Saturday Reading

Giants

Raanan ESPN NY: State of the Giants: Daniel Jones, Joe Judge are reasons for optimism

“"Daniel is going to be fine," Gettleman insisted last week after noting the No. 6 overall pick from 2019 did things last season that stood out -- like becoming the first rookie QB in NFL history to throw for at least 350 passing yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game (Week 16 against Washington). "He's going to be a fine NFL quarterback."
Gettleman is not alone in his assessment. Talking to league insiders, it seems like the general consensus. The Giants have their franchise quarterback, or at least a serviceable starter who can win.

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/61153/state-of-the-giants-daniel-jones-joe-judge-provide-reason-for-optimism

Leonard NYDN: Dave Gettleman still on Giants hot seat as he enters 3rd year as GM
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-dave-gettleman-hot-seat-20200912-5tzsibwbdvdsxaex6mi33gr7de-story.html

Schwartz NYP: Giants preview: Winning season a tall order for Joe Judge, Daniel Jones
https://nypost.com/2020/09/10/giants-season-preview-winning-record-a-tall-order-for-joe-judge/amp/

RV SNY: Game-by-game predictions for the Giants' entire 2020 schedule
https://www.sny.tv/articles/gamebygame-predictions-for-the-giants-entire-2020-schedule

Salomone Giants.com: Keys to Victory: How the Giants win on Monday night
https://www.giants.com/news/keys-to-victory-how-the-giants-win-on-monday-night

Dan Duggan The Athletic: 10 thoughts on the Giants heading into the season opener versus Pittsburgh

“Couldn't be a tougher Week 1 matchup for an offense with questions on the line and a quarterback trying to overcome fumbling issues. Add in that the Steelers were second in the NFL in interceptions and essentially return their entire defense and yikes!”

https://theathletic.com/2059368/2020/09/11/10-thoughts-on-the-giants-heading-into-the-season-opener-versus-pittsburgh/

Lombardo NJ.com: NFL Week 1 picks: Predictions for New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | How will Joe Judge era begin?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/09/nfl-picks-predictions-for-new-york-giants-vs-pittsburgh-steelers-how-will-joe-judge-era-begin-nfl-week-1.html

Thompson SI.com: New York Giants Notebook | A Hard Reset, Wide Receiver Concerns and More
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/new-york-giants-notebook-a-hard-reset-wide-receiver-concerns-and-more

Salamone Giants.com: 10 things to watch on Monday Night Football
https://www.giants.com/news/giants-steelers-preview-monday-night-football-week-1-2020-nfl-season

Raanan ESPN NY: Breaking Big Blue Podcast: In the year's season preview episode, ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan speaks with ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates and makes a surprising prediction ( Audio)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-big-blue-with-jordan-raanan/id1300714083?i=1000490830111

Coach

Lupica NYDN: Joe Judge steps into the Giant spotlight and now we find out if he can actually do the job
https://www.mcall.com/sports/giants/ny-joe-judge-giants-belichick-lupica-20200912-oki6pxlnczfedo6tscgfgtkzgm-story.html

Serby NYP: Joe Judge’s practice tirade was a punch to the nose for Giants
https://nypost.com/2020/09/10/joe-judges-practice-tirade-was-a-punch-to-the-nose-for-giants/

Joyce NYP: Joe Judge pokes fun at his Giants’ tough-love gambit
https://nypost.com/2020/09/12/joe-judge-pokes-fun-at-his-giants-tough-love-gambit/

Leonard NYDN: The Joe Judge-Mike Tomlin connection runs through veteran NFL assistant coach Amos Jones
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-joe-judge-mike-tomlin-20200912-iesvtwlmhbbvtbadlluwxn73zi-story.html

Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge’s real measuring stick begins Week 1 vs. Mike Tomlin
https://nypost.com/2020/09/08/joe-judges-real-measuring-stick-begins-in-week-1-vs-mike-tomlin/

Offense

Eisen Giants.com: OC Jason Garrett returns to roots as play-caller
https://www.giants.com/news/jason-garrett-to-call-plays-joe-judge-pittsburgh-steelers-dallas-cowboys

Schofield BBV: Giants vs. Steelers: Offensive game plan — let’s go sailing
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/9/12/21430558/giants-vs-steelers-offensive-game-plan-lets-go-sailing

Falato BBV: Giants vs. Steelers: When the Giants have the ball
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/9/10/21426209/giants-vs-steelers-when-the-giants-have-the-ball

QB

Stapleton The Record: Daniel Jones: The evolution of the NY Giants' quarterback as a franchise leader
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/09/11/daniel-jones-evolution-ny-giants-quarterback-leader-from-duke-to-the-pros/5754591002/

RB

Stapleton The Record: Inside Saquon Barkley's quest to be a complete running back for NY Giants
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/09/11/ny-giants-saquon-barkley-dion-lewis-running-backs-pass-protection/3438216001/

Joyce NYP: Saquon Barkley unsure he can reach his lofty Giants aspirations
https://nypost.com/2020/09/11/saquon-barkley-unsure-he-can-reach-his-lofty-giants-aspirations/amp/

Dan Duggan The Athletic NY: Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara become the latest top RBs to sign lucrative extensions before Year 4. Anyone thinking Saquon isn't getting his extension next offseason are delusional.

Can't sign an extension until after third season.

Today's extensions are irrelevant for Barkley. He'll be using McCaffrey's deal as a starting point. Only good news from today is New Orleans didn't go crazy and give Kamara more than CMC

Assuming he's healthy and productive this season, 4 years, $70M

C

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: Nick Gates will start at center, per Joe Judge. Won the job with a strong summer

LT

Rock Newsday: Giants rookie Andrew Thomas faces a test in his first career NFL game
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-andrew-thomas-1.49232216

Stapleton The Record: Why NY Giants' Andrew Thomas says he's ready for challenge against the best as rookie
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/09/11/andrew-thomas-how-ny-giants-rookie-welcomes-urgency-challenge-ahead/3465831001/

Defense

Leonard NYDN: Will Joe Judge’s defensive overhaul yield immediate results against Ben Roethlisberger’s Steelers?
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-joe-judge-defense-steelers-20200909-vxfxa5ookndwjlnadfitcpujua-story.html

Thompson SI.com: What Each Giants Projected Defensive Starter Needs To Prove in 2020
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/big-blue-plus/what-each-giants-projected-defensive-starter-needs-to-prove-in-2020

Pflum BBV: Giants vs. Steelers, Week 1: When Pittsburgh has the ball
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/9/11/21426289/2020-week-1-ny-giants-defense-pittsburgh-steelers-offense-new-analysis

OLB

Serby NYP: Lorenzo Carter determined to do part for Giants, social justice fight
https://nypost.com/2020/09/12/lorenzo-carter-determined-to-do-part-for-giants-and-social-justice-fight/

SS

Joyce NYP: Giants’ Jabrill Peppers embraces constant change: ‘Whatever it takes’
https://nypost.com/2020/09/11/giants-jabrill-peppers-will-do-whatever-it-takes-to-win/amp/

McDonald NYDN: Giants hinting at offensive role for Jabrill Peppers
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-jabrill-peppers-offense-20200911-4d75ws7qyzfsba3gfjm3l5s67u-story.html

ST

Joyce NYP: Giants could be giving starters some ‘special’ assignments
https://nypost.com/2020/09/11/giants-could-be-giving-starters-some-special-assignments/

NFL

Graziano ESPN NY: Inside new NFL roster rules for 2020: Expanded rosters, practice squad and injured reserve
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29820641/inside-new-nfl-roster-rules-2020-expanded-rosters-practice-squad-injured-reserve

Davis USA Today: USA TODAY Sports' 2020 NFL Super Bowl, playoff and MVP predictions
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/09/09/nfl-season-predictions-teams-playoffs-picks-super-bowl-mvp/5757269002/

The Ringer: The Ringer Staff’s 2020 NFL Playoff and Awards Predictions
https://www.theringer.com/2020/9/10/21429808/nfl-preseason-predictions-2020-patrick-mahomes-joe-burrow-chase-young

Treash PFF: The most overrated and underrated NFL teams ahead of the 2020 NFL season
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-overrated-and-underrated-nfl-teams-week-1-kickoff

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: Emotions in Motion: Why almost everything in the NFL happens before the snap
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/12/emotions-in-motion-why-almost-everything-in-the-nfl-happens-before-the-snap/

Farrar/Schofield Touchdownwire USA Today: 2020 NFL season predictions: From Super Bowl winner to first coach fired
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2020-nfl-season-predictions-from-super-bowl-winner-to-first-coach-fired/

Walder ESPN: SIMULATING ALL 269 GAMES OF THE 2020 NFL SEASON

Steelers 41 Giants 17
Giants 23 Bears 20
49ers 30 Giants 20
Rams 38 Giants 13
Cowboys 30 Giants 15
Redskins 31 Giants 3
Giants 30 Eagles 28
Buccaneers 27 Giants 9
Giants 34 Washington 23
Giants 19 Eagles 13
BYE
Bengals 28 Giants 9
Seahawks 28 Giants 7
Giants 25 Cardinals 21
Giants 27 Browns 20
Ravens 38 Giants 10
Giants 20 Cowboys 13

7-9

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/29548083/simulating-entire-2020-nfl-season-scores-storylines-all-269-games-plus-super-bowl-champion

Jason OTC: Breaking Down the 53 Man Rosters

NYG Average Age W/O QB; W/QB
Giants 25.66 25.76

Here is how our rosters this year will break down by draft round.

NYG:
Giants RD1 9 RD2 9 RD3 8 RD4 8 RD5 6 RD6 5 RD7 6 UDFA 7

Homegrown Rosters:

Giants On Roster 27 Roster% Homegrown 46.6% Originally Selected 49 On Other Rosters 22

Roster by Snaps:

Giants Returning Snaps 65.6% New Vet Snaps 26.4% Shortfall 8.1%

https://overthecap.com/breaking-down-the-53-man-rosters/

Wesseling NFL.com: QB Index, Week 1: Ranking all 32 starters entering 2020 NFL season

25. Daniel Jones - 2019 stats: 13 games | 61.9 pct | 3,027 pass yds | 6.6 ypa | 24 pass TD | 12 INT | 279 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 11 fumbles lost. Turnover prone as a rookie, Jones has a bit of a post-hype-sleeper feel with a new coaching staff and a stronger-than-advertised group of skill-position players.

https://www.nfl.com/news/qb-index-week-1-ranking-all-32-starters-entering-2020-nfl-season

Albert Breer MMQB: Running back deals this offseason ...

Christian McCaffrey, Carolina: 4 yrs, $64M.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans: 5 yrs, $75M.
Derrick Henry, Tennessee: 4 yrs, $50M.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota: 5 yrs, $62.5M.
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati: 4 yrs, $49.2M.

(Check back in 2 years on these.)

Kempski Phillyvoice: Week 1 NFL picks

“Picks against the spread: Football Team (+6), Bears (+3), Raiders (-3), Cowboys (-3), Steelers (-5.5), Titans (-1.5)”

“Steelers (-5.5) at Giants: The Steelers managed to go 8-8 last season while getting dreadful quarterback play from Mason Rudolph and that duck guy. If Ben Roethlisberger can merely be competent at this stage of his career, Pittsburgh should win more games this season.
Meanwhile, the Giants have won just 12 games in the last three seasons, one-third of which have come against Washington.”

https://www.phillyvoice.com/week-1-nfl-picks-spread-lines-betting-odds-2020-0599970/

ATLANTA
Butt AJC: Dirk Koetter feels caught up on calling Kyle Shanahan’s scheme
https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/dirk-koetter-feels-caught-up-on-calling-kyle-shanahans-scheme/RZZRVTMEUBC6VPYLBHNDETA6TM/

Vaughn McClure ESPN Atlanta: Matt Ryan career vs. Seahawks including playoffs: 5-2 record, 167-of-254, 1,755 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs, 11 sacks. [Ryan missed last year's game vs. Seattle with ankle injury].

