Tag: Darius Muasau

PFF ranks Giants’ 2024 rookie class among NFL’s best

Pro Football Focus has ranked the New York Giants’ 2024 NFL draft class and rookie free agent signings among the very best in football.

The New York Giants wrapped up the worst season in franchise history earlier this month, finishing the year with a record of 3-14.

There weren’t many reasons for celebration or enthusiasm, but there’s at least one small silver lining and a reason to be optimistic about the future: The 2024 NFL draft class and undrafted free agent signings.

After two less-than-stellar drafts, general manager Joe Schoen made the most of his six picks last April. Not only did every rookie he selected contribute, but they all started at one point and are poised to play pivotal roles in the future.

Pro Football Focus feels similarly optimistic about the Giants’ 2024 rookie class, ranking them fourth overall behind the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Chargers.

  • WR Malik Nabers: 86.7
  • CB Andru Phillips: 77.5
  • S Tyler Nubin: 65.6
  • RB Tyrone Tracy: 58.4
  • DI Elijah Chatman: 58.9
  • LB Darius Muasau: 56.8

Not much went right for the Giants in 2024, but they can take solace in the fact that their rookie class could be part of their foundation moving forward. Malik Nabers is an ascending superstar after finishing his rookie season with more than 1,200 yards and an 87.1 PFF receiving grade. Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy was the team’s leading rusher this season and forced 47 missed tackles combined as a runner and receiver.

Defensively, the Giants found starting-caliber players in slot cornerback Andru Phillips and safety Tyler Nubin. Phillips led the team’s qualified players with a 75.8 PFF coverage grade. Nubin contributed well in the box with a 76.0 PFF run-defense grade. New York also got decent contributions from Elijah Chatman and Darius Muasau as injuries piled up on their defensive front all season.

One strong draft doesn’t make up for two subpar drafts but at least it’s a place to build from for Schoen & Co.

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Giants-Colts Week 17: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The New York Giants won their Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants snapped a 10-game losing streak and avoided becoming the first team in NFL history to go 0-9 at home in a single season by upsetting the Indianapolis Colts, 45-33, on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.

It was an impressive and dominant victory for the Giants, which left many wondering: Where the heck has that been all year?

The offense was methodical and thrived on big plays, the defense suddenly became a takeaway machine, and even the special teams unit pitched in with a 100-yard touchdown return courtesy of Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Will it be enough to help save jobs? Time will tell.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ Week 17 victory.

Offensive snaps: 56
Defensive snaps: 77
Special teams snaps: 32

Running back Devin Singletary was once again limited in his role, taking just 27 percent of the offensive snap share. Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was even more sparsely used, taking just 10 snaps and not drawing a single target.

Defensively, rookie linebacker Darius Muasau continues to handle 100 percent of the snaps due to injuries at the position, and he’s staking a claim to a larger role in 2025.

And enough can’t be said about Smith-Marsette. He had a massive impact on just eight special teams snaps and should be a priority to bring back next season.

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Malik Nabers lauds Giants’ rookie class: ‘We’re all dogs’

In what has otherwise been a lost season, WR Malik Nabers has found a silver lining in the 2024 NFL draft class: “We’re all dogs.”

The New York Giants will be closing in on some infamous milestones this week when they host the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

A loss to the Colts would set a new NFL single-season record for home losses with nine. The Giants would be the first team to achieve that in the 105-year history of the NFL.

Since the league expanded to 17 games in 2021, 16 teams have been getting an additional home game each season, so nine home losses has only been achievable in the past four seasons.

Any franchise with such a measly output would surely be seeking to clean house at the end of the season and push the reset button. The Giants call this “blowing it up,” something they’ve avoided doing under John Mara and Steve Tisch’s watch, which began in 2005.

They might not do it this time, either. They could conceivably keep general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll and simply make changes among the rest of the staff.

They could replace Daboll but it is unlikely that Schoen will be fired. He is coming off a very strong offseason in which all six of his draft choices ended up contributing in their first seasons with the club. He also added defensive end Brian Burns vis a trade and several key offensive linemen.

But it’s the rookie class that has the team — and the players — remaining optimistic for the future.

“We’re happy where we’re at,” said wide receiver Malik Nabers, who the Giants selected sixth overall in this year’s draft. “Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year. I’m happy with the group that decided to come here, that they picked. We’ve been doing a lot of great things. I’m hoping that we continue to do those things throughout the year.”

Nabers has already set a franchise record for receptions by a rookie (97) and is now chasing the NFL record of 105 set by the Rams’ Puka Nacua last season.

