Thursday Reading

Giants

Duggan The Athletic: 12 things that stood out after reviewing the first game of the Joe Judge era
https://theathletic.com/2071153/2020/09/16/12-things-that-stood-out-after-reviewing-the-first-game-of-the-joe-judge-era/

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: The Steelers had 22 pressures on 44 dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats. There game plan was to bring the heat. They used 5 or more rushers on 27 of those 44 passes.

Bottom line after rewatching every snap is Saquon Barkley needs to play better. Not much he can do on the runs. But his blocking was sub-par. He dropped a pass + LB Devin Bush locked him down on 2 others. Barkley is great player. Wants to be all-time great. So ... the bar is high

Leonard NYDN: Giants aren’t built to win with this little production from Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-fall-to-steelers-week-1-20200915-uoxv333pjbaefe76xbyxc6xjsa-story.html

Falato BBV: Film review: 5 critical plays from Giants-Steelers
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/9/16/21438896/film-review-analysis-5-critical-plays-from-giants-steelers-evan-engram-daniel-jones-jason-garrett

Nick Falato BBV: per...@PFF_Giants

✔️Lorenzo Carter ranked 10th best EDGE on week
✔️Blake Martinez 7th best off-ball LB
✔️Martinez also led league in STOPS (11)
✔️Daniel Jones ranked 8th in OFF on the week
✔️Tomlinson and DLaw top 15 in DEF for DL on week
✔️Slayton 20th in OFF for WRs on week

PFF: NFL Week 1 PFF ReFocused: Pittsburgh Steelers 26, New York Giants 16
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2020-week-1-refocused-pittsburgh-steelers-26-new-york-giants-16

Giglio NJ.com: 7 reasons to be encouraged by Giants after Week 1 loss | Daniel Jones, Darius Slayton, more
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/09/7-reasons-to-be-encouraged-by-giants-after-week-1-loss.html

Rosenblatt NJ.com: How Giants can fix 3 biggest problems after Steelers loss: Evan Engram, cornerback and the offensive line
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/09/how-giants-can-fix-three-biggest-problems-after-steelers-loss-evan-engram-cornerback-and-the-offensive-line.html

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: The Giants four practice squad protections this week: DB Ryan Lewis, QB Cooper Rush, K/P Ryan Santoso, OL Chad Slade.

The only difference this week was Santoso instead of WR Johnny Holton. This after a week where kickers around the league struggled badly.

Falato BBV: New York Giants Week 2 Opponent First Look: Chicago Bears
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/new-york-giants-week-2-opponent-first-look-chicago-bears

Coach

Giants.com: In the premiere episode of the Joe Judge Report, the head coach takes the telestrator to break down key plays from the Giants vs. Steelers game, including Daniel Jones' 41-yard touchdown pass to Darius Slayton. ( Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/watch-premiere-of-joe-judge-report

QB

Rock Newsday: Daniel Jones approaches one-year anniversary as Giants' starting quarterback
https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/daniel-jones-anniversary-giants-1.49401056

Dunleavy NYP: Giants’ next opponent is a Daniel Jones cautionary tale
https://nypost.com/2020/09/16/giants-next-opponent-is-a-daniel-jones-cautionary-tale/

Stapleton The Record: Why Joe Judge will encourage Daniel Jones' aggressive play rather than stop it
https://amp.northjersey.com/amp/5814883002

Bobby Skinner: Daniel Jones random stats & ranking v Steelers

Drops: 4 (2nd)
Pressure: 34% (2nd)
Hits: 4 (6th)
Hurry’s: 9 (1st)
Blitzed: 26 (1st)
RPO’s: 0 (1 of 6 QB’s w/ 0)
Yards/scramble: 7.7 (12th)
Yards/Playaction: 12.5 (2nd)
Air yards/Attempt: 5.7 (26th)
YAC/completion: 4.5 (23rd)

Dan Schneier CBS Sports.com: Great stats from @BobbySkinner_
My thoughts:
- Pressure #s no surprise
- Drops hurt, specifically Engram and Barkley's
- DEFINITELY need to work in more RPO for him. Not even a question.
- PA key to any good offense but tough to do when the blocking was that bad

Dan Schneier CBS Sports.com: I guess Daniel Jones "played bad" against the NFL's best defense to most on here. I don't buy it.
Two awful mistakes but some REALLY good balls (not just the TDs), w/ a RB that went 16 for 5 yards, a RT and C destroyed on every snap and still threw for nearly 300 yards

I mean, DJ dealt this hand:
1. Face a top-3 D 2. Run game goes 16 carries, 5 yards. 3. OC and RT play on skates.
Forced to play quick game all night (where Watt INT came) and still had ++ball placement, made BIG throws on 1st dwn and find solutions on 2nd+3rd and longs. #Giants

PFF Giants: Daniel Jones was the highest graded player on offensive last night with an 82.1 overall, best of his career so far.