BALTIMORE
Shaffer Baltimore Sun: ‘Ghost games,’ hot hands and canned noise: Imagining a Ravens season without fans
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-empty-stadium-20200909-psidqmvfnng6zg2pgpc35ppkuy-story.html

Walker Baltimore Sun: Ravens coach John Harbaugh refuses to let pandemic stop time as his team prepares for possible championship run
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-john-harbaugh-time-20200912-tevjsgkrhraydc4cw4zrqnb5jy-story.html

Preston Baltimore Sun: Browns have gone silent, but remain dangerous for Ravens
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/analysis/preston/bs-sp-dangerous-browns-20200912-pbomsnkc25ctbbsav7tqq5e7oy-story.html

Hensley ESPN Baltimore: Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh nixes face shield after seeing Andy Reid
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29862698/baltimore-ravens-coach-john-harbaugh-nixes-face-shield-seeing-andy-reid

BUFFALO
Wolf Buffalo News: An empty stadium amid a pandemic: A Bills season opener like no other
https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/an-empty-stadium-amid-a-pandemic-a-bills-season-opener-like-no-other/article_601b29d4-f3ab-11ea-9de5-df3e9a2cf3da.html

Gaughan Buffalo News: Xs and Os: Jets' Gregg Williams will test Bills' Josh Allen with DB pressure
https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/xs-and-os-jets-gregg-williams-will-test-bills-josh-allen-with-db-pressure/article_c339e11c-f398-11ea-a14c-3b69c9f788ea.html

Sal Capaccio WGR: The Bills are paying Devin Singletary and Zack Moss a TOTAL of $5.5M over the next three years.

Maybe some day they’ll have to make a decision on having to pay one or the other a huge contract, but for the next few years this is a great financial model for cap flexibility.

CAROLINA
Alexander Charlotte Observer: The biggest challenges the young Carolina Panthers defense will face this season
https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article245657075.html

CHICAGO
Kane Chicago Tribune: 5 Bears storylines for the 2020 season, including COVID-19 questions, the quarterback quandary and Ryan Pace’s pivotal year
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-2020-storylines-20200912-tikwubuwozanxpij35nrsig6yq-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Mitch Trubisky has the Bears starting QB job and is in a good place mentally. But how much will that mean?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-mitch-trubisky-confidence-20200906-lxamqgswmba47fgkanpr24y2ne-story.html

Dan Pompei The Athletic: Here is how an NFL scout reacted to the Bears’ QB decision. “They know Mitch, they know he can’t do it. I think it’s just a matter of time before Foles is the starter.”

CINCINNATI
Hobson Bengals.com: Bengals Notebook: Geno Streak Snapped At 96 Games As Bengals Turn To Fresh Faces
https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-notebook-geno-streak-snapped-at-96-games-as-bengals-turn-to-fresh-faces

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns 53-man reflects an offseason where status quo reigned
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/browns-53-man-reflects-an-offseason-where-status-quo-reigned.html

Bielek Cleveland Plain Dealer: John Harbaugh has a history of talking up opponents: What does it mean for the Browns on Sunday?
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/john-harbaugh-has-history-of-talking-up-opponents-what-does-it-mean-for-the-browns-on-sunday.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: John Harbaugh on Nick Chubb & Kareem Hunt: ‘By their own account, the 2 best backs in football. That’s been said in their camp’
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/john-harbaugh-on-browns-nick-chubb-kareem-hunt-by-their-own-account-the-2-best-backs-in-football-thats-been-said-in-their-camp-i-can-see-why.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announces he’ll call the plays over OC Alex Van Pelt this season
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/browns-coach-kevin-stefanski-announces-hell-call-the-plays-over-oc-alex-van-pelt-this-season.html

Gribble Browns.com: 10 questions with Baker Mayfield, who made the most of a unique offseason
https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/10-questions-with-baker-mayfield-who-made-the-most-of-a-unique-offseason

Ulrich Akron Beacon Journal: How a powerlifter transformed Browns' Baker Mayfield
https://amp.record-courier.com/amp/5779334002

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns safety Ronnie Harrison: ‘So relieved to be out of Jacksonville’ and on a team with a common goal
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/browns-safety-ronnie-harrison-so-relieved-to-be-out-of-jacksonville-and-on-a-team-with-a-common-goal.html?

DALLAS
Epstein USA Today: Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones on Dak Prescott negotiations: QB 'bet on himself and bet wisely'
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/09/11/dallas-vp-stephen-jones-dak-prescott-negotiations/5771784002/

Gehlken Dallas Morning News: Cowboys preview: CeeDee Lamb’s talent is obvious, but it’s an unseen attribute that makes him special
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/09/06/cowboys-preview-ceedee-lambs-talent-is-obvious-but-its-an-unseen-attribute-that-makes-him-special/

Pelissero NFL.com: The Cowboys are signing DE DeMarcus Lawrence to a one-year voidable extension for salary cap purposes, converting $15 million of his 2020 base salary to a signing bonus and clearing $12M in cap space this year, source said

Bucky Brooks Cowboys.com: Behind the Line: Griffen-Whitworth is Key Matchup
https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/behind-the-line-griffen-whitworth-is-key-matchup

Michael Gehlken Dallas Morning News: Cowboys elevated DB Brandon Carr from practice squad to 55-man roster. Club can do this with up to two PS players in a given week. Carr to play the 193rd straight game of his career Sunday vs. Rams. He started the first 192.

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos QB coach Mike Shula continues to lean on his father’s leadership example
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/06/broncos-qb-coach-mike-shula-leadership/amp/

O’Halloran Denver Post: Two starting running backs? Broncos feel they have good problem with Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/11/two-starting-running-backs-broncos-feel-they-have-good-problem-with-melvin-gordon-phillip-lindsay/

Klis 9News Denver: SUTTON IFFY FOR OPENER BUT BRONCOS PREPARED IF HE CAN'T GO
https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/courtland-sutton-status-broncos-home-opener/73-b5523ff1-ad47-46be-9e4d-2ecf5e1630dd

O’Halloran Denver Post: Two-tight end personnel may be Broncos’ best approach early in season
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/08/broncos-two-tight-end-personnel/

Newman Denver Post: Jake Butt eager to contribute for Broncos after injury-plagued start to career: “I’m putting that part of my life behind me”
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/11/broncos-jake-butt-tight-end-comeback-injuries/

Klis 9News Denver: MCMANUS GETS RARE SECOND CONTRACT EXTENSION FROM BRONCOS
https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/mcmanus-contract-extension/73-c99b898d-bf27-4fbc-98d9-93488e213bbe

DETROIT
Monarrez Detroit Free Press: Here's how Detroit Lions can win big in 2020: Keys to success
https://amp.freep.com/amp/5766703002

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Scouting Detroit Lions' defense and special teams: Changes everywhere, but for the better?
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/09/scouting-detroit-lions-defense-and-special-teams-new-starters/5745875002/

Monarrez Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Nick Williams: Ex-teammate, Chicago Bears' Mitchell Trubisky 'a good QB'
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/10/detroit-lions-nick-williams-chicago-bears-mitchell-trubisky/3462608001/

GREEN BAY
Demovsky ESPN GB: How David Bakhtiari went from 'quiet' rookie to Packers' lovable left tackle
https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/49486/david-bakhtiari-from-loser-t-j-langs-word-to-lovable-left-tackle?

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: Texans were sloppy and unprepared vs. Chiefs
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/article/McClain-Texans-were-sloppy-and-unprepared-vs-15561185.php

Sherman The Ringer: All of the Flaws in the Bill O’Brien Blueprint Were on Display in Week 1
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2020/9/11/21432284/bill-obrien-deshaun-watson-houston-texans-kansas-city-chiefs

Wilson Houston Chronicle: David Johnson has impressive Texans debut
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/David-Johnson-has-impressive-Texans-debut-15559001.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' Duke Johnson has sprained ankle, considered week-to-week
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-Duke-Johnson-has-sprained-ankle-15561520.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Colts quietly encouraged by rookie quarterback Jacob Eason's progress
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/5744039002

JACKSONVILLE
Frenette Florida Times Union: Jaguars can exceed expectations by learning to be a team
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/gene-frenette/2020/09/04/jaguars-minshew-can-overcome-being-nfls-youngest-teams-growing-up/5722550002/

KANSAS CITY
Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: Chiefs go against type, play bully-ball to take Texans to the woodshed
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/10/chiefs-go-against-type-play-bully-ball-to-take-texans-defense-to-the-woodshed/

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: How Kelechi Osemele expands and perfects the Chiefs' impossible offense
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/11/chiefs-clyde-edwards-helaire-kelechi-osemele/

LAS VEGAS
Josh Dubow AP: Raiders are 5-21 in early starts in Eastern time zone the past 10 years. They went 3-0 in 2016 (TB, Jax, Bal). The other wins were last year at Indy and 2015 at Cleveland. (The 2016 win at TB came after team spent week in Florida)

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Miller LA Times: Chargers GM Tom Telesco admits team a mystery until season starts
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-09-06/chargers-gm-tom-telesco-admits-team-a-mystery-until-season-starts?

Miller LA Times: Chargers’ opener against the Bengals will be a collision of question marks
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-09-12/chargers-open-season-coronavirus-cincinnati-bengals-tyrod-taylor?

Krasovic UTSD: With Philip Rivers in new spot, Colts and Bolts both favored to open 1-0 on road
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers-rams/story/2020-09-11/colts-philip-rivers-chargers-defense-bengals-joe-burrow

Miller LA Times: Chargers will be the first team to face Joe Burrow and they’re very familiar with him
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-09-07/chargers-season-opener-joe-burrow-cincinnati-bengals

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Thiry ESPN LA: From St. Louis to SoFi Stadium, only six Rams complete the journey
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/41923/from-st-louis-to-sofi-stadium-only-six-rams-complete-the-journey

Thiry ESPN LA: Los Angeles Rams, WR Cooper Kupp agree to 3-year extension
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29868713/sources-los-angeles-rams-wr-cooper-kupp-finalizing-3-year-extension?

Morgan LA Times: With no fans in SoFi Stadium, DJ Jamal McCoy will be music to Rams ears
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2020-09-11/no-fans-in-sofi-stadium-dj-jamal-mccoy-music-nfl-season-opener

Beacham AP: Rams defensive guru Brandon Staley took fast track to NFL
https://apnews.com/70d2a4e282101d34c60837f7af8a8ce1?

Klein LA Times: Rams’ Jalen Ramsey thrilled he can put football mind over money matters
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2020-09-11/rams-jalen-ramsey-thrilled-he-can-put-football-mind-over-money-matters

MIAMI
Beasley Miami Herald: After wild 2019 roster upheaval, quiet Miami Dolphins seem comfortable with ’20 squad
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article245532765.html

Volin Boston Globe: Ryan Fitzpatrick’s remarkable career continues with another start vs. Patriots Sunday
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/10/sports/ryan-fitzpatricks-remarkable-career-continues-with-another-start-vs-patriots-sunday/

Adam Schefter ESPN: Ryan Fitzpatrick officially named the Dolphins’ Week 1 starting QB at New England.

Dan Daly: To think Fitzpatrick's 1st #NFL start was against Joe Gibbs' guys in 2005, that memorable day Clinton Portis (136) & Rock Cartwright (118) both rushed for 100 yards.

Kelly Sun Sentinel: Dolphins Q& A: Why did Miami trade for Lynn Bowden Jr., who was struggling with Raiders?
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-q-a-lynn-bowden-jr-20200911-u7gkehf3hfag7bkuaw5efmuczi-story.html

NEW ENGLAND
Curran NBC Sports Boston: What would a 'successful' 2020 season be for Cam Newton with Patriots?
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/what-would-successful-2020-season-be-cam-newton-patriots

Benbow Boston Globe: Cam Newton reflects on his journey to becoming first Black quarterback to start season opener for Patriots
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/10/sports/cam-newton-reflects-his-journey-becoming-first-black-quarterback-start-season-opener-patriots/

Reiss ESPN Boston: Cam Newton calls his fit with Patriots a 'match made in heaven'
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29830015/cam-newton-calls-fit-patriots-match-made-heaven

Daniels Providence Journal: N’Keal Harry’s excited to start this season on a healthy note
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200906/nrsquokeal-harryrsquos-excited-to-start-this-season-on-healthy-note

Daniels Providence Journal: David Andrews ‘grateful’ to be back playing football with Patriots
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200910/david-andrews-lsquogratefulrsquo-to-be-back-playing-football-with-patriots

Daniels Providence Journal: Lawrence Guy likes how the Patriots’ defense responded this summer
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200910/lawrence-guy-likes-how-patriotsrsquo-defense-responded-this-summer

Boston Globe: Patriots reportedly give cornerback Stephon Gilmore $5 million pay raise for 2020 season
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/11/sports/patriots-give-cornerback-stephon-gilmore-5-million-pay-raise-2020-season/

NEW ORLEANS
Triplett ESPN NO: Battle of the GOATs? Why Tom Brady-Drew Brees matchup is like nothing we've seen before in the NFL
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29836388/battle-goats-why-tom-brady-drew-brees-matchup-seen-before

Ian Rapoport NFL.com: Sources: The Saints  & star RB Alvin Kamara have reached an agreement on a huge 5-year contract extension worth $75M in new money. He gets $77.133M overall and a $15M signing bonus. Kamara cashes in. Agent Damarius Bilbo of Klutch Sports did the deal. 

