Eagles Hold Off Comeback, Drop Giants

Sunday, September 30 2012

Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Giants: 17 Philadelphia Eagles: 20

Eagles Hold Off Comeback, Drop Giants

It was another classic game in the rivalry between the Giants and Eagles that ended in a way becoming too commonplace for Giants fans.  The Giants were outplayed and lost a heartbreaking game, giving them nine losses in the last 10 games including the playoffs. 

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The Giants had their opportunity to win, as Eli Manning put the Giants ahead half way through the fourth quarter, but the Giants defense could not contain the Eagles offense.  Manning put the Giants in place for a game winning field goal from Lawrence Tynes, but had them in better position before a questionable throw to Ramses Barden that resulted in 10-yard offensive pass interference on Barden.

Manning had a good game, but had an opportunity to make it an excellent game if not for some uncharacteristic mistakes by the usually calm and cool-mannered Manning.  Manning started the fourth quarter with an ugly interception, not seeing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on a pass intended for Martellus Bennett.  The Eagles converted that turnover into a field goal, giving them a 16-10 lead.  That was a big shift in the game, as it was at least a six point swing, potentially 10 as the Giants were banging on the door of the end zone.

Manning was able to redeem himself following the Eagles’ field goal, as he manufactured an 83 yard drive on five plays, giving the Giants a 17-16 lead.  Manning hit both Barden and Domenik Hixon for big plays, ending the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Bear Pascoe.

After the defense was unable to hold the Eagles scoreless, Manning had his shot to win the game.  Manning was able to drive the Giants down to the Eagles 27 yard line thanks to two pass interference calls against the Eagles trying to guard Barden.

Manning went to the well one too many times, attempting another deep pass to Barden on the sidelines, this time resulting in an offensive pass interference and moving the Giants back to the Eagles 37 yard line, setting up Tynes for a 54 yard field goal instead of 44. 

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It was a moment of lapse in judgment for Manning, who if given the opportunity would definitely do it different next time.  The Giants were already in field goal range for Tynes, so the deep pass was unnecessary; a running play to set up Tynes in the middle of the field would have sufficed. Also, Barden was well covered and was put into a bad position by Manning, who took responsibility saying it was not the correct throw. 

The penalty also put the Giants in a tough position, as they had no timeouts remaining and with only 15 seconds left in the game.  Running a play was too risky, as it was third down so the Giants would not have been able to spike the ball to stop the clock and if the player was unable to get out of bounds the game would have been over.

People will criticize head coach Tom Coughlin for the decision, but he made the correct decision in my opinion because he at least gave his team a chance to win the game with the 54 yard kick.  Had he ran another play, Tynes may not have even had an opportunity to kick.

Manning was missing his best weapon in Hakeem Nicks for the second straight game, but saw a big performance from Hixon in his place.  Hixon led the Giants in receiving tonight, gaining 114 yards on six receptions.  Hixon stepped up much in the way Barden did last week against the Panthers.  Even with the strong performance by Hixon, Manning and Giant fans alike are anxious to see Nicks return to the field.

The secondary became even more of a mess tonight; yet another starter went down with injury.  The Giants entered the game without rookie Jayron Hosley, who had a hamstring injury and Kenny Phillips suffered a gruesome looking knee injury in the first half and was replace by Stevie Brown.  Michael Coe and Antrel Rolle were dealing with hamstring and knee injuries entering the game, but were active.  Corey Webster was also active even with a broken left hand. 

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The Giants secondary is decimated and losing Phillips would be the most devastating blow of the bunch.  Terrell Thomas being lost in training camp hurts, but Phillips is who sets up the defense and is an intimidating presence in the defensive backfield.  He is a leader out there and the Giants were visibly affected after he left the game, becoming gun shy against the speedy Eagles’ offense.

The Giants return to MetLife Stadium for their week five game against the Cleveland Browns.  This has trap game written all over it, as the Giants have a huge match-up with the San Francisco 49ers in week six.  After the loss tonight though, full confidence should be stored in Coughlin and the coaching staff to come out strong against a very young and inexperienced Browns team.

