Alec Ogletree

New York Giants: Star rookie defender could be lost for the season

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New York Giants, Giants, NYG, Ryan Connelly

The New York Giants dominated the Washington Redskins in week four the regular season, beating them 24-3. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones led the team was 225 yards and a touchdown to help secure the win. He also threw two interceptions displaying hit his rookie hiccups.

However, the biggest news comes on the defensive side of the ball, as another rookie, Ryan Connelly, left the game on a non-contact injury that seemed to involve his knee. Connelly has had issues in the past while playing at Wisconsin and this could surely spell trouble for a defense that has relied on his services thus far in the season. He finished the day with three tackles, two assists, a sack, and an interception.

Connelly has been one of the bright spots for the Giants this season after three consecutive weeks of weak defensive play. Against Washington, they were without Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis, two starters. Connelly showed he has the qualities to lead the defense and be a focal point moving forward, which makes his injury even more significant. After the play, he was immediately carted off the field.

Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter also left the game with a neck injury and was previously nursing an elbow ailment before the start of the game.

The New York Giants could be in trouble:

The Giants will take on a better team in the Minnesota Vikings next week. They will need their defense to be at tiptop shape if they wish to compete, as they have a considerably better defense and offense in comparison to Washington. The next few games will present a severe challenge for Big Blue, especially if they’re without several influential players on defense.

If Connelly’s injury ends up being significant, the Giants will have to hope Ogletree and Davis can replace him quickly and recover from their injuries

The New York Giants should be very excited about this rookie

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New York Giants, Giants, NYG, Ryan Connelly

The New York Giants are undoubtedly very excited about rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, especially after he led a game-winning drive to cap off a 336 yard, four score performance. Jones won the Offense of Player of the Week for the NFC after just one start in the NFL, which not only provides optimism but excitement for the future.

While the offensive side of the ball seems to be in good hands with Jones, the defense has been lackluster this season. However, one rookie has stood out and is beginning to make a name for himself within the Giants fan-base.

Wisconsin product Ryan Connelly has been stellar at times for the Giants and is proving his worth quickly. After recording five assisted tackles and two solos against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Connelly showed why he could be a starting linebacker for the future.

He also picked up an interception in the win, which helped flip the momentum in the Giants favor and gave them a fighting chance at extracting their first victory of the season. The defense struggled in the first half of the game, allowing 28 points. The second half was far better for New York who seems to elevate their game after making mental and physical mistakes early in contests. They allowed just three points the entire second half, showing their resiliency and ability to overcome adversity.

“This feeling, you got to hold onto this feeling,’’ Connelly said after the game. “And we also got to hold onto the feeling of getting off on those third downs, the short drives we were able to keep them to.’’

Interestingly enough, the Giants defense improved after they lost Alec Ogletree to a hamstring injury on what ended up being a dead play. With Ogletree likely out against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Connelly will be the MIC linebacker, shuffling play calls and coverages to the defense.

As just a fifth-round pick, Connelly’s emergence as a starting player is significant. The Giants managed to secure a quality player later in the draft without having to allocate a premium pick to the position.

One of the positive aspects Ryan brings to the table is his tenacity and confidence. He’s hugely versed in shooting gaps with speed and can get into the backfield in a hurry. His short-area burst is excellent and gives him an advantage in the run game. Also, he’s instinctive in coverage, allowing him to cover running backs in the flat and cross tight ends (not ideal).

Connelly is a player to keep an eye on and watch his development. He’s quickly becoming a favorite for defensive coordinator, James Bettcher.

New York Giants: 2019 Team Captains Announced

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The New York Giants wrapped up the preseason this week and are on to preparing for regular season week one. The Giants will head to Dallas on Sunday to take on the division-rival Cowboys. Part of the preparation for the regular season is selecting team captains.

The Giants typically have six total captains, two captains for each phase of the game: two on offense, two on defense, and two on special teams. This year, the Giants have seven team captains.

Offense:

Eli Manning:

Of course, Eli Manning is once again a team captain. This will be Eli Manning’s thirteenth consecutive season as a team captain. It is well deserved as Eli has been the face of the franchise for over a decade. Eli has always been a leader on and off the field and he fully deserves to be a team captain every year until he retires.

Nate Solder:

Nate Solder is entering his second season with the Giants and his eighth season in the NFL. The Giants’ starting left tackle was selected as a captain last year, too. Solder will continue to bring his veteran leadership to the Giants’ offense.

Saquon Barkley:

The best running back in the NFL heading into his second season, Saquon Barkley has earned himself a captain’s patch. Saquon Barkley is a leader on and off the field and a transcendent talent. It is rare to see a player earn the patch after only one season, but Saquon Barkley is fully deserving of this honor.

