Tag: Scott Simonson

Ex-Giant shreds Dave Gettleman: ‘Not a good person’

A pair of former New York Giants players took aim at GM Dave Gettleman following the team’s 29-3 loss against Chicago in Week 17.

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The New York Giants are down bad and people are beginning to pile on.

Following a humiliating 29-3 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon, things went from bad to worse for the Giants. First, head coach Joe Judge erupted in a wild 11-minute rant that bordered on incoherent nonsense. Then, former Giants tight end Scott Simonson unloaded on general manager Dave Gettleman.

Like Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers before him, Simonson took aim at both Gettleman the GM and Gettleman the person.

“Dave Gettleman is an atrocious GM and not a good person, in my opinion. The fact he’s had this much time to not be good at his job, while deciding others’ fates, and indebting one of the most historically respected franchises is embarrassing, and also a strong example of karma existing,” Simonson tweeted.

As the tweet went viral, Simonson clarified.

“In relation to this tweet blowing up, I’ll clarify that my opinion is from being mislead about the severity of an ankle injury,” Simonson said. “Not given details, being released on settlement of a basic injury, and finding out later on they knew the extent of it. All things he played a role in.

“Also, to be clear, I don’t think this was intentional. I was a career backup player on minimum salary. I wasn’t an important piece of the machine so when I got damaged I was simply removed and replaced. But I’m not saying it was on purpose, it’s just how the NFL works sometimes.”

Simonson, who is no longer in the league, played for Gettleman in both Carolina (2015-2017) and New York (2018-2019). He was released by the Giants with an injury settlement in September of 2019 but later re-signed (November, 2019) and released (February, 2020).

Following Simonson’s original tweet another former Giant, fullback Shane Smith, also chimed in.

“Couldn’t agree more,” Smith tweeted.

Like Simonson, Smith later clarified his comments.

“Let me clarify,” Smith said. “(I’m) not speaking poorly on DG as a person. I loved my time with New York, but there’s obviously something wrong if they’ve had multiple coaches and great players go there and no one can have success.”

Smith played for the Giants from 2017 through 2018.

Although both Simonson and Smith softened their tone, it’s clear they have a personal issue with Gettleman. And that’s not exclusive — they are a part of a much larger club. And it’s just the latest example of how it’s time for the Giants to move on from DG.

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Giants release Scott Simonson, Isaiah Searight

The New York Giants have released tight ends Scott Simonson and Isaiah Searight.

The New York Giants made their first series of roster moves ahead of free agency on Monday afternoon, releasing tight ends Scott Simonson and Isaiah Searight.

Simonson, a New Jersey native, started the 2019 regular season on injured reserve and was later released with an injury settlement. He re-joined the team roughly five weeks later, but ultimately suffered a concussion and again found himself on IR.

In 21 career games (5 starts) with the Giants, Simonson hauled in 11 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.

In addition to Simonson, the Giants also released tight end Isaiah Searight.

Searight was signed by the Giants after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an injury settlement. However, he suffered a hamstring injury during training camp and was waived with an injury designation. After going unclaimed, he reverted to IR.

While on IR, the NFL suspended Searight four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Searight has never appeared in an NFL game.

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Giants promote Garrett Dickerson, place Scott Simonson on IR

The New York Giants have promoted TE Garrett Dickerson from their practice squad and placed TE Scott Simonson on IR.

The New York Giants have taken relentless hits at tight end for most of the season and just before the season finale, they has taken another one.

Scott Simonson, who had been the team’s second tight end over the last few weeks, has been placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a concussion last week against the Washington Redskins, the team announced on Saturday.

To take Simonson’s place, the Giants have signed tight end Garrett Dickerson from their practice squad and he will be active for the finale at MetLife Stadium against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dickerson has already had one stint on the team this season, playing in three games, but has yet to record a reception. Dickerson also played in four games for the Giants back in the 2018 season, which was his rookie year.

Simonson is the third tight end the Giants have lost for the season due to injuries, as Evan Engram (foot) and Rhett Ellison (concussion) are also on injured reserve.

Dickerson will be the backup to rookie Kaden Smith, who has made a significant impression as the Giants starting tight end since he went into action in late November.

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Giants’ Mike Remmers, two tight ends out vs. Eagles

The New York Giants will be without RT Mike Remmers (concussion) and two tight ends on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New York Giants will be without starting right tackle Mike Remmers (concussion) on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, meaning reserve offensive lineman Nick Gates (shoulder), who is also a little banged up, will earn another start.

In addition to Remmers, tight ends Rhett Ellison and Scott Simonson were unable to clear concussion protocol in time to receive the green light and have also officially been ruled out.