Giants De-Claw Panthers in Rout

Thursday, September 20 2012

Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Giants: 36 Carolina Panthers: 7

Giants De-Claw Panthers in Rout

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The underdog, down and out team is what the Giants make a living off of and Thursday was no different.  Facing and up and coming Carolina Panthers squad on short rest and decimated by injuries, the Giants rallied together and hammered the Panthers 36-7.  The Giants dominated every facet of the game, putting on an impressive display even faced with the challenge of overcoming so many injuries.

Heading in the game, the Giants were without Hakeem Nicks, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl, Domenik Hixon and Michael Coe, all major contributors so far this season.  That did not matter Thursday night, as the Giants were able to get out to a quick start and had their replacements step up and fill the voids left.

Unlike the first two games of the season, the Giants were able to get off to a fast start that fired up the whole team.  The Giants trailed for most, if not all, of their first two games of the season, being down 14-3 against Dallas in the opener and 24-13 at the half against Tampa Bay; Thursday was a different story as the Giants scored on their first four possessions putting their opponent in the early hole for a change.

Eli Manning was the driving force in scoring on the first four possessions, as he led methodical drives that just sapped all of the energy out of the Panthers defense and the crowd.  With the help of a suddenly lively ground game thanks to Bradshaw’s replacement Andre Brown, Manning was able to pick apart the Panthers secondary with doctor like precision. 

The 25 point fourth quarter against the Buccaneers from Sunday seemed to fuel the Giants Thursday night, as they carried over all the momentum and stunned what was expected to be a game Carolina Panthers squad.

The offense had the added dimension of a running game tonight thanks to Bradshaw replacement Brown.  Making his first career start in front of family and friends, as Brown is from North Carolina, the results were outstanding.  Brown ran for 96 yards in the first half alone, hitting the hole hard and finishing off runs by running through and over Panther defenders. 

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Brown also excelled around the goal line, a place the Giants have been struggling.  Brown scored two touchdowns, finishing with 113 yards on 20 carries on the night.  He also added three receptions for 17 yards.  Brown gives the Giants a very nice change of pace back once Bradshaw returns and a reliable option it would seem if Bradshaw is out for an extended period of time.

Ramses Barden got the call in replacing Nicks and stepped up big time.  The 6’6” former third round pick has never been able to show what he can do on the field, but tonight showed glimpses of the abilities that he has. 

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Barden had struggled to get on the field because of injuries and an inability to break press coverage, but he took full advantage of the opportunity placed before him and had a monster game in place of Nicks.  Barden finished with nine receptions for 138 yards, seven of which came in a break out first half in which the Giants took control.

The effort put forth by Barden was huge, as he gave Manning another option behind Victor Cruz.  The performance will also benefit Barden in the long run, as he showed tonight that he is a capable performer and can handle more playing time in the case another injury happens and while Hixon is still recovering from his concussion.

The offense was able to click and run so smoothly because of the play of the offensive line.  Manning was virtually untouched outside of a late third quarter sack and the running game hasn’t seen holes opened up like that in quite some time.  Will Beatty started at left tackle with Sean Locklear at right tackle with the injury to Diehl and were able to keep Manning up right and get the running game going.

Jayron Hosley stepped up again, as his progression and playing time have had to be accelerated because of injuries in the secondary. 

Hosley put pressure on Cam Newton with corner blitzes and had an impressive interception of Newton after a pass went of wide receiver Brandon LaFell’s hand. 

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Unfortunately, Hosley was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury, just adding to the injury list for the Giants.  Hosley was not the only defensive back to get injured, as Antrel Rolle had to be taken to the locker room in the fourth quarter after banging his knee on a camera and Corey Webster broke a bone in his left hand but as able to return.  The Giants can not afford any more injuries in the secondary even with Prince Amukamara having made his debut this week.

Not to be lost in the shuffle was the performance of Martellus Bennett, as he had six receptions for 73 yards and another touchdown.  Bennett has scored a touchdown in his first three games as a Giant, the first time a player has accomplished such a feat in Giants franchise history.