Jones was under pressure on 26 drop-backs, 6 more than any other QB in week 1.

Not a bad start to the season for the 2nd year QB

RB

Schwartz NYP: Tiki Barber sets record straight after causing Saquon Barkley ‘stir’
https://nypost.com/2020/09/16/tiki-barber-meant-no-harm-by-calling-out-giants-saquon-barkley/

Stapleton The Record: NY Giants: Tiki Barber's criticism of Saquon Barkley hits home, and he should know
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/09/16/ny-giants-tiki-barbers-criticism-saquon-barkley-hits-home/5816528002/

Orr SI.com: Does Saquon Barkley Fit the Giants' Timeline?
https://www.si.com/.amp/nfl/2020/09/15/saquon-barkley-fit-giants-timeline

Rock Newsday: Saquon Barkley on paltry rushing stats: 'I have to do better for the team'
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/giants/giants-steelers-saquon-barkley-1.49341914

Dunleavy NYP: Saquon Barkley was historically bad for Giants
https://nypost.com/2020/09/14/saquon-barkley-was-historically-bad-in-giants-loss-to-steelers/

Traina SI.com: FILM | Saquon Barkley's Week 1 Run Game Struggles
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/big-blue-plus/saquon-barkleys-week-1-run-game-struggles

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: Saquon Barkley was been hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 11 rushes, tied for his most in a game in his career, according to ESPN Stats and Information. He had eight rushes for negative yards. That's how you end up with six yards on 15 carries.

Pat Leonard NYDN: Saquon Barkley's YAC above expected (21 yards) on his 38-yard screen was the 6th highest in NFL Week 1. Jamison Crowder of Jets was first: 63 YAC above expected on 69-yard TD catch and run. per NFL Next Gen stats

2.26 seconds.

Either protection wasn't changed appropriately pre-snap or just confusion on right side.

WR

Thompson SI.com: Giants Week 2 Injury Impact | Golden Tate Remains Limited
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/giants-week-2-injury-impact-golden-tate-remains-limited

Dunleavy NYP: Darius Slayton emerging as Giants’ No. 1 wide receiver
https://nypost.com/2020/09/15/darius-slayton-emerging-as-giants-no-1-wide-receiver/amp/

OL

Kussoy NYP: Saquon Barkley debacle puts pressure on Giants’ offensive line
https://nypost.com/2020/09/15/saquon-barkley-debacle-puts-pressure-on-giants-offensive-line/amp/

Rosenblatt NJ.com: This Giants coach was a heavy metal star. Now he’s trying to get their offensive line to make some noise
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/09/this-giants-coach-was-a-heavy-metal-star-now-hes-trying-to-get-their-offensive-line-to-make-some-noise.html

C

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY: Housekeeping item: Giants recently renegotiated C Spencer Pulley’s deal. Was due $5.5M over next 2 years, $2.75M each. They removed 2021 + dropped his base from $2.325M (non-guaranteed) to a fully guaranteed $1.625M. So Pulley took a $700K pay cut, but got some gtd money.

Defense

Dan Duggan The Athletic NY: Defensive snap counts: Lorenzo Carter is an every-down player now. Pretty even rotation with other OLBs. Heavy DL rotation. Snap counts for Holmes and Ryan show emphasis on sub packages (limited snaps for Downs in base D). Yiadom: 5 snaps, 1 TD. No. 2 CB remains a huge concern

Art Stapleton The Record: NYGiants snap counts:

James Bradberry, Julian Love and Blake Martinez played 100 percent of the defensive snaps.
Darnay Holmes (47, 73 percent) + Logan Ryan (38, 59 percent) both played more snaps than base ILB starter Devante Downs (14, 22 percent)
The world of sub packages

DT

Dunleavy NYP: Giants’ Leonard Williams looks to build off of long-awaited sack
https://nypost.com/2020/09/16/giants-leonard-williams-looks-to-build-off-of-long-awaited-sack/


ILB

PFF Giants: Blake Martinez, the big free agent signing, was the highest graded Giants player in week 1.