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: Believe it or not, Alvin Kamara's contract is a win for advanced metrics
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/12/believe-it-or-not-alvin-kamaras-contract-is-a-win-for-advanced-metrics/

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: How a 19-year-old became the smartest analyst covering Jets
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-michael-nania-jets-x-factor-profile-20200909-6ddv7nf32ffz7ahzt7wohthuci-story.html

Cimini ESPN NY: Jets' Frank Gore begins 16th NFL season (incredible!) with Gore Tour
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/83994/jets-frank-gore-begins-16th-nfl-season-incredible-with-gore-tour

Braziller NYP: Denzel Mims’ Jets career is off to cursed start
https://nypost.com/2020/09/11/denzel-mims-jets-career-is-off-to-cursed-start/

Dunleavy NYP: ‘Ready for fist fight’: Jets deliver Mekhi Becton warning to Bills
https://nypost.com/2020/09/12/ready-for-fist-fight-jets-deliver-mekhi-becton-warning-to-bills/

Dunleavy NYP: Jets defense bracing for some Bills’ trickery
https://nypost.com/2020/09/12/jets-defense-bracing-for-some-bills-trickery/

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles-Football Team final injury report, with analysis
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-washington-football-team-week-1-final-injury-report-news-updates-latest-analysis/

Bowen Phil Inquirer: Already an elite NFL quarterback, Carson Wentz worked in the offseason to improve his mechanics
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-quarterback-carson-wentz-mechanics-week-1-20200911.html

Domowitch Phil Enquirer: With DeSean Jackson healthy again, explosive-play potential returns to Eagles’ offense
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-explosive-plays-desean-jackson-speed-touchdowns-drives-four-plays-or-less-rookies-hightower-reagor-20200907.html

Domowitch Phil Inquirer: Joe Banner: Reworking Jason Peters' deal allowed both the Eagles and the player to save face
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/joe-banner-jason-peters-reworking--20200912.html

McLane Phil Inquirer: It’s time for Derek Barnett to deliver for the Eagles
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/derek-barnett-philadelphia-eagles-injuries-jim-schwartz-20200912.html

Smith Phil Inquirer: Eagles’ expensive tackle rotation should be ‘engine’ of the defense
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-fletcher-cox-javon-hargrave-malik-jackson-season-preview-nfl-20200907.html

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Expect the Steelers to navigate the upcoming salary cap crunch
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/09/11/pittsburgh-steelers-juju-smith-schuster-james-conner-cam-heyward-tj-watt-bud-dupree-dustin-colquitt/stories/202009110105

Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: How will we know when Ben Roethlisberger is back to his old self?

“Louis Riddick, who played six seasons in the NFL as a safety, will be watching how Roethlisberger looks physically, but he’ll also be paying close attention to what types of throws he’s willing to make.
“In those tight-window throws, when I’ve got good coverage, is he still one of those guys who will try and fit that ball in there because he has confidence in his ability to put enough RPMs on that football to put it in there?” said Riddick, a member of ESPN’s new “Monday Night Football” broadcasting team. “And then from a safety perspective in particular, will he make me back up? Will he be able to put the ball over my head? Because if he can’t do it, or he’s not willing to do it, or he’s not willing to do it over the entire course of a game or in successive games ... if he’s not able to do that, then as a safety and as a defender, we’re just going to continue to squeeze down on that offense.
“We’re just going to continue to take the air out of the offense and come closer and closer and closer to him, and then when that happens you understand what that does to offenses. It just puts them in a box and they can’t do anything. So I think as long as he gains the respect of the defenders and says, ‘Hey, look, I can make the tight-window throws. I’ve got the RPMs left. And hey, safeties: If you start cheating on me I’ll go up over the top to JuJu [Smith-Schuster] or Diontae Johnson so you’d better back up.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/09/10/Steelers-Ben-Roethlisberger-NFL-Network-Kurt-Warner-Louis-Riddick-ESPN-Brian-Griese-Monday-Night-Football/stories/202009100122

Flounders Penn Live: Steelers OC Randy Fichtner breaks down two of Pittsburgh’s new pass-game weapons
https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/2020/09/steelers-oc-randy-fichtner-breaks-down-two-of-pittsburghs-new-pass-game-weapons.html

Benz Pittsburgh Tribune Review:
Giants could offer Week 1 problems for Steelers’ reconfigured offensive line

“Two players to watch on the Giants defensive front are Golden and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence.
Lawrence is a second-year player who made the NFL’s All-Rookie team. Numbers from his first season don’t make your eyes pop. He totaled 38 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits and a forced fumble. But the Clemson product played all 16 games and led New York defensive linemen in snaps.

“He’s dominant versus the run and the pass,” Tomlin said of Lawrence this week. “He’s highly conditioned for an extremely large man (6-foot-4, 342 pounds). He’s able to play a large number of snaps. His motor runs hotter than anticipated for a guy his size. He’s able to flash sideline-to-sideline chase abilities and is able to move laterally with gaps in the way that most guys his size can’t.”
The challenge for Tomlin is diagnosing where these players are aligning. There were no preseason games to scout. And the Giants coaching staff is in its first year.
As this montage illustrates, Golden (No. 44) accumulated his sacks from both edges last season and even created havoc rushing up the middle.
Lawrence (No. 97) can be seen in some of those clips of Golden. He moved up and down the line, getting sacks and pressures from various pre-snap alignments, too.
“I would imagine that a guy like Dexter Lawrence is going to play over top of a lot of people,” Tomlin said. “Just in watching Giants tape a year ago — acknowledging that it is a different staff and different schematics — you saw him moving over left guards, centers, right guards and occasionally over tackles. He is a big dude. He is uniquely active for a guy his size, and he is ridiculously agile for a guy his size.”
Giants coach Joe Judge insists he’ll continue moving around his front-seven players a lot in New York. Especially Lawrence.
“We’re going to preach versatility for all of our players at all times,” Judge said Wednesday. “Game-by-game we’ll see what the best matchup is for our players. The best opportunity to put them in a position of strength.”
One would think Judge and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham would consider loading up on the defense’s left side in an attempt to stress the reconfigured right side of the Steelers offensive line.
Zach Banner will be making his first start as the right tackle as Matt Feiler assumes his new job at left guard. And new Steeler Stefen Wisniewski may have to start at right guard if David DeCastro is scratched with a knee injury.
For his part, offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner suggested how the Steelers handle the various looks New York unveils over the first few series may dictate what the Giants try to do the rest of the game.
“You get an idea — probably — within the first two series about how they have decided to attack our personnel groups and potentially what they think our tendencies are,” Fichtner said Thursday. “Their strength is up front. They have some really great talent in that front seven.”
One of Tomlin’s favorite phrases is “be light on our feet,” meaning to be quick to adapt. And if New York can exploit a mismatch in the trenches early, the Steelers would be wise to lean on that credo Monday night.
If not, all the offseason questions about how much the skill position players can improve with the return of Roethlisberger could be buried by new ones about the formerly rock-steady offensive line.”

https://triblive.com/sports/giants-could-offer-week-1-problems-for-steelers-reconfigured-offensive-line/

Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Breaking down the 2020 Steelers: The defense
https://triblive.com/sports/breaking-down-the-2020-steelers-the-defense/

Benedict SB Nation: How James Pierre defied the odds to make the Steelers’ roster
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/platform/amp/2020/9/7/21425314/how-james-pierre-defied-the-odds-to-make-the-steelers-roster-2020-nfl-news-udfa-film-room-breakdown

Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Dustin Colquitt ‘excited’ to follow in father’s footsteps with Steelers
https://triblive.com/sports/dustin-colquitt-excited-to-follow-in-fathers-footsteps-with-steelers/

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo has his supporters, but doubts linger despite Super Bowl run
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Garoppolo-has-his-supporters-but-doubts-15557814.php

Wagoner ESPN SF: Can 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo get the Kyle Shanahan Year 2 bump?
https://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/37038/can-san-francisco-49ers-jimmy-garoppolo-get-the-kyle-shanahan-year-2-bump

Branch SF Chronicle: Poor air quality could sideline 49ers’ Tevin Coleman for season opener
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Poor-air-quality-could-sideline-49ers-Tevin-15560884.php

Branch SF Chronicle: The Kid vs. Kittle: Cardinals hope ‘freaky’ rookie can slow 49ers’ All-Pro
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/The-Kid-vs-Kittle-Cardinals-hope-freaky-15561227.php

Dubow AP: 49ers OL Trent Williams excited to return to action
https://apnews.com/834701afd396b843f75579fc0492adab?

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Kentavius Street opens up about tough road in NFL
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Kentavius-Street-opens-up-about-tough-15548673.php

Maiocco NBC Bay Area: 49ers captain Fred Warner returns from stint on NFL's COVID-19 list
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-captain-fred-warner-returns-stint-nfls-covid-19-list

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Sherman brushes off concerns about his age, but wife has the final say
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Sherman-brushes-off-concerns-about-his-15558510.php

SEATTLE
Henderson ESPN Seattle: Seattle Seahawks special teams coordinator Brian Schneider leaves team indefinitely
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29863950/seattle-seahawks-special-teams-coordinator-brian-schneider-leaves-team-indefinitely?

Stone Seattle Times: We have to adjust’: Russell Wilson sees opportunity for Seahawks amid chaos of 2020
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/we-have-to-adjust-russell-wilson-sees-opportunity-for-seahawks-amid-chaos-of-2020/

Condotta Seattle Times: As Seahawks receiver Phillip Dorsett’s injury lingers, David Moore and Freddie Swain may get chance vs. Falcons
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/as-phillip-dorsetts-injury-lingers-david-moore-and-freddie-swain-could-get-their-shot-against-atlanta-sunday/

TAMPA BAY
Laine ESPN TB: Tom Brady still learning role ahead of Buccaneers' season opener
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29855536/tom-brady-learning-role-ahead-buccaneers-season-opener

TENNESSEE
Davenport ESPN Nashville: Titans first-round pick Isaiah Wilson arrested for DUI
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29867844/titans-first-round-pick-isaiah-wilson-arrested-dui

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: How Jadeveon Clowney's offseason strategy will cost him millions of dollars
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/08/how-jadeveon-clowneys-offseason-strategy-will-cost-him-millions-of-dollars/

Wyatt The Tennessean: Veteran Kicker Stephen Gostkowski:  "I Have to Prove ... that I am Worthy to be a Titan"
https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/veteran-kicker-stephen-gostkowski-i-have-to-prove-that-i-am-worthy-to-be-a-titan

WASHINGTON
Chase Stuart Football Perspective: The Washington Football Team has a franchise record of 603-603-28. In December 1992, Washington was 76 games over .500. The last 30 years have undone all of the good from the Gibbs era.

Here's how many games over .500 the team has been after each season

Boswell Washington Post: The Washington Football Team has a new name, but the stink remains
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/12/washington-football-team-has-new-name-stink-remains/

Sielski Phil Inquirer: The Washington Football Team is Ron Rivera’s mess to clean up, and it won’t be easy
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/washington-football-team-ron-rivera-philadelphia-eagles-dan-snyder-20200911.html

Carpenter Washington Post: Ron Rivera is well-equipped to deal with Washington’s challenges. Just ask those who know him.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/11/ron-rivera-washington-football-coach/

Allen Washington Post: Experts don’t expect much from the Washington Football Team in 2020
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/11/washington-football-team-experts-picks/

Keim ESPN Washington: 'I just want to try it': How Alex Smith completed his comeback to Washington's roster
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29861975/i-just-want-try-how-alex-smith-completed-comeback-washington-roster

Fortier Washington Post: Chase Young’s NFL debut has finally arrived. Meet the ‘team’ that helped him get there.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/10/chase-young-washington-nfl-inner-circle/

Colleges/Draft

Thamel Yahoo Sports: Coaching carousel: Who are the top young coaches to watch in college football?
https://sports.yahoo.com/coaching-carousel-who-are-the-top-young-coaches-to-watch-in-college-football-135310081.html

T
Frank Duffy Eagles.com: Penei Sewell checks boxes

- Consistent power in run game
- Strong anchor in pass game
- Light feet & can govern his speed
- Soul stealer at the point of attack
- Fast processing

Talked with GoDucks OL calthrock 54 and ShaneLemieux this offseason and both talked about how big of a weapon he is in the screen game. Shows up week after week after week on film. Sewell is a monster on the run

G
Thamel Yahoo Sports: Ohio State offensive lineman Wyatt Davis declares for NFL draft
https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-star-wyatt-davis-declares-for-the-nfl-draft-135709967.html

DE
Reid The Draft Network: KWITY PAYE ON STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES, OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Escaping a civil war, once an immigrant in Rhode Island, and now one of the most explosive defensive players in the country.

