Tag: Darius Muasau

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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Giants injury report: Darius Slayton out vs. Panthers

New York Giants wide receivers Darius Slayton and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are unlikely to play in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers.

Editor’s note: Darius Slayton did not travel with the team to Germany and is officially out in Week 10.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll delivered the unfortunate news that wide receivers Darius Slayton and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are unlikely to travel and will subsequently miss Sunday’s game against Carolina.

On the flip side of that coin, both kicker Graham Gano and punter Jamie Gillan continue to progress and are likely to suit up in Week 10. Gillan is all but guaranteed to play and Daboll says Gano has a strong chance.

The coach also revealed that offensive lineman Greg Van Roten should be “OK” to play on Sunday.

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

Did not participate: WR Darius Slayton (concussion), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), OL Chris Hubbard (illness)

Limited participant: K Graham Gano (hamstring), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), TE Theo Johnson (knee/back), LB Ty Summers (ankle), NT Dexter Lawrence (NIR), OL Greg Van Roten (shoulder), LB Matthew Adams (calf), S Jason Pinnock (abdomen), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring)

Full participant: None

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Giants snap counts from Week 6: Rookies dominate field time

The New York Giants lost their Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants failed to end their primetime slump on Sunday night, falling to the Cincinnati Bengals, 17-7, in another game they should have won.

The loss drops the Giants to 2-4 on the season and keeps them in last place among NFC East teams — a division that would be wide open if they could get themselves together.

“Tough loss. I thought our defense played very good football,” head coach Brian Daboll said after the game. “Missed two opportunities in the kicking game. And then didn’t score enough points offensively. That starts with me. It’s hard to win games when you score seven points. That’s the reality of it.”

Things get no easier for the Giants in Week 7 when they host Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ Week 6 loss.

Offensive snaps: 79
Defensive snaps: 53
Special teams snaps: 22

The Giants’ rookie class is putting in work this season. Tight end Theo Johnson led the way with 70 snaps — an 89 percent share. Fellow rookies, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, were just behind him with 66 snaps and 64 snaps, respectively.

On defense, safety Tyler Nubin took all 53 snaps. Defensive lineman Elijah Chatman had a 24 percent snap share while linebacker Darius Muasau took just two defensive snaps but led the team with 19 special teams snaps.

Running back Dante Miller, who was elevated from the practice squad, took seven defensive snaps.

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Giants snap counts from Week 5: What’s up with Jalin Hyatt?

The New York Giants won their Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants pulled off an improbable upset of the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon and did it in unexpectedly dominant fashion.

Although the final scoreboard showed 29-20, it’s not indicative of how the game played out. The Giants controlled the pace from the opening whistle until the final whistle, winning in all three phases of the game.

“Proud of the guys to come out here, play a good game, and get a win on the road,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters. “Proud of our team, our coaches. They put a lot of hard work to come out here on the road.

“So proud of the guys. Competed well. Got the result we wanted. Really the process is what I’m proud of, how they stayed true to it, how they practiced, how they prepared, meetings, all those type of things. Good win.”

The Giants improved to 2-3 with the win and are showing signs of life.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ Week 5 victory.

Offensive snaps: 72
Defensive snaps: 58
Special teams snaps: 30

In the absence of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, fellow wideout Jalin Hyatt drew the start and was on the field for 48 snaps. He ran 26 routes but wasn’t targeted a single time.

Although Hyatt did draw two crucial holding penalties, his lack of involvement in the offense continues to raise eyebrows. It was previously believed the issue was relative to his snap share but that wasn’t the case on Sunday. There’s more to this story.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Tracy Jr. appeared to establish himself as the team’s No. 2 back following Eric Gray’s latest fumble. Veteran wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins also got some field time after being elevated from the practice squad.

Defensively, Isaiah Simmons didn’t see a single snap but boy did he make his presence felt on special teams. Good things happen when he’s on the field, so perhaps the Giants should make note of that moving forward.

Also of note, cornerbacks Adroee’ Jackson and Andru Phillips played well in their returns, taking 27 and 23 snaps, respectively. Rookie linebacker Darius Muasau took just five snaps.

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Giants’ Nick McCloud out, Brian Burns questionable vs. Browns

New York Giants CB Nick McCloud is out and LB Brian Burns is questionable for a Week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns.

The New York Giants will continue their 2024 regular season on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

Entering the game, Cleveland is viewed as a heavy favorite after picking up their first win of the season in Week 2. The Giants, meanwhile, are reeling after an 0-2 start and things are beginning to get dicey in the locker room.

Despite being a limited participant this week, linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) will start in his usual role on Sunday. He is not expected to be on a snap count.

Thibodeaux will be joined by veteran defensive back Isaiah Simmons, who missed time this week as the result of a personal matter.

Meanwhile, linebacker Brian Burns was a surprise addition to the injury report on Friday. He is listed as questionable.

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

Luke Hales/Getty Images

New York Giants

Out: CB Nick McCloud (knee)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: LB Brian Burns (groin), LB  Darius Muasau (knee)

Mitchell Layton-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns

Out: TE David Njoku (ankle), RB Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring)

Doubtful: N/A

Questionable: OL Jack Conklin (knee), OL Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee)

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