Tag Archives: Giants Mini-Camp

Coughlin Pleased With Team’s Progress This Spring

Tom Coughlin met extensively with reporters after the final leg of the Giants’ three-day mini-camp this morning.

The veterans are going home, the rookies will stay on another week.  The next time the full team reconvenes will be for training camp in Albany on August 1st.

Some highlights from Coach Coughlin’s outdoor presser…

What is the one thing that you are most unsure about your team as you head into the summer?

I don’t know – so much has been made of getting Kenny Phillips back, I think, at full speed. And I’m very confident – he is, also, that he will be back. We look forward to that part of it. It is always a challenge integrating these young guys into the program and solving some of the issues that we had last year. Obviously always staying healthy and that type of thing.

Hixon had become such a potent kick returner or punt returner. Do you have any early thoughts on where you go from here to replace to him?

No, we have a lot of guys working in those capacities. People are just going to have to – this is an opportunity for someone to step up and be recognized in that role, certainly, and all of the special teams roles. Domenik was always very much involved in our receiving corps, as well. There were many days you guys watched that he looked to be the best receiver on the field. But this is an opportunity for someone. And we challenge the guys to be able to take advantage of that.

I know the minicamp is only three days but is there a particular rookie that may have stuck out a little bit more than others with his progress?

No, I think they have all competed and from time to time we have certainly spotted them. Jason (Pierre-Paul) stood out, (Joseph) Linval stood out. Chad (Jones) has had a pretty good – and I think right at the end of the OTA’s he was starting to emerge and doing things very well on special teams and in the secondary. (Phillip) Dillard from time to time has been a guy that has kind of jumped out at us. Mitch has done some good things. He gained attention that way. So I think pretty much they have hung in there well. They have taken advantage of the number of snaps that they have gotten for the most part. They have stayed out here. And it has been a real good experience for them.

Your end of camp speech on being safe. Did you have to remind them about the Mathias Kiwanuka thing? Did you bring that up at all?

No, I did not bring that up. That is a little bit too personal. What you talk about here is when you make a choice make sure it is in the best interest of you and your family. And always make sure that whatever you decide to do, don’t do anything that you wouldn’t be proud of if it was on the front page.

Through the OTA’s and now minicamp, how do you see the defense? Do you think they are starting to gel?

They seem to be a group that had some fun working together. There are some personalities back there – (Antrel) Rolle and (Deon) Grant are gregarious kind of guys and that has been a real plus. And I think, hopefully, there is some confidence growing at the linebacker spot. And certainly you can see that there is some depth emerging in the front. So I think they are anxious to prove what they can do.

You think Perry Fewell was a good hire then?

I think so, no doubt. I’m convinced of that.

Tagged Giants Mini-Camp, New York Giants, New York Giants News, Tom Coughlin |

RB Andre Brown Is Ready To Fulfill Promise

At this year’s draft, there was a buzz that the Giants were going to take a running back high in the draft.  C.J. Spiller of Clemson was a very tempting target and the rumors were that the Giants had coveted the speedster.

Those rumors may have been true, for all we know, but Spiller was long gone by the time the Giants were ready to make their first selection.  They ended up not taking any running backs at all.

There are two theories behind that.  The first is the fact that the RB pool in the draft this year was very shallow.  The other is that the Giants were waiting to see how well second-year RB Andre Brown had progressed from Achilles’ surgery.

Brown blew out his Achilles’ in the last practice before the first pre-season game last summer.  He’s never played in a game for the Giants.  Outside of the TIMEX Center, very few people have ever seen him run, or even know that he exists.

That is all about to change for this humble 23-year-old from Greenville, North Carolina.  This week at Giants’ mini-camp, it was hard not to notice #22.

Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin, always cautiously optimistic, says that Brown is doing better but by the tone of his voice he sounded like a man who has to see some more before he makes his final decision.

Coughlin did admit that Brown “runs with power” and “catches the ball well” out of the backfield. which was something the Giants have been working on during this mini-camp.

Since Brown hasn’t ever worn a Giants’ uniform in anger, he calls himself  a “super rookie” because much of this process here is still new to him.

In an interview after practice yesterday, Brown was very candid with reporters about his injury and the disappointment of missing his rookie season.  Brown suffered a rare injury for football players – a torn Achilles tendon – and his rehab was a lonely one with few players to commiserate with.