Over the weekend, I spent some time getting to know Michigan DE Kwity Paye as he walked me through his unprecedented journey

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/kwity-paye-2021-nfl-draft-outlook-background

Media

Serby NYP: Troy Aikman on Daniel Jones’ leap and the Cowboys’ surprising marriage

“Q: What can or will Jason Garrett do for Daniel Jones?
A: Without having been with Jason as a coach, I do know this about Jason: he doesn’t just shoot from the hip. Whatever he’s asking Daniel Jones to do, it’s for a purpose, and there’s a reason for it. And knowing Jason’s philosophy, and how much I believe in that philosophy, I think it’s going to be a very quarterback-friendly system, to where he’s going to like the options that he has. I think it’s a great fit, I really do. Jason did a great job with (Tony) Romo when he stepped in, and brought him along when he was the coordinator, I think he did an outstanding job with Dak Prescott, and he’s got a great way about him in communicating. Daniel Jones being a real smart guy from Duke, and Jason is arguably the smartest guy I know from Princeton (laughs). I’m glad I’m not in that quarterback room.

Q: What were your impressions of Daniel Jones last season?
A: I like him. I watched his pro day on NFL Network, I was working out, and they happened to have the NFL Network on, and he was throwing, and I really liked what I saw. I liked the way the ball came out, I liked his placement, I like his size, I like all the measurables. But ultimately, most of these guys have that. I like everything about Daniel Jones. What has to get better — and we all know this — is he’s gotta hang onto the football. When you’re in the pocket, and the ball’s getting knocked out of your hand, there are times when you just simply cannot do anything about it. But I tend to fault the quarterbacks when the ball’s on the ground. . .you’ve got the ball and you’ve gotta protect it, and that has to be better. But other than that, I like everything I saw of Daniel Jones.

Q: Your second-year leap.
A: I’ll be honest, my second year is really when I hit rock bottom. I was 0-11 as a rookie, and then fortunately, we won our first game that second season, but we were 3-7 at one time. That was about as low as I could be in my 12-year career. I think what happens – – and Daniel Jones I’m sure is feeling this as well – – when you come in as a rookie, and you’re a first-round quarterback, the team was probably poor the year before. Dan Marino got to come in as a late first-rounder and go to a team that had come off a Super Bowl appearance. That’s kinda rare. So for me, the Cowboys were the worst team in football when I arrived in my rookie year, the Giants were not particularly good when Daniel got there. You come in, you play hard, you want to do the best you can, but you don’t really fully take ownership in your role in why the team’s bad. But then when you go into Year 2, then you start, or at least for me, I then had the mindset that hell, we gotta get going, or hell, I am part of the problem. And so we got off to a tough start, and it was hard. Fortunately from 3-7 on, my career took off, and then we started winning a lot of games and won (three) championships. I think that just going into a full offseason knowing all the things you didn’t know going into your rookie year, whether it’s getting to know your teammates better, you know the offense better, you know the league better, you know defenses better. . . you just have a better understanding of all the things now that are required to play at a high level.

Q: What advice would you have for Daniel Jones?

A: I don’t think he needs any advice, quite honestly. He’s a really smart guy. I’m excited about him. I like him a lot, I really do. I think he’s gonna be a really good player in this league.”

https://nypost.com/2020/09/11/troy-aikman-on-daniel-jones-leap-and-the-cowboys-surprising-marriage/amp/

Raissman NYDN: Destined for disappointment, Jets and Giants still don’t offer much worth watching this NFL season
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/ny-jets-giants-tv-broadcasts-20200912-6tzykjaervhrdcqvzrc64dcjga-story.html

History

Gil Brandt NFL.com: Q: I’m just curious, after all these years, was Dan Marino in any part of the discussion for our pick in the 1983 draft after we failed to land Elway? Also, was Landry involved much in the draft process?

A: Closer to getting Elway than Marino. I offered the Colts three legitimate starters and a future pick for the rights to take Elway at No. 1. In my opinion, our offer was superior to what the Colts accepted from the Broncos.

Computer Ranking vs Position Drafted

Elway 4 - 1
Marino 9 - 27
Kelly 10 - 14
Eason 11 - 15
Blackledge 55 - 7
O’Brien 241 - 24

Dan Daly: The oldest RB to rush for a TD in the NFL title game is Bears HOFer Bronko Nagurski. He was 35-053 when he plowed over from the 3 vs. Washington in 1943. Next oldest: John Riggins (34-171) in Super Bowl 18 vs. the #Raiders. Long live The Bronk!

Maiorana Medium.com: Former Bartender Gino Cappelletti Scored the First Points in AFL History
On Sept. 9, 1960 at Boston University, the league’s inaugural game was won by the Broncos 13–10 over the Patriots.

“In a league that was filled with underdogs, Boston Patriots wide receiver/kicker Gino Cappelletti was arguably the American Football League’s greatest underdog of them all.
He had been a blocking back at the University of Minnesota and upon graduation he spent five unsuccessful years trying to break into the NFL. In 1959 he was earning $80 a week as a bartender in his brother’s Minneapolis nightclub and playing in a city touch football league when he heard that the AFL was starting operations.
“I had just about given up my hopes,” Cappelletti said. “The AFL gave me my final chance to make it.”
Not only did he make it, Cappelletti became one of only three players — George Blanda and Jim Otto were the others — to play every week of the AFL’s existence, a total of 140 AFL games in 10 years. And when Boston and Denver met in the first AFL game at Boston University’s Braves Field, Cappelletti’s 35-yard field goal in the second quarter was the first score in the league’s history, though it could not prevent the Patriots from losing to the Broncos 13–10...”

https://medium.com/sportsraid/former-bartender-gino-cappelletti-scored-the-first-points-in-afl-history-f064f1a6d43f

Willis PFJ: 1947 Tuffy Leemans's All-Time Backfield
http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2020/09/1947-tuffy-leemanss-all-time-backfield.html

Willis PFJ: 1941 Paul Robeson All-Time Team
http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2020/09/1941-paul-robeson-all-time-team.html

Giants on 9-12

9-12-1937 Giants 35 New Rochelle Bulldogs 0 (Exhibition)

Giants Roll Over New Rochelle Pros NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y. P- “The New York Giants wound up their preparations for the start of the National football league season by routing the New Rochelle Bulldogs, Sunday, 35 to 0, with two reoruits. Jim Neill, of Texas Tech, and Hank Soar, of Providence, leading the attack.”

9-12-1942 Eastern Army All Stars 16 Giants 0

Zappomatic Reddit: In 1942, with World War II underway, the Army formed two all-star teams that took on NFL teams before the season.

“1942, with the United States having entered World War II, many able-bodied men joined the armed forces. As a result, many college football and NFL teams found themselves losing players at a rapid pace. While each tried to handle their roster shortages in various ways, football was far from gone in the military; after all, it was a good way to keep everyone physically active. Many installations decided to form service teams that took on college football teams, with many becoming juggernauts in the rankings.
The NFL also got involved in the war effort, hosting rallies to raise war bonds. During the fall, the Army had an idea to increase more support and the NFL was willing to help out: they formed two special all-star teams, representing the East and West, to take on NFL teams and raise funds for the Army Emergency Fund. The rosters, with over 50 members each, consisted of former NFL and college players turned servicemen, creating a mix of former All-Americans and NFL All-Stars.Eight exhibition games would be played (most in neutral sites) with those involved hoping to raise $1 million for the fund. "This isn't merely a schedule of exhibitions," Herald Tribune editor and head of the Fresh Air Fund (who sponsored an All-Army/Giants game) Stan Woodward said. "They'll be real contests and good football.”
The Eastern team was led by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Neyland, former Tennessee head coach, while Major Wallace Wade of Duke coached the Western All-Army stars (photo of the two meeting with famed sportswriter Grantland Rice to organize the teams; Wade at center, Neyland right). A decorated duo, to say the least, with Neyland's Volunteers playing in the 1940 Rose Bowl and Wade's Blue Devils in the 1942 edition. When asked about his team taking on the two Rose Bowl coaches, Giants head coach Steve Owen remarked, "Yeah, but they lost.
"Seriously, I expect a great battle in our Polo Grounds game, and our Giants will give you a good fight, even if we lose."
"[I]n August, my company commander received notification that I needed to report to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. My next military assignment was far more fun than intimidating, as I had been assigned to play football for the Eastern Army All-Star Team," former Texas A& M guard and Lieutenant Roy Bucek recalled in his book. "That may seem very strange to begin playing games in the midst of a war, but it was all bout finding creative ways to fund the U.S. war effort. Like so many other organizations, the NFL volunteered to do its part to raise funds for our efforts overseas."
College rules were used for the games, though some aspects of the professional game like the goalposts being at the goal line and the down by contact rule were implemented.

On September 12, Neyland's Yale-based Eastern All-Army team made its debut against the Giants at the Polo Grounds. For fans and media, they were eager to see how Neyland's single-wing offense stood up against a pro team; although the system was a success at Tennessee, the All-Army roster was relatively inexperienced in it with only one player actually having played in it. Former Ram and Lieutenant Vic Spadaccini led the offense at QB, while the rest of the starting backfield saw current-day NFC North team representation: halfbacks Captain John Pingel (Lions) and Lt. Harold Van Every (Packers) were joined by fullback and Corporal Norman Standlee (Bears).[4] "All-Army Blaster" Standlee, an All-American fullback at Stanford and star rookie for the Bears in 1941, had been assigned to Neyland's team after the coach won a coin toss for his services.
"Perhaps [Neyland] didn't like coaching our all-star team in 1942 because it took him away from Tennessee," Bucek wrote, "but he did a great job, nonetheless, and I developed a great admiration for him."
The Giants were quickly outmatched as All-Army drove 72 yards downfield to score on the opening drive. Spadaccini and Private Jack Russell scored the game's lone touchdowns, while All-Army outgained the Giants 224 yards to 131 (143 to 57 rushing, 81 to 74 passing) and 16 first downs to seven. New York's best chance at scoring took place when they recovered a fumble at the All-Army 42 and reached the red zone, but Cpl. George Cafego picked them off to end the drive. All-Army won 16–0.”

https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/bxk6aq/in_1942_with_world_war_ii_underway_the_army/?

9-12-1943 Giants 21 Lions 14 (Akron) (Exhibition)

“The New York Giants, a 42-28 victim of the Bears last week, took it out on the Detroit Lions yesterday at Akron, O., also by a 21 to 14 score but before only 11,000 spectators.”

NYT: PASS INTERCEPTION BEATS LIONS, 21-14; Younce Carries Ball to 1-Yard Mark and Then Kinscherf Scores His 2d Touchdown FENEBOCK RUNS 100 YARDS Counts for Losers on Return of Giant Kick-Off -- Paschal and Hightower Cross

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 12 (AP) -- “The New York Football Giants overpowered the Detroit Lions by 21 -- 14 in an exhibition battle before 11,000 today when a misguided Lions' pass late in the fourth quarter gave the New Yorkers their margin in a ast game.”

“LIONS SHOW AIR POWER Detroit dropping a 21 to 14 exhibition game yesterday to the New York are still very much in the dark whether All American Frankie Sinkwich will join them for next Sundays National Football League opener here the Chicago honorably discharged Saturday by the Marine corps at Parris failed to arrive yesterday at where Lion officials were to watch Gus Doraiss gathered squad. National Owner Fred Mandel returned here af ter the game and presumably will confer with Sinkwich by telephone when he arrives at his home.

4th Period Tie

The Lions facing a team that had two games under its put up a reasonably good showing be fore fans in Akron. Rookie halfback Chuck Fenenbock in the fourth raced 100 yards with a kickoff return period to tie the score at 14 points. A few minutes later Guard Len Younce of the Giants intercepted Ned Matthews pass. Fullback Carl Kinscherf plunged over the winning score. Kinscher and Bill Paschal got the other New York touchdowns and Ward Cuff placekicked three extra points. Matthews passed three yards to Ben Hightower for the first Detroit touchdown in the second period that offset Kinscherfs six pointer a few minutes later. Fenonbocks long run followed a touchdown by Augie Lio who converted both extra points.

Take To Air

The Giants made 13 first downs to Detroit’s 10 and piled up an overwhelming superiority of 178 yards to 38 on the The Lions completed 16 of 34 passes for 177 which is a clear in dication that once again Dorais plans to strike through the air. The Giants got 43 yards that way. If they sign the former Georgia halfback who is perhaps a better passer than he is a runner the Lions might become formid lable in pro football. The Lions have first call on Sinkwichs and it is regarded as quite likely that they will be willing to meet his demands.”

9-12-1946 Giants 28 New Jersey Giants 7 (Exhibition)

“The Giants and their farm team met at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City where Jackie Robinson had made his major-league affiliated baseball debut just a few months earlier...