His overall grade of 83.9 was the 7th best among off-ball LB’s and recorded 11 tackles, tied most for all LB’s this week.

NFL

Baldy’s Breakdowns: Baldy and Jason La Canfora take a look ahead at the Week 2 schedule in the NFL and give you their expert opinion on how it'll all go down based off of what we saw from Week 1. Who surpassed expectations? Who was underwhelming? We covered it all here on the latest edition of Baldy's Breakdowns ( Audio)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baldys-breakdowns/id1463795900?i=1000491478474

Corry CBS Sports.com: Agent's Take: 2020 ultimate 53-man roster features Patrick Mahomes after gigantic extension with Chiefs
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-2020-ultimate-53-man-roster-features-patrick-mahomes-after-gigantic-extension-with-chiefs/

Miller B/R: NFL Insiders on Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold's Struggles as Seats Get Hotter
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2909216-nfl-insiders-on-baker-mayfield-sam-darnolds-struggles-as-seats-get-hotter

Tanier NYT: N.F.L.’s Big Running Back Deals Will Lead to Sour Grapes
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/16/sports/football/alvin-kamara-dalvin-cook-contract.html

ARIZONA
McManaman AZ Central: Washington coach Ron Rivera says Kyler Murray's dual-threat abilities 'gives me anxiety'
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2020/09/16/cardinals-quarterback-kyler-murray-giving-opposing-coach-anxiety/5822330002/

Bob McManaman AZ Central: According to his Instagram account, veteran safety Curtis Riley has been signed off the Steelers' practice squad by the Cardinals. With Jalen Thompson dealing with an ankle injury, this looks like a pretty good move.

BALTIMORE
Oyefusi Baltimore Sun: Masks, solo hotel rooms and delivery pizza: Ravens prepare for first road game amid pandemic
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-travel-coronavirus-texans-20200917-ajfytinxsza6rah3xtcehyvpri-story.html

Shaffer Baltimore Sun: Ravens film study: What seven plays could tell us about the 2020 season
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-film-study-browns-20200916-bbihke6iqfbdbg7flu74hvp65y-story.html

Jonas Shaffer Baltimore Sun: An analytical look at Lamar Jackson's big Week 1, via @NextGenStats:

— Average time to throw: No. 2 in NFL (3.07 seconds)
— Average completed air yards: No. 1 (10.3 yards)
— Average intended air yards: No. 3 (11.1 yards)
— Passer rating: No. 1 (152.1) nextgenstats.nfl.com/stats/passing

BUFFALO
Gaughan Buffalo News: Analysis: Bills QB Josh Allen was a surgeon out of Brian Daboll's new 10 personnel set
https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/analysis-bills-qb-josh-allen-was-a-surgeon-out-of-brian-dabolls-new-10-personnel/article_c6a40a6c-f69f-11ea-a25f-eb56dc87e048.html

Skurski Buffalo News: Week 1 position grades: Bills' pass defense picks up where it left off
https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/week-1-position-grades-bills-pass-defense-picks-up-where-it-left-off/article_c735b0ac-f6b3-11ea-8a2f-83b37b5f1167.html

CAROLINA
Alaina Getzenberg Charlotte Observer: Matt Rhule on message to team: "Let's go play as hard as we can. And let's go play and have as much fun as we can... There were times this past Sunday where it started to get fun and then just kind of trailed off a little bit"

Discussed team creating a standard beyond the record

Also pointed to McCaffrey as an example, as he has previously. "When I watch (him) practice, I can't tell if we won last week or lost last week and when I watch him play in the game, I can't tell if we're ahead or behind and that's what's special."

Schofield Touchdownwire USA Today: Joe Brady's creative use of empty formations
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/17/joe-bradys-creative-use-of-empty-formations/

Alaina Getzenberg Charlotte Observer: WR Hakeem Butler visited the Panthers today. Second WR they have had in to visit this week. Reminder that Keith Kirkwood is on IR at least through Week 3.

CHICAGO
Dan Widerer Chicago Tribune: Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack were limited participants in practice today for the Bears.

Jimmy Graham and Ted Ginn were given the "More than 10 years of service" opening to take practice off.

