnesota

Rang SI.com: Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Nebraska
https://www.si.com/.amp-draft/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-nebraska

QB
Reid The Draft Network: We hear it every year. Next years QB class is better than the previous one. The 2021 crop is already receiving plenty of hype and rightfully so.

I took a deep dive into a few of the top names and shared some opinions from NFL scouts on each
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/2021-nfl-draft-summer-scouting--quarterbacks

Jetemiah NFL.com: Scouting Trevor Lawrence: QB similar to Deshaun Watson
https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-trevor-lawrence-qb-similar-to-deshaun-watson

Fran Duffy Eagles.com: Scariest part about Trey Lance is the arrow is only pointing up. Example of a play he makes for a TD that didn’t have to be quite as hard, but it worked anyway. Reading defenses, both pre- & post-snap, comes with more reps. Can’t wait to watch him over next few years in college!

WR
Goodbread NFL.com: LSU is leading the Wide Receiver U title chase -- and thanks to Ed Orgeron's wide-open offense and top-level recruiting, the pipeline to the NFL appears endless.
https://www.nfl.com/news/pipelines-to-the-pros-wide-receivers

PFF College: Highest-graded WR by down:

1st: Ja'Marr Chase, LSU
2nd: Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
3rd: Tutu Atwell, Louisville
4th: Aaron Fuller, Washington

T
PFF College: Highest-graded power-five OT by down:

1st: Penei Sewell - 92.5
2nd: Penei Sewell - 94.6
3rd: Penei Sewell - 86.9

History

Giants

PFF Giants: Chase Blackburn ranked 20th in PFF grade among qualified linebackers from weeks 13 through the Super Bowl in 2011.

During the playoff run, he was the 2nd highest graded player on the Giants defense after Justin Tuck

Life

Hyde Sun Sentinel: Here’s the story of a real Miami Dolphins hero for Fourth of July

“They’re all gone now. All his bomber crew. The letters stopped years ago, the reunions stopped before that, and of the eight surviving members of that haunting mission — the ninth, the pilot, was killed that day over Germany — Charley Winner is the only one left.
“It was a great crew,‘' he says. “All of us 19, 20 years old.”

It’s July 4 on Saturday, a day for American patriots, so let’s tell of the Miami Dolphin who was a hero far beyond the sports pages.
Before Winner was in the Dolphins’ front office for a decade, before he helped stock the roster as director of personnel during Don Shula’s Super Bowl runs in the 1980s, before he was the St. Louis Cardinals head coach and Shula’s defensive assistant in Baltimore — long before his NFL path began, Winner flew on a B-17 Flying Fortress dropping bombs over Germany in World War II.

He was 19 then. He was called into the war off the football field of Southwest Missouri State. He was a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps, a radio man and waist gunner, operating a machine gun on the workhorse bomber of American air attacks. His crew was based in England and would play touch football on the runway before flying across the English Channel and France to reach Germany.

“When you got to Germany, you’d be on edge, because you’d get shot from the ground with flak — bombs that would explode in the air and the shrapnel could destroy a plane,‘' he said. “Our pilot, a great guy, saved us a lot of times. We’d get hit and come back on two or three engines. I never worried about coming back, though.”

He chuckled. “I was young.”
For 16 missions, everything worked fine. On the 17th mission early in 1945, they flew at 20,000 feet over Hamburg and saw flak exploding well beneath them. They took at a second run across the city to drop their bombs, and the flak adjusted. They got hit. Their pilot got killed immediately. The B-17 began spinning out of control.

“I grabbed my shoes — we were always told to grab our regular shoes — and started running to bail out the back door of the airplane,‘' Winner said. “When I got to the door, there was someone hesitating there. He got kicked out the door.
“We had parachutes on, and I always said if I ever had to bail out I’d keep the rip cord as a souvenir. I don’t even I remember pulling the thing, I was so frightened. The one thing I remember is our airplane making a big semi-circle as it headed to the ground.”
Winner and his crew landed in a small town outside Hamburg. As he hit the ground by a wood pile, several young girls came running to him.

“I thought this was interesting,‘' he said.

