Tag: Kaden Smith

Giants dropped by Browns, 17-13: Instant analysis

Instant analysis of the New York Giants’ 17-13 Week 2 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The New York Giants faced off against the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon in their second game of the 2021 NFL Preseason.

Kickoff temperature was a sunny 81 degrees and perfect for football. It was another game in which the reserves did most — if not all — of the heavy lifting for Big Blue.

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The Giants game-day captains were safety Julian Love, long snapper Casey Kreiter and tight end Kaden Smith.

The offensive line got a respite in this game after a tough couple of days of scrimmages with the Browns. With five more roster cuts due this week, the Giants wanted to get a long look at the reserves. Jackson Barton started at left tackle with Kenny Wiggins at left guard, Jonotthan Harrison at center, Ted Larsen at right guard and Chad Slade at right tackle. Mike Glennon opened the game at quarterback.

The starting defense was as such: Raymond Johnson, David Moa and B.J. Hill up front with Ryan Anderson, Oshane Ximines, Reggie Ragland and Devante Downs at linebacker with rookie Rodarius Williams and Madre Harper at the corners and Xavier McKinney and Love at safety.

Harper was picked on twice in the red zone on the Brown’s first drive. The first play he broke up a touchdown grab against Rashard Higgins but gave up a touchdowns two player later to KhaDarel Hodge. The Browns’ drive, led by veteran quarterback Case Keenum, went for 81 yards on 10 plays. The Giants’ defense was very lax, especially when it came to containing the edge on running plays.

The Giants charged right back with an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive of their own, highlighted by a 24-yard completion from Glennon to Rysen John and the rushing and receiving of free agent running back Devontae Booker, who scored on one yard dive to complete the scoring drive.

On the Browns’ next possession, Quincy Wilson picked off Keenum in the end zone to stop a scoring drive. The first half ended with the score tied 7-7.

The Giants allowed 94 yards on the ground in the first half, 7.8 yards per attempt. To be fair, 32 of those yards came an a last-second scramble by former Giant backup quarterback Kyle Lauletta against a prevent defense.

The second half featured the bottom rungs of each team’s depth charts. Brian Lewerke, signed this week by the Giants, played the second half at quarterback leading a scoring drive that ended in a touchdown pass but was followed by a failed two-point try. For a player who has been with the team for a week, he appeared to be quite poised.

The final was Browns 17, Giants 13 with onlookers champing at the bit for the regular season to begin.

Notes

  • When backups are playing backups, it’s difficult to get excited about standout players but several Giants flashed. Booker looked like a No. 1 back, rushing for 27 yards on six attempts and caught both targets for 13 yards.
  • Glennon completed 10 of 13 paces for 86 yards. Wide receiver David Sills had another strong game catching thereof four targets for 31 yards, including a contested catch in the end zone for a score.
  • TE/WR Rysen John had three receptions with one going for 24 yards and another for 29. Unfortunately, he injured his lower leg late in the game, coming lame in what appeared to be a non-contact injury. He walked off underlies own power.
  • Coughlin is still a tad spotty in pass coverage but is without a doubt a solid pass rusher, especially coming up the middle. He had four tackles including a sack in the first half.
  • Harper, who was a ‘bubble’ player entering the game, left the game in the third quarter with a groin injury.
  • Wilson left with an ankle injury, leaving the Giants a bit short at corner.
  • Special team ace Matt Cole was trotted out on defense to fill in and looked fairly comfortable in the role.
  • The Giants went 2-for-2 in the red zone. Cleveland went 2-3.

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Darius Slayton led Giants in 2020 performance-based pay

Darius Slayton led the New York Giants in performance-based pay in 2020, but he won’t see that payout until 2024.

The NFL announced its performance-based pay distributions on Tuesday, and New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton led the team.

In fact, Slayton was among the league’s greatest beneficiaries of the program, earning $502,392 which will be paid out in 2024 per the CBA. All payments have been deferred until then as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to Slayton, other top Giants beneficiaries include defensive back Julian Love ($463,271), center Nick Gates ($436,723), tight end Kaden Smith ($350,332) and nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson ($340,776), who is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, wideout Alex Bachman will received the Giants’ lowest total at just $600. Guard Chad Slade will earn the team’s second-lowest total at $1,806.

All told, 68 current and former members of the Giants will earn some form of performance-based pay for 2020.

The performance-based pay system, which is part of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), compensates players, including rookies, based on their playing time and production in comparison to their base salary.

This year, the NFLPA dedicated a total of $272 million in performance-based pay benefits ($8.5 million per team).