Bergen Record: “In" the second period. Ken Strong's extra-point placement went Into the stands, and the game was held up for five minutes as Field Judge Max Tabacchl pleaded for the fans to return the ball. Kids refused to surrender it but finally they did when they were given a brown football for the white football.

The Giants beat the Lll' Giants 28-7. Blumenstock threw a touchdown pass to George Cheverko his old Fordham roomie, for the Lll Giants' only score.

The Giants, of course, can’t miss being better than during the war years. They at least have a passer in Filchock. Gosh, they haven't had one since the days of Ed Danowski. It seems incredulous that a team can ride along with such a gap but it's true.

The boys wanted to see Vic Bland play, a 230-pound back from S. E. Kansas. So they kept yelling for No. 9 throughout the ball game. Bill Owen cleaned his bench for subs but Bland didn't play. "Why don't you tell us that the bum is scratched' screamed a spectator. “

9-12-1953 Giants 10 Baltimore Colts 6 (St. Louis) (Exhibition)

St. Louis Post Dispatch: ColtsTest Giants' New Formations Only '53 Meeting of Pro Clubs

“New York Giants, rated championship contender in the Eastern Conference, and the Baltimore Colts, confident they can quit the cellar in the Western Conference, play here tonight in one of their final tune-ups for the National Professional Football League season. The inter-division exhibition, marking the only 1953 meeting of the two teams will be at Oakland Stadium (formerly Walsh Stadium) at 8:30. Sponsors said good seats still remained for the game, profits of which will be used for the building and maintenance fund of St. Joseph’s Academy and Fontbonne College. After tonight's game. Baltimore will have only two more exhibition contests before beginning league play in an effort to improve upon the woeful 1-11 record of the team last year under the banner of the Dallas Texans.

Hope to Improve 7-5 Mark.

The Giants have only a charity game at New York before journeying to Los Angeles for their Sept. 27 league opener, and their veteran coach, Steve Owen, expressed belief his second-place 1eam .of a year ago could improve on its record of seven victories and five defeats. "We won our first three last year, all on the road," Owen said, "and then ran into a string of horrible injuries." Stout Steve praised the Colts and their coach, Keith Molesworth, a former Chicago Bear slar who replaced Red Grange at halfback in the early '30s. "There's no doubt Baltimore is a better team than the one that represented Dallas," Owen said, "and Molesworth is part of the reason. He's a good coach and proved it as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers." The Giants will be without the services of Kyle Rote, the S.M.U. star whose father died Thursday in Texas, but they have impressive talent operating from three formations, the T, A and the Swing T, Owen's latest brainchild. Charley Conerly, the former Mississippi standout, is the quarterback and No. 1 passer. Randy Clay of Texas and Everett Sony Grandclius of Michigan State will be at the halfbacks and Eddie Price of Tulane at fullback.

2500 Yards the Hard Way.

Owen's face brightened when lie mentioned Price. "That kid has gained 2500 yards the hard way in three years in this league," Steve said. '1 mean running through those big lines." When the Giants use the Swing T, switching at will from the orthodox T formation to the single wing and back again, the key operator will be Clarence Avinger, 215-pound former Alabama athlete. A noted defensive coach, Owen called attention to a secondary that will include Emlen Tunnell of Iowa. 1'aut uouEias of Illinois, and Frank Gifford of Southern California and Miles of Virginia State. "Your St. Louis boy 'Douglass) suffered a deep cut in his cheek in Thursday's workout, but I believe he’ll be able to go. at least to do our kicking off." Owen said. The kid, like most; fellas back from service, had trouble getting his legs in shape, but now he's ready." The Miles case brought smile from the New York veteran. "Hell," Stout Steve said, "I never heard of. Virginia State or even knew where it was, but Miles's coach wrote me after last season to say he had a boy who had intercepted 'about a dozen passes' in three games. To me, that meant Miles was worth a look and a tryout. Now I can believe it he must have intercepted 'about a dozen' passes in three games.”

9-12-1954 Bears 28 Giants 24 (Exhibition)

Detroit Free Press: Bears Win On Blanda Air Attack Giants Defeated Before 22,334

“George Blanda tossed three touchdown passes Sunday to spark the Chicago Bears to a 28 to 24 victory over the New York Giants for their third exhibition triumph in five games, before 22,334 fans at Chicago. Blanda had a bad startas his first toss was intercepted to set up the Giants' first touchdown on a six-yard pass from Charlie Conerly to Bob Schnelker. Then Blanda threw nine passes before he completed one.

HIS FIRST completion was to Harlon Hill for eight yards and a touchdown while later he connected to both Jim Dooley and Billy Stone for touchdown throws of 11 yards. Blanda also converted after the Bear touchdowns. The first Chicago score came on a five yard run by Stone. Conerly passed to Frank Gifford for four yards and to Dick Wilkins for 33 for the other Giant tallies. Haldo Norman, who converted after each Giant score, booted a 31-yard field goal for the other New York markers. it was the Giants' fourth defeat in five pre-season exhibitions.”

Colt Fumble Sets Up Giant TD, 10-6 Win ST. LOUIS -- (L'.R). “The New York Giants defeated the Baltimore Colts 10 to 6 Saturday night in an exhibition football game at Oakland Stadium. The Giants took advantage of a fumble on the Baltimore 27-yard line to set up a second-period score four plays later on fullback Eddie Price's four-yard slash. Frank Gifford converted and New York never was headed. Steve Owens' team kept the Colts at bay after Baltimore took the initial kickoff and marched 80 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Fred Enke passed four yards to halfback Buddy Young in the end zone for the Colts' six points. Gifford angled a field goai from 12 yards out in the third quarter for the only other scoring.”

9-12-1970 Browns 30 Giants 29 (Exhibition)

NYT: BROWNS SUBDUE GIANTS BY 30‐29

“Don Cockroft kicked a 31‐ yard field goal with four sec onds left last night as the Cleveland Browns edged the Giants, 30‐29, in the last pre season game of the summer.
The Giants helped the visitors with an orthodox kick late in the game followed by two crucial penalties, after going ahead with 1 minute 15 seconds remaining.
The crowd booed the sour ending as the Giants trooped off the Yankee Stadium field with their third loss against two victories and a tie. The Browns won two and lost four,
The fans thought they had a winner when Bob Tucker caught a touchdown pass with 75 sec onds left. But the coaching staff chose to attempt a squibbed kickoff and the Browns recovered the ball on their 41. A piling‐on penalty cost the Giants 15 yards but that wasn't so bad. Cockroft later tried a 53‐yard field goal on fourth down and it fell short. But one of the Giants had been offsides and the Browns got a first down with 29 seconds left. They worked their way into better range for Cockroft's game‐winning kick.

Both teams had tried to de vise better ways of blowing the game in the fourth period. The Browns tried fumbles and safety and the Giants did their best with stalled drives inside the 5‐yard line. But the Giants’ final kickoff and the two penal ties produced the ultimate champion.
The stadium was still rocking from Tucker's second touchdown of the night as he threw the ball into the crowd to cele brate. Then Jim Norton went out to kick off for the Giants instead of Pete Gogolak. The ball was not placed on a tee.
The Giant coaches either had no confidence in their specialty team stopping a Brown runback or they were rooting for a fum ble. But the Browns pounced on the ball without danger.
Coach Alex Webster later explained that Norton had practiced a squibbed kickoff that bounces to the 20‐yard line and eliminates any long runback. But Norton squibbed it side ways instead of forward and the Browns pounced on the ball, without fumbling.

Old Giants Get Revenge

Thus, it seemed as if the Giants had attempted an on sides kick in order to recover the ball. But Webster said his main fear was of a long run back, although the specialty teams are supposed to be im proved this year.
Still, Fred Dryer forced fumble on first down and Joe Tafoni of Cleveland recovered on the 37. But his old team mate, Jim Kanicki, was called for piling on, costing the Giants 15 yards.
Then came three downs, the short field‐goal attempt, the offsides penalty, the Brown ad vances, and Cockroft's unsuccessful kick. Cockroft had kicked two earlier field goals, including the 4 lyarder to open the scoring.
An old friend named Homer Jones then made it 10‐0 with a 25‐yard touchdown before another old Giant, Erich Barnes, committed pass interference to set up Gogolak's 47‐yard field goal.

The Browns made it 17‐3 with an 18‐yard grab by Jones and a 17‐yard touchdown pass from Bill Nelsen to Fair Hooker. But they helped the Giants when Walt Sumner fumbled Ernie Koy's punt and Charlie Harper recovered.
Fran Tarkenton then fired a pass to Tucker, the tight end from the Pottstown Firebirds, who bulled his way for a 15‐ yard score. Tucker Frederick son tied the score with a 1‐yard touchdown, but a late inter ception and a penalty against Ralph Heck set up Cockroft's 26‐yard field goal on the last play of the first half.
The Browns scored early in the third period on a run by Bo Scott and Alan Brenner ran 40 yards with an interception to set up Gogolak's 28‐yard field goal early in the final period.

Then the Browns started to fumble and the Giants started to fail inside the 5. Nelsen fum bled to Jim Files, but on fourth down on the Brown 2 Tarken ton couldn't connect with Joe Morrison on the sideline.

Four Shots, No Score

The Browns gave the ball back on a fumble to Kanicki and this time the Giants got a first down on the 1. But they failed four times before Dryer nailed Steve Engel in the end zone making the score 27‐22 with 5:59 loft. Then the Giants moved for Tucker's second touchdown and looked like winners until the onsides kick and the penalties.
The home team was penal ized for 123 yards, against 69 for Cleveland, and that made a difference. The Giants gained 330 yyards to Cleveland's 320, with Ron Johnson gaining 74 yards in 14 rushes.”

9-12-1971 Steelers 20 Giants 3 (Exhibition)

NYT: Steelers Win, 20‐3, Handing Giants Their 6th Loss in Row

“The final score was Pitts burgh Steelers 20, New York Giants 3, and the final tally for the exhibition schedule was six defeats in six games, but yes terday's game at Yankee Sta dium introduced some real ele ments of hope into the dismal Giant picture.
For the first time this year, the Giants were not simply brushed aside. For the first time, they hit hard physically, especially on defense. Even in a generally ineffective offense, they ran and blocked with some power. For the first time, they played a real football game, albeit a losing one, instead of just Ging through the motions.
An when the game was over, the most hopeful develop ment of all took place in the trainer's room. The stitches were removed from Ron John son's thigh, which needed sur gery more than three weeks ago, for the removal of a blood clot’ formed under a bruise. Now he will be able to begin real work toward reestablishing himself as the one Giant running back opponents must fear.
Without Johnson, the Giant offense is at a basic disadvan tage, and yesterday it did poor ly beyond that handicap. Fran Tarkenton had a bad day pass ing, and the receivers dropped a few that were on target. There was good bread‐and‐butter running by Junior Coffey, but no breakaway threat.

Defense Improved

So the Giants never did score’ a touchdown, nor gain more than 13 yards on a single play; and of the 203 yards they did gain, only 49 were on the Steeler side of midfield.
But the defense played a strong game, and that was certainly encouraging after the previous five performances. Going into the last quarter, the score was only 7‐3. Subse quently, the Steelers had to settle for a field goal when a long march stalled on the Giant 10. They added another a few minutes later after an interception in Giant territory, and scored a final touchdown on a brilliant individual effort by John Fuqua, who made broken‐field run for 52 yards after catching a short pass from Terry Bradshaw for a 55‐ yard play.
Tarkenton drew boos when intercepted three times by Jack Ham, the rookie line backer from Penn State. The first one, late in the first half, did no harm even though Ham ran the ball to the Giant 11, be cause a penalty and a fumble gave the Giants the ball again on their 25.
But the other two hurt. In the third quarter, the Giants made their own sustained drive, 56 yards from their 27 to the Steeler 17. On first and 10, Ham intercepted on the 11. From there Pittsburgh drove 79 yards to Joe Gerela's first field goal, and what looked like a possible 10‐7 Giant lead turned out to be a 10‐3 Pittsburgh lead.

Less than two minutes later, Ham picked off another pass on the Giant 42, and the Steel ers moved to the 20 before be ing stopped. Gerela kicked 27‐yarder this time and it was 13‐3.
The Giants still had some hope at that point, with eight minutes to play, because they ripped off two first downs. But three straight passes missed connections from the Giant 48. When they got the ball back on an exchange of punts, they were on their 46 with 6:11 to play. But with third and 1 on the Steeler 45, Tucker Frederickson and Bobby Duhon were stopped just short of the first down. On the next play, Fuqua caught Bradshaw's looping toss to the right flat and dodged at least six defenders going to the end zone.”