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Lawrence Tynes also had a strong game for the Giants, as he continued his perfect season going 5 for 5 on field goals and knocking all three of his extra points in as well.  Tynes performance will be overlooked by many people, but he played a key part in the victory as he was able to keep adding points on the board for the Giants and keep the pressure on the Panthers, never allowing them to build any momentum.

The Giants will get some much needed rest heading into their next game against Mike Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football September 30^th. 

Eli Leads Giants Comeback over Buccaneers

Sunday, September 16 2012

Post Game Recap

Final Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 34 New York Giants: 41

Eli Leads Giants Comeback over Bucs

The second game for the season started off poorly for the Giants, much like the opening night game against the Cowboys; this time around, the Giants were able to get it together and mount a successful comeback against the Buccaneers, pulling out the 41-34 win.  The Giants were down 27-13 early in the third quarter before they came storming back behind the heroics of Eli Manning.

Manning was awful in the first half of the game, throwing three interceptions.  The interception before the half by Eric Wright was returned 60 yards for a touchdown, as all three of Manning’s interceptions led to touchdowns for the Buccaneers.  The first interception off Manning was by linebacker Mason Foster and put the Buccaneers at the Giants 28 yard line.  The second, by Brandon McDonald, seemed to be caused by a hold on Victor Cruz that was not called and put the Buccaneers at the 26 yard line after a 40-yard return and ending at the 13 after Andre Brown was called for a horse collar tackle.

Manning bounced back in a strong way in the second half, looking more like the quarterback that led the Giants on a Super Bowl run last season.  Manning threw two touchdown passes with under seven minutes remaining in the 4^th quarter, an 80-yard one to Cruz and a 33-yard touchdown toss to Martellus Bennett.

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 After the Giants defense surrendered the lead on, Manning marched the offense back down the field for a third time and the game winning touchdown score by Brown. 

Manning light up the Buccaneers defense for a career high 510 passing yards.  One reason for Manning’s success was the pass protection off the offensive line and running backs; Manning was not sacked once in his 51 drop backs and was only hit twice. 

With Manning having such a big afternoon, the receivers also benefited with monster games.  Cruz, playing with a heavy heart after the passing of his grandmother earlier in the week, caught 11 passes for 179 yards and the 80-yard touchdown.  Nine of the 11 catches came in the first half alone for Cruz, as he bounced back in a big way after dropping three passes in the opener against Dallas. 

Hakeem Nicks was not to be upstaged by his teammate, as he also had a monster game.  Nicks reeled in 10 balls for 199 yards and a touchdown, dominating the Buccaneers secondary, specifically cornerback Aqib Talib, whose holding and penalties couldn’t even slow down Nicks.  Nicks looked to be limping a few times after falling and being tackled awkwardly, but was able to finish the game and have a major impact. 

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New tight end Bennett had another strong game for the Giants after coming over from the Cowboys in the off-season.  Bennett had a rough first half, having a touchdown pass hit him in the facemask, but bounced back like all the other Giants in the second half when he made an adjustment and made a great catch on his 33-yard touchdown.  Bennett finished with five receptions for 72 yards and the touchdown. 

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After losing starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw to a neck injury, the Giants had to turn to Brown as the lead back and he responded well.  Coming in the game, Brown had -1 career yards, but was able to bring a dimension to the Giants they have been lacking in a running game.  Brown ran for 71 yards on 11 carries and the game winning touchdown, also converting a critical two-point conversion in the 4^th quarter to tie the game up at 27.  Brown’s performance definitely earned him more playing time, as he showcased both power, speed and ball security, something the coaching staff holds in high regard.

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In addition to Bradshaw, the Giants suffered more injuries in the first half.  Wide receiver Domenik Hixon was knocked out of the game with a concussion and starting right tackle David Diehl was knocked out with an MCL injury.  The injury to Diehl forced the Giants to do some shuffling across their offensive line, as Sean Locklear was moved to right tackle and Will Beatty was brought in to play left tackle. 