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Report: Kyle Rudolph’s addition will not impact Evan Engram’s role with Giants

Evan Engram’s role with the New York Giants will not change despite the team bringing in veteran TE Kyle Rudolph.

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The New York Giants had a trick up their sleeve this week and it turned out to be veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph.

After an aggressive pursuit of Hunter Henry, who ultimately joined the New England Patriots, the Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman settled on Rudolph on Thursday, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal.

But what will Rudolph’s presence in East Rutherford mean for embattled tight end Evan Engram, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract?

Well, apparently nothing…

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that Engram’s role will not change despite the presence of Rudolph, who is likely to be used in two-tight end sets.

Rudolph gives the Giants another playmaker at the tight end spot to pair with Evan Engram. His acquisition does not affect Engram’s status with the team despite a now crowded tight ends room, a team source told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Rudolph and Engram are joined by Kaden Smith and Levine Toilolo.

Although Rudolph’s arrival in East Rutherford may not have a major impact on Engram or his role, it could mean a change for Kaden Smith is on the horizon.

The Giants previously re-worked the contract of Levine Toilolo which indicates he’s firmly in their 2021 plans. They’re obviously now committed to both Rudolph and Engram as well, so there’s only so much space at the tight end position. Carrying four could be tricky business, especially since all four are unlikely to be active on game days.

How things ultimately shake out remains to be seen but at least when it comes to Engram and his role, Rudolph’s presence isn’t going to change much.

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Giants’ Daniel Jones, Evan Engram questionable vs. Browns

New York Giants QB Daniel Jones and TE Evan Engram are questionable against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.

After canceling practice on Thursday following Jason Garrett’s positive COVID-19 test, the New York Giants were back on the field Friday, this time using the MetLife Stadium turf to prepare for a Week 15 game.

Just prior to the start of practice, the Giants announced that running back Devonta Freeman (ankle) had been designated to return from injured reserve, beginning his 21-day activation window. He promptly took the field and appeared to be moving well in the portion of practice open to the media.

Meanwhile, all eyes were once again on quarterback Daniel Jones (hamstring/ankle), who was a limited participant. He was subsequently listed as questionable against the Cleveland Browns.

Also questionable were tight end Evan Engram, who was added to the injury report with a calf issue, and tight end Kaden Smith, who was a new addition to Thursday’s report after suffering a knee injury.

Rookie cornerback Darnay Holmes (knee) did not practice and was ruled out for the second consecutive week.

If both Engram and Smith can not play on Sunday, Levine Toilolo is the only other right end on the roster.

If Jones is unable to play, Colt McCoy will draw the start and likely be backed up by practice squad quarterback Clayton Thorson.

Offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler was a full participant in practice and did not receive a designation.

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Kevin Zeitler, Dalvin Tomlinson were highest-graded Giants in Week 14

OL Kevin Zeitler and DL Dalvin Tomlinson were the New York Giants’ highest-graded players of Week 14.

The New York Giants were stomped out by the Arizona Cardinals, 26-7, on Sunday and at first glance, it was hard to pinpoint a single player who performed at a high level.

Luckily, Pro Football Focus is here to reassure Big Blue fans that not everyone was a disaster in Week 14. In fact, a handful of players did quite well based on PFF’s analytical system.

Case in point: Offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler, who recorded a team-high grade of 89.2 (min. 45 snaps).

Right behind Zeitler on the offensive side of the ball were tight end Kaden Smith (75.5), running back Wayne Gallman (72.3) and wide receiver Darius Slayton (66.2).

Other noteworthy grades on offense came by way of center Nick Gates (55.5), quarterback Daniel Jones (49.8) and offensive tackle Matt Peart (41.8).

On the defensive side of the ball, it was defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson who led the charge with an overall grade of 81.6 (min. 45 snaps). He was followed up by cornerbacks Isaac Yiadom (76.5) and James Bradberry (75.8).

Although they were under the snap count threshold, linebacker David Mayo and defensive tackle B.J. Hill graded out quite well, finishing the game with grades of 95.1 and 84.2, respectively.

In his NFL starting debut, rookie safety Xavier McKinney finished with a 57.3.

The lowest-graded Giants of the week were linebacker Devante Downs (40.6), offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (38.0) and linebacker Carter Coughlin (30.4).

Coughlin’s low grade is a product of his poor coverage, which netted a 25.4.

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Giants place LB Kyler Fackrell on IR among several roster moves

Giants make several roster moves on Tuesday.