He knows he’s not the only rookie who has made an impact this season. Safety Tyler Nubin, cornerback Andru Phillips, tight end Theo Johnson, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., and linebacker Darius Muasau have all played valuable roles this season.

“I feel like we’re all dogs,” added Nabers. “Theo… you go through everybody. Nubin, he had a lot of broken stuff in his foot. He continued to play. Theo, he got his foot broken in the first quarter of the game, he continued to play. We’ve got that mentality that we want to win. Nothing’s going to stop us from getting done what we want to get done. To have that as a group and all in one, the sky’s the limit for us, I’m happy for that.”

This could be the start of a strong trend for the Giants. Yes, it took some time, but Schoen could be on the cusp of building something big here. He might just have the top pick in this year’s draft to work with, too.

If the Giants make a change now, they could be missing out on a chance to become winners again.

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Giants vs. Falcons Player of the Game: LB Darius Muasau

The New York Giants were defeated by the Falcons, 34-7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 16 and LB Darius Muasau is our Player of the Game.

The New York Giants set an all-time franchise record with their 10th consecutive loss on Sunday, falling to the Atlanta Falcons, 34-7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

It was another embarrassing performance for John Mara’s team but as he watched on from the suite, even he had to be impressed with the play of rookie linebacker Darius Muasau.

Muasau arguably had the best game of his young career, recording a team-leading 11 tackles (four solo, one for a loss) and one QB hit. He nearly recorded a sack but Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed some savviness and got the ball away.

That hiccup aside, Muasau impressed with his fast, downhill style of play while making several key tackles at or near the line of scrimmage.

After fellow linebacker Micah McFadden left the game, Muasau also took over the headset — a key defensive role and a lot of pressure to put on a rookie.

But Muasau handled it well and on a day when little went right for the Giants, he stood out and will undoubtedly be used as a feather in general manager Joe Schoen’s hat when he has to plead for his job.

For Muasau, it’s his first Giants Wire Player of the Game Award this season.

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Giants tie ugly interception record as Xavier McKinney leads NFL

The New York Giants have tied an all-time NFL record in interception futility while former safety Xavier McKinney now leads the league.

The New York Giants have set many records over the past decade and almost none of them are good.

That trend continued on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the Giants closed out the game sans an interception. It was the 10th straight game in which the defense failed to pick off the opposing quarterback, tying a modern NFL record dating back to 1933.

If that weren’t bad enough, there is some salt being added to the wound.

During a 38-10 romp over the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney recorded his seventh interception, which is tied for the league lead (Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions).

Like running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants let McKinney walk via free agency back in March despite his desire to return. Ultimately, general manager Joe Schoen didn’t see the value in McKinney, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Packers.

Instead, the Giants went with returning safeties Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton, and second-round pick Tyler Nubin.

While Nubin has flashed and appears to be a foundational piece, he, Pinnock and Belton have combined for zero interceptions on the season. In fact, the Giants have recorded just one, which came courtesy of rookie linebacker Darius Muasau all the way back in a Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Giants will look to avoid setting the all-time NFL record for consecutive games without an interception on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys, who are primed to start Big Blue’s former backup, Cooper Rush.

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Giants’ Malik Nabers, Kayvon Thibodeaux questionable vs. Buccaneers

The New York Giants have listed five players as questionable against the Buccaneers, including WR Malik Nabers and LB Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The New York Giants wrapped up their week of practice on Friday afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey and their final injury report indicates the team is relatively healthy for the first time in weeks.

But that wasn’t without some pitfalls.

Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was added to the injury report on Friday and did not practice after suffering a groin injury. Linebacker Micah McFadden also missed practice but told reporters he expects to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Both players are listed as questionable.

Full injury reports for both the Giants and Buccaneers can be found below:

Luke Hales/Getty Images

New York Giants

Out: None

Doubtful: None

Questionable: WR Malik Nabers (groin), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring), LB Micah McFadden (heel), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Out: None

Doubtful: DB Tykee Smith (knee)

Questionable: CB Jamel Dean (hamstring), WR Mike Evans (hamstring), NT Greg Gaines (foot), CB Troy Hill (ankle/foot), CB Zyon McCollum (hamstring), OL Tristan Wirfs (knee/foot)

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Giants injury report: Dexter Lawrence limited for second straight day

For the second straight day, New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was limited in practice with a knee injury.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll met with reporters and expressed optimism that edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux would be activated from injured reserve (IR) and play on Sunday.

“Encouraged,” Daboll said.

Even if Thibodeaux suits up on Sunday, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said that fellow edge rusher Azeez Ojulari has earned the right to play, hinting at a rotational snap share.