9-12-1976 Redskins 19 Giants 17 (Regular Season)

Pass: Morton 26-13-228-2-4
Rush: Csonka 23-78-0
Rec: Gillette 5-105-1
Rec: Rhodes 1-63-1
Int: Brooks 1-9-0
P: Jennings 7-342-48.9

NYT: Giants Fall, 19‐17 , on Redskin Tally With 0:45 Left

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 — “Jack Gregory must keep his three‐week‐old heard. “Till we beat them,” he said, “the beard stays on.”
The Giants didn't beat the Redskins in their National Football League opener today. They led them, 17‐12, with 1 minute 38 seconds to go when Washington took possession of the ball on the Giant 42 after a 45‐yard punt return.
They led them with 55 seconds to play when the Redskins had fourth down and 10 at the Giant 23. They led them with 49 seconds to play with the ball on the 5.
They lost to the Redskins, 19‐17, for the 11th straight time, or since George Allen became the Washington coach in 1971. Mike Thomas, knocked down on the line of scrimmage, got up and curled back into the end zone where he caught a 5‐yard touchdown pass from a bloodied Billy Kilmer with 45 seconds to play.

60 Minutes Make a Game

For more than 59 minutes, the Giants had played well enough to win. There was a brief letdown early in the third quarter when the Redskins scored twice within 20 seconds to overcome a 10‐3 New York halftime lead.
But with fewer than 5 minutes to play, Craig Morton combined with Walker Gillette on a 62‐yard touchdown pass and the Giants seemingly had beaten an Allen‐coached team for the first time in 14 attempts, including three when he was with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Giants had wanted this game. Gregory and a few other veterans had promised not to shave until they beat the Redskins; they must wait now until Nov. 14 when they meet again at the Giants’ new home in the Hackensack Meadows.
Most of the Giants believed they had it won when Dave Jennings went back to punt with less than 2 minutes to go. The Giants had held the Redskins once already after taking the lead, and Dave Gallagher and Gregory had combined on a sack of Kilmer that lacerated the quarterback's nose.

But the Redkins’ aroused defense held the Giants at the New York 28.. Jennings seemed to boom the Giants out of trouble with a 56‐yard kick.
Except Eddie Brown, a 5‐foot‐11inch reserve defensive back, returned it 45 yards to the Giants”42.
It didn't seem to matter as Kilmer, who needed five stitches after the game, threw three incomplete passes from the 23. But on fourth‐and‐10, Roy Jefferson, the Redskins’ fine wide receiver, beat Bobby Brooks, the Giant cornerback.
The Redskins had no time‐outs left, but on the next play. Thomas got behind Hughes and in front of Stienke in the end zone for the score.
The Giants’ defense played well, holding the Redskins to 89 yards rushing. Both teams, with new running backs, were supposed to have ground games. It didn't work that way.

Csonka Gets 78 Yards

The Giants, even with Larry Csonka gaining 78 yards in his debut with the team, were able to make first downs on third‐down situations only 3 of 17 times. The Redskins, with John Riggins and Calvin Hill joining Thomas and Larry Brown, were hardly any better, converting only 4 of 16.”

9-12-1982 Falcons 16 Giants 14 (Regular Season)

Pass: Brunner 41-25-310-2-1
Rush: Woolfolk 17-64-0
Rec: Mullady 7-99-0
Rec: Gray 5-86-2
Int: Haynes 1-0-0
P: Jennings 6-318-53.0

NYT: Once More, a Fumble Haunts the Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. “SUDDENLY nobody was talking about the Giants going to the Super Bowl this season. Suddenly nobody was even talking about the Giants making the playoffs last season. Instead, people were talking only of Leon Perry's fumble and remembering Joe Pisarcik's fumble four seasons ago. Another fluke fumble by the Giants that had turned a game around, that might turn a season around. Deja vu. Deja boo.
''I let 48 guys down,'' Leon Perry was saying now at his locker after the 16-14 loss. ''The theory is, no one play influences the outcome of a game. But in this case it did.''
Until the fumble, the Giants were leading the Atlanta Falcons, 14-7, early in the fourth quarter and it appeared they were about to score again. They had a second-and-1 at the Falcons' 9-yard line. Another touchdown might have assured a victory, a field goal would have opened a 10-point lead with about 11 minutes remaining. But then the Giant fullback Leon Perry took a handoff from the quarterback Scott Brunner and leaped above the scrum of linemen.
''I was trying for the first down,'' Leon Perry said quietly. ''When you have a pile like that, it all depends on where the referee spots the ball, so I was reaching forward to spot the ball as far forward as I could.''

In the confusion, Leon Perry fumbled in midair when hit by Buddy Curry, one of the Falcons' inside linebackers. The ball fell, then squirted free. For a split second, the play appeared to be one of those freeze-frames on television as both the Giants and the Falcons waited for the whistle that was never blown. But then the Falcons' strong safety, Bob Glazebrook, scooped up the ball with only Scott Brunner between him and the Giant goal line 91 yards away.
''I just wanted to grab hold of him,'' the Giant quarterback said later. ''He cut across the field. I think I got his arm but that's all. I'm not blessed with sprinter's speed.''
Neither was Bob Glazebrook yesterday. Cut as a rookie by the Oakland Raiders in 1978 and released three times by the Falcons before establishing himself as a starter, he had suggested to the Falcon coaches at halftime that he not be used in passing situations anymore because of a torn hip muscle. But the fumble had occurred on a short-yardage running play.
''Nobody knew the ball was loose but me,'' Bob Glazebrook would say later. ''I took off and looked back for a whistle but there wasn't any.''

Not an official's whistle anyway. Around the time Bob Glazebrook was hurrying across the Giants' 30-yard line, he heard a whistle that had been blown by a Giants Stadium spectator.
''I wasn't going to take any chances,'' the Falcon strong safety said later. ''I was going to let the official stop me.'' Moments later, one of the officials had his arms up in the air. That touchdown put the Falcons in position to win on Mick Luckhurst's 29-yard field goal with 58 seconds remaining. And that touchdown brought back the haunting memory of the fumble by the quarterback Joe Pisarcik that was returned 26 yards by Herman Edwards of the Philadelphia Eagles for a 19-17 loss that triggered the hiring of George Young as general manager and Ray Perkins as coach in the Giants' new regime.
As it turned out, Joe Pisarcik's fumble did the Giants a favor. And if Leon Perry's fumble doesn't deflate the team, it might do the Giants a favor in another sense. It might make them realize that what they accomplished last season won't help them win this season.
''Needless to say, this was a tough loss,'' Ray Perkins said quickly and firmly after the game. ''We made enough mistakes to lose five games. We had two big turnovers offensively. We got that fluke touchdown against us. You start to wonder if we were trying to find ways to lose the ball game. When they look at the film, they're going to see two things. One, they're going to get sick looking at it. Two, if their eyes are wide open, they'll see what kind of a football team we can have as long as they want to.''

Against the Falcons, a potential Super Bowl contender now that many of their best players are healthy again, the Giants had the look of a playoff team - except for that fluke touchdown.
Holding the explosive Falcons to only 272 yards of total offense, the Giant defensive unit was everything it's supposed to be. The ubiquitous linebacker, Lawrence Taylor, nearly preserved a 14-13 victory by blocking the Falcons' extra-point attempt after the fluke touchdown. And the Giant passing offense thrived. Scott Brunner was poised and precise in the best performance of his brief National Football League career.
For a quarterback often criticized for his 43 percent completion average over his two previous seasons, Scott Brunner completed 25 of 41 passes for 310 yards. His receivers, notably the tight end Tom Mullady, with seven receptions for 99 yards, appeared to be more open than usual.
But the Giants' running game sputtered. Butch Woolfolk, the firstround draft choice out of Michigan, produced 64 yards, but Leon Perry had only 14 on only three carries, including the fluke fumble. The best Giant runner wasn't in uniform yesterday. Rob Carpenter was home in Houston, where he has been a holdout. He wanted an estimated $375,000 annually over a three-year contract, and the Giants offerred $275,000 - a $300,000 difference over three years.

But the Giants aren't allowed to increase their offer until a new N.F.L. labor contract is settled. Rob Carpenter's absence was all too obvious yesterday. In that second-and-1 situation at the Falcons' 9-yard line, Rob Carpenter probably would have been the Giants' ballcarrier.
''He might've fumbled the ball, too,'' Ray Perkins said. But then again Rob Carpenter might not have fumbled the ball.”

9-12-1993 Giants 23 Buccaneers 7 (Regular Season)

Pass: Simms 26-12-204-1-1
Rush: Hampton 29-143-1
Rec: Sherrard 4-69-0
Rec: Cross 2-50-1
Int: Collins 1-27-0
Sacks: K. Hamilton 3.0
FG: Treadwell 3-3 (33,22,46)

NYT: A Sweet Victory For Hampton

“Usually, like any growing running back, Rodney Hampton tries to have a well-rounded breakfast. Maybe a little cereal here, some toast and eggs there, and throw in a big glass of orange juice. But, for whatever reason, he was running a little late this morning and he only had time to grab a Snickers bar. Candy? For breakfast? What would Richard Simmons think?
After the way Hampton almost single-handedly demolished the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today, the Giants may recommend he eat a candy bar three times a day. Behind the powerful legs of the fourth-year running back, who rushed for 134 yards on a career-high 29 carries, and a fired-up Giants defense that stuffed the Buccaneers on an impressive goal-line stand in the third quarter, the Giants went to 2-0 by beating up hapless Tampa Bay, 23-7, before 75,891 at Giants Stadium.
Next thing you know Hampton will be eating cotton candy for lunch.
"It's just another day at the office," Hampton said. "I feel good about what I was able to do, but the main thing is, we won."
Then he added: "I was worried at first about not eating much, but after the first two carries I said, 'This feels good. I guess I'll be all right.' "

"It's good to be 2-0," said Giants Coach Dan Reeves. "But we have to keep everything in perspective."
True. While the Giants' confidence seems to be growing exponentially -- and winning the home opener so easily only helps to feed that feeling -- the perspective Reeves is talking about is that the season is only two weeks old. And the Giants have beaten two teams that aren't very good -- the Bears and the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have scored only 10 points in two games.
But this seems to be certain: The Giants are probably going to be a good, solid team. Good teams beat bad teams handily and that's what the Giants did today. Next Sunday comes the Los Angeles Rams, so there could be more carnage. The Giants could easily be 3-0 entering a bye week the last week of September. And the way it's looking, their game at Buffalo Oct. 3 is shaping up to be a big one.
"It's only the second week, so let's not get too excited," said offensive lineman Bob Kratch. "But we have a lot of confidence in ourselves. It started when we won at Chicago and then we come home and win convincingly. For our confidence this was a good win."

"Playing at home is like playing at your house," said linebacker Carlton Bailey. "And you don't let anyone come in and trample your house."

Obliging Guest

And the Giants couldn't have asked for a more accommodating guest. Tampa Bay, led by the wild and wacky Sam Wyche, went with second-year quarterback Craig Erickson, making his first start as a pro. You would have thought that would have been the most prominent weak spot for Tampa Bay, but Erickson actually had a good game, going 16 of 28 for 174 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The problem for Tampa Bay was that everything else went wrong. They didn't get their lone rushing first down until the fourth quarter, they made only three third-down conversions all day, they dropped interceptions and passes that hit people right in the hands and, trailing, 20-7, late in the third quarter, they blew a fourth-and-inches at the Giants' goal line that could have cut the lead to 20-14. Running back Reggie Cobb was stopped inches short by linebacker Michael Brooks, with assists by Corey Miller and Lawrence Taylor.
"That was a big play," said Taylor. "The last couple of years we'd find ways to lose games like these. It's good to be back."

"It was close when it was 20-7 and we were inches away," said Wyche. "Had we got in, it would have been 20-14 and a fun fourth quarter for everybody."
But they didn't, and it was indicative of a day where just about everything went right for the Giants. The defense played brilliantly, with defensive end Keith Hamilton leading the way with three sacks for a total of 20 yards (and he almost had a fourth). Hamilton has also developed a nice little dance move to celebrate his sacks. Hampton Is the Star
On offense, tight end Howard Cross was wide open for an 18-yard touchdown catch from Phil Simms (12 of 26 for 204 yards, one touchdown and one interception), Hampton had a 2-yard touchdown run and kicker David Treadwell made field goals of 33, 22 and 46 yards. Treadwell, in fact, has now made 13 consecutive field goals.
But the star of the game was clearly Hampton. Reeves said he never had a back the size of Hampton when he was coaching in Denver. And he has no intention of being conservative with the 215-pound runner who, in addition to enormous power, has the moves of a ballerina.