With Simonson out, it would make sense for the Giants to promote Garrett Dickerson off of their practice squad. Kaden Smith will, of course, draw the start.

Meanwhile, the Giants could also be exceptionally thin in their already weak secondary as cornerbacks Sam Beal (shoulder) and Corey Ballentine (back) are listed as questionable.

Veteran linebacker Alec Ogletree (back), who was unable to play last week after injuring his back pre-game, is also listed as questionable.

Linebacker Lorenzo Carter (knee) and wide receiver Darius Slayton (knee) did not receive an official designation and are expected to play in Week 17.

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Giants injury report: Mike Remmers, Corey Ballentine not practicing

New York Giants RT Mike Remmers and rookie CB Corey Ballentine were not practicing on Thursday.

The New York Giants returned to East Rutherford on Thursday after a short holiday break, and got right back to practice as they prepare for a season-ending showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The team released a projected injury report on Wednesday that did not reflect well, listing four players as “did not participate” and another four as “limited participant.”

Things were a bit more encouraging on Thursday as only two players — right tackle Mike Remmers (concussion) and cornerback Corey Ballentine (back) — were not participating during the portion of practice open to the media.

Linebackers Alec Ogletree (back) and Lorenzo Carter (knee) were warming up, but may turn out to be limited. Additionally, rookie cornerback DeAndre Backer (knee) and tight end Scott Simonson (concussion) were added to the injury report.

The official injury report with designations released by the Giants can be found below:

Did not participate: RT Mike Remmers (concussion), CB Corey Ballentine (back)

Limited participant: CB DeAndre Baker (knee), CB Sam Beal (shoulder), LB Lorenzo Carter (knee), TE Rhett Ellison (concussion), OL Nick Gates (shoulder), LB Alec Ogletree (back), TE Scott Simonson (concussion), WR Darius Slayton (knee)

Full participant: N/A

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Giants-Redskins Week 16: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The New York Giants won their Week 16 game against the Washington Redskins. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants defeated the Washington Redskins in Week 16, likely losing out on the chance to draft all-world edge rusher Chase Young in the process, to improve their record to 4-11 on the season.

The game was an unexpectedly exciting back-and-forth battle from start to finish, but it was Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley who stole the show and stole the W for Big Blue.

Here’s a look at the snap counts that went into Sunday’s victory.

Offensive snaps: 70
Defensive snaps: 70
Special teams snaps: 34

Scott Simonson’s five snaps are very telling and it’s more about Kaden Smith and how highly thought of he is in New York than anything else. Even if Evan Engram were playing, you have to believe Smith would continue to be part of the gameplan.

On the defensive side of the ball, it’s curious to see B.J. Hill get just 17 snaps, especially when considering he was playing at a high level on Sunday. Still, the majority went to Dexter Lawrence, Dalvin Tomlinson and Leonard Williams.

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Giants fall to Eagles: Winners, losers and those in between

The New York Giants fell to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, and here’s a look at the winners, losers and those in between.

The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles squared off in a Monday Night Football game that was very legitimately a sidebar to the return of veteran quarterback Eli Manning, who was replacing the injured Daniel Jones.

Manning’s performance will be picked apart from every angle in the coming day, so for now, we’ll stick to the basics and provide our usual hot takes.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers who contributed to Monday’s loss.

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Winners

Markus Golden – From the jump, Golden was playing at a different level on Monday night. Maybe it was the bright lights of prime-time, but he was a ball of energy and simply dominated the Eagles offensive line early on, tallying four QB hurries and one sack over his first nine pass rushing attempts. He fell off a bit later on, but that really speaks more about his hot start.

Leonard Williams – After making waves earlier in the week by saying he wanted to be paid at a tier below Aaron Donald, Williams had his best game as a Giant and perhaps his best game of the season. He collapsed the pocket, rushed the passer, stopped the run and snuffed out screens (the only one) with remarkable precision. He did have one awful roughing the passer penalty, but we’ll forgive him this one time.

Darius Slayton – Entering Week 14, Slayton had never caught a pass from Eli Manning. Ha! The rookie dominated the first half, hauling in five receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.  However, Slayton faded completely in the second half (not entirely his fault).

Oshane Ximines – It was a big night for the rookie edge rusher, who came up with two sacks of Carson Wentz and added a quality stop in the second half for good measure. A game to build upon.

Others: Janoris Jenkins, DeAndre Baker, Dalvin Tomlinson

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Giants dropped by Packers, 31-13: Instant analysis

Instant analysis of the latest New York Giants loss in which they fell to the Green Bay Packers, 31-13, in a snow storm.

The New York Giants are thisclose to having the first overall selection in next year’s NFL Draft. With the 31-13 loss this afternoon to the Green Bay Packers at icy MetLife Stadium, Big Blue fell to 2-10 on the season and just may be the worst team in the NFL right now.