Biggs Chicago Tribune: 4 observations from rewatching the Bears’ Week 1 win, including an emphasis on having Mitch Trubisky under center and a slow-moving Danny Trevathan
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-mitch-trubisky-danny-trevathan-20200915-wxt64z3vtrhu5fdcl6tdf7eei4-story.html

Biggs Chicago Tribune: Chicago Bears Q& A: So is the running game fixed? Should Anthony Miller get more snaps? Why isn’t Mitch Trubisky used on the move more often?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-mailbag-anthony-miller-mitch-trubisky-20200916-iajkt5envrdirgvcgrijhnhtn4-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: The wish list for the Chicago Bears offense is straightforward: Better third-down execution, more touchdowns and additional under-center alignments
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-mitch-trubisky-matt-nagy-20200917-hysq3ekqtzbpnlyb6ducrac5xy-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Chicago Bears QB rewind: Did Mitch Trubisky’s 4th-quarter explosion in Week 1 wipe away his early struggles
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-mitch-trubisky-review-20200915-5oka3wjj5nhprahouzi3cej5ri-story.html

Biggs Chicago Tribune: Allen Robinson didn’t just remove the Chicago Bears from his social media accounts — he asked to be traded
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-allen-robinson-trade-request-20200915-kuj6juj4svay3oytpvx5bv367e-story.html

Biggs Chicago Tribune: Chicago Bears sign kicker Cairo Santos to the 53-man roster, creating a 3rd open spot on the practice squad
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-cairo-santos-kicker-20200916-iks6ucw5f5dcnheohqwurwqr2a-story.html

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Can the Bengals upset the Browns on Thursday night?
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/can-the-bengals-upset-the-browns-on-thursday-night.html

Clark The Ringer: The Cleveland Browns Are at a Crossroads. Again.
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2020/9/16/21439272/cleveland-browns-crossroads-baker-mayfield-odell-beckham

Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: The Ravens tricked Baker Mayfield into throwing an interception on Sunday: How did that happen? -- Film review
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/the-ravens-tricked-baker-mayfield-into-throwing-an-interception-on-sunday-how-did-that-happen-film-review.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: The disconnect between Baker Mayfield & Odell Beckham Jr. is something ‘we have to get to the bottom of,’ says Kevin Stefanski
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/the-disconnect-between-baker-mayfield-odell-beckham-jr-is-something-we-have-to-get-to-the-bottom-of-says-kevin-stefanski.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns should let Odell Beckham Jr. seek a trade if they remain committed to Baker Mayfield; one report says they’re already shopping him
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/the-browns-should-let-odell-beckham-jr-seek-a-trade-if-they-remain-committed-to-baker-mayfield-and-one-report-says-theyre-already-shopping-him.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns waive Austin Seibert, elevate Cody Parkey from practice squad after Seibert misses PAT and FG in loss to Ravens
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/browns-elevate-kicker-cody-parkey-from-their-practice-squad-waive-austin-seibert-after-missing-pat-and-fg-in-38-6-loss-to-the-ravens.html

DALLAS
Dixon AP: McCarthy loses 1st game with Cowboys, but might have won QB
https://apnews.com/d9a9e45f7dde72e0504990819591fe68?

Owning Dallas Morning News: Film room: How did the Cowboys' rookie starters fare against the LA Rams?
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/09/16/film-room-how-did-the-cowboys-rookie-starters-fare-against-the-la-rams/

Michael Gehlken Dallas Morning News: As Cowboys work to address their offensive tackle situation, OT Jared Veldheer is in Frisco for a visit, source said. Veldheer has made 113 career starts. On Sunday, Dallas started undrafted rookie Terence Steele at RT. La’el Collins (hip), Cam Erving (knee) are both on IR.

Watkins Dallas Morning News: His numbers may be dwindling for complex reasons, but the Cowboys simply need more from DeMarcus Lawrence
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/09/16/his-numbers-may-be-dwindling-for-complex-reasons-but-the-cowboys-simply-need-more-from-demarcus-lawrence/

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos coach Vic Fangio defends not using timeouts on Titans’ winning drive
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/15/vic-fangio-broncos-titans-clock-management/

Newman Denver Post: Royce Freeman rose above competition in camp; now the Broncos’ running back could see more opportunity after Phillip Lindsay’s injury
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/16/broncos-royce-freeman-increased-opportunity-phillip-lindsay-injury/