Defense:

Alec Ogletree:

The Giants’ starting middle linebacker was acquired via trade last offseason. Alec Ogletree stepped in as a captain from day one with the New York Giants and he has earned that patch again this season. Ogletree is another veteran that the Giants have made a captain. Alec will be entering his sixth season in the NFL.

Antoine Bethea:

Like Alec Ogletree last year, Antoine Bethea will be a defensive captain before he ever plays for the Giants. Antoine Bethea is entering his fourteenth season in the NFL and his first with the Giants. Bethea has taken on a mentorship role in the secondary, aiding in the training efforts for the youthful Giants defensive backs.

Special Teams:

Zak DeOssie:

Zak DeOssie has been the Giants’ long snapper for over a decade now. He is the second-longest tenured player on the Giants behind only Eli Manning. The two-time Super Bowl champion has been a stalwart player for the Giants special teams and has earned the right to don this patch until he is no longer a member of Big Blue.

Michael Thomas:

The Giants’ second special teams captain is safety/special teamer, Michael Thomas. Last year was Michael Thomas’s first year with the Giants and he was also named a captain then. Michael Thomas was even selected for the Pro Bowl last year, so he was an easy captain choice this season.

New York Giants could claim hard hitting safety Malik Jefferson

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Could the New York Giants look into Malik Jefferson?

The New York Giants are thin at the linebacker position, which makes former third-round pick from 2018, Malik Jefferson, an enticing option on the market. The Cincinnati Bengals cut Jefferson after appearing in 12 games during his rookie season, but the change in the coaching staff and defensive scheme forced them to part ways with the second-year player.

Jefferson is a hard-hitting linebacker that recorded ten tackles in the 12 appearances last season. So far this preseason, he has tallied nine tackles and has flashed promise.

The Giants currently have Alec Ogletree, Tae Davis, and Ryan Connelly as their preferred linebackers. They could use the additional support given Connelly’s lack of experience and Ogletree’s inconsistencies. Jefferson being a hard-hitting linebacker with the ability to play well against the run, could make him an influential factor if added to the team.

The most enticing part about bringing the sophomore LB in would be his low price tag. The Giants only have minimal cap space to go and sign new players, which makes him a more attractive option.

How could New York Giants DC James Bettcher help Jefferson?

As just a second-year player, defensive coordinator James Bettcher could help him develop and refine his skill set. He is still moldable, and if Bettcher sees him as a potential fit for the defense, Jefferson could earn playing time during the 2019 season. However, while this is purely speculative and theoretical, Jefferson has the attributes and abilities to be a productive NFL player. The only issue is, does he fit Bettcher’s scheme and does he have the speed/athleticism to cover pass catchers.

He would play a similar role to Alec, standing tall in the middle of the field and playing primarily against the run. The Giants forced Ogletree into coverage far too often last season, which is why Davis is now considered the “money-backer.”

New York Giants could pursue several quality veteran linebackers

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Should the New York Giants look into linebacker, Shane Ray?

The New York Giants have a deficiency at the linebacker position. With just Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis locking down the middle of the defense, any injuries or inconsistent play could be detrimental to the success fo the team.

Veteran BJ Goodson has fallen down the depth chart and could be cut due to his inability to fit into defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s scheme. He prefers more athletic linebackers that can successfully blitz the quarterback but also drop back in coverage.

The New York Giants could take a flier on several veterans:

The Oakland Raiders released LB Brandon Marshall on Friday morning, making him an attractive option for team’s looking to add one of the league’s top cover linebackers. Before his injury, he was considered as such, but he’s hit a few snags in his recovery.

Marshall has used all of training camp to bounce back and could be in good shape to join a team looking to utilize his talents. His surgically repaired knee would need to pass medical clearance, but his impact is proven, and the Giants could use a player of his quality.

Also, former Denver Broncos defender Shane Ray could also fit the bill. The former first-round pick is three-years removed from an eight sack, 21 QB hit season.

The Giants could kick the tires on both defenders, but their price tag might hinder the ability for general manager Dave Gettleman to bite. The lack of depth at the position for Big Blue is a cause for concern, and I believe Marshall is the better option here despite both players having their fair share of weaknesses at the moment.

Ray could be a substitute for Kareem Martin, outside linebacker for the Giants, who has failed to make a significant impact since signing with the team last offseason.

New York Giants News, 8/29 – Giants could pursue veteran linebacker

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Should the New York Giants kick the tires on Malcolm Smith?

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The Giants are extremely thin at the linebacker position, which is why kicking the tires on recently cut San Francisco 49er Malcolm Smith might not be a bad idea.

