Chad Jones Heads to New York

The new York Giants announced yesterday that Chad Jones will be transferred to new York Presbyterian Hospital - Weil Cornell medical center for plastic surgery and other procedures. The Giants are also flying in Jones' parents and girlfriend. Additionally, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, called the Jones family and offered to take care of hotel accommodations while Jones is treated in New York.

On another note, police stated that they believe alcohol did not play a part in Jones' season (possibly career) ending accident.

NFL Video - Shaun O'Hara

http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-york-giants/09000d5d818d38d9/Man-in-the-middle

Chris Davis Released

A week ago when the new York Giants claimed Chris Davis off of waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Giants hoped he would be the replacement kick returner for injured returner/wide receiver Dominik Hixon. Unfortunately, Davis failed his physical with the Giants and was released yesterday. Back to the drawing board I guess.

Chad Jones Update

New York Giants rookie safety and LSU standout, Chad Jones, underwent successful surgery to save his left leg after an almost fatal car accident. It is still not clear whether Jones will be able to resume his football career, but it is certain that he will not be able to play in the upcoming season. Jones' agent mentioned the possibility of a baseball career as an alternative. Last Friday, Jones was driving his 2010 Range Rover, on a streetcar track in New Orleans when he lost control and crashed into a pole. Jones was trapped in the SUV for 20 minutes before firefighters were able to extract him. NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, spoke to rookies yesterday and emphasized the fragile nature of life and to make good choices with free time activities. Life can change in an instant.

Lawrence Taylor Indicted on Rape Charges

Former New York Giants linebacker and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Lawrence Taylor, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury on charges of 3rd degree rape and patronizing a prostitute. The indictment follows his May 6th arrest where he was accused of paying a 16 year old girl $300 to have sex with him. Taylor was also indicted on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual abuse and criminal sexual act in the 3rd degree. Taylor faces up to a four year prison term if he is convicted.

Giants Claim Kick Returner

On Wednesday, the New York Giants claimed Cincinnati Bengal kick returner, Chris Davis, off waivers. Since the loss of Domenik Hixon, to a season ending ACL injury a couple of weeks ago, the Giants have been searching for a replacement to return kicks. Davis, a former 4th round pick by the the Tennessee Titans, missed last season with a hamstring injury suffered during the preseason. Davis was recently let go by the Bengals. Davis averaged 9.5 yards per punt return as a rookie with a long return of 39 yards. in 2008, he only had two punt returns in five games played. Davis has an average of 26 yards per return on six career kick returns.

Dodge and Petrus Agree to Terms

Nebraska offensive lineman, Mitch Petrus and East Carolina punter, Matt Dodge both agreed to contract terms with the Giants on Wednesday. The Giants will now focus on signing the remaining draft picks, Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph, before the start of training camp which is approximately one month away.

Giants Sign 2 More Draft Picks

On Tuesday, the New York Giants signed two more draft picks: fourth round draft pick, linebacker Phillip Dillard and second round draft pick, linebacker Adrian Tracy. Dillard, a Nebraska inside linebacker, will be competing for the spot on the Giants along with returning linebackers Jonathan Goff, Chase Blackburn, and Gerris Wilkinson. Adrian Tracy, a standout at William and Mary, was converted to outside linebacker upon arrival in New York. He will most likely start on special teams, but hopes to make a statement at linebacker where the team still needs lots of help.

Giants Waive 5 Players

In order to make room for the signing of draft picks, the New York Giants waived five players yesterday" defensive back Vince Anderson, tight end Carson Butler, linebacker Lee Campbell, linebacker Micah Johnson, and punter Jy Bond. The release of Bond indicates that rookie punter, Matt Dodge, has won the position for the coming season.

Vikings Want to Replace FieldTurf

ESPN.com is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings are also having issues with the FieldTurf at their stadium and are even contemplating replacing it with a competitor's product. According to documents filed by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the Vikings stated, "Medically, FieldTurf has proven to increase risk and severity of injury in NFL players." The Vikings point out a study that found the rate of ACL injuries is "88 percent higher in games played on FieldTurf than in games played on grass." Of course, the manufacturers of FieldTurf have vehemently denied any flaws in their products and claim the study is flawed. One would have hoped that the Giants/Jets would have done a little more homework on FieldTurf before spending billions on a new stadium. I would hate to see more season ending injuries like the one wide receiver Dominik Hixon suffered last week.

Kiwi Wants to Hold on to Starting Position

ESPN.com is reporting that New York Giant, Mathias Kiwanuka, is focused on starting at defensive end this season. Kiwanuka said, "Number one is winning games. Number 2 is staying in the lineup. There is no doubt that is where I belong. I'm focused and I'm ready and feel like I'm capable to fill that role and after that it is just play football and let everything take care of itself." Kiwanuka is currently battling for the starting defensive end position with Osi Umenyiora. Becoming the starter this season could provide a big pay day for Kiwi as he is coming to the end of his contract this season.

