New York Giants news, 10/1 – Giants get huge boost on offense

New York Giants, Golden Tate

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The New York Giants have scored a combined 56-points over the last two weeks on the shoulders of rookie passer, Daniel Jones. The offense has been rolling, especially when it comes to the passing game and ability to move the chains through the air.

Their impressive statistical totals only attest to the elevation of the unit and forward momentum. Jones’ ability to escape the pocket and utilize his legs to pick up first downs and extend drives has been essential to the team’s success. To justify his quality, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pummeled the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday coming away with three interceptions on Jared Goff and a fumble, which was taken to the house for a touchdown. They also tallied two sacks against a quality Rams offensive line.

Jones didn’t turn the ball over a single time against the Bucs, in fact, he threw for two scores and ran two in as well. His 336-yard performance secured the Giants’ first win of the season. Fast forward one week and the Giants put down the Washington Redskins with ease (24-3).

This week, the team gains back an influential player/top pass-catcher in Golden Tate. The former Detroit Lion and Philadelphia Eagles receiver will give Jones yet another set of hands to trust in the passing game. Tate has earned extremely impressive marks during his career for yards after the catch. He’s one the most efficient receivers in the NFL since signing with Detroit, having the most yards after catch (2,736) in the NFL since 2014. He’s also an incredibly talented third-down receiver — 124 third-down conversions since 2014, second-most in the NFL.

The Giants are gaining a great player in Tate and a fantastic target for Jones in the passing game. Expect him to be a focal point moving forward.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

Ralph Vacchiano – Giants could look like a legitimate playoff team — if they can survive the next two games

Dan Salomone – Giants place LB Ryan Connelly on IR, claim DE Chris Peace off waivers

Jordan Raanan – Daniel Jones brings new energy, hope to New York Giants

New York Giants News, 9/29 – The offensive player we need to talk more about

New York Giants, Evane Engram

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

While New York Giants rookie passer Daniel Jones has been the talk of the town after a 336-yard, four score performance in his first NFL debut, most are overlooking out fantastic his tight end has been.

After years of hoping Evan Engram would blossom into a premier pass-catching tight end, his time has finally come, and the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. has aided that.

Through three games this season, Engram has tallied 277 yards and two scores, already cutting his 2018 totals in half. Last week, he helped the offense with 113 yards and a touchdown — his 75-yard catch and run sparked a change in momentum for the Giants in the second half.

With Cody Latimer missing time against the Buccaneers and Golden Tate missing the first four games of the season, Engram has been stellar in his third season as a professional. His numbers post-Beckham have been astronomically better, as he nearly doubled his production without the Giants top wideout in 2018.

Engram is not only playing at his peak performance, but he’s doing it at the perfect time with Jones taking over at the helm for Big Blue. He will continue to be an essential target for the new quarterback and act as a security blanket when pressure closes in on the pocket.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

John Fennelly – Giants’ Plan B at ILB starts with putting Ryan Connelly in charge

Joran Raanan – It’s Wayne Gallman’s show in Giants backfield

Dan Benton – Giants’ Pat Shurmur called Tom Coughlin before benching Eli Manning

Chris Pflum – Film Study: Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard were fantastic in Tampa

Alexander Wilson – New York Giants: 3 keys to beating the Washington Redskins in week 4

New York Giants News, 9/13 – Another Giants receiver added to the injury list

New York Giants, Cody Latimer

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

With the Giants preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, they will need all of their offensive firepower to overcome a solid defensive opponent.

Big Blue will potentially be without top pass-catcher Sterling Shepard with a concussion and new signing Golden Tate due to suspension. Add in the late injury to Cody Latimer, a calf ailment, and the Giants could be down to the bare bones of their wide receiver corps.

Signing T.J. Jones this week will help supplement the loss of their pass-catchers, but not to a level where they can expect to succeed at a high level. Latimer, who’s a steady No. 2/3 wideout, is expected to be the top option for quarterback Eli Manning, and without him, Bennie Fowler and Russell Shepard will be expected to elevate their games.

However, tight end Evan Engram will be the primary target for Manning and head coach Pat Shurmur will have no choice but to utilize Saquon Barkley early and often. Compared to week one against the Dallas Cowboys, Barkley’s workload will increase against the Bills. He was used sparingly due to a lack of offensive ball control, as the Cowboys led for a majority of the game and were scoring at will.