Beatty struggled in the first half, a common theme for all of the Giants, as he dropped a high pass from Manning as the extra tight end and committed two false start penalties.

Again for the Giants the defensive backfield struggled.  Corey Webster struggled at times in the first half, giving up big plays to Vincent Jackson, who finished the game with five receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown.  Webster was able to redeem himself later in the second half, intercepting Josh Freeman. 

Michael Coe surrendered the touchdown to Jackson in the first half, but like Webster was able to redeem himself with stronger play in the second half.  Coe did not start the game, as Jayron Hosley got his first career start.  Coe would come in and play the outside when Hosley would slide over and be the slot corner.

The end of the game also saw a confrontation between head coaches Tom Coughlin and Greg Schiano.  Coughlin was upset that the Buccaneers defensive linemen went down and cut center David Baas knees and knocking down Manning, even though the Giants were kneeing and were in "victory formation".  Coughlin and Schiano shared heated words after the game shaking hands, when Coughlin was visibly upset with what had happened. 

Next up for the Giants is a visit to Carolina to play against Cam Newton and the Panthers.  It is a quick turnaround for the Giants, as they play the Panthers Thursday night.

Giants Drop Third Preseason Game to Bears

Friday, August 24^th 2012

Final Score: Chicago Bears: 20 New York Giants: 17

Giants Drop Third Preseason Game to Bears

In what is the biggest tune-up for the regulars before the regular season begins, the Giants had a good performance.  The starters looked sharp for the Giants, performing very well in the two-plus quarters of action they saw. 

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Eli Manning had a good night for the Giants, completing 17 of 21 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown.  He looked to be in mid-season form and will most likely see very limited or no action in the last preseason game Wednesday night against the Patriots.  Manning’s backfield mate for the game David Wilson was electrifying as well.

Wilson, who was making the start for the injured Ahmad Bradshaw, showed many of the qualities the Giants thought he had when they made him their first round pick in this past season’s draft.  Wilson had five carries for 49 yards and two receptions for 26 yards.  He showed the big play ability the Giants are hoping he brings, with a 20-yard run and a 29-yard reception. 

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Wilson was impressive, using an array of moves to make plays for the Giants offense.  He looked fasted, broke tackles and was physical finishing off his runs always falling forwards and not being driven back. 

The rest of the running backs did what they were expected to as well, as D.J. Ware was brought in on third downs behind Wilson and Andre Brown got goal line duty, scoring a touchdown.  Da’Rel Scott was also impressive in a strong outing, making an impact on special teams as well.

With the performances in the preseason so far, the primary backup to Bradshaw should be Wilson’s job to lose.  He has performed well and brings the most to the Giants offense of all the running backs.

The receiving core was highlighted by the play of Ramses Barden.  Barden had his best showing of the preseason, snagging three receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown.  He also drew a pass interference flag on a fade pattern in the end zone.

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Barden was squarely on the roster bubble heading into the last two games of the preseason, needing strong performances to show the Giants he deserved to stay on the roster.  For at least one game, he stepped up.  Developing chemistry with Manning will go a long way for Barden, who hasn’t been able to get the necessary reps in the pat because of injuries.

The special teams for the Giants were a strong point Friday night as well.  Steve Weatherford had another terrific night punting, and Da’Rel Scott made a big play blocking a punt.  Scott probably cemented his spot on the roster with his performance on special teams, as the Giants value players who can do the little things and making plays on special teams is always a positive.  On the kickoff after the Giants scored off Scott’s block, Mark Herzlich was run into by Eric Weems, causing a fumble that the Bears recovered on their own two-yard line. 

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All wasn’t positive for the Giants though, as the injury bug bit again in the secondary.  For the second straight week, the Giants lost a starting cornerback to injury; this time it was Prince Amukamara. 

Amukamara suffered a high ankle sprain when tackling Brandon Marshall in the first quarter.  His x-rays taken were negative, but a high ankle sprain can take weeks to heal. 

