Tag: Pat Shurmur

Giants, Eli Manning at mercy of Daniel Jones’ ankle

The New York Giants and Eli Manning enter Week 16 limbo and are completely at the mercy of Daniel Jones’ ankle.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is a gamer and despite a magical MetLife Stadium sendoff on Sunday, he’s itching for another start and hoping he gets it in Week 16 against the Washington Redskins.

“Yeah, of course. Of course I’d like to,” Manning said when asked if he’d like to start against Washington. “I know Daniel’s getting close to getting ready and getting better. We’ll see what his status is. I get it either way. I know they want to get him back and get him more experience and more reps and everything. Whatever I’m asked to do, I’ll do it.”

Given the way Manning was able to say goodbye, not to mention evening his all-time regular season record at 117-117, it would seem almost unfair to strip that away. But should Jones be unable to go in Week 16, head coach Pat Shurmur has given no thought to playing Alex Tanney over Manning.

“Listen, if Daniel can’t go and Eli is our starter, we are going to go in with the idea that we’re going to put a winning performance on the field against Washington,” Shurmur said when asked about Tanney playing. “So yeah, I don’t know — I think that’s overthinking it a little bit.”

And just how close is Jones to returning?

“We’ll just have to see,” Shurmur said on Monday. “Even though this is what they call a victory Monday, there’s a lot of players in the building today getting weight training, treatment and studying tape. We’ll just push him along like we did last week. We started the week with the idea that he might be ready to play, and we’ll do the same this week.”

The Giants were wary of Manning’s .500 record earlier this season, so don’t for a second think they won’t consider that this week. And given the sendoff he received, it would be a legitimate shock if we saw Manning under center on Sunday in Washington and not Jones.

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Giants’ Pat Shumur: There’s a chance Eli Manning keeps playing

It is widely believed Eli Manning played his final game as a member of the New York Giants on Sunday, but Pat Shurmur says not so fast…

Although it is widely believed that Daniel Jones (ankle) will be back under center for the New York Giants next game this Sunday in Washington, head coach Pat Shurmur stopped short of writing Eli off for the moment.

Sunday’s win over Miami was likely Eli’s last home start. He could still take the field this Sunday in Washington if Jones is not 100% ready to play.

“No. I think we have two games left to go and we’ll just have to see,” Shurmur said after the Giants defeated Miami, 36-20, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. “Dan is trying to come back from injury and who knows where he’s going to be. As we’ve talked about, the end of last week he was in a boot, at the end of this week he was practicing, but I don’t know how much better he’s going to be.

“There’s a chance that Eli keeps playing. To enjoy a victory like we did today and for him to be a significant part of it should feel really good for him.”

Jones was this close to returning this week, so its very likely we’ve seen the last of Eli and Sunday was his swan song.

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Giants vs. Dolphins: Statistics, numbers and broken records

The New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 and here’s a look at some of the statistics, numbers and broken records.

The New York Giants snapped their franchise-worst nine-game losing streak on Sunday, defeating the Miami Dolphins, 36-20, in what may be Eli Manning’s final NFL game.

The game itself was filled with big plays and magical moments, including a legendary curtain call for the two-time Super Bowl MVP.

There will be a lot of coverage on that in the coming days, but for now, let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy numbers, statistics and broken records from the Week 15 win:

  • Sunday’s victory snapped a nine-game losing streak, which was tied for the longest in franchise history, preventing the team from reaching the dreaded double-digit mark.
  • The victory improved Eli Manning’s regular season record to 117-117.
  • With his 283 yards passing, Manning became just the seventh quarterback in history to pass for 57,000 yards (57,023).
  • With his two touchdowns, Manning became just the seventh quarterback in history to throw for 365 touchdowns (366).
  • The 36 points scored were the most by the Giants this season.
  • The 29 points scored in the second half were the most by the Giants since December 9, 2012.
  • The 16-point margin of victory was third-largest under head coach Pat Shurmur and the largest against a team other than the Washington Redskins.
  • The Giants rushed for three touchdowns on Sunday for the first time since October 16, 2011 when Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for three.
  • The Giants won a game in which Manning threw three interceptions for the first time since September 16, 2012.
  • With 143 yards from scrimmage, running back Saquon Barkley eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards in a game for the 18th time in his young career.
  • With a half of sack, Markus Golden raised his season total to 9.0, becoming the first Giants linebacker with nine or more sacks in a season since Jessie Armstead did it in 1999.
  • Sam Beal’s safety was the first Giants safety since October 8, 2017.
  • The Giants have now won four consecutive games against the Dolphins.

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Pat Shurmur: Eli Manning could finish the season at QB

The New York Giants will be turning to veteran Eli Manning for a second straight game after rookie Daniel Jones (ankle) was ruled out again.

The New York Giants will face the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday and Eli Manning will be their starting quarterback.