O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos Briefs: Receiver Jerry Jeudy cites concentration, not nerves, for two dropped passes in opener
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/16/broncos-briefs-jerry-jeudy-explains-drops-in-debut/

O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos’ Next Opponent: Pittsburgh defense shut down Giants’ running game in Week 1
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/17/broncos-next-opponent-pittsburgh-steelers/amp/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Week 1 collapse was bubbling long before D'Andre Swift's dropped pass
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/14/detroit-lions-matt-patricia-late-game-struggles/5798863002/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Say what? How lack of crowd noise is changing on-field communication in NFL games
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/17/no-crowd-noise-changing-communication-nfl-games/3477573001/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Film review: Detroit Lions have big plans for rookie RB D'Andre Swift
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/16/detroit-lions-film-review-dandre-swift-impressed-dropped-touchdown/5804124002/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions LB Jarrad Davis on his reduced role: 'I got to trust the coaches'
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/16/detroit-lions-jarrad-davis-reduced-role-got-trust-coaches/3474648001/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions place cornerback Justin Coleman on injured reserve
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/15/detroit-lions-justin-coleman-injured-reserve/5802101002/

Dave Birkett Detroit Free Press: Rewatching some Lions-Bears, if McRae and Roberts are next up at CB with the Coleman/Trufant injuries, Lions will need two new gunners on punt team this week. Dee Virgin getting the call up from PS makes since he did that last year and in camp. Okudah worked gunner in camp, too

GREEN BAY
Silverstein Mil JS: Packers' offense making the most out of motion in second year under Matt LaFleur
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/09/17/green-bay-packers-offense-making-most-out-motion/5819010002/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Deshaun Watson knows Ravens will be puttin’ on the blitz
[url] https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Deshaun-Watson-knows-Ravens-will-be-puttin-on-15573538.php[/utl]

INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Expect double teams for Colts' $21 million man, so DeForest Buckner must take advantage of 1-on-1 chances
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2020/09/15/indianapolis-colts-need-get-deforest-buckner-away-double-teams/5807775002/

LAS VEGAS
Gutierrez ESPN LV: Raiders ecstatic to finally open luxurious 'Death Star' Allegiant Stadium
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29864321/raiders-ecstatic-open-luxurious-death-star-allegiant-stadium

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Reedy AP: Chargers offense balanced, but needs to be more productive
https://apnews.com/ee9c665aef829c82718e54c83789b99d?

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Thiry ESPN LA: Sean McVay's Rams 'ecosystem' a challenging standard -- even for its creator
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/41985/sean-mcvays-rams-ecosystem-a-challenging-standard-even-for-its-creator

MIAMI
Cameron Wofe ESPN Miami: Brian Flores says Tua Tagovailoa is doing everything that everyone else is at this point so they took him off the injury report. Flores says Tua is doing well mentally and physically, and they’ve been happy at his health progress coming back from serious injury.

Armando Salguero Miami Herald: Brian Flores asked about Kyle Van Noy not being an every down player last week says, "last week was last week." Add team has moved on and we shouldn't "put anyone in a bucket" as every down player or not.

Something to monitor.

NEW ENGLAND
McBride Boston Globe: Bill Belichick’s mother, Jeannette, dies at 98
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/15/sports/bill-belichicks-mother-died-monday-night/

Ian O’Connor ESPN: Bill Belichick credited his mom, a language teacher, for showing him how to teach. Bill's dad Steve once said of Jeannette: "I don't think there's a woman in the country who knows more about football. She can tell u the 2nd string QB of the Rams & who coaches Texas-El Paso." RIP

Ben Volin Boston Globe: Belichick notes that his father, a coach at Navy, was often away on weekends scouting other football games. So as a kid, football weekends for Belichick were spent with his mother. "We watched hundreds of games together."

Daniels Providence Journal: Patriots start week with perfect practice attendance
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200916/patriots-start-week-with-perfect-practice-attendance

Reiss ESPN Boston: Did Patriots revamp their playbook for Cam Newton? Not so fast

Per NextGenStats, Cam Newton was clocked at 19.2 mph on his 11-yard TD run, which is his fastest TD run in the past 5 seasons. Newton's mobility was a top storyline in Week 1, but how much will it continue? Thoughts from Josh McDaniels and more:

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4821009/did-patriots-revamp-their-playbook-for-cam-newton-not-so-fast

Yang Boston Globe: Patriots’ plan isn’t for Cam Newton to carry the ball 15 times a game
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/15/sports/patriots-plan-isnt-cam-newton-carry-ball-15-times-game/