The injury is a big blow to the Giants, who were hoping Amukamara would be able to step into the hole left when Terrell Thomas was injured.  Thomas remains out indefinitely after re-aggravating his torn ACL and Jayron Hosley is still sidelined with turf toe.  A Hosley return would go a long way for the Giants as he was performing well in the secondary and on special teams as a punt returner.

Michael Coe, Justin Tryon and Bruce Johnson all have a big opportunity to make a name for themselves now that they will be pressed into playing time. 

Mathias Kiwanuka also suffered a strained groin, but he has already said that he will ready for the regulars season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Up next for the Giants is the Monday deadline to cut their roster down to 75 players and then the preseason finale Wednesday night against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.

Giants Hammer Jets, Win MetLife Bowl

Saturday, August 18^th 2012

Final Score: New York Giants: 26 New York Jets: 3

Giants Hammer Jets, Win MetLife Bowl

The Jets are again making all the noise in New York during the off-season, but were reminded by the Giants who the defending champs were Saturday night as the Giants dominated the Jets on all fronts en route to a 26-3 win. 

It was only a preseason game, which is good for the Jets as they struggled throughout every facet of the game, being the only team in the NFL to not score an offensive touchdown yet.  As for the Giants, they are looking to almost be in midseason form.

The defensive front for the Giants was on all night, as Jason Pierre-Paul looked great, getting two sacks.  The Giants made mince meat of Jets tackle Wayne Hunter, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck each getting in on the fun with half a sack to add to JPP’s total. 

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The game wasn’t perfect for the Giants, who had to settle for four Lawrence Tynes field goals.  Head coach Tom Coughlin would like to see the offense execute better once the regular season comes around, but this is a time to just fine tune things and keep players healthy.

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Health became a concern last night for the Giants, who had multiple players suffer injuries in the game.  Ahmad Bradshaw was forced from the game after the first series with an injury to his hand.  It was believed to be serious at first, but the x-rays came back negative and he just iced his hand on the sideline for the remainder of the game. 

Backup linebacker Mark Herzlich also suffered an injury, getting only a few plays in before encountering a hip pointer and leaving in the third quarter.  Backup defensive end Adrian Tracy also suffered an injury in the third quarter, being forced from the game with a hamstring injury.  Both players have had good preseason for the Giants, so getting them back on the field would be beneficial for all parties.   

Jayron Hosley had a strong game for the Giants, intercepting Mark Sanchez and returning it for a 77-yard touchdown in the second quarter; but was seen in a walking boot after the game.  It was Hosley’s biggest game and it ended in such a disappointing fashion.  He will undergo tests Sunday to see just how bad the injury truly is.

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With Bradshaw out, D.J. Ware got an increased workload for the game, but was unable to make anything of it.  Ware was only able to muster 15 yards on 11 carries behind below averaging blocking as there were often no holes to run through. 

David Wilson had a less than stellar night, but was the most successful at running the ball for the Giants, gaining 26 yards on eight carries.  Da’Rel Scott made his first appearance of the preseason, gaining seven yards on three carries while Andre Brown rounded out the running game Saturday night with 10 yards on four carries.

The Virginia Tech products Hosley and Wilson had strong performances again as mentioned, showing the abilities that the Giants had hoped they would bring to the table.  Not to be outdone was second round pick Rueben Randle.  Randle made the most of his limited opportunities by reeling in a 49-yard deep pass from David Carr, making an impressive jumping reception over the Jets defensive back.

Victor Cruz may not have had a 99-yard touchdown reception this time around, but the Jets were still unable to contain him.  Cruz opened the game just missing a deep reception down the sideline over Darrelle Revis, one of a few times Eli Manning and Cruz were unable to connect.  Cruz also took a big shot from Jets safety LaRon Landry, but was able to hold on and give the first down signal when he popped up.  Cruz was targeted often and reeled in five receptions for 51 yards in a half of work.