Despite the defensive woes, the Giants offense didn’t score until the third quarter after their first drive touchdown against the Cowboys and losing two receivers only hurts their chances of elevating their production in week two.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

Matt B – New York Giants: Eli Manning Needs To Take More Risks

Dan Benton – Saquon Barkley’s message to Giants fans: ‘Don’t panic’

Art Stapleton – How NY Giants stopped Tuzar Skipper from returning to Steelers and brought him to Big Blue

Paul Schwartz – DeAndre Baker already facing resiliency test after torching

New York Giants: What will Golden Tate’s impact be in 2019?

New York Giants, Golden Tate

Just two days after trading away superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, the New York Giants signed 31-year-old Golden Tate to a 4-year deal, worth $37.5M with $23M fully guaranteed. Tate is coming off a 2018 season where he found himself being traded to Philadelphia midway through.

In 15 games last year, he finished with 74 catches for 795 yards and four touchdowns. Tate never fully rediscovered the rhythm he enjoyed while playing for Detroit during his time with the Eagles. He will undoubtedly be looking to find his stride again with the New York Giants in 2019.

However, Tate won’t be able to see the field until week five of the season. Tate has suspended four games by the NFL over the summer because of a banned substance found in a fertility drug he has been using. Tate explained that the element had been clomiphene, it was prescribed to him by his doctor who told him that it was fine and he had given it to other NFL players prior.

Although Tate had a strong case for his appeal, his claim was denied due to the league’s strict no-tolerance policy. Nevertheless, Tate is looking to make a significant impact on the field this season for New York.

In 15 games last season, Tate avoided 23 tackles, leading all fellow wide receivers in the league by three. Since 2013, Tate has finished top 10 every year in yards-after-catch. Coming in 1st in 2014 and 2017, while finishing 2nd in 2016.

Tate is a player who will bring a lot of versatility and agility to the Giants’ offense. He’s been one the league’s best receivers in terms of yards-after-catch and forced missed tackles for quite some time.

Pairing Tate with star running back Saquon Barkley will result in lots of forced missed tackles this upcoming season for New York’s offense. The only downside is, the Giants will have to wait until week five to watch Golden Tate perform his magic on the football field.

New York Giants: Two practice squad players that could be called up in 2019

New York Giants, Reggie White Jr.

The New York Giants have been active the last few days trimming the roster down to the required 53-men and bringing in waiver players to fill positions of need.

On Sunday, the Giants put in waiver claims for several players including CB Corn Elder, WR Cody Core, OT Eric Smith, and TE Tomlinson. In the process, they cut receiver Allonzo Russell, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass against the New England Patriots last Thursday.

The Giants made several surprising moves as well, one of which included cutting second-year quarterback Kyle Lauletta over Alex Tanney. One of the more interesting decisions by GM Dave Gettleman and HC Pat Shurmur, Tanney got the nod due to his experience and knowledge of the game. He’s expected to help Daniel Jones in his development.

However, the practice squad was also filled with decent players, and some could have an impact on the 2019 season.

Here are two New York Giants practice squad players that could be pulled up:

1.) WR Reggie White Jr.

Hauling in eight catches for 115 yards over the preseason, White Jr. showed his ability to play at the professional level. The Monmouth product corralled several impressive passes for significant gains and displayed separation from cornerbacks. While he didn’t face off against first-stringers, White could make a small impact during the 2019 season.

The Giants have faced significant injuries and issues with the wide receiver corps this season, making the elevation of White a matter of ‘when.’ Golden Tate’s suspension of four games and Sterling Shepard’s thumb injury will eventually alleviate, but he could fill in as a back-end pass catcher if need be.

Keep an eye on Darius Slayton’s health, because that slot would be the best opportunity for White to slide onto the active roster.

2.) TE CJ Conrad

Conrad is one of the more fascinating players of the preseason, he didn’t leave too much of a mark in the passing game, but he has excellent potential. After clearing waivers, Conrad signed on with the Giants’ practice squad. He has solid blocking abilities and can make a difference in the passing game. He’s a bit slow and unathletic, but his grit and heart make up for it in some facets.

With Scott Simonson out with a high ankle sprain and Evan Engram an injury waiting to happen (knock on wood), Conrad will likely see the field this upcoming season. With more developmental time, I believe Conrad can emerge as the next Rhett Ellison.

New York Giants News, 9/2 – Former Pro Bowl wide receiver available

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The Giants seem to be confident in their wide receiver corps heading into the regular season next Sunday, but a new development has offered them another option, former Pro Bowler, Demaryius Thomas.