The seven-year veteran is preparing to hit the free agency market after a 2018 season plagued with injuries. The Giants could theoretically swoop in and grab him off the market after Saturday’s roster cut deadline.

Smith is a productive linebacker in the tackles category, breaking the 100 mark (combined) twice in the last three years. As a middle linebacker in 2015, he recorded four sacks, which shows he can be used in a diverse manner and close to the line of scrimmage.

Given that’s quite some time ago, it’s fair to say he has lost a step or two. Injuries have also surely taken their toll, but he can be a capable defender given the opportunity. The Giants currently house Alec Ogletree, rookie Ryan Connelly, and the potential cut-candidate, BJ Goodson. Tae Davis is also sprinkled in there as a “Money-Backer,” a term coined by defensive coordinator, James Bettcher.

Adding a quality linebacker with experience could be a boost to the unit’s productivity in 2019; however, it all comes down to his price-tag.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day!

Paul Schwartz (NY POST) – Cowboys are fearing the worst watching Giants’ Daniel Jones

Ed Valentine (Big Blue View) – What should the Giants do with Sam Beal?

John Fennelly (Giants Wire) – Corey Ballentine’s gunshot wound was ‘worse than what people thought’

Jordan Raanan (ESPN) – Giants’ 53-man roster projection includes Rod Smith, Kyle Lauletta

Alexander Wilson (Empire Sports Media) – New York Giants: Surprise undrafted defender could replace BJ Goodson

New York Giants: Ranking the best and worst unit for the 2019 season

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New York Giants, Alec Ogletree

The New York Giants are flush full of youth on their roster and have plenty of talent for the expected success in the near future. The issue is, with youthfulness comes inexperience, which could cause deficiencies and difficulties against opposing starting units.

 Here are the strongest and weakest units for the New York Giants:

The strongest group: Running backs

Saquon Barkley alone solidifies the running back corps, but their depth is also incredibly durable. The only real competition happening in this group is for the No. 3 RB spot, which is being fought over by Paul Perkins and Rod Smith. Wayne Gallman is the assumed No. 2 option given his familiarity with the Giants’ scheme and Eli Manning.

Smith has been plagued by fumbles and Perkins hasn’t played a game in quite some time. He has looked decent in the pass-game but his running ability to limited due to his lack of strength and power. He’s more of a glorified scat-back, and Gallman can operate in that fashion as well if need be.

I believe Saquon and Gallman will be the top dogs during the 2019 season but as Smith’s seniority and experience will likely earn him the last spot on the roster over Perkins, who hasn’t shown enough to stay around.

The weakest unit: The linebackers

The middle of the defense for the Giants is entirely in disarray. The idea of Ryan Connelly as the starting linebacker isn’t comforting, even though he’s looked good in limited action this preseason. It seems as if Tae Davis will be the “money backer” in DC James Bettcher’s scheme and Alec Ogletree, who has missed all of preseason with a strained calf will be the inside linebacker.

Connelly is set to be Ogletree’s backup in the middle, but if the veteran is forced to miss anytime, the Wisconsin product could find himself starting against the Dallas Cowboys week one in Arlington. An intimidating task for a mere rookie. In three games played, Connelly has eight total tackles, five being solo. He has shown the ability to shoot the gap very quickly but needs to work on his angles and tackling ability.

While he misses on this play, you can see his athleticism and speed from a stand-still position. That’s angle-work and will be refined through trial and error.

Despite his promise, the Giants are thin at the linebacker position and need their veterans to step up and perform. Health will be a concern here, and if Ogletree is forced to miss any time, Connelly will be the next-man-up.

New York Giants: Injury Problem Not Gone Post-Jets Game

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The New York Giants picked up something of an injury problem going into training camp – the team lost several players to injuries in the opening days of camp, to varying degrees of injuries. Some players had to be taken off the field with minor problems like cramps but would return in the coming days, while others such as Corey Coleman suffered a bit more. Coleman, after all, tore his ACL which will put him out of the season’s plans entirely.

Star wide receiver Sterling Shepard will miss the preseason, but should come back for week one and take his spot in the starting lineup once again. Others still have a chance of returning as the preseason continues, and a few names that fans will immediately recognize are on that list: notably, Alec Ogletree and Sam Beal.

Ogletree went down with a calf strain against the Jets and it isn’t clear when he’ll be able to return to action. Beal, on the other hand, is suffering from hamstring problems and has been since early in camp. It’s not as bad as the shoulder injury that ended Beal’s rookie season during training camp, but it does make things tougher for Beal at the crowded defensive back position, which features competition from a number of other young players.