Guregian Boston Herald: Patriots RB coach Ivan Fears loves how pint-sized back J.J. Taylor plays ‘hide and seek’ with defenses.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/09/16/patriots-rb-coach-ivan-fears-loves-how-pint-sized-back-j-j-taylor-plays-hide-and-seek-with-defenses/

McBride Boston Globe: Consistency is turning into a building block for Patriots’ Ryan Izzo
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/14/sports/consistency-turning-into-building-block-patriots-ryan-izzo/

NEW YORK JETS
Braziller NYP: Adam Gase has sense of urgency after Jets disgrace
https://nypost.com/2020/09/14/jets-already-aware-how-much-uglier-this-can-get/

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles vs. Rams: Five matchups to watch
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-vs-rams-five-matchups-watch-carson-wentz-aaron-donald-0599970/

Bowen Phil Inquirer: Doug Pederson says Eagles won’t be less aggressive, but he and Carson Wentz can manage risk better
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-turnovers-doug-pederson-carson-wentz-washington-football-team-20200914.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: A look at the Eagles' eight sacks allowed, with gifs and stuff
https://www.phillyvoice.com/look-eagles-8-sacks-allowed-gifs-and-stuff-carson-wentz/

Paul Domowitch Phil Inquirer: While most people have been fixated on the play of rookie RT Jack Driscoll and RG Nate Herbig, it needs to be pointed out that LT Jason Peters played poorly v. Washington. @pff rightly gave him a 48.7 run-blocking grade and 58.2 overall grade. Both were 50th among OTs in Week 1.

PITTSBURGH
Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Film study:
A closer look at the rough outings of James Conner and Al Villanueva against the Giants. Plus, a look at how the Steelers handled the Giants no-huddle offense
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/09/16/Steelers-film-study-james-conner-Alejandro-villanueva-mike-tomlin-giants/stories/202009160129

Battista NFL.com: Ben Roethlisberger's return infuses Steelers with swagger, confidence
https://www.nfl.com/_amp/ben-roethlisberger-s-return-infuses-steelers-with-swagger-confidence

Pryor ESPN Pittsburgh: Fresh off win, Ben Roethlisberger 'just so excited' to be leading Pittsburgh Steelers yet again
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29888378/ben-roethlisberger-returns-style-leads-pittsburgh-steelers-new-york-giants

Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Ben Roethlisberger sore, but elbow fine on heels of season opener for Steelers
https://triblive.com/sports/ben-roethlisberger-banged-up-but-elbow-feels-fine-on-heels-of-season-opener-for-steelers/

Brooke Pryor ESPN PIT: Ben Roethlisberger's 28-yard pass to Chase Claypool last night was the most improbable completion of the week, per Next Gen Stats. Had just a 13.8 percent completion probability. Not a bad first catch for the rookie.

Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Ben Roethlisberger and JuJu Smith-Schuster connect, but injury concerns mar Monday night win
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/09/14/steelers-giants-game-recap-monday-night-football-espn/stories/202009140123

Madden Pittsburgh Tribune Review: After James Conner’s latest injury, time has come for Benny Snell football
https://triblive.com/sports/mark-madden-after-james-conners-latest-injury-time-has-come-for-benny-snell-football/

Flounders Penn Live: Steelers’ three-wide receiver set causes Giants problems, Mike Tomlin on Benny Snell’s improvement, more
https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/2020/09/steelers-three-wide-receiver-set-causes-giants-problems-mike-tomlin-on-benny-snells-improvement-more.html

Pat Leonard NYDN: Mike Tomlin on keying to stop Saquon Barkley: “We had a commitment and we weren't going to be bashful about that commitment. We thought that guy was a catalyst for whatever that they were going to do offensively. We put our secondary in harm’s way some in an effort to do so.“

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Shanahan spreads blame on Garoppolo’s two late-game misfires
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Shanahan-spreads-blame-on-Garoppolo-s-15567181.php

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ George Kittle, Mohamed Sanu could play vs. Jets after barely practicing
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-George-Kittle-might-play-against-Jets-15572736.php

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers add Mohamed Sanu to depleted wide-receiver corps
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-add-Mohamed-Sanu-to-depleted-wide-receiver-15569959.php

Madson Ninerswire USA Today: 49ers injury report: Brandon Aiyuk, Ben Garland return to full practice
https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/16/49ers-injury-report-brandon-aiyuk-ben-garland-return/