The plan was to get Hampton the ball at least 20 times today. "We didn't do anything special to free him," said George Henshaw, the Giants' offensive coordinator. "Everyone was just executing." And the offensive line -- as well as big fullback Jarrod Bunch -- did a brilliant job of freeing Hampton. Sometimes there were holes the size of Rhode Island.
By the end of the first half, Hampton had a whopping 91 yards on 17 carries. By then, he was beginning to wear down the defense and was well on his way to the seventh 100-yard rushing day of his career. The 29 rushing attempts were the most since he had 28 in December of 1991.
"Today was a good day for us on the ground," said Hampton. "Of course I have got to give the offensive line a lot of credit. They gave me enough room to make the cuts that I need."
Smart man -- you always thank the offensive line after a big rushing day. Maybe he'll get them all gifts, say a year's supply of candy bars.”

9-12-1999 Giants 17 Buccaneers 13 (Regular Season)

Pass: Graham 24-12-91-0-0
Rush: Bennett 13-24-0
Rec: Toomer 4-36-0
Int: Ellsworth 2-36-0; Sparks 1-28-0; Weathers 1-8-1
Fumble: Peter 1-38-1

Dilfer Takes Giant Steps Backward

TAMPA, Fla. AP—  “The New York Giants proved once again that defense can be their best offense, especially against Tampa Bay quarterback Trent Dilfer.
Christian Peter scored on a 38-yard fumble return and rookie Andre Weathers ran back one of New York’s four interceptions for a touchdown as the Giants beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17-13, Sunday.
The Giants won their fifth consecutive game with Kent Graham at quarterback, but its offense had virtually no success against a Buccaneer defense that allowed only 107 yards--the lowest total in team history.

Peter scored on the Buccaneers’ third offensive play when Jessie Armstead sacked Dilfer and forced a fumble that bounced right into the hands of the 300-pound defensive tackle.
Then Weathers erased a 10-7 Giant deficit with his eight-yard return of an interception for a touchdown late in the third quarter.
And Percy Ellsworth intercepted two Dilfer passes in the fourth quarter before the Tampa Bay quarterback was benched.

“You keep hitting at something, it’s got to break. That was our attitude,” Armstead said. “We kept knocking at that door, and finally we kicked that door in. I don’t care who the quarterback is; you put enough pressure on him, you’ll rattle the quarterback.”
Tampa Bay Coach Tony Dungy said he had not decided whether Dilfer had lost the starting job.
“He obviously didn’t make some very good decisions,” Dungy said.

With about 12 minutes left in the game, Ellsworth’s first interception set up Brad Daluiso’s 36-yard field goal, giving the Giants their 17-13 lead. Eric Zeier eventually replaced Dilfer.”

9-12-2004 Eagles 31 Giants 17 (Regular Season)

Pass: Warner 28-16-203-0-0
Pass: Manning 9-3-66-0-0
Rush: Barber 9-125-1
Rec: Barber 5-75-0

NYT: It Was a Debut to Forget for Warner and the Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 13 - “As the game in front of him sputtered to a close, the look on Kurt Warner's face said everything.
He stood on the sideline Sunday, arms folded, wearing an angry glare directed nowhere in particular. He was finishing his first regular-season game with the Giants as a spectator, the beginning of his planned redemption as the starting quarterback ending with the rookie Eli Manning in the game.
There was no disguising how Warner felt.
"As a competitor, you never want to come out," he said Monday. "I didn't want to come out in that situation or at any other time, but at the same time, I understand why it was done."
Warner's debut with the Giants ended badly. He was removed with the team trailing the Eagles by 31-10 with 2 minutes 37 seconds remaining. By the time Manning was done, it was 31-17, thanks to a long touchdown run. It was easy to view Manning's entry into the game as a first step into the future, the handing off of the duties from the 33-year-old Warner to the 23-year-old Manning.

In reality, it was not that momentous.
Manning is the quarterback of the future, but the future is not here yet. This was mop-up duty. Warner, as Coach Tom Coughlin was quick to point out after the game, remains the quarterback of the present.
The only real problem in that early exchange was that in the hubbub of the sideline, none of the Giants' coaches told Warner he was coming out. Manning, having been told by the offensive coordinator John Hufnagel that he was going in, was the one who bore the news.
It was not the smoothest moment of Warner's career, and that may have contributed to his demeanor once he was benched. But a day later, Warner was circumspect. He said that he was not upset by the glitch in communication, or that Manning was given playing time.
"I think that's going to be something that could transpire through this year," Warner said. "Obviously we know the long-term goal of this situation. We know that Eli's going to be the guy in the future, and I think that in any given situation, where there's an opportunity to get him into the game and get him some reps and get him some experience for when that time comes, I think they're going to do it."

What Warner was hoping was that Manning's first appearances would come because Warner had led the Giants to a big-enough lead to make the switch.
Against the Eagles, that did not come close to happening.
Warner was as up and down as might be expected from someone who has lost his last eight starts and had not played since a disastrous opener for the Rams against the Giants a year earlier. He was 16 of 28 for 203 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions, took four sacks and fumbled twice -- once on Philadelphia's 1-yard line.
He led one solid touchdown drive and hit receiver Ike Hilliard for a 43-yard completion to set up a field goal. He threw behind Hilliard on what would have been a short touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, and he missed tight end Jeremy Shockey for what could have been another touchdown in the first.
"You have a tendency to overly react to the fumble and not give credit where credit is due in other areas, but there were opportunities that Kurt performed very well," Coughlin said. "He changed the cadence very well. He got some things done that way. He certainly made some nice throws."

Manning had his moments, although handing to running back Tiki Barber for a 72-yard touchdown run will be less memorable than being waylaid by Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle.
"It was a good hit," Manning said. "He got a good lick on me. It's part of football. You're going to take some big hits."
It was big enough to jar the entire team until Manning picked himself up and showed he was unhurt. Coughlin said he thought the same thing watching it live as when he watched the film.
"Welcome to the N.F.L., son," he said.
Warner cringed for him, too, in between cringing for himself. He wants to push the future off as far as he possibly can. He cannot do that from the sideline.”

9-12-2010 Giants 31 Panthers 18 (Regular Season)

Pass: Manning 36-22-326-2-2
Pass: Beckham 1-1-57-1-0
Rush: Barkley 15-48-0
Rec: Beckham 8-131-1
Rec: Barkley 4-81-2
Int: Jenkins 1-29-0; Riley 1-12-0
FG: Rosas 3-3 (42,53,36)

Fox Sports: “Once they got cozy in their new digs, the New York Giants weren't about to let Carolina spoil their homecoming.
It took the Giants more than a half to fully feel comfortable in their $1.6 billion stadium. Then they surged past the Panthers, getting a little revenge along the way, in a 31-18 season-opening victory Sunday.
''It was a whole new half, and all the errors we made were out the window,'' said Hakeem Nicks, who caught three touchdown passes from Eli Manning, all in the left corner of the end zone. ''We just wanted to go out there and click.''
Did they ever.
Ahmad Bradshaw set up his own 4-yard TD run in the fourth quarter with a 39-yard romp as New York outscored Carolina 17-2 in the second half. The Giants outgained the Panthers 196-72 in the last two periods of a generally sloppy game marred by nine turnovers - five by Carolina - and 16 penalties.
''We'll learn from what we did wrong and capitalize on it next week,'' Nicks said.
Actually, they learned quickly enough to take advantage right away against a team that routed them 41-9 in the hosts' final game at Giants Stadium last December. In 2005, the Panthers shut out the Giants in a playoff game at the same venue.
But Carolina couldn't match New York in the second half this time before 77,245 fans - considered a sellout despite the unusual sight of hundreds of empty seats in the $1.6 billion New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants could not sell all the club seats, which don't count under league blackout rules.
''It was a good win,'' guard Rich Seubert said. ''Everybody knew what happened against them last season. It's always good when you open a new place, the new Giants Stadium, and get a win in it. It is going to be remembered for a long time.''
Nicks finished with four catches for 75 yards, while Manning went 20 for 30 for 263 yards. But he also was picked off three times.
So was Carolina quarterback Matt Moore, who left the game wobbly in the final minutes after being sacked by Osi Umenyiora.
''Like all openers, everybody struggles to some degree,'' said Panthers coach John Fox, who in the final year of his contract doesn't need such collapses by his team. ''The first half, we did some decent things in the pass game. As they game wore on, it got more in their advantage. There's no question they made more plays than we did. We made a few more mistakes than they did.''
The opener hardly was a classic, often matching the gloomy weather and gray colors that dominate the stadium that already has hosted concerts, international soccer matches and preseason football.
New York turned a botched snap on a Carolina punt into seven points as Nicks caught his third TD pass late in the third quarter for a 24-16 lead. The second-year receiver already has half as many touchdowns as he scored as a rookie.
The Giants had taken the lead for good on Lawrence Tynes' 31-yard field goal earlier in the period, a series kept alive by Manning's quarterback sneak to gain the necessary few inches on fourth down.
Although 30 points were scored in the opening half, neither offense was particularly sharp. Each side made some big plays through the air, but so did the defenses, with Carolina's Charles Godfrey and New York's Deon Grant each making interceptions.
John Kasay had field goals of 21, 52 and 43 yards. New York offset that thanks mostly to the Manning to Nicks connection, which produced touchdowns of 26 and 19 yards.
Nicks' second TD capped an 80-yard drive that took just over a minute, but Mike Goodson's 45-yard kickoff runback followed. That gave Moore 33 seconds, enough time to boost the Panthers ahead 16-14 with a pinpoint 19-yard pass to Steve Smith between three defenders.
It was the first touchdown for the Panthers, who never got into the end zone in the preseason.
Yet that was about the last gasp for Carolina, the league's youngest team. The inexperience showed in the last period, particularly when Moore was picked off by Terrell Thomas and Kenny Phillips, both in the end zone.
For New York, the second-half stinginess was a welcome change from the final two games of 2009, when the Giants yielded 80 points.
Notes: The Giants, who opened last season 5-0 before slumping to 8-8, lost tight end Kevin Boss (neck/concussion) and special teams captain Chase Blackburn (right knee). In addition to Moore, Panthers WR Charly Martin sustained a concussion. Placekicker Todd Carter suffered back spasms ... Carolina's only second-half points came when Greg Hardy blocked a punt through the end zone for a safety with 3:57 to go.”

Giants Birthdays 9-12

John Fuqua HB D11-Morgan State 1969 NYG 1969 9-12-1946

NYT: Shiner to Start at Quarterback For Giants in Steeler Contest (8-28-1970)

“The fans will be a little nerv ous tomorrow night, therefore, when Dick Shiner returns as quarterback for the New York Giants, giving Fran Tarkenton a weekend off to rest his in jured groin muscle. Shiner was the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 1968 and most of 1969 before going to the Giants in a trade last spring.
If Giant fans have a similar complex about players who got away, they will watch John Fuqua and Henry Davis, the two players the Giants sur rendered for Shiner. Fuqua figures to be the starting half back, while Davis has been working at both outside line backer positions.
Fuqua Appears Steady
Fuqua was a rookie out of Morgan State last year, fast and inconsistent and prone to fumbling. However, he appears to have grown steadier in his second season.

With Juan Bankston recover ing from minor injuries and Dick Hoak trying to regain weight he lost with the flu, Fuqua and Preston Pearson (the former Baltimore return specialist) are the first‐string backfield.
Davis was a 26‐year‐old rookie out of Grambling in 1968 and the Giants tried to use him as a middle linebacker, a po sition that normally takes three to five years to learn.
Last year the Giants moved him to the outside, to let him use his basic abilities without worrying about calling signals. He also lost his outside jobs and was talking vaguely of switching to defensive end when the Giants put him out of his misery by trading him.”6

Battista NFL.com: Immaculate Reception debate rages on five decades after inception
(12-20-2019)

“Fuqua had a question as he shook the owner's hand.
"Mr. Rooney, should I tell them what happened?" Fuqua asked. "There were reporters all around the locker room. He had a cigar in his mouth. ‘Frenchy, keep it to yourself.' "
"The number of reporters asking did you touch it? I love publicity. If I answer it, what will be in the papers tomorrow? I said to myself we won the game and that's the most important thing."
"I'll never tell," Fuqua said.”