They ran by him to get the silk of his parachute. By then, German soldiers had guns on him. They marched him and his crew through the unpaved streets as people threw stuff at them.
“Their propaganda led them to believe everyone flying for America was murders, convicts and criminals,‘' Winner said. “They called us, ‘Luftgangsters.’ They thought we had to fly so many missions rather than be in jail.”
He was put in a cell and interrogated by a German who said he was in Brooklyn before the war. The German said he’d return to Brooklyn before Winner did. After a few days in that small jail, Winner was taken by train across Germany to the town of Barth on the Baltic Sea. A prison specifically for airmen was built there and held 10,000 prisoners.
A couple of months passed on bread and water. Their were plans to escape, but none succeeded.

“One morning we got up and there wasn’t a German in sight,‘' Winner said. “The Russians had come through. The Germans took off. We walked into town. We found a big sheep, and butchered it. We hadn’t had any meat for a long time. It tasted like candy.”

They found a warehouse full of Red Cross parcels the Germans didn’t feed the prisoners. They took those to town and traded them for cigarettes or wine. They were on their way home at that point, which meant for Winner back to the football field.

He attended Washington University in St. Louis on the GI Bill, something he couldn’t have afforded before the war. Winner played football there for Weeb Ewbank and, despite the coach’s warning, asked his daughter, Nancy, out for ice cream.

How’d that work out? They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last week. He left the Dolphins in 1991, and now they live in Fort Myers.

Winner’s 96th birthday was Thursday. He planned to do some exercise, as he does three or four times a week, and have some ice cream with his date.
Asked what his war experience means all these years later, Winner said: “It means I’m lucky. Lucky for how it ended, and lucky to live in this country. All the opportunities we have here. I’m just a kid from Somerville, N.J., who got to go to college, and then coach pro football and work in an NFL front office. Yeah, I’m lucky.”

Happy Fourth of July.”

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-charlie-winner-20200703-ygwdnimkwfenjgriat7na6feiq-story.html

Hyde Sun Sentinel: Two old Dolphins and a black-and-white lesson for today’s America
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-sunday-column-20200627-ujquyjnxsjaoznsqiek6uigewq-story.html

HOF

Kerr CBS Sports.com: Former NFL MVPs that did not make the Hall of Fame and how they fell short of Canton
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-nfl-mvps-that-did-not-make-the-hall-of-fame-and-how-they-fell-short-of-canton/

Judge SI.com: Who are the 10 best AFL players not in Canton? Grayson, Chiefs dominate poll
https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/ten-best-afl-players-not-in-canton

Dan Daly: Scoring machine Art Powell is deservedly on this list. With the Raiders in 1963 he caught 5 TD passes vs. 2 different teams. Haven't found anybody else in AFL or NFL history who's ever done that in a single season

Judge SI.com: Lance Alworth weighs in on "AFL Call for the Hall" with his top 10 choices
https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/lance-alworth-chooses-10-best-afl-stars-not-in-canton

Buffalo

Maiorana Rochester Democrat: Maiorana's Memories: Buffalo Bills' no-huddle offense was never better than in 1991
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2020/07/03/buffalo-bills-no-huddle-offense-never-better-than-1991/3250063001/

QB

Dan Daly: Today's NFL Short List: QBs who posted a winning record as a starter in every season they started at least 1 game (since WW2):

MOST SEASONS:
Tom Brady* -- 19
Roger Staubach -- 10
Otto Graham -- 6 (+ 4 in the All-America Conf. = 10)

*active

You know who almost made this list? Daryle Lamonica. 9 seasons with a winning record as a starter, then he went 1-2 with the '73

HB

Borges SI.com: State Your Case: "Deacon" Dan Towler is the greatest running back no one knows
https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/state-your-case/dan-towler-is-greatest-back-no-one-remembers

Walker Ironton Tribune: George McAfee one of the greatest players in NFL history
https://m.irontontribune.com/2020/07/04/mcafee-one-of-the-greatest-players-in-nfl-history/

WR

Turney SI.com: Guest columnist: Art Powell was more than a star; he was a "touchdown machine"
https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/art-powell-and-hall-of-fame

Stuart Football Perspective: Forgotten Stars: Jimmy Orr

Orr led the NFL in yards per reception 3 times.
50 years later, Orr remains the all-time leader in game-winning TD catches.

With the Steelers, Orr had one of the great four-game stretches in receiver history. In the final 4 weeks of his rookie year, he topped 600 yards during a time when no other player hit 400 yards. He caught 2 game-winning TDs during this stretch and had 200 yards in a 3rd game.

With the Colts, Orr had to compete with first Berry and Moore and then John Mackey, too, for receptions. And while those 3 are all in the Hall of Fame, Orr more than held his own, and led Baltimore in receiving yards 4 times.