Rookie Daniel Jones (high ankle sprain) has been ruled out again. Head coach Pat Shurmur told reporter today that Sunday may not be Eli’s last game as the team’s starter. He could end up finishing out the season for the Giants if Jones takes the full four weeks to recover from his injury.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Shurmur said when asked if Jones could come back next week. “All I know is, Eli’s starting this game against Miami. Then we’ll play it out from there.”

There is no need to rush Jones back from the high ankle sprain as the Giants are 2-11 and going nowhere. It also gives Giant fans a chance to give Eli a proper sendoff. The Giants have one more home game after this one, versus the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

Also ruled out for the Giants this week are tight end Evan Engram (foot), right guard Kevin Zeitler (ankle/wrist) and tight end Rhett Ellison (concussion).

Giants vs. Dolphins: 3 keys to victory in Week 15

Here are three things the New York Giants can do to ensure a victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and get their third win this season

The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins have zero hope of making the playoffs this year, so when they face off this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, only pride is on the line.

The Dolphins have three wins under their belts, while the Giants are looking for their third.

Here are three keys to a Big Blue victory this weekend:

Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK

Try actually making adjustments

Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants took a 17-3 lead into the locker room at halftime. But instead of making adjustments knowing that the Eagles would make adjustments, Pat Shurmur and James Bettcher chose to stay the course. Except in the process of “staying the course,” they also go away from what was working (see: going to Darius Slayton).

The result was that the Giants lost in OT. So this week, maybe the two of them could try to make some adjustments during the game. And maybe those adjustments lead the team to a victory.

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Report: Giants likely to start Eli Manning vs. Dolphins

The New York Giants are reportedly set to give Eli Manning one final start in front of the home town crowd.

Following a 23-17 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning acknowledged that he may have made his final NFL start, which is why it was so important to him that his wife, Abby, was in attendance.

However, Manning may get one final start in East Rutherford on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins as rookie Daniel Jones is still hindered by a high ankle sprain.

Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports, citing a team official, that Manning is “likely” to start in place of Jones even though head coach Pat Shurmur has been reluctant to rule the rookie out.

Daniel Jones may have returned to practice on Wednesday, but it still looks like Eli Manning will be the Giants starting quarterback on Sunday afternoon.

A team official said it is “likely” that the 38-year-old Manning will get the nod to make what could be the final home start of his iconic Giants career, this Sunday at the Meadowlands against the Miami Dolphins. Jones was “limited” at practice on Wednesday, as he attempts to recover from a high ankle sprain. And though he didn’t appear to be bothered at all by his injury and said he felt fine, the source said the team will likely take a cautious approach.

Ultimately, it is Shurmur’s call and he appears determined to get back to Jones as soon as possible.

“You know what, we’ll have to see. We have a couple days here. I think we need to be smart coming back from any injury,” Shurmur said of Jones. “In the case of a quarterback, aside from going out and throwing, they certainly need to be able to protect themselves, and part of his game is moving around. I just want to make sure he’s healthy enough and fit enough to do that.”

Jones was out of his walking boot and participating in practice on a limited basis on Wednesday, but since the team conducted a non-padded jog through, there really wasn’t much information to glean about Jones’ progress. Meanwhile, Manning was taking his reps with the ones, which is a good indicator that he’ll get the call in Week 15.

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Ron Rivera may be looking for something the Giants can’t provide

Ron Rivera may be a perfect fit for the New York Giants, but the Giants may not be a fit for Rivera based on what he wants.

Former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has set somewhat high standards for whatever job he’ll take next, and that might cancel out the New York Giants from being one of his possible destinations.

Rivera was a guest on ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter’s podcast recently, and he explained exactly what he’s looking for in his next coaching opportunity in the NFL.

“To me it would be an opportunity to coach a team that has the potential to win,” Rivera said. “There’s a lot of reclamation programs that’ll probably be in play. There’ll also be some teams I think that they’re a good draft away, a couple free agents away from being a really, really good team. That’s what I want. Because when I come back, I want to come back to win. I’m not taking a job to take a job. I’m taking a job because I believe we have a chance to win football games. And that’s what I want.”

The Giants are currently the definition of a reclamation project as they sit with a 2-11 record and are heading for a top-three draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

One of the Giants’ biggest issues is the fact that they have a young defense that hasn’t performed well this season and will need a lot of work moving forward. That could be just one of many reasons why a defensive coach like Rivera wouldn’t be interested.

After making his standards known, Rivera would have to see something in the Giants that nobody else is seeing, otherwise it’s unlikely he’d take a job with Big Blue should the opportunity present itself.

Of course, there might not even be a job to be had in New York. Head coach Pat Shurmur could beat the odds and stay on for another season despite this horrid 2019 campaign.

The Giants don’t typically like making such big changes this often, and firing Shurmur after just two seasons following the Ben McAdoo debacle would qualify as such. But given the state of things, they may have no choice.