They didn’t exactly embarrass themselves against the Packers on this lousy weather day, but just like nine other times this season, they just didn’t do enough again to win the game.

To their credit, the Giants kept things close for three quarters but the lack of depth and experience caught up with them as the Packers scored two touchdowns in the final frame to put the game away.

The team continues to be poorly run. On offense, timeouts are being used haphazardly and the play calling leaves a lot to be desired.

On defense, the coverage dogged them again, surrendering too many big plays in the passing game while committing costly penalties.

At this rate, it’s going to be difficult for general manager Dave Gettleman and the coaching staff to convince Giants’ ownership they deserve to return next season.

Some highlights…

Sterling Shepard from Daniel Jones for a TD.

A 43-yard completion to Cody Latimer.

Notes

  • The loss was the Giants’ eighth straight, which is tied for the second-longest skein in franchise history. They lost eight consecutive games on three other occasions: 1966 (Oct 23-Dec 18), 1980 (Sept 14-Nov 2) and 2004 (Nov 7-Dec 26). They will be attempting to tie the franchise record of nine next Monday night in Philadelphia. The record was set in 1976 (Sept 12-Nov 7) and matched from Nov 9, 2003 through Sept 14, 2004.
  • The Giants were without their two top tight ends again. Evan Engram (foot) and Rhett Ellison (concussion). They were replaced by rookie Kaden Smith and Scott Simonson.
  • Latimer started for Golden Tate (concussion) at wide receiver and rookie Julian Love was in for Jabrill Peppers (back) at safety.
  • Daniel Jones now has a touchdown pass in each of his 10 starts this season.
  • Wide receiver Darius Slayton had six receptions for 44 yards but his best play of the game – a 29-yard gain down the sideline in which he made a fingertip grab – was wiped away due to a penalty.

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Could Kaden Smith be a long-term answer at TE for Giants?

Could Kaden Smith be a long-term answer at the tight end position for the New York Giants?

The New York Giants came into this season with a long line of contenders at the tight end position. They ended up letting a few of them go and 12 weeks into the season, the Giants have found themselves in the odd position of scrambling for bodies.

With Evan Engram (foot) and Rhett Ellison (concussion) still not practicing, the Giants will once again turn to Scott Simonson, who was injured in preseason and signed back to the roster on November 12, and rookie Kaden Smith, picked up on waivers in mid-September.

Smith, a sixth-round pick out of Stanford in this year’s NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, was scooped up on waivers by the Giants after the Niners waived him in Week 3 of the season. San Fran was likely planning for Smith to clear waivers and re-sign him to the practice squad but the Giants had him on their radar.

Against the Bears last week in Chicago, Smith was targeted six times, catching five for 17 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown.

“I thought his first outing was pretty good,” head coach Pat Shurmur said on Wednesday. “We liked him from the get-go. He was a guy we liked last year in the draft. The 49ers picked him up, and then when he was available, we wanted to make him a part of our team. He has good instincts, he’s tough. It wasn’t too big for him.

“Anytime you put a rookie in there for the first time, you wonder. You have all these things you think about a young man. Then you put him in there, you wonder if it’s going to be too big for him and it wasn’t. You walk away from that and say, ‘He did a lot of really good things. There are some things he could do better. But his involvement in the game, he handled it really well so you can build on that.”

Maybe the Giants will build on that. Ellison is under contract for one more season at a cap hit of $7.188 million and Engram is scheduled to have his fifth-year option extended to him next spring.

The Giants may end up parting ways with both. Ellison is not worth that cap hit and Engram has been hurt so often one wonders if the Giants want to stay in business with him.

That’s where Smith and Simonson come in. Naturally, they are cheaper versions of Ellison and neither is on the level of a healthy Engram, but the Giants will take a good, long look at both so if they have to make those hard decisions, they’ll at least have a body of work to draw on.

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Giants-Bears Week 12: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The New York Giants lost their Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants fell to the Chicago Bears, 19-14, on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field, dropping their record to 2-9 on the season and extending their current losing streak to a pathetic seven games.

To be honest, we’re running out of ways to cleverly describe these losses since they are all so similar in nature, and after seven straight… Let’s just be real — it’s difficult to cultivate content around the misery.

Let’s take a look at the snap counts that contributed to Big Blue’s latest loss.

Offensive snaps: 60
Defensive snaps: 76
Special teams snaps: 29

With tight ends Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison both out due to injury, it meant substantially more playing time for Scott Simonson and Kaden Smith, who scored his first career touchdown in Week 12.

Defensively, Julian Love played over 50% of the snaps for the first time this season and he played well, making a few big stops and coming up with his first career interception.

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