But the most remarkable thing about Jimmy Orr is that he caught nine game-winning touchdowns in the 4th quarter, including one where he came back from the hospital to to so.

http://www.footballperspective.com/forgotten-stars-jimmy-orr/

G

Owaczarski Mil JS: Where are they now? Iron man Adam Timmerman still hasn't figured out retirement
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/06/30/where-they-now-iron-man-adam-timmerman-still-hasnt-figured-out-retirement/5256752002/

DT

Dochterman The Athletic: From ‘Mad Duck’ to ‘Mongo’: Alex Karras’ wild days of food, feuds and football
https://theathletic.com/1888262/2020/06/30/iowa-football-alex-karras-forest-evashevski-fued-iowa-city-hall-of-fame/

Trivia

Dan Daly: Today's NFL Trivia Question: Steve Young was the 1st QB to do it. Vinny Testaverde was the 2nd. Peyton Manning was the 3rd. What is it?

Answer: Young, Testaverde & Manning were the first 3 guys to QB an NFL team to 12 wins in a season after QB-ing one to 12 losses in a season. (Or vice versa.) Peyton did it in back-to-back years, & Vinny nearly did that

Today's NFL Trivia Question: Of all the RBs who rushed for 5,000+ yards in their first 5 seasons, I rushed for the fewest yards after that

Answer: Lions great Billy Sims -- 0. Sims rushed for 5,106 yards in his 1st 4 1/2 seasons, blew out his knee, never played again.

If you want to get me crying, just mention Sims or Sayers or any of these RBs whose careers were cut short by injury. Look at William Andrews' game-by-game for the '81 Falcons (rushing on left, receiving on right). Had 100+ yards from scrimmage in 14 games. The other 2: 96 & 92.

Dan Daly: Today's NFL Trivia Question: Excluding strike seasons (and replacement games), only 2 receivers in NFL history have had a 250-yard receiving game & finished the year with less than 1,000 receiving yards. Who finished with the fewest?

Answer: Bills rookie Jerry Butler had a 255-yard receiving game in 1979 and finished the season with 834 (after missing 3 games). The Chiefs' Stephone Paige is the only other receiver with a 250-yard receiving game who didn't reach the 1,000-yard mark that year

Another strange aspect of Butler's 1979: He's the only guy in NFL history who caught 4 TD passes in a game and didn't catch any other scoring passes that season

Dan Daly: Today's NFL Trivia Question: This one will get you thinking. What do Pete Pihos, Sterling Sharpe and Calvin Johnson have in common with utterly forgettable Redskins receiver Malcolm Kelly?

Here's the connection between these 3 great receivers-- HOFer Pete Pihos, Sterling Sharpe and Calvin Johnson -- and Malcolm Kelly: They all had a 100-yard receiving day in their final NFL game

Chase Stuart Football Perspective: What have Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, and Marvin Jones done that no other WR in NFL history has done?

The answer, as guessed by a couple of you, is having multiple 4-receiving TD games.

Jones did it with the Bengals in a 49-9 blowout against the Jets, and then with the Lions in a 42-30 loss to the Vikings.

All 8 came in the red zone, with 6 inside the 10-yard line.

Giants Birthdays 7-05

Kevin Boothe C/LG/RG W-OAK 2007 NYG 2007-2013 7-05-1983

John Johnson W-CHI 1969 NYG 1969 7-05-1941

Jim Miller P W-DAL 1987 NYG 1987 7-05-1957

Frank Youso RT D2-Minnesota 1958 NYG 1958-1960 7-05-1936

International Falls Journal (1-26-2009)

Mark Bowden, author of “The Best Game Ever Played,” refers to that particular game as “the birth of the modern NFL.”
The game’s fame was illustrated recently as Youso’s 6-foot, 4-inch titanic frame was ensconced in an airline seat destined for Baltimore. He and son Shawn were headed for the 50th anniversary reunion of the game’s surviving players.
As word quickly spread aboard that December flight, passengers were soon asking Youso for his autograph something which is fairly routine in the 72-year-old’s life after pro-football. His mail still includes collector cards and other items from fans asking for his signature. But Youso, whose pro tenure includes the New York Giants, the Minnesota Vikings and the Oakland Raiders, clearly got a kick out of one woman’s request:
“She asked if she could touch me,” he said, looking amused.
The flight itself was a memory in the making for passengers who were also fans. Youso entertained them with his personal sketches of Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry who went on to become coaching legends, and of his renowned NFL colleagues such as Frank Gifford, Johnny Unitas and many others.
Deboarding, another woman shared a parting sentiment with Youso. She said that “meeting me was the best Christmas gift she ever had,” he recounted.
So what was it about that particular game in old Yankee Stadium that has propelled it through the decades as the single-most memorable contest in the history of football? The answers lie in the essence of a timely trio, say the analysts.

