Tag: Justin Pugh

Ben Bredeson praises Giants’ culture after New Orleans embarrassment

After an ugly offensive showing in Week 15, OL Ben Bredeson praises the New York Giants’ culture: ‘It’s a very process-oriented mindset.’

The New York Giants’ offensive line has had a tough year, to say the least. They have been ravaged by injuries which has led them to basically start a new lineup every week.

The injuries have disrupted any traction and continuity the unit was hoping to forge this season. As a result, the offense has sputtered and the Giants have come up short on the scoreboard in nine of their 14 games.

One constant along the line has been journeyman Ben Bredeson, a versatile player who has been asked to play all along the line. Bredeson has started 13 of the Giants’ 14 games and leads all offensive players in snaps this season with 810.

The line had been holding up — barely — during the team’s three-game winning streak until they ran into a buzzsaw of a defense in the New Orleans Saints this past weekend.

The Giants’ line was completely overwhelmed and overmatched by the Saints’ defensive front. Quarterback Tommy DeVito got tossed around and pounded way too frequently and Saquon Barkley and the running game went nowhere.

Bredeson was asked what happened down in the Big Easy on Sunday.

“We just didn’t execute well enough,” he said. “You know there are things to improve that we’ve addressed in the film and things were looking forward to correct heading into Philly.”

The Giants face the Eagles on Christmas afternoon, a team that has beaten them in 12 of their last 14 meetings, including the most recent four.

But the sins of New Orleans are on display for all to see. The communication was poor and the talent level was too low of rhyme to compete. Justin Pugh, a former first-round pick who the Giants signed this season ‘right off the couch,’ looked completely washed and perhaps should return to said couch.

Bredeson said it seemed that the line was ‘one piece off’ on run plays and wasn’t able to adjust to the stunts and movements of the Saints defensive line.

“It’s part of the job and you’ve got to block guys and they’re allowed to move so we just have to work in tandem and work as unit and handle the movement and get on our guys and get Saquon through there,” he said.

Bredeson said the unit was not discouraged and will continue to work to improve.

“We have a great culture here. It’s a very process-oriented mindset, that’s something that (Brian Daboll) preaches all the time,” he said. “We’re looking to improve from the last week and correct the mistakes and move forward to the next week and go win a game one week at a time.”

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Studs and duds from Giants’ Week 15 loss vs. Saints

Here’s a look at the studs and duds (and studly duds) from a 24-6 loss for the New York Giants against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.

The New York Giants saw their playoff hopes all but dashed on Sunday, falling to the New Orleans Saints, 24-6.

Although not mathematically eliminated, the Giants would need every single domino to fall into place over the next three weeks and that’s simply not going to happen. Accordingly, it’s time for Big Blue to begin looking ahead.

They were completely out-coached in Week 15 and many of their early season issues reappeared: Poor offensive line play, drops, missed tackles, lack of non-blitz pressure, and injuries.

With the loss, the Giants fall to 5-9 on the season.

Here is a look at some of the studs and duds (and studly duds) from the Week 15 defeat.

Giants’ Evan Neal doubtful vs. Saints in Week 15

The New York Giants have listed RT Evan Neal (ankle) as doubtful to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.

The New York Giants wrapped up their week of practice on Friday and are about as healthy as they’ve been all season.

The one lingering health issue is that of right tackle Evan Neal, who’s still dealing with an ankle injury. And while he did return to practice this week, head coach Brian Daboll says he is doubtful to play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Daboll would not commit to Neal reassuming his role as the starter once he does return.

The other question facing the Giants is the status of tight end Darren Waller, who was designated to return from injured reserve (IR) on Thursday. Daboll says a decision on the veteran will be made over the next 24 hours.

Waller ultimately expects to be activated and play.

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

Justin Pugh likely to retire if not back with Giants in 2024

Justin Pugh says he wants to end his career with the New York Giants and if he doesn’t return in 2024, he won’t be signing elsewhere.

The 2023 season has largely been one to forget for the New York Giants, but there have been a few good stories along the way.

Currently, rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito is the toast of the town. However, before he stepped in for the injured Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor, the feel-good story was the return of offensive lineman Justin Pugh.

A 2013 first-round pick, Pugh spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in East Rutherford before joining the Arizona Cardinals. After five seasons in the desert, he found his way back after a chance workout during the team’s West Coast road trip earlier this year.

Just days after re-joining the club, Pugh was thrust into the unforgivable role of replacing Andrew Thomas at left tackle.

To the surprise of many, Pugh played exceptionally well — arguably his best performance of the entire season.

Since then, he’s moved around and played wherever the Giants need him, providing a calming veteran presence to a line that although still struggling, has improved.

Whether or not Pugh has played well enough to return in 2024 remains to be seen but if not, the veteran may very well call it a day and hang up his cleats. He does not intend to play for any other team but the Giants.

“For the past few years, I’ve thought this was going to be it and here I am playing in year 11,” Pugh told Talkin’ Giants. “If it works out and I’m back, I’d love to be back. I’m not going anywhere but New York. Like, I’m not going to go play for any (other) team next year. The goal was to end my career with the New York Giants. That’s another reason why I came back — to finish what I started.