The current group consists of Golden Tate (suspended for first four games), Sterling Shepard, Cody Core, Rusell Shepard, Cody Latimer, and Darius Slayton. Thomas could fit in perfectly while Tate misses time, but the Giants might be unwilling to give up any of their players to take a flier on a player coming off a torn Achilles.

However, in the preseason finale against the Giants, Thomas put up in impressive stat-line — seven catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He’s a veteran body that is still capable of being a productive player. He likely wouldn’t be an overly costly addition to the team and can act as another quality wideout for the offense.

Additionally, he could be a trustworthy mentor for Darius Slayton and provide the team with added production while Tate serves his suspension.

The Giants also added former Bengals WR Cody Core on Sunday through waivers. Core earned 130-yards and a score in his third season in the NFL last year. It seems to be a better salary cap move given Core is likely on a veteran deal. In my opinion, though, releasing T.J. Jones for Core doesn’t make much sense.

Nonetheless–

Matt Lombardo (NJ.com) – NFL rumors: 10 players Giants can target after roster cuts | Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Marshall, more

John Fennelly (Giants Wire) – 5 surprises from Giants’ roster cutdown day 

Alexander Wilson (Empire Sports Media) – New York Giants could claim hard-hitting safety Mailk Jefferson

New York Giants: Daniel Jones Already A Leader According To Starting Receiver

New York Giants, Daniel Jones

The decision for the New York Giants to spend a top ten pick on Daniel Jones was controversial, but at least to the other players on the team right now, it’s believed to be paying off right now. Jones had a good game in the Giants’ preseason finale, not playing the longest time compared to Alex Tanney or Kyle Lauletta but still completing all four of his passes for a total of 47 yards, and it set to enter the regular season as the top backup behind Eli Manning.

But according to wide receiver Golden Tate, Jones is already a leader in his own right. “He’s a guy who shows up every day and doesn’t say much. But, he’s quietly become a leader,” Tate told NJ Advance Media.

There’s other players who have echoed similar sentiments and it’s easy to wonder whether or not the pressure to start Jones will force the Giants to make a chance midseason at quarterback, if the early season results with Eli Manning at the helm aren’t what the team is looking for.

So far, the Giants have been committed to Manning this offseason, and have stated as much a number of times, but that hasn’t stopped there from being plenty of speculation about the team changing their minds later on. If the team did decide that starting Jones in the middle of the season is the best option, it looks like Jones would already have an existing base of support within the locker room following his preseason performances.

“He saw single-high coverage, saw a matchup that he liked and threw a ball in there. By the time it caught my eye, it was along the sideline where only I could catch it, or no one could catch it. It’s just a glimpse of what’s to come,” Tate added.

Will there be a future connection between Tate and Jones during the second half of the regular season? We’ll see – but if Eli Manning does anything other than come out and win immediately, it’s clear that at this point, after a very good preseason from Daniel Jones, the pressure will be immense to start the rookie.

New York Giants News, 8/27 – Giants lose rookie WR to injury again

New York Giants, Darius Slayton

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

I wish I had better news on a Tuesday Giants fans, but rookie wide receiver Darius Slayton has once again tweaked his previously injured hamstring.

As if it wasn’t enough to miss the first two games of the preseason, Slayton figured he would re-injure his hamstring just in time for the showdown versus the New England Patriots. Maybe he’s smart given his automatic spot on the roster and desire to stay healthy for the regular season.

The more likely reality is he’s simply injury prone and has a nagging hamstring ailment, a muscle grouping that’s very difficult to heal while under consistent strain.

Luckily for the Giants, top pass-catcher Sterling Shepard is finally without a splint on his fractured thumb and seems to be working his way back nicely. He should have the green-light to suit up against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington week one. However, at this rate, it seems as if Slayton could be left behind, which could give alternatives like Brittan Golden and Allonzo Russell a shot at redemption.

Both Golden and Russell are battling it out for a reserve spot on the roster, but it seems as if the former has the advantage given his punt-returning abilities.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day!