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers: The review of Javon Kinlaw’s NFL debut
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-The-review-of-Javon-Kinlaw-s-NFL-debut-15569796.php

Branch SF Chronicle: Richard Sherman headlines list of 49ers’ injured cornerbacks
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Report-49ers-Richard-Sherman-will-be-placed-15571769.php

David Lombardi The Athletic SF: Expect 49ers' next 3 opp to do a lot of that to test 49ers' relatively untested corners, since they're missing Sherman. That can be the difference between a 1-yard gain (perfect Sherman form tackle) and a 4-yard gain (poor CB recognition/tackle) — huge for staying on schedule

SEATTLE
Ben Volin Boston Globe: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was able to benefit from tough times with and against Patriots
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/16/sports/seahawks-coach-pete-carroll-has-been-doing-it-his-way-after-his-time-with-patriots/

Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks’ Chris Carson had just six carries vs. the Falcons. Pete Carroll promises he’ll get more soon.
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/after-chris-carsons-big-receiving-day-pete-carroll-promises-hell-start-getting-more-carries-soon/

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Bucs coach Bruce Arians: ‘Tom and I are fine’
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/09/16/bucs-coach-bruce-arians-tom-and-i-are-fine/

Stroud TB Times: Chris Godwin says Tom Brady, offense will get better
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/09/15/chris-godwin-says-tom-brady-offense-will-get-better/

Stroud TB Times: The Bucs have a lockdown cornerback in Carlton Davis
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/09/16/the-bucs-have-a-lockdown-cornerback-in-carlton-davis/

WASHINGTON
Carpenter Washington Post: Ron Rivera is coaching through his cancer, and the battle might be making his team better
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/16/ron-rivera-cancer-treatments-washington-football/

Jenkins Washington Post: The best coaches have a blueprint for action, and Ron Rivera knows what he wants to build
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/15/ron-rivera-culture-change-washington-football/

Bullock The Athletic DC: Dwayne Haskins had some issues with stepping into throws against the Eagles, but he excelled when Washington used quick game concepts. Read my full breakdown on Haskins
https://theathletic.com/2069957/2020/09/16/inside-view-how-dwayne-haskins-performed-in-washingtons-victory-over-the-eagles/

Fortier Washington Post: Geron Christian is finally Washington’s starting left tackle, and he wants to stay there
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/09/17/geron-christian-washington-football-left-tackle/

Colleges/Draft

QB

DiPaola Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Pat Narduzzi labels Pitt’s Kenny Pickett ‘the most underrated quarterback in the country
https://triblive.com/sports/pat-narduzzi-labels-pitts-kenny-pickett-the-most-under-rated-quarterback-in-the-country/

Frenette Florida Times Union: Sandalwood QB elevates Georgia Tech, comes back to haunt Seminoles
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/gene-frenette/2020/09/17/impressive-debut-georgia-tech-qb-jeff-sims-may-lead-promising-future/3477008001/

Weiszer ABH: Some viewed D’Wan Mathis as an afterthought. But there were signs he could be UGA football’s focal point
https://www.onlineathens.com/subscriber/20200917/some-viewed-drsquowan-mathis-as-afterthought-but-there-were-signs-he-could-be--uga-footballrsquos-focal-point

History

Farmer LA Times: Archie Manning reminisces on the emotional adventure of having two sons in the NFL
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-09-14/archie-manning-family-experience-nfl-peyton-eli-career-super-bowl

Judge SI.com: State Your Case:  Clem Daniels, "the best back in the AFL during his time"
https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/state-your-case/clem-daniels-and-hall-of-fame

Giants Birthdays 9-17

George Benyola PK UDFA-Louisiana Tech 1987 NYG 1987 9-17-1964

Kendrick Clancy LDT FA-PIT 2005 NYG 2005 9-17-1978

Stacy Dillard NT/DT D6-Oklahoma 1992 NYG 1992-1995 9-17-1968

Russell Shepard WR W-CAR 2018 NYG 2018-2019 9-17-1990

Jordan Raanan ESPN NY (9-17-2020)

Former Giants WR Russell Shepard turns 30 today and announces his retirement from football after 7 seasons w/Giants, Panthers, Bucs. A good man, had the respect of everyone in the locker room, moves on to the next phase of his life where I have no doubt he will also be successful