“There’s something special about being a New York Giant. I always wanted to be a New York Giant for life. Obviously, that wasn’t in the cards. But I am able to kind of right that wrong in my career — personally right that wrong, for myself. So that’s kind of how I feel this ending for me.”

Pugh has never been shy about his love for the Giants organization, and the willingness to sacrifice himself for the franchise has been a staple of his career.

If Pugh is entering the final stretch, Giants fans should let him know how much he’s been appreciated. He certainly deserves that.

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Stock up, down after Giants’ 31-19 win over Commanders

Whose stock is up and whose is down following the New York Giants’ 31-19 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 11?

The New York Giants upset the Washington Commanders, 31-19, at FedEx Field on Sunday afternoon in Landover, Maryland, improving their record to 3-8 on the season.

The Giants won on the backs of their defense, which recorded five of the team’s six turnovers, running back Saquon Barkley and rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito.

The win is proof the Giants aren’t tanking and that they” continue putting their best foot forward this year.

Whose stock is up and whose is down after the Week 11 win? Let’s take a look.

Studs and duds from Giants’ Week 11 win vs. Commanders

Here’s a look at the studs and duds (and studly duds) from a 31-19 win for the New York Giants against the Washington Commanders in Week 11.

The New York Giants headed down to Landover, Maryland on Sunday afternoon to take on the Washington Commanders, a team they traditionally play very well against.

Despite low expectations, the Giants again put on their hard hat and went to work against their long-time NFC East rivals. The defense, in particular, stepped up to the plate and rebounded after a humiliating display in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Wink Martindale’s crew recorded four sacks and forced five of the six turnovers on the game, including a game-sealing pick-6 by linebacker Isaiah Simmons with just seconds remaining.

On the other side of the ball, running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Tommy DeVito put enough points on the board to allow the D to keep the pressure on.

Here is a look at some of the studs and duds (and studly duds) from the Week 11 win.

What we learned from Giants’ 49-17 loss to Cowboys

The New York Giants fell to the Dallas Cowboys, 49-17, in Week 10 and here’s some of what we learned from that game.

The New York Giants fell to 2-8 on the season after getting blasted out of North Texas by the Dallas Cowboys, 49-17, at AT&T Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The game was perhaps the lowest moment of any Giant supporters’ fandom as Big Blue was completely destroyed by the Cowboys in front of a large television audience.

Every facet of the Giants’ demise was on full display in this game such as lack of talent and depth, poor coaching, awful execution and, yes, some infighting.

Here are some other things we learned.

Cowboys’ Neville Gallimore ejected from game for kicking Giants’ Justin Pugh in groin

Neville Galimore of the Cowboys kicked the Giants’ Justin Pugh in the groin

The game on Sunday between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys had long been decided. Neville Gallimore of the Cowboys used poor judgment in its final minutes and it will cost him, a fine for sure and possibly more.

Galimore came close to sacking Giants QB Tommy DeVito. He came up short but knocked the third-string QB down.

Big Blue offensive lineman Justin Pugh took offense and pushed Galimore.

The Cowboys’ defensive lineman reacted in an ill-advised manner, kicking Pugh in the groin.

Gallimore was ejected from the game. We’re sure he will be hearing from the league office this week.

Giants injury report: Parris Campbell remains limited in practice

New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell remains limited in practice alongside three others, while four did not participate on Thursday.

The New York Giants took the field for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 10 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.

As expected, right tackle Evan Neal remains out, while cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and running back Deon Jackson continue to work their way through concussion protocol.

After a veteran rest day, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence returned to the field and reassumed his place on the first-team defense.

Offensive lineman Mark Glowinski was added as a non-participant, but his absence was excused.

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

Did not participate: OL Evan Neal (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), RB Deon Jackson (concussion), OL Mark Glowinski (personal)

Limited participant: WR Parris Campbell (hamstring), RB Jashaun Corbin (hamstring), LB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), OL Andrew Thomas (hamstring)

Full participant: S Dane Belton (back), OL Justin Pugh (ankle), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest), OL Sean Harlow (personal)

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Giants injury report: Azeez Ojulari designated to return from IR

New York Giants LB Azeez Ojulari was designated to return from injured reserve (IR) and returned to practice on Wednesday.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday and looked like an entirely different team from just a week ago.

Quarterbacks Daniel Jones (knee) and Tyrod Taylor (ribs) are both on injured reserve, ushering in the era of Tommy DeVito and Matt Barkley, who was signed from the practice squad earlier in the day.

Additionally, right tackle Evan Neal, who suffered a second knee injury in Week 9, is considered “week-to-week” according to head coach Brian Daboll.

On the positive end of things, linebacker Azeez Ojulari was designated to return from injured reserve and returned to practice on Wednesday.

“Hopefully he’ll be ready to go this week,” Daboll said.

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

Did not participate: OL Evan Neal (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), RB Deon Jackson (concussion), OL Sean Harlow, (personal), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest)

Limited participant: WR Parris Campbell (hamstring), RB Jashaun Corbin (hamstring), LB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), OL Andrew Thomas (hamstring)

Full participant: S Dane Belton (back), OL Justin Pugh (ankle)

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