He said there weren’t any running backs any of the the trainers could recall that ruptured their Achilles’.  There were some defensive players, but most of them were well into their careers when they got hurt.

By his actions, he’s seems to have studied and rehabbed very well.  He looked like Terrell Davis on some plays, Adrian Peterson on others.  No lie.

Even though Brown is still conscious of his injury, and admitted he was sore after the double-practice on Tuesday, he looked fine yesterday and claimed he’s not thinking about making cuts anymore. He just doing it.

Brown is currently fourth on the Giants’ depth chart at RB.  He was asked if he thought there was a need for  -and a role for – a third running back.  He wouldn’t know the answer to that since he wasn’t here when Derrick Ward filled the role of change-up back / receiver.

“I think there is,” he said, “But I just want to get out there and hit somebody. Special teams, whatever.  I don’t care where I’m at as long as I’m helping the team.” 

Brown is working on special teams as a kick returner.  He may be tried out as a punt returner now that Domenik Hixon is gone for the season, but his name did not come up as an immediate candidate for that in Jerry Reese’s press session yesterday.

As for the third back in the offense, it’s Brown vs D.J. Ware, who also saw a lot of reps this week.  Brown has the better upside and if he continues to build on his strong spring, it may be hard to keep the ball out of his hands this season.

Tagged Andre Brown, Giants Mini-Camp, New York Giants, New York Giants News |

Reese Moving Forward After Hixon Injury

GM Jerry Reese said today that Domenik Hixon’s injury was “part of the game” and that someone needed to step up and take his place as the team’s punt returner.

Reese noted that Mario Manningham was a possibility as was Aaron Ross.  He also did not rule out a trade.

There have been issues with Field Turf around the league. It has to get played on and matted-down a bit for it players to feel comfortable.

Reese said that these fields do have to “settle” but he didn’t think Hixon’s injury was caused by the new stadium’s state-of-the art turf.  He mentioned problems with seams on the part of the field where the logos are placed.  Hixon was not on that part of the field when he injured his leg.

“It didn’t look like his foot got caught.  It could have happened on grass.”

Clearly, the Giants are going to miss Hixon, the team’s everyman.

Notes and Observations

The Giants appear to giving their backs more opportunities in the passing game… every RB had at least one catch out of the backfield in practice today…

Jy Bond and Matt Dodge have been taking turns holding for PATs and FGs.  Bond held for all of Lawrence Tynes‘ kicks today.  Tynes went 4-4 in those attempts.

What a difference Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant make in that Giants defense.  Two centerfielders out there….

Jay Alford, who was having some knee discomfort recently, worked with the defensive lineman…

Corey Webster was a second round pick for the Giants in 2005.  He’s playing like one.  He is covering well and intercepted a ball for a “pick-six” today.  Unfortunately, CWeb jammed the middle finger on his left hand in  the process…

Eli Manning and Steve Smith continue to have a symbiotic relationship of sorts.   Smith made a beautiful catch on a 40-yard sideline post near the end of practice.  Speaking of Eli…he looks more in charge than ever back there…

Tagged Giants Mini-Camp, Jerry Reese, New York Giants, New York Giants News |

Hixon Injury Puts Sinorice Back In the Picture

Jeff Feagles continued to work with the rookie punters, Jy Bond and Matt Dodge. Both can absolutely pound the ball, but finesse is another story.  So is consistency.

The backup quarterback competition is on.  Jim Sorgi is the veteran, but Riley Skinner has been throwing well and is giving Rhett Bomar a run for his money. Skinner can put some mustard on the ball.

TE Kevin Boss was on the field but did not participate. He is on schedule for training camp, though.  RB Ahmad Bradshaw is still ambling around, but he also should be ready go by camp.

RB Andre Brown is moving pretty well in drills. He seems to have no restrictions.  More on him tomorrow….

Gartrell Johnson is also making a bid for the roster.  He was the only Giants RB who did not catch the injury bug last season.

Maybe it’s me, but TE Bear Pascoe has a good pair of hands.  He seems to catch almost everything thrown his way.

Domenik Hixon’s injury makes Sinorice Moss a keeper again.  He’s been returning punts with Aaron Ross and WR Mario Manningham.