Meanwhile, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, who is usually given veteran rest days, was limited in practice for the second consecutive day.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: None

Limited participant: WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), NT Dexter Lawrence (knee), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring), S Tyler Nubin (back)

Full participant: WR Darius Slayton (concussion), LB Matthew Adams (knee), TE Theo Johnson (back), CB Andru Phillips (hip), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist), OL Greg Van Roten (abdomen)

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Giants injury report: Kayvon Thibodeaux designated to return from IR

The New York Giants have designated edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) to return from injured reserve (IR).

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Before heading out into the unseasonably warm temperatures, head coach Brian Daboll took the podium to speak with reporters.

The good news is that linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has been designated to return from injured reserve (IR) and had his 21-day practice window open. But Daboll expects him to return long before that, even indicating that he could play this Sunday.

“We’ll open up Kayvon’s window, so he’ll start, optimistic that he’ll be ready to go,” Daboll said.

All other players were expected to practice on at least a limited basis.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: None

Limited participant: LB Matthew Adams (knee), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), TE Theo Johnson (back), NT Dexter Lawrence (knee), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring), S Tyler Nubin (back), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist), OL Greg Van Roten (abdomen)

Full participant: WR Darius Slayton (concussion)

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Giants defense defined by one major strength, one major weakness

The New York Giants defense is sacking quarterbacks at a league-leading rate but are also poised to set an ugly NFL record.

One could argue the 2024 New York Giants defense has been a contraction of itself. They lead the NFL in sacks per game (3.6), which is one of the few pleasantries of this rocky season, and are sixth in red zone defense.

But they are deficient in other areas. Interceptions are one, for instance. They have just one pick over their first 10 games, tied for last in the league with Cleveland.

The Giants’ only pick has been by rookie linebacker Darius Muasau, not by any of the team’s talented young defensive backs. And that happened in garbage time of their Week 1 loss to Minnesota.

They have not picked off a pass since. That’s a total of nine games and they are now closing in on the longest interception drought in NFL history, per the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.

The 2017 Raiders defense set the modern NFL record (since 1933) by going 10 straight games — a span of 357 passes — without an interception, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

One year later, the 49ers and Cardinals each endured an eight-game drought that has been eclipsed by the Giants, who will return from this week’s bye trying to avoid tying dubious history on November 24 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

No one can pinpoint exactly why the Giants have not been picking off passes this season. Safety Tyler Nubin, who leads all NFL rookies in tackles, was touted as a ball hawk coming out of college. He has no interceptions. Another high draft pick, cornerback Andru Phillips, has been highly-rated this season but has also come up dry.

“It’s something we have to continue to work at. We have to find ways,” Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said.

“They’re just throwing good balls. We’re not getting to them. That’s the best way I can answer that,” nose tackle Dexter Lawrence said. “I think we need to create more (takeaways) to have the offense have a short field and not worry about driving a long field. It’s our responsibility to go get the ball, so that’s what we have to do.”

The Giants are 28th in the league in passes defensed (29) but have only allowed the 10th most passing yards. They have allowed 12 passing touchdowns, which has been the league average.

In a season of mysteries and inexplicable events that have gone against the grain, this one continues to perplex.

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Giants’ Darius Slayton, Bryce Ford-Wheaton out vs. Panthers

New York Giants wide receivers Darius Slayton and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are out against the Carolina Panthers, and four others are questionable.

The New York Giants wrapped up their week of practice on Friday morning in Germany and their final injury report is a bit of a mixed bag.

Wide receiver Darius Slayton, who remains in concussion protocol, did not make the flight with his teammates and was officially ruled out on Thursday evening.

The good news is that offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, kicker Graham Gano, and punter Jamie Gillan all made the trip.

“We’ll go ahead and go through practice like we normally do and then we’ll decide what we’re going to do. But, I think for both the kickers and for Chris, that’s looking positive. So, we’ll see,” Daboll told reporters.

Meanwhile, wide receiver and special teams ace, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, also failed to make the trip and will be out on Sunday.

Daboll also expressed doubt about the availability ot safety Jason Pinnock.

“Pinnock is a concern for the game. I wouldn’t rule him out, but he’s probably the one,” he said.

Full injury reports for both the Giants and Panthers can be found below:

Luke Hales/Getty Images

New York Giants

Out: WR Darius Slayton (concussion), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: LB Matthew Adams (calf), K Graham Gano (hamstring), S Jason Pinnock (abdomen), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring)

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Carolina Panthers

Out: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Questionable: N/A

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