“Fuqua has made a life motto out of his brush with that football. He says he has watched the play thousands of times and the tape is inconclusive. He and Tatum became friends and Tatum -- who believed for years that the ball did not hit him before equivocating in his memoirs -- would tease Fuqua about touching the ball. He has been offered money to tell what he knows and he has created the "I'll Never Tell" towel.
"When things get tight and I wanted to tell someone, I thought of Mr. Rooney," Fuqua said. "When you've got a secret, you want to tell at least one person. Do you know what the burden is -- that nobody knows what happened but you? I was a decent player. The one thing I know in NFL history is that play and I'll never tell. That's my legacy. I will take it to the grave with me. I might leave a letter for 50 years after I am gone and I will be in heaven smiling."

https://www.nfl.com/_amp/controversies-bitterness-and-the-mythology-behind-the-nfl-s-greatest-play

Quadree Henderson WR/KR UDFA-Pittsburgh 2018 NYG 2018 9-12-1996

In Memoriam

Bruce Gehrke E D4-Columbia 1948 NYG 1948 Born 9-12-1924 Died 4-06-1976

Columbia HOF: “Bruce Gehrke was a typical three-sport star coming out of Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, Long Island, but it was football that eventually became paramount in Gehrke's life.
It was a good choice for the future Columbia great who eventually went on to play for his hometown New York Giants and spent several years coaching high school football and basketball on his native Long Island.
Gehrke began his collegiate career at Columbia in September 1942. In his first year, he starred on the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams.
The following year, Gehrke played shortstop for Columbia's 1944 championship baseball team, while training for the Navy. Hugely popular among his teammates and fellow students, Gehrke had that intangible flair for color that made him a crowd pleaser. His play, in every sport, was daring and spectacular, with little regard for personal safety, yet he was as crafty a competitor as anyone could have been.
Even competition in three varsity sports couldn't fill Gehrke's appetite for athletics, so he coached his fraternity basketball team in intramural play.
Gehrke's college career was cut into two parts when he spent a year with the Navy overseas in Okinawa during World War II. He returned to Columbia for his junior year in September 1946.
In his senior year, Gehrke played a major role in Columbia's 21-20 victory over Army, regarded as one of the greatest Columbia Football games ever played. One of Columbia's most versatile athletes ever, Gehrke is the last Lion athlete to have lettered all four years in three different varsity sports, other than track and cross country athletes.
Gehrke graduated from Columbia in 1948, finishing a phenomenal career that included a league title in baseball, two in basketball as well as some of the Lions' most successful football seasons.”

Mil JS: (11-21-1948) (MILWAUKEE) - “The forward pass is still the most devastating weapon in football. The young New York Giants pounded that over-worked theory home Sunday afternoon when they handed the Packers - once the leader in the aerial game - their worst defeat in history, 49 to 3, before 12,369 fans. There was a day when the Packers, led by such air kinds as Arnie Herber, Cecil Isbell, Don Hutson and Johnny Blood, jammed passes down the throats of opponents for almost unbelievable scores, but Sunday the Packers were on the throat end. And the guy with the big knife was a kid rookie, one Mr. Charley Conerly, who threads his needle like the incomparable Sammy Baugh. Conerly scored one touchdown himself, pitched for three others, and completed 20 out of 30 throws for 291 yards before he retired at the end of the third quarter. Conerly's throwing was amazing. Every toss was like a bullet and straight into the arms of his receivers. The Packers had no defense for this sort of thing or, perhaps, their defense just wasn't clicking on all cylinders. The Bay backers-up, just behind the line, for instance, were charging on almost every play, leaving a big hole in front of the rear defenders. Conerly completed half of his pitches in this sector. Besides, Conerly had all afternoon to spot the eight different guys who caught his throws. Larry Craig and Don Wells, the rushing ends who were outstanding against the Bears a week ago, were unable to penetrate Conerly's protective cordon. Craig was bothered with a cold and bad leg while Wells, weak from an attack of the flu last week, was knocked cold on the first play of the game. The Packers, ironically enough, got off to a 3-0 lead on Ted Fritsch's 24-yard field goal in the first quarter, but the Giants rushed over 21 in the second quarter, 14 in the third and 14 in the final heat which was finished in semi-darkness. Whatever offense the Packers generated was quickly snuffed out by the clock or by interceptions. The Giants grabbed eight Green Bay passes - five from Jack Jacobs and three from Irv Comp - and returned them 75 yards. The interception total was one less than the league record, nine, set the Packers against Detroit in 1943. The clock? This is irony. With second left in the first half and again in the fourth quarter, the Packers were stopped just short of touchdowns. They couldn't beg, borrow or steal a TD. This was the first game the Packers went without a touchdown since the Cardinal mud battle in City stadium in 1946 when the Cards found their oats, 24-6, Fritsch kicking two field goals for the only points.
CONERLY PITCHES THREE TD'S
And if you're still history-minded, this was the first time any team but the Bears hit the 40-point mark on the Packers. The Bears did in three times, 45-7 last September, 44-28 in 1942 and 41-10 in 1940. And to show you how badly things were turning out for the Packers, the Giants got an "assist" from a Packer on one of their touchdowns. Jacobs batted Conerly's 31-yard pass in the end zone in the third quarter, and the ball flipped into Bill Swiacki's arms for six points, making it 28-3. Conerly spearheaded four of the Giants' seven touchdowns with his passing. Another resulted from Emlen Tunnell's 44-yard interception; Paul Governali, now Conerly's helper, led his team to another with his passing; and the finale saw NY rush 75 yards in 15 plays in the closing minutes. Tunnell, incidentally, intercepted three passes; Joe Scott and Frank Reagan each two; and John Canady one. The Packer defense against rushing was terrific. The Giants gained 111 yards but 75 of that total came in the last five minutes - after the winners had constructed a 42-3 margin. In all, the Giants piled up 445 yards - 343 by passing, Governali getting 43 through the air in the last quarter on four completions. The Packers were all but hopeless on the ground, making only 93 yards - 41 by Walt Schlinkman - against 139 in the air, including 64 in three stretch catches by Nolan Luhn.
TURF WAS SLIPPERY
The State Fair park turf was slippery, which might have reduced the rushing yardage for both teams, but the Giants - with Conerly virtually "handing" the ball to his receivers - had no trouble in the air. Packer receivers, on the other hand, were skidding all over the place.

Bruce Gehrke was Conerly's favorite catcher, nailing seven for 93 yards.

The below-par crowd got a lot of thrills with the ball changing hands by most every means in the first quarter alone. Ted Cremer recovered a Conerly fumble shortly after the opening kickoff to give the Packers a chance to score, but as quick as you could light a cigarette Scott intercepted Jacobs' pass. Tony Canadeo quickly returned a Reagan punt 21 yards and the Packers were on their way. Jacobs tossed to Canadeo for 14 yards but the Bays were held on the Giants' 16 so Fritsch stepped back on the 24 and kicked a field goal. The passers had difficulties with their receivers, the result being that Comp and Scott exchanged interceptions. Reagan punted twice and Tunnell intercepted Jacobs' pass as the boys played standstill. The first break came near the end of the first quarter when Jacobs' punt was partially blocked and downed on the Packer 33. Then it started. Conerly whipped a pass to Joe Sulaitis on the 26 and Joe ambled down the sidelines to the seven. On the first play of the second quarter, Conerly shot a bullet to Roberts of the TD. Len Younce, a guard, kicked the first of seven extra points.
TUNNELL GOES DISTANCE
In a matter of seconds, Tunnell, a big colored boy from Iowa, intercepted Jacobs' pass in front of Ralph Earhart on the Packer 43 and ankled to a touchdown. The Packers ran into a costly penalty a moment later. Jacobs, trying to pass, decided to run and reeled off 23 yards to New York's 41. Then Jacobs completed a 12-yard pass to Ted Cook but the Packers were in motion and the play was nullified. Jacobs and Reagan each punted twice before Tunnell stepped up again and intercepted a Comp pass on the Giants' 28. In seven plays the Giants had a 21-3 lead. Conerly passed to Gehrke for 19, to Robert for 12, to Gehrke for 28, and then again to Gehrke for two yards and the TD. Just like that. With a minute left, Comp drilled one to Luhn for 30 yards and a first down on the Giants' 20. Jacobs caught Cook on the five-yard line and then the officials ruled Cook caught Jacobs' next pass just outside the end zone. A line plat and the half ended. The Packers were steaming when they came out for the second half. Schlinkman and Bob Forte ripped off 14 yards and Jacobs passed to Luhn for 21 to the Giants' 39. Tunnell put a tackle on Jacobs that knocked the Indian cold for several minutes but Comp went in and tossed to Luhn for 13. After two misses, Comp hit Cook for a 12-yard gain on the New York eight and the goal line was in sight. But Cannady took Comp on the three and that was that.
CONERLY WENT TO WORK
Mr. Conerly went to work a minute later. The Mississippi star completed three straight passes for 41 yards, then ran for 27 when no receivers were open and finally bounced one off Jacobs' hands and into Swiacki's for the TD. The Packers lost six yards in three tries so Conerly got another crack. This time he completed five straight passes for 53 yards before sneaking over himself for the TD. He pitched to Roberts for 14, to Pipkin for 18, to Gehrke for 14, and to Swiacki for 11. On the second play of the last quarter, Reagan intercepted Jacobs’ pass but the Giants couldn’t gain so Reagan punted. Old man Reagan was still around and he quickly grabbed Comp’s pass on the Packer 40. By this time, Conerly was resting quietly on the bench by Governali came out. He tossed to John Atwood for 16 yards, to Gehrke for 10 and then to Atwood for eight among miscellaneous ground gains. Ray Coates, a rookie, rushed over from the two for the TD.
FINAL BIT OF IRONY
Again the Packers were forced to punt and the Giants were off on their 75-yard scoring drive. Cook stopped it momentarily by intercepting a Governali pass but there was a double penalty on the play, so the Giants kept the ball. Coates and Roberts are up most of the yardage, with Coates going over from the three for the final score. For the final bit of irony, the Packers started to roll with seconds left. Schlinkman picked up 25 yards in two tries and Jacobs completed a 26-yard pass to Earhart on the Giants’ six as the game ended. The Giants piled up 28 first downs – 17 by passing – to tie the league record established by Washington against Boston last Dec. 14.”

NEW YORK  -   0  21  14  14  -  49
GREEN BAY -   3   0   0   0  -   3
1st - GB - Ted Fritsch, 24-yard field goal GREEN BAY 3-0
2nd - NY - Choo-Choo Roberts, 7-yard pass from Charlie Conerly (Younce kick) NEW YORK 7-3
2nd - NY - Emlen Tunnell, 43-yard interception return (Younce kick) NEW YORK 14-3
2nd - NY - Bruce Gehrke, 2-yard pass from Conerly (Len Younce kick) NEW YORK 21-3
3rd - NY - Bill Swiacki, 31-yard pass from Conerly (Younce kick) NEW YORK 28-3
3rd - NY - Conerly, 1-yard run (Younce kick) NEW YORK 35-3
4th - NY - Ray Coates, 2-yard run (Younce kick) NEW YORK 42-3
4th - NY - Coates, 3-yard run (Younce kick) NEW YORK 49-3

Rudy Rosatti RT FA-1928 NYG 1928 Born 9-12-1895 Died 8-08-1975

“Rudy Rosatti, a native of Norway, Mich., was the first former NDSU player to perform in the NFL, according to the Pro Football Reference website. Rosatti played for the Cleveland Indians as a 28- year old rookie in 1923. He moved to the Green Bay Packers for the 1924, 1926 and 1927 seasons, and finished his NFL career with the New York Giants in 1928. He played in 45 NFL games as a 211-pound tackle.”

“Rudy played for the Packers in 1924 and again in 1926 and '27. As you might have read in the previous answer, he played for Iron Mountain against the Packers in 1925 -- then he played for the Packers against Iron Mountain the next year. As background, your uncle was a native of Norway, Mich., in the UP, and also played for the Cleveland Indians in 1923 and the New York Giants in 1928. He was a 6-foot, 211-pound tackle. When the Packers signed him on Sept. 11, 1924, the Green Bay Press-Gazette said Rudy was living in Vulcan, Mich., had played at the University of Michigan (in 1922) and had doubled as coach of the freshman line at Michigan the previous year at the same time he was playing for Cleveland. Before the Packers signed him, the Ironwood Daily Globe *said Rudy was going to play with Ironwood that year, then *the Iron Mountain News said he wasn't, he was under contract to Cleveland. The Press-Gazette also made reference to a dispute between the Packers and the Cleveland owner when Rudy signed. Your uncle was the Packers' starting right tackle in 1924, and also started for most of the '26 season. In '27, he started some games, but might have been hurt for some of the others. The reason he didn't play with the Packers in '25 was because he had a job "up north" and was running the Iron Mountain team, according to the Press-Gazette. When Rudy re-signed in '26, the paper referred to him as "one of the Packers' best linemen in 1924," that "his brilliant defensive work had won him a lot of followers," and that "Rosey is a big, husky footballer." On Aug. 23, 1928, the Packers traded Rosatti and another lineman, Hector Cyre, to the New York Yankees for Roy "Bullet" Baker and Larry Marks.”

https://www.packers.com/news/if-hearden-was-coach-lombardi-might-not-have-been-13470300