The primary reason is that for the very first time the championship game was nationally broadcast on television and 45 million people were watching. Add to that combined fumbles and the fact that the game went into the NFL’s first-ever overtime an occurrence which was then unformatted and unanticipated. The excitement “had people glued to their TVs,” Youso said.
Thirdly, the outcome was unexpected the Colts won 23-17. “If the Giants had won, it might have been just another game,” added Youso, whose position on the field would be changed for the second half of the game.
Born in South International Falls, the 1954 Falls High School graduate got his first athletic direction from local coaches Wayne Haglund, Les Hamalainen and Butch Larson. They were three of the best he ever had, Youso said. Youso was designated All State in his senior year and he chose to play football for the University of Minnesota Gophers, where he was selected All American in his junior year.
The No. 2 draft choice by the Giants in 1958, the offensive tackle was a rookie on that monumental evening when the greatest game was played.
The Colts were leading 14-3 at halftime when an injury to Giants defensive lineman Rosey Grier (who, as Bobby Kennedy’s bodyguard, would one day wrestle the gun from the hands of assassin Sirhan Sirhan) changed the course of the game.
Giants coach Jim Lee Howell paced the bench in a quandary, wondering who should replace Grier. Vince Lombardi (then the Giants’ offensive coordinator) suggested Youso because of his formidable size. Fatefully, the offensive tackle found himself playing defense in the second half, with lacerated and bleeding fingers.
The Giants took a 17-14 lead but the teams tied when the Colts rallied with 7 seconds remaining. Superstar plays by Unitas and Alan Ameche wrote history for the Baltimore Colts as well as for the NFL when the team’s victory arrived as the clock ticked into overtime.

Youso recently told another newspaper how he felt about being pulled from his usual position when the Colts’ touchdown brought sudden death for the Giants: “I was on the other side I was always glad about that.”
Youso told The Daily Journal about the intimidating rage exhibited by New York fans when the Giants lost a game. “They loved you when you won, but they were vicious when you lost,” he said.
In 1958, football was playing second fiddle to the nation’s favorite pastime baseball. Gifford, the golden boy of the New York Giants who became a well-known sportscaster, wrote in his recently published book “The Glory Game,” that football players in those days didn’t play for the fame: ... celebrity hadn’t really attached itself to professional football back then. Seventeen of those involved in the 1958 Giants-Colts game were future Hall-of-Famers.
Half a century later, Youso found himself reunited with five of the 15 still-living Giants (from an original team of 38) and 15 Colts alumni, in a gigantic room at the M& T Bank Stadium (home of the Baltimore Ravens). Neither Gifford or Grier attended, but Youso has kept in touch with them over the years.
Back during that first-televised championship, it would have been impossible to imagine the electronic evolution that would eventually create the high-tech media on hand to cover the reunion of its players 50 years later. The reunion included interviews by ESPN and Youso also shared his views on the famous game at the podium. Recently, ESPN ran a colorized version of the game which the alumnus said made him feel like he was on the field again.
The opening event of the three-day reunion drew about 2,500 fans and also raised over $500,000 for abused children, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and aging and destitute pro-football veterans. The alumni would also attend a private dinner with the Ravens and a reception with the top sponsors for the reunion.
Gifford’s book also included a description of who made up the team: History remembers the bold-faced names from the game that day. But most of the men who played ... in that glory game ... weren’t bold-faced guys. They were men of their time: war veterans, Depression small-town kids. They were down-to-earth Al Barry, and the always-laughing Frank Youso...”