Giants to Take "Hard Look" at New FieldTurf

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports that after the season-ending injury Tuesday to wide receiver, Dominik Hixon, the Giants general manager, Jerry Reese, said the team will take a "hard look" at the FieldTurf in the new stadium and "see if anything needs to be fixed." Reese expressed some concern about the new field and some possible changes with "some people who are in charge of the field" before the Giants are on the field again. Reese doesn't believe Hixon's injury had anything to do with the FieldTurf as it didn't look like Hixon's foot got caught. Nevertheless, some players have expressed minor concerns with the new field and that is enough for Reese to take a closer look at the issues.

Hixon Out For Season

New York Giants wide receiver, Domenik Hixon, will miss the entire 2010 season with a torn ACL in his knee suffered during practice on Tuesday. Initially, it was thought that Hixon's injury was minor. After the injury, he was seen walking around and even jogging, but an MRI today revealed the full extent of the damage. The Giants are understandably upset as they have not only lost one of their best wide receivers, but it seems the turf in their new $1.7 billion stadium is to blame for the injury. Hixon is the number one kick/punt returner and number four wide receiver. He was number 2 in the league last year in punt returns. This is a big loss for the Giants and now Ramses Barden (2nd year wide receiver) will definitely get his shot to shine. At practice today, General Manager, Jerry Reese, mentioned Mario Manningham and Aaron Ross as possible replacements at punt returner. he said he is not that concerned about kick returns, but punt returns is a real issue.

Giants Report from NFL Videos

Bob Papa gives his impressions of the New York Giants practice yesterday.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-york-giants/09000d5d818ad408/Giants-report

Feagles Returns!

Former New York Giants punter, Jeff Feagles, came out of retirement yesterday to do a little coaching at mini-camp. Feagles was asked to help out with new punters, Matt Dodge and Jy Bond, and give them some tips on directional punting. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports on Feagles comments, "I told Jerry (Reese) I just wanted to come out and see how it goes. Then we'll take it from there. I definitely told him that (coming to Albany) is something I'd be interested in doing. I'd like to be able to come up and work with them more than 1 or 2 days in a row, just to get a progression." Feagles said that he doesn't have the time right now to become a full-time coach, but he is definitely interested in consulting.

Hixon Injured

Wide receiver/kick returner Domenik Hixon injured his right knee at New York Giants practice yesterday. Hixon caught hi foot in the turf at the new $1.7 billion stadium and twisted his knee. There were over 7,000 fans watching the open practice at the time of Hixon's injury. Hixon was able to walk off the field and later returned to the sidelines. He was seen jogging in the locker room after practice and was not limping. All signs point to a benign injury.

Osi as a Backup?

Ralph Vacchiano from the New York Daily news reported from new York Giants practice yesterday that defensive end, Osi Umenyiora, was relegated to the backup defensive end role. Osi explained his thoughts on the situation to reporters, it was "a little different and difficult. If I truly was not the best player, then I'd be cool with it. But I feel like I am the best player and everybody in this league knows the type of player I am - the minute in my mind I'm playing the way I'm capable of playing and I'm not on the field, then, of course, it's going to be a problem."

Giants Sign Safety Chad Jones

The New York Giants announced Friday that they have agreed to an undisclosed contract with 3rd round draft pick and former LSU star safety, Chad Jones. The deal will be worth a little less than the $2.638 million, 4 year deal that the Chicago Bears recently gave safety, Major Wright who was selected before Jones.

The New York (XXX) Giants?

TMZ Sports is reporting that the New Meadowlands has received an offer from AshleyMadison.com, the online dating service for adulterers. Aparently, Ashley Madison founder, Noel Biderman sent a letter to the CEO of the New Meadowlands offering $25 million for the naming rights to the stadium. The deal is for 5 years or approximately $5 million per year. Biderman added in the letter that if the stadium received a better offer, "We would be pleased to match any such superior offer."

Let's be VERY thankful that the Maras and Tisches are very classy people and would NEVER allow their team to play in a stadium named for an adultery dating service. During tough times, I could see however, some of the teams in the smaller markets entertaining such offers. Let's just hope this is not a sign of things to come in the future.

Giants Returning to Albany for Training Camp Not NJ

The New York Giants announced yesterday that they will be returning to Albany for training camp this summer and not using facilities at the newly built Meadowlands stadium. The first practice will begin at the University of Albany of August 1st and run through August 20th.

Fewell Has Some DL Tricks Up His Sleeve

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports that new defensive coordinator, Perry Fewell, showed a few defensive line tricks during the New York Giants 9th OTA yesterday when he lined up Mathias Kiwanuka at defensive tackle, while Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were lined up at defensive end. It was only for a couple of plays, but it showed more of Fewell's creativity and flexibility. It was reminiscent of ex-Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, which is always good.