Moss was only kept because he was a restricted free agent and the Giants did not want to simply cut him and lose whatever compensation was attached to him (tendered at $1.176M with a third-round pick).

Now, he’s back in the driver’s seat as a returner and a receiver.  Funny how things work out….

Amani Toomer was at TIMEX this morning to promote his participation in this year’s New York Marathon.

Toomer said that going from the Giants to the Chiefs was “like going from the varsity to the JV…”

Tagged Giants Mini-Camp, New York Giants, New York Giants News |

New Stadium Turf to Blame…?

The Giants told reporters today that WR Domenik Hixon will miss the 2010 season with a torn ACL.

Hixon injured his knee in yesterday’s open-house practice in the new stadium. The new turf is suspected to have played a part in Hixon’s injury, but Tom Coughlin has said that the players were all wearing the recommended footwear.

Coughlin also said the “turf people” would be taking another look at the field, which is being used by the Jets today.

Hixon, 25, is the Giants’ primary punt and kick return specialist and has become a reliable part of the offense in recent seasons. His surgery is scheduled to occur in 2-3 weeks.

Tagged Domenik Hixon, Giants Mini-Camp, New York Giants, New York Giants News |

Productive Day Ends With Injury to Hixon

Domenik Hixon will have his knee examined after tweaking it on the new playing surface in the stadium this afternoon…

Quotes

Antrel Rolle on being a Giant and being a catalyst on defense…..

“First and foremost I’m just trying to be a teammate……..As for the energy part, I’ve been the same way since I stepped on the field when I was six years old.”

The mentality of the new secondary is…….“Break on the ball, create turnovers, communicate…”

Osi Umenyiora…on mini camp

“It is my 8th year, but at the end of the day I still feel I have a bunch of things I need to work on…I don’t think I’ve hit my peak, I don’t think I’m nowhere close I’m supposed to be…I’m really a practice guy I like to work on my game. The more reps I get the better I’m going to be….”

Eli Manning on the defense…..

“I don’t want to give away all of our secrets.  It’s a different style. Different looks. Different blitzes, lots of energy and enthusiasm….”

Tagged Giants Mini-Camp, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Giants, New York Giants News |

Osi, Tuck, Eli Comment On the Defense’s Enthusiasm and Energy

Tagged Eli Manning, Giants Mini-Camp, New York Giants, New York Giants News, New York Giants Video, Osi Umenyiora |

ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio Reports From the New Meadowlands Stadium

Unfortunately, the actual head count at the afternoon practice is nowhere near the 30,000 the Giants thought were coming. Their estimates were based tickets that were applied for online.

The tickets were free, so the guess is people went in and grabbed as many as they could, and then realized they couldn’t use them.

Tagged ESPN, Giants Mini-Camp, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Giants, New York Giants News |

Tom Coughlin Post Practice Interview: Highlights

Q: How did the group look?

A: They did all right. One side does okay that means the other side didn’t. And the other side does okay and that means the original side didn’t. So it is back and forth. But there is good enthusiasm. They know what this is. It signifies the end of the offseason. And they want to get it together going into the time off. So they know exactly what they are doing and they have worked hard. And it has been a good offseason for us. So let’s hope we finish strong.

Q: How do things look back there in the secondary with Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant?

A: They are doing a nice job. You have a couple of guys that are veterans; played in an awful lot of big games, been around the league, understand the game. And fortunately both of those guys – they love to play. They bubble, they talk. I think it is going to help.

Q: What has impressed you the most about Rolle?

A: What I just said. He loves to play, he is bubbly, and he is energetic. He is an athlete. He likes to do all of those kinds of things. When practice is over he is liable to show you that he can throw the ball 70 yards. He does all kind of stuff like that. He is a nice addition. He has good energy and an aggressive personality.

Q: Has he lobbied you to run the wildcat?

A: Since day one, yes.

Q: What about Clint Sintim? We didn’t see much from his first year.

A: Our expectations are very high for Clint. We are all pulling for him that this will be a big year for him.

Q: Again, we didn’t see much from him last year.

A: We drafted him and we thought very, very highly of him. We still do. He had his rookie year. A rookie year is a rookie year. It is different – everyone has a kind of a different experience. So I think that after that he understands that. He is much more serious about what he is doing right now.

Q: Do you see the same ………..