Youso talked with The Journal about what moving to The Big Apple was like for a young guy raised on the isolated Canadian border.
“I went from Minnesota right to New York City,” he said. But the team all stayed in one little area of the Bronx, near the stadium. Youso brought his wife Mary to New York and she would deliver their first child, Raynita, in the same month as the famous game.
During the season, the athletes would spend their time between practice camp in Vermont and New York City, where the Yousos lived with the other players and their families in the fancy Concourse Plaza Hotel. It was just up the hill from the stadium and the Giants went back and forth on foot, past quaint little shops in the borough.
Youso can vividly recall the Yankee Stadium locker room and its camaraderie. And he got to know the clientele at a small Irish pub the players frequented priests such as Father O’Malley and a group of Irish cops. The young couple would sometimes go to the Copacabana (of the famous Barry Manilow song) on East 60th Street where they heard Nat King Cole perform. Dozens of famous singers made their debut at the Copa in the 1940s and 50s.
Borderland photos depict Youso’s return after the big game. One shows the hometown hero being interviewed by FHS Coach Larson at the airport; another shows him waving from a car in a main street parade which welcomed him home. Youso would play for the Giants through 1960 after which he went on to play for the Vikings, and finally the Oakland Raiders.
But Youso returned to his hometown for good after a knee injury ended his pro football career. He has lived most of his life in Borderland.

SI 2-06-1961

FOOTBALL “MINNESOTA VIKINGS, placing the accent on youth, included 13 first-year men among 36 selections from 12 other National Football League teams to form their first roster. They also picked experienced pros Frank Youso of New York, Hugh McElhenny of San Francisco and Don Joyce of Baltimore. Already at quarterback for the Vikings is George Shaw, acquired from New York earlier in a trade.”

SI 11-04-1963

“Not all of Al Davis' player changes have required salesmanship. A week before the opening game against Houston it was clear that Davis would have to cut one offensive tackle from the squad. The Raiders had two experienced offensive tackles who had looked miserable during the exhibition season. Everyone wondered which would go and which would stay. Davis aggressively released both and signed on Frank Youso, a former New York Giant who had just been cut by Minnesota. "That really jolted the team," says an Oakland official. "It made them realize that no one's job was secure. It was a dangerous move to make, bringing in a new man just before our first game. If Youso hadn't worked out, Al might have lost the confidence of the team." But Youso did work out, and the team has come to look upon Davis as some sort of miracle man...”

St.George News Tribune (11-22-2016)

“For as long as the recently settled class-action lawsuit against the NFL, filed on behalf of retired players now plagued by concussion-related brain injuries, had dragged on, International Falls’ Frank Youso wasn’t terribly optimistic that a resolution was imminent.
“They’ve got so much money that they just keep pushing it aside,” the 80-year-old Youso said by phone earlier this month of the richest sports league in the world.

Less than a week after Youso spoke those words, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the league’s $1 billion settlement that covers more than 20,000 former players.

He played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders, then a member of the American Football League. In 1958, the year Youso was drafted in the second round by New York, he appeared in the NFL championship game - the “Greatest Game Ever Played” - where the Giants lost in overtime to Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. After three years in New York, the Giants released Youso so he could play closer to home, with the expansion Vikings. The offensive tackle became the first player ever signed by the Vikings, butted heads with coach Norm Van Brocklin for two seasons (1961-62) and, following a short-lived retirement, spent his final three years with Al Davis and the Raiders.

Youso says he tore up both knees in Oakland - an injury to the right one ultimately ended his career. Today, he says, “I can’t feel anything in either leg, from my knees down to my toes.”
While those health issues are debilitating in their own right, more concerning is the effect of countless head impacts Youso endured on the field.
According to the complaint: “As a result, Youso has experienced cognitive and other difficulties including, but not limited to, headaches, dizziness, loss of memory, dementia, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, irritability, and neck and cervical spine arthritis and associated numbness/tingling.”
He says his neurosurgeon has told him he has signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
“If I’m going to get something in the garage, I have to go back about three, four times before I remember what it is,” Youso said.
The NFL estimates that 6,000 former players - or nearly three in 10 - could develop Alzheimer’s disease or moderate dementia, according to the Associated Press.
Youso is a 1954 graduate of International Falls. He went on to play football at the University of Minnesota.
He says his first salary in the NFL was $8,000, plus a $2,000 bonus. When he retired from the Raiders, he was making about $14,000. The recent settlement with the league stipulates that the average payout will be about $190,000, but that is dependent on several variables, including age and playing experience. Because Youso is 80, his payment will be significantly less.
He hated to see the lawsuit repeatedly shoved to the backburner, not so much because of what it meant for him but because others needed the financial assistance.
“I know people, people that I played with, who are worse off than me,” Youso had said. “They’re just hoping this comes through and they get a little money.”