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Cruz tore the Jets up Saturday night, as him and Manning have just continued to build amazing chemistry with each other since Hakeem Nicks has been sidelined.  Nicks should resume practicing this week, giving Manning yet another weapon to use.    

The Giants will continue their preseason next Friday against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium.

Giants Fall to Jaguars to Open Preseason

Friday, August 10^th 2012

Giants Drop Preseason Opener in Jacksonville

The first game of the preseason for the New York Giants gave an opportunity for players to show why they deserve a spot on the 53 man roster with the defending champions.  It also gave some reasons as to why some people shouldn’t. 

There isn’t much to take from preseason games other than getting a look at newcomers. 

David Wilson, the Giants first round pick out of Virginia Tech, was the last running back to take a carry on Friday night for Big Blue.  On his first carry he was sandwiched by tow Jaguars and then broke off a 26 yard burst up the middle quick enough that if you blinked you would have missed it. On his third carry he was hammered for a five yard loss. 

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Wilson also caught two passes, the first of which was a screen play in which he ran over two Jaguars.  In his short appearance, Wilson showed the ability to break the big play and toughness, two things the Giants need from their running game this season that was lacking last year. 

The battle for the backup running back position behind Ahmad Bradshaw looks like it is going to be fierce throughout camp.  In addition to Wilson, the Giants also have D.J. Ware and Andre Brown fighting it out. 

Ware was solid, getting the first crack after Bradshaw Friday night.  Ware got five carries for 30 yards, including a two-yard touchdown, showing elusiveness and quickness.

Brown got the next shot and looked impressive his first two carries which resulted in 19 yards.  He was later stuffed in a third-and-one attempt, finishing with seven carries for 25 yards and one reception for four yards. 

Second round pick Rueben Randle was not to be outshined by his fellow rookie, as he showed some glimpses of his potential as well.  Randle made two receptions on the night, the first a 21 yard catch and the second one a six-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone.  The touchdown reception was a good look at Randle taking the size advantage he has and putting it to use.

The wide receiving corps are set at the top with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, once he returns from injury, but there will be a competition for the third receiver spot.  Randle had a strong showing but will have to hold off veterans Domenik Hixon, who sat with a hamstring injury and is returning from an ACL tear last season, and Ramses Barden, as well as second year player Jerel Jernigan. 

Jernigan just missed making a spectacular play with one hand as it seemed Jaguars corner Williams Middleton was holding down his other hand.  Isiah Stanback did make a highlight reel play later in the game, snagging the ball out of the air with one hand for a touchdown off a pass from David Carr.

Last season’s first round pick Prince Amukamara has some expectation so fill this season especially if he is needed to fill in for Terrell Thomas.  Amukamara struggled in the beginning of the game, being targeted by the Jaguars offense throughout the first drive, getting burned multiple times and eventually surrendering a touchdown to Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts. 

Amukamara would redeem himself the next drive, stripping Shorts of the ball resulting in the Giants recovering the fumble.  Amukamara is the guy the Giants want replacing Thomas if it comes down to it, he just needs to get more reps under his belt after a rocky rookie campaign.

Free agent tight end signed Martellus Bennett has made some waves in training camp with his mouth and backed it up at least for one game Friday night.  Bennett referred to himself as the “Black Unicorn” because of his blend of speed and size and showed off some of those talents reeling in three catches for 27 yards and a touchdown.  The Giants are expecting good things from Bennett not only in the passing game but blocking as well.

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The rookies from Virginia Tech, Wilson and cornerback Jayron Hosley, had impressive showings on special teams.  Special teams for the Giants were weak last year, lacking an explosion in the return game; Wilson and Hosley have the ability to change that this season. 

Wilson averaged 38 yards a kick return, highlighted by a 48 yard return in the second quarter.  Hosley made a costly mistake muffing a punt, but did have solid returns before the muff going for 34 yards on three returns.

Hosley was also solid on defense, getting a sack and showing solid coverage skills.  If Hosley is able to limit his mistakes, he has an outstanding chance of being a real contributor this season. 