A: What I have seen all winter.

Q: A guy with not a lot of playing time last year – he is working with the first team. I know that isn’t a big deal but is that because there is nobody else?

A: No, no. Again, as I said, the expectations are high.

Q: From the defensive standpoint, what have you seen in the OTA’s and what do you hope to see in this mini camp?

A: We are getting people to work together who haven’t worked together. The two safeties we have talked about – Aaron Ross back on the field, and now a bunch of young guys working them in. Taking the rookies and getting them integrated into what we are doing – using a lot of different combinations of personnel. So making progress with our system implemented by a new coordinator, Perry Fewell. And the response to the guys has been good.

Q: RE: Andre Brown

A: He is getting there. He does have, occasionally, a little bit of a setback. But he has worked his way through a lot of it.

Tagged Giants Mini-Camp, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Giants, New York Giants News, Tom Coughlin |

Full Team In Attendance; Alford Sits Out

Mini camp has begun on this beautiful day in the NY Metro area.  The Giants hit the filed around 10am and had several surprises including a Jeff Feagles sighting (?)  DT Jay Alford was not working. He has an MCL sprain from last Tuesday’s OTA, but will be ready for camp in August.

SNYs’ Mike Garafolo is on site today at Giants’ mini camp……here are some of his observations from the morning session……they are from his Twitter feed, so scroll to the bottom and read up…

Coughlin says Alford tweaked his MCL the other day when he tripped. Feels good about Phillips though – no swelling.

Practice over. Last 10 mins or so the view was blocked. Sorry.

DT Linval Joseph has been around the ball + QB often this morning.

Hixon with the end around option to throw. Held onto it. Nobody open. Better keep that one stashed deep in the bag of tricks.

Sorgi’s best ball of the morning: a deep flag for Bear Pascoe over Chad Jones.

We have a Gerris Wilkinson sighting. Good job by him to chase down + blow up a screen for Bradshaw.

Corey Webster with a pick six (@grazdanny loves that term). My view of the play was blocked though.

My (at least temporary) replacement for @JennyVrentas (the non-tweeting Mike Fensom) likes what he sees from Gartrell Johnson today.

Ross then let Barden deep on long post. Looked like he should’ve had deep middle help frpom S Chad Jones though. Good ball by Eli.

Ross having a rough day. Just juked out of his shoes on a mini post-corner by Nicks.

Terrific covg by Terrell Thomas on a back-shoulder fade from Eli to Manningham. Snapped head around + located ball quickly.

Barden juked badly by WR Victor Cruz in punt covg drills. Hagan meanwhile looks polished after performing well as a gunner last yr.

Special guest instructor working with punters: Jeff Feagles.

Bomar forced to reset his feet bc of rush. Tried to plant + throw the in cut but that threw off timing. LB Micah Johnson w PD.

Nicks wouldve had a deep ball from Bomar if Michael Greco hadn’t grabbed him as he ran by.

Nice PD by Bruce Johnson on a fade for Nicks. Good recovery too because he was beat off the line.

Great route on pump + go by Moss. Sha’reff Rashad baited to come up. Bad read by him…and bad throw by Sorgi over Moss.

Barden blocking Ross out in front of a Nicks reverse. That doesn’t seem a fair matchup for Ross. Nicks working fully btw.

Hixon broke off Aaron Ross on a comeback. Ross spun the wrong way.

Michael Boley working with first team in walkthru. He had a hammy issue last week.

Phillips running + turning on the side. So far no cuts.

Pierre-Paul getting retaped or something. DeOssie walking off to locker room. (Almost time for actual football description.)

Kevin Boss still on crutches. Kevin Boothe arm in a sling. Both in bike area. Phillips, btw, is just standing on sideline.

Oh and Danny Ware. Apparently he went first and then again just now.

Sinorice Moss, Andre Brown + Domenik Hixon fielding kickoffs – in that order. Brown would be interesting to see in live game.

Phillips stretching with the team. Don’t think that means he’ll be practicing though. Again he was expected to be out til camp.

Taking attendance at minicamp. All the big guns seem to be here. So far only Jay Alford on the bike. No Kenny Phillips visual yet.

I will be there tomorrow personally to give my take on the things.

Tagged Giants Mini-Camp, New York Giants, New York Giants News | ← Older posts