Neither player practiced on Sunday, which is somewhat predictable. It’s only the second week of the preseason and there’s no need to take risks just yet – furthermore, Ogletree’s injury is recent and therefore we can expect him to have a longer recovery time than Beal, who was injured earlier in training camp.

However, first round draft pick Deandre Baker didn’t suit up for Sunday’s practice either after being injured in individual drills, and Grant Haley’s status is still questionable. It means the position group might just be thinner than it seemed initially, thanks to other players going down at the position.

The Giants have a few more weeks of the preseason to get things sorted out on the injury front after a rough start to training camp in that area – it remains to be seen, though, whether or not the team will pick up more injuries in the coming three games. One would hope not, and if the trend continues, some of the blame may lie with the Giants conditioning staff.

New York Giants A Top 10 Defense According To Starting OLB

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New York Giants, Alec Ogletree

The New York Giants weren’t one of the top defenses in the NFL last season by any means – the team was one of the very worst teams when it came to the pass rush which showed in several close games where the Giants could have won if they were able to pull out one or two more defensive stops, and even one less touchdown or field goal given up could have resulted in a win.

The secondary wasn’t the best part of the team last year but it also would have been crazy to say it was great, and it looks like the team is going to have some growing pains in that area this season while moving from starters such as Landon Collins and Eli Apple and transitioning to a younger group that includes DeAndre Baker and Jabrill Peppers.

However, not everyone is down on the defense following the sweeping changes that were made during this recent offseason, which gives the Giants one of the younger lineups in the entire league going into the 2019 season.

“We will be better. There is no reason for us not to be a top-10 defense. [Or] top-five. We are going to be a great defense. We’ve got the right pieces here. We’ve got to go put in the work and do things better than we did last year,” said outside linebacker Alec Ogletree on Wednesday, one of the team’s better starters from last season and a player known for his versatility at the position.

“It keeps guys like me fresh and on our toes,” Ogletree added, on the subject of the overall young age of the defense. “We have to be able to teach those guys the right way to do things and make sure we’re on top of our game. Everybody has talent in this league. Granted some have more experience than us, but I don’t think that’s an excuse as to why you can’t be a great defense.”

While it does look like the Giants will be somewhat talented on defense this year with potential to improve, them being one of the top 10 defenses in the league looks like it might be dangerous hype at this point, setting high expectations that fans will be disappointed in when the results on the field end up different from the prediction.

That’s not to deny that the Giants have added talent since last season – the secondary might just be deep depending on whether the offseason hype around Peppers translates into good play on the field, and whether or not DeAndre Baker and Julian Love adapt quickly to life in the NFL.

The addition of Dexter Lawrence could be one of the better ones the defensive line has received in years, and Markus Golden could easily become a better Olivier Vernon if he can recover some of his skills from past years that seemed lost with injury.

But none of those things are certain to happen, and so for now, at the start of training camp, it’s hard to place the Giants defense as good or bad. If anything, they might just be one of the NFL’s biggest unknowns right now.

New York Giants linebacker could steal playing time from BJ Goodson

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New York Giants linebacker, Tae Davis.

The New York Giants don’t have the most versatile and exciting linebacker corps, but they have the appropriate players to help succeed to a degree.

With Alec Ogletree and BJ Goodson acting as the expected starting linebackers, it minimizes the opportunity for other options, however, Tae Davis, second-year defender out of Tennessee, could steal playing time from Goodson.

Davis, who’s a solid cover backer, is better suited in passing packages where he can pick up tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield. In fact, it’s possible he even fills in or rotates with Ogletree in specific scenarios. I believe, though, he will replace Goodson given Alec’s five interceptions in 2018.

Last season, defensive coordinator James Bettcher played Davis more on third downs. The undrafted rookie played in 14 games last season, starting in four. He tallied 33 combined tackles, 2.0 sacks, and four quarterback hits. I anticipate his numbers will take a jump in 2019 due to his developing skill-set.

Tae’s influence could be significant given his proficiency against tight ends. Landon Collins and Ogletree were often designated the assignment of locking down TEs last season, and the Giants ranked near the bottom of the league in defending them. Finding a solution for that problem was a priority this offseason, and Davis could certainly be it.

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How can the New York Giants make the most of Davis’ abilities?

Alec Ogletree is better suited playing closer to the line of scrimmage and stopping the run. With that being said, it promotes the usage of Davis more frequently, allowing Ogletree to spy on the quarterback while his counter-part drops back into coverage. Having Alec play in coverage wasn’t ideal last season, as he often found himself playing out of position. His numbers tell a different story, but he struggled nonetheless.

Locking down the tight end position will contain opposing offenses in a way the Giants haven’t experienced in quite some time. If David can reach his potential, the defense could be in a good shape heading into 2019.