Other Giants to make positive impacts were Adrian Tracy, looking to make an impact in the spot vacated by Dave Tollefson this season.  Mark Herzlich also looked strong throughout the game at the linebacker position and could potentially push Chase Blackburn for his starting spot. 

Next up for the Giants is a meeting with the Jets at MetLife Stadium August 18^th.  It will be the first look for the Giants at Tim Tebow. 

New York Giants Camp Preview: Defensive Backs

A new NFL season is right around the corner as training camp is quickly approaching.  Leading up to the start of training camp, we will have a run down position-by-position for the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. 

The third position we will take a look at is defensive back.

The projected defensive starting backs are Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas at cornerback and Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle at safety.  Expected reserves to make an impact at cornerback are Jayron Hosley, Prince Amukamara, Michael Coe and Justin Tryon; at safety Tyler Sash and Stevie Brown are expected to see playing time.

New additions to the secondary this season are Hosley, Brown, cornerback Antwaun Molden, safeties Will Hill and JoJo Nicolas and defensive backs Janzen Jackson and Dante Hughes.

There are a few members from last year’s unit that will not be returning this season in Aaron Ross, Will Blackmon, Derrick Martin and Deon Grant.  Grant has the best chance of returning, as he is a great locker room presence and had such a positive impact on the Giants the last few seasons.

The player to watch out of the defensive backs is Terrell Thomas.  Thomas has been cleared for training camp and avoided a scare early on suffering a slight injury to his ACL.  Last season Thomas suffered his second career ACL tear after having an outstanding camp and looking poised to really breakout.  Thomas will upgrade the Giants defensive back unit greatly if he can return to where he was before the ACL injury; Thomas led the Giants defense in tackles the previous two seasons.

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The potential for the defensive backs to be a strength for the Giants is there.  It will be a competitive unit throughout camp and barring injury can be deep.  Coe and Tyron shined during OTA’s and mini-camps according to Thomas, as they took up snaps he left behind while taking it slowly with his injury.  General Manger Jerry Reese also added some talent with Brown, Molden and Horton being signed in addition to drafting Hosley.  Cornerback Brandon Bing also received praise from defensive coordinator Perry Fewell for his play throughout OTA’s.

Another thing to watch for is the development of Amukamara.  Amukamara injured his foot in his second career practice last season and was never able to get back on track, struggling throughout the season.  He will benefit from a full training camp and preseason this time around.  If he is unable to bounce back, look for veterans Coe and Tryon to pick up the slack and possibly Bruce Johnson, who is returning from his own season ending injury. 

Health is the biggest deterrent for this group.  Thomas, Coe, Tryon and Johnson are all returning from season-ending injuries.  Thomas already suffered a scare in camp and if he is unable to return to form the Giants will need someone to step up after Aaron Ross left to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Amukamara needed an injection in his foot to strengthen it after missing over half of last season.  With Grant remaining unsigned, the Giants are also without valuable experience and leadership in the locker room.

The wild card of this group is Amukamara.  He was brought in with high expectations as the Giants were shocked to see him fall to them in the 2011 NFL Draft with the 19^th pick.  Most of his rookie year was lost because of his foot injury and the lockout being in place but a full off-season should benefit him.  He was drafted with the expectation of being a starting cornerback for the Giants in the near future; that future could be as early as this season as he will have to take over for the departed Ross and will be first in line to take over if Thomas is unable to perform.  

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Terrell Thomas Cleared for Training Camp

Terrell Thomas Cleared for Training Camp

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Terrell Thomas has always set his sights on returning for training camp this season with his surgically-repaired knee ready to go. 

Camp for the defending champion New York Giants starts July 26^th, and Thomas looks to be right on target with how he set his sights.

Thomas was medically cleared for camp by team doctors this weekend. 

“I just left the doctor’s office; I am all cleared for camp,” Thomas put in his blog.  “I have no limitations for entering camp; obviously they will be monitoring me throughout camp.  It will be in the hands of [head trainer] Ronnie Barnes who has been protecting me thus far.”