The New York Giants made several roster moves, including the activation of three players from the reserve/COVID-19 list while placing linebacker Kyler Fackrell on the injured reserve list, the team announced Tuesday.

Fackrell was placed on the injured reserve list due to a calf injury and could be eligible to return for the Giants’ final two games of the season. A 2020 free-agent signee, Fackrell has 3.0 sacks, six tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits.

The Giants also activated tight end Kaden Smith, offensive tackle Matt Peart and wide receiver Dante Pettis from the reserve/COVID-19 list in time to begin practice as the team prepares for the Week 13 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

In addition, the Giants also waived defensive back Montre Hartage and punter Ryan Santoso. Wide receiver Derrick Dillon and tight end Nate Wieting were released from the practice squad.

Giants injury report: Sterling Shepard limited

The New York Giants were back at practice on Wednesday with CB James Bradberry out and WR Sterling Shepard limited.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the first time as a full team since prior to their November 15 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The good news? Rookie safety Xavier McKinney (foot), linebacker Oshane Ximines (shoulder) and guard Kevin Zeitler (shoulder) were all participating on at least a limited basis.+

The bad news? Cornerback James Bradberry was not.

But don’t get too panicked. The Giants revealed that Bradberry had been excused for a family-related matter and that he would be back on the practice field on Friday.

Finally, players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list obviously did not participate on Wednesday. Neither they nor anyone on IR were given a daily injury designation.

The official injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB James Bradberry (not injurt-related)

Limited participant: WR Sterling Shepard (hip/toe)

Full participant: OL Kevin Zeitler (concussion)

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Giants have no new positive COVID-19 cases

The New York Giants checked out clean on Monday morning with no new positive COVID-19 cases after four last week.

The New York Giants open Week 12 with no new reports of any player testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Last week, the Giants placed six players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Kicker Graham Gano, offensive tackle Matt Peart, tight end Kaden Smith and wide receiver Dante Pettis all tested positive, while punter Riley Dixon and long snapper Casey Kreiter were added for contact tracing purposes.

As per the NFL, “Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 follow the joint NFL-NFLPA Treatment Protocol. They are immediately isolated, not permitted access club facilities, or have direct contact with players or personnel. Club medical staff are in regular communication with individuals who test positive to monitor symptoms.”

As “high-risk close contacts,” Dixon and Kreiter will be cleared this week should they test negative after five days and will travel with the team to Cincinnati. The NFL requires that all players and most staff be tested daily.

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Giants to place Matt Peart, Dante Pettis, Kaden Smith on COVID-19 list

The Giants announced on Friday morning that the team had received three positive COVID-19 tests.

On Friday morning, the New York Giants announced through a statement that the team was notified on Thursday night that three players had tested positive for COVID-19.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the team will place rookie offensive lineman Matt Peart, wide receiver Dante Pettis and tight end Kaden Smith on the Reserve/COVID-19 list later in the day.

Of course, with tracing already underway, it’s possible more players are added to the list as close contacts. Any player placed on the COVID-19 list either has the virus or has been in close contact with someone who has it.

With three more players testing positive for the virus, the Giants are now up to five on the season, four of which have come this week alone. Left guard Will Hernandez was the first, and most recently kicker Graham Gano received a positive result earlier this week.

Also on the COVID-19 list is punter Riley Dixon and long snapper Casey Kreiter, both of whom were placed there on Wednesday.

Giants injury report: Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard limited

New York Giants WR Golden Tate was limited in practice on Thursday due to an apparent knee injury.

The New York Giants moved things outdoors on Thursday, practicing on the field at MetLife Stadium for nearly two hours.

It was the first full practice of the week following a walkthrough on Wednesday, and the good news was that defensive lineman Leonard Williams and defensive back Logan Ryan were back. Both players had been excused for personal reasons a day earlier.

Additionally, wide receiver Golden Tate was practicing but not without restriction a week after being relegated to scout team duty as part of Joe Judge’s disciplinary measures.

“We’re kind of past that issue now,” Judge said of Tate. “Golden’s getting ready to play Philly as well right now. I love the way he came to practice yesterday, I love the way he’s preparing so far today. . . We’ll roll him in fast.”

Tate was limited after suffering a late-practice knee injury on Thursday. He had previously been scheduled to meet with the media but was unavailable after going down hurt.

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

Did not participate: N/A

Limited participant: RB Devonta Freeman (ankle), WR Sterling Shepard (toe/hip), WR Golden Tate (knee)

Full participant: DT Leonard Williams (not injury related), DB Logan Ryan (not injury related), TE Kaden Smith (concussion)

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