Ed Valentine (Big Blue View) – Giants’ position-by-position breakdown: Assessing the 90-man roster as cuts loom

Zach Braziller (NY Post) – This may be Giants’ last look at Daniel Jones before team is his

Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) – Preseason grades, Week 3: Daniel Jones rolls, Kyler Murray solid

John Fennelly (Giants Wire) – Giants’ Darius Slayton, Sam Beal not practicing as cuts loom

New York Giants: TJ Jones could steal the No. 3 WR spot from Cody Latimer

New York Giants, Cody Latimer

While Cody Latimer is the expected starter for the New York Giants at the number three wide receiver spot, he lost a bit of ground on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. As the consensus number one option due to Sterling Shepard’s broken thumb and Golden Tate’s concussion, he was the lead target for Eli Manning and the offense. He finished the game with one catch for 9-yards and two drops, one of them being in the end zone.

Latimer has the speed and route-running ability to be a favorite option for Manning on the offense, but his performance on Thursday night was nothing short of abysmal.

He gave incumbent TJ Jones a good chance at climbing the ranks and giving him a run for his money. Luckily for Latimer, Jones did not record a reception against the Bengals, but he was missed on a long throw on the left side of the field by Alex Tanney. He created separation and had two defenders trailing him from behind.

The New York Giants must be impressed with TJ Jones:

In week one of the preseason against the New York Jets, Jones finished the night with six receptions for 72 yards and a score. One week later,  he hauled in three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears, proving that he can be a consistent option and threat in the passing game. He worked as a  wide-out and out of the slot, showing speed and agility from both positions.

Jones was overshadowed while playing in Detroit, behind Kenny Golladay and Golden Tate. He will have the opportunity to be an impact player for the Giants moving forward, as he has shined in limited reps this preseason.

Realistically, Jones will likely feature behind Shepard, Tate, and Latimer. He doesn’t have the chemistry and experience with Manning that Cody does, which puts him at a disadvantage. However, if he continues to play the way he has and develops a relationship with Manning, he could overtake Latimer during the regular season.

His shiftiness in coverage and ability to make tough catches makes him a wild card on offense, and it’s always good to have an unexpected talent make an impact.

EXTRA:

“I think that the opportunity, when it’s presented, you make it what you want it to,” Jones said. “If you come in here (as) just a camp body, then that’s what you put out on film. You won’t believe you have a shot, so you won’t put your best foot forward. But if you come in with the mindset that I’m here to earn a spot, to earn a job whether it’s here to put out good film or if I were let go for someone else to see good film, that’s on you. So, I came to make the best of the opportunity and to definitely not let the timing of it affect the way I approached it.”

Should the New York Giants really consider a Laquon Treadwell trade?

Should the New York Giants look into Laquon Treadwell?

The New York Giants wide receiver corps has been decimated by injuries and suspensions this offseason. The first to go down was Corey Coleman with an ACL, a former first-round pass-catcher that was looking to revitalize his career and compete for the No. Three receiver spot on the roster.

The Giants’ best option in Sterling Shepard then fractured his thumb, and to make matters worse, Golden Tate was suspended for the first four games of the regular season due to a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.

While various negative factors have plagued the receiving corps, they have managed to excel during the preseason, racking up 646 total yards of offense. Despite their success, a majority of their production has occurred against backup/reserve players. We cannot assume they will continue to succeed against starting-quality players.

Should the New York Giants consider Laquon Treadwell in a potential trade?

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound wideout hasn’t lived up to his first-round expectation since his inception into the league in 2016. In nine games during his rookie campaign, Treadwell only recorded 15 yards and one reception. Since then, he’s totaled 512 total yards.

He has had trouble creating separation and hauling in passes at the professional level. He enjoyed a career-high, 66% completion percentage last season — 302 yards and one score. He has just one touchdown in three years.

Treadwell previously played under current Giants head coach Pat Shurmur while with Minnesota. Injuries have plagued his career up to this point and minimize his potential and production.

Why the Giants shouldn’t consider him as an option:

Laquon isn’t capable of being a starting-caliber player in the NFL, and we shouldn’t expect him to suddenly blossom into a quality option after three mediocre years. The Giants are better of sticking with preseason star TJ Jones in the passing game as their No. 4-5 receiver.

Jones has racked up an impressive 105 yards and two scores in just two games this preseason. He has developed solid chemistry with rookie quarterback Daniel Jones and has displayed efficiency as a wideout and from the slot.

The former Detroit Lion was overshadowed by Kenny Golladay last season, despite earning a 73.1% catch-rate.

Jones can be a trustworthy option for Eli Manning, especially with injuries piling up and the loss of Tate for four games. It’s better to reward players already on the roster that have been fighting for a spot than to bring in a questionable player that will cost draft-capital.