Thomas says he is ready to go, but that does not mean that the Giants are ready to let him go full tilt in practice.  The Giants already watched reserve cornerback Brian Witherspoon re-injure his ACL during OTA’s so they will presumably take it easy with Thomas so that a repeat does not happen. 

Thomas was ready for a breakout season last year before suffering the season ending injury and he is eager to prove that he can return to that level now.

Thomas led the Giants in tackles with 106 and interceptions with five in 2010, the last season he played.  He will be welcomed back with open arms to the Giants after signing a four year $17.4 million contract that can be worth up to $28 million with incentives.

“The road just started; I have a lot of work to do,” Thomas wrote.  “I just want to let you know that I have been working real hard.  I am determined to get to the same form as last year and to be a great addition to our secondary.  I am looking forward to making the playoffs and hope for a shot to repeat.”

The Giants have pro bowler Corey Webster and young promising players in Prince Amukamara and 3^rd round draft pick Jayron Hosley in addition to Thomas.  If Thomas is able to return to his old self, he would be a great addition to the secondary and a good person for youngster Amukamara and Hosley to look up to.

New York Giants Select CB Jayron Hosley in 3rd Round

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With the 94^th overall pick, 31^st of the 3^rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Cornerback, Jayron Hosley out of Virginia Tech University.  For the second time in three rounds, the Giants dipped into Virginia Tech to draft their prospect.  Hosley will join teammate David Wilson on the Giants.

Hosley is 5’10” tall and weighs 178 pounds.  Hosley was very productive in 2010 as a sophomore, leading the nation with nine interceptions.  He saw his production dip in his junior season though, accruing only three interceptions this past season.  One possible reason for this Tom Coughlin believes is that quarterbacks were afraid to throw in his direction. 

The Giants liked the intangibles that Hosley brings to the table and the way he plays.  The 5’10” cornerback is very physical and athletic.  One thing that sticks out is his speed as Hosley ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at the combine.  Another thing the Giants covet is his ability to return punts.  Hosley finished 11^th in the country in yards per punt return with a 12.67 average.  Punt returns were a weakness for the Giants last season, so any additions that will help there are welcomed additions.

The one negative for Hosley was that he did fail a drug test at the combine in February.  “He did fail the test in Indianapolis,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin.  “Were very much aware of that and we’ve addressed that with him and we’re prepared to address that professionally as well when we do get him here.”  He also had to deal with concussion and hamstring issues last season, but the Giants medical staff cleared him and given him the okay.

“I definitely regret it,” said Hosley.  “But it’s something that’s in the pat and behind me.  I’m working toward bettering myself and not letting something like this happen again ever.  They trusted me and I’m thankful for that and I want to make this a worthy decision.”  Hosley is very thankful for the opportunity the Giants are going to give him and also for the chance to continue on his football career with his Virginia Tech teammate and roommate David Wilson.

Hosley will be joining what currently is a very crowded Giants secondary.  But he will not be short on opportunities to make an impact this season.  He will compete to be a nickel back this season and could also be the starting punt return man.  Hosley also has to be prepared for extended playing time because of all the players coming back from injury that the Giants intend to use.  You never know how players are going to respond after being out for such a long period of time so it is always nice having capable players to step in if need be. 

GM Jerry Reese and the Giants brass are very happy to have Hosley as part of the squad.  “He is not a big man but this guy has athletic arrogance and plays like a big guy,” Reese said.  “He kind of reminds me of Adam “Pac-Man” Jones, he plays kind of like that.  He runs like a little linebacker.  He has outstanding cover skills.  We expect him to be in our nickel package and bonus is he returns punts and kicks.  He has a lot of good qualities that we like. 

“Pacman Jones is a tremendous player, minus the off-field stuff,” Hosley started in response.  “But he’s a tremendous player.  When you watch him on film he’s very sound in his technique.  He’s aggressive, a smaller guy like me.  I kind of favor that.  I think that’s a good comparison.  I like to compare myself to Asante Samuel, Pacman and Brandon Flowers.  But I think that’s a very good comparison.”