If they do, Rivera would be a perfect fit for them. But are the Giants a perfect fit for Rivera?

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Did Giants tip their hand on Leonard Williams situation?

Did the New York Giants tip their hand on Leonard Williams by removing him from the game in Week 14?

The New York Giants traded for New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams in October with the hopes he could come in and solidify their defensive front.

Williams hasn’t had quite the impact the Giants expected (he still has no sacks) but he has made an impact. His presence has allowed fellow linemates Dalvin Tomlinson and Dexter Lawrence to up their games.

So, why was Williams, the Giants’ new key defensive disruptor, not on the field for the Eagles’ winning overtime drive on Monday night?

From the New York Post:

Williams, dealt from the Jets to Giants in exchange for a third-round pick in 2020 and a 2021 fifth-round pick, was having a quality game, despite receiving just 51 of 89 defensive snaps. He had five solo tackles, one tackle for loss and deflected a Carson Wentz pass. He also was called for a rougher-the-passer penalty.

Head coach Pat Shurmur, who looks more and more over-matched with each passing week, was asked about the decision to bench Williams at the most crucial part of the game.

“We had a rotation going and that’s basically it,” said Shurmur. “For whatever it’s worth, I felt like the interior defensive linemen were pretty disruptive, and we liked the rotation we had to keep them fresh throughout.”

And Williams isn’t part of that rotation? Your most experienced lineman who had been balling all game?

Nonsense. This sounds like another instance of in-game mismanagement by Shurmur and his staff. Is it possible they forgot that Williams was on the roster and just didn’t call his number?

That may sound silly, but keep in mind this defense has been caught with 12 men on the field which indicates the sideline is not a tight ship.

There also is the possibility the Giants could already be phasing Williams out after he told reporters last week that would be seeking a “top dollar” contract in free agency.

None of this makes sense starting with the trade for Williams, who will be a free agent in March unless the Giants ink him to an extension before free agency begins in March.

Many have been critical of the trade, which will cost the Giants two draft choices whether they re-sign Williams or not. He could have been had in free agency without surrendering any picks. A baffling move by the Giants that is getting more baffling by this latest development.

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Stock up, down after Giants’ 23-17 loss to Eagles

Whose stock is up and whose is down following the New York Giants’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14?

The New York Giants almost had their first win in three months. Almost.

And then the Philadelphia Eagles scored 20 unanswered points and needed overtime to knock off the Giants, 23-17, to send them to their ninth straight defeat.

In the return for Eli Manning, the Giants were oh so close in this one. But in a season of mishap and the unfortunate, even the future Hall of Fame quarterback couldn’t help the Giants on Monday night, even when at times, Manning turned back the clock and looked like the guy we all saw win two Super Bowls.

Instead, the Giants reverted back to their losing ways in the second half and let the Eagles steal steal their sixth straight victory against them.

Whose stock is up and down for the Giants following the loss to the Eagles.

AP Photo/Michael Perez

Stock up: Eli Manning

Manning has been on the bench since mid-September and had been carrying a headset on game days since Daniel Jones took over.

And yet, because of an ankle sprain, Manning was asked to go back into the lineup and try to give the Giants a winning effort. And that’s exactly what he did.

Manning threw for two touchdowns in the first half and breathed a lot of life into the Giants. He kept the mistakes down, the turnovers down, and looked like he had done this job since 2004.

If Jones can’t go next week, Manning proved that he still has something left in the tank and can start next week, and if needed, the rest of the season.

Stock down: Will Hernandez

Hernandez is considered one of the Giants’ best offensive lineman and should continue to get better, but he’s experienced a bit of a sophomore slump at times.

The second-year guard missed a few blocking assignments that lead to Saquon Barkley getting stopped for losses or no gain on Monday night — something that’s becoming a theme.

Hernandez is a better player than this and he should improve. With that said, it hasn’t been his best work on the field.

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Giants’ Pat Shurmur on Daniel Jones: If he can play, he will play

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur refused to rule out QB Daniel Jones (ankle) for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Was a Monday night loss to the Philadelphia Eagles the end of Eli Manning’s New York Giants career? His NFL career? Will rookie Daniel Jones resume his starting duties in Week 15?

Those questions will linger throughout the week as Jones aims to work his way back from a high ankle sprain despite an NFL Network report suggesting he could miss the remainder of the season.

Head coach Pat Shurmur calls those reports fake news, indicating that Jones could return on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, sending Manning back to the bench and effectively ending his 16-year career with the team.

With absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose, it seems curious that the Giants would risk rushing Jones back in a similar fashion to running back Saquon Barkley, who has been a shell of his former self since suffering an ankle sprain.

Jones was in a boot for the early part of last week, but managed to shed it by the time the weekend had arrived. Still, his ankle was sore enough that he was held out of practice and inactive in Week 14.

The Giants return to practice on Wednesday and all eyes will once again be on Jones.

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