Kiwanuka Won't Ride Again

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports that New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said the trauma of watching his brother involved in a life-threatening motorcycle accident has made him rethink the choices he made. He used to love the risk associated with motorcycle riding, but says now the risk just isn't worth it anymore. "I won't be riding motorcycles anytime soon. It was definitely tough to see. it was an experience that I never want to be a part of again," Kiwanuka said.

Giants to Use Multiple Looks

Mike Garafalo of the Newark Star Ledger is reporting that new defensive coordinator, perry Fewell, will utilize various defensive coverages, will show greater flexibility in his game plans and calls, and will design a defensive scheme intended to put his defensive backs in a position to better view the offense and make a play on the ball.

Last season, defensive coordinator, Bill Sheriden, was very inflexible and stubborn in his defensive schemes and was in my opinion the reason for the embarrassing defensive collapse. It is good to hear that change is on the horizon.

Giants secondary coach, Pete Giunta, said to Garafalo, "We were very aggressive. We didn't want to give the quarterback a chance to throw the checkdowns to hopefully discourage him from making those completions. Well, now we may give up a few more completions, but we're going to have more guys swarming to the ball and making hits and tackles on the receiver and ball carrier."

It looks like the word for Fewell will be flexibility and that is very good. If the defensive line is playing well, we will see a lot of blitzing. But, for example, if the line is playing poorly, there are defensive injuries, etc., Fewell seems willing to go with the flow and adjust to the situation. This is a FAR cry from Sheriden last year.

NFL Films Coach Spotlight: Tom Coughlin

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d8187b1b7/Coach-Spotlight-Tom-Coughlin

Wilkinson a "Surprise."

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News is reporting that New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson has his eyes set on middle linebacker and feels he could "surprise a lot of people this year" and replace former middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. After spending four years playing outside linebacker, Wilkinson has switched back to the middle which, he states, feels more natural to him. Wilkinson was a middle linebacker in college and a 3rd round draft pick for the Giants in 2006. Often injured, Wilkinson has played only 17 games in the last 2 seasons and in those he played in he was limited to mostly special teams play. Wilkinson feels that is he gets the chance and the reps in practice, he will be the Giants next starting middle linebacker.

Tuck: Giants were Spoiled

New York Giants defensive end, Justin Tuck, told Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star Ledger the New York's 5-0 start last season was the beginning of the end because the team grew overconfident. "We started 5-0 and we kind of looked at ourselves like, 'here we go again. We're going to make the playoffs and blah, blah, blah.' And then we got hit in our face and we couldn't respond. So it's a good thing. I'm actually happy all of that happened last year because now we have to start from square one. You have two Pro Bowl defensive ends and you draft a guy 15, that's a good thing. Sometimes a fire needs to be lit. Sometimes you can get complacent being the No. 1 guy. That's cool with me. I like friendly competition."

Justin Tuck is referring to the 15th pick in this year's draft, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. He is being humble and kind though as we know Pierre-Paul was drafted as a safety net for Osi Umenyiora who could have been traded in the off season and played badly last season.

Antonio Pierce on NFL VIDEOS - Giants on the Hot Seat

http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-york-giants/09000d5d8185c686/Feeling-Big-Blue-on-D

Bernard Injured in 2009

The New York Daily News is reporting that Giants defensive tackle, Rocky Bernard, played all of last season with a partially torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. This painful injury was the cause, according to Bernard, of his lackluster season where he had only 1 sack and 22 tackles. A few weeks after the end of last season, Bernard underwent surgery to repair his rotator cuff. Bernard claims to be at 100% and is ready to live up to expectations.

Kiwanuka Expected at OTSs Today

New York Giants defensive end, Mathias Kiwanuka, is expected to participate in organized team activities (OTAs) today. Five days ago his brother was severely injured in a motorcycle accident while the two road together. Benedict Kiwanuka's condition has been upgraded from critical to stable, according to Giants G.M. Jerry Reese. Mathias Kiwanuka did not crash his motorcycle and was not injured during the incident.

Coughlin: Year to Year Job

According to Mike Garafolo at the Newark Star Ledger, New York Giants head coach, Tom Coughlin, recently observed that every NFL head coach now operates on a year to year basis. These comments were apparently in response to embittered ex-Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce's statement on NFL network that Coughlin is "on the hot seat."

Coughlin responded, "I don't know what he said or why he said it or what his intent was by any means. But it's a one year circumstance for everybody. I don't care if you just won the Super Bowl. You're expected to come right back and perform at the highest level. And of course, in this market, you're always going to be subject to that kind of scrutiny. My goals, my expectations, what I demand of myself, what I demand of our team, really is internally driven and has nothing to do with outside."