Safety Grant says Giants secondary is ready

Deon Grant is confident the Giants' secondary can execute Sunday in Green Bay.

By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 1/12/12

NY Giants defense knows they must rise to occasion entering Sunday's match up with Washington Redskins

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-defense-score-article-1.991797

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Safeties Deon Grant (l.) and Antrel Rolle (ground) know it's time for Giants defense to keep leads and not depend on heroics from Eli Manning and offense.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/15/11

Safety Grant takes leadership roll

http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Safety-Grant-takes-leadership-roll/e0192a8b-8d58-47da-a829-14815ff39f61

Safety Deon Grant has shown the young guys what it takes to play in the NFL

By Dan Salomone  - Giants.com 11/12/11

New York Giants: Top 5 Performances in Week 9 Victory

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/930119-new-york-giants-top-5-performances-in-week-9-victory

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

By Louis Musto - Bleacher Report 11/8/11

InReeseWeTrust.com: Key Players for Week 8 Matchup: New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins

By Author of Mario Manningham Facebook Fan Page - InReeseWeTrust.com 10/25/11

    The New York Giants are currently in 1^st place in the NFC East division, thanks to our 27-24 win against the Buffalo Bills in week 6 and a couple losses from the Washington Redskins. Big Blue will remain at home in week 8 to match up against the winless Miami Dolphins. We can all admit that this may be the easiest game on our schedule at the moment, but if they underestimate or take this game too lightly, a loss can become a possibility. The Giants have improved their play calling, physical abilities, and they have cut down their mental errors. A win in week 8 will give them a 5-2 record traveling to New England afterwards to face the Patriots in week 9. It is imperative that the G-Men can be victorious against the Dolphins, but the only way to do so is if certain players can have game changing performances.

     For the second time this season, QB Eli Manning has been chosen as a “Key Player.” Manning has been playing amazing so far, topping some of the best quarterbacks in the league. Eli has 1,778 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes off of 125 completions along with a measly 5 interceptions. This former Mississippi quarterback is currently ranked 8^th among all NFL QB’s. He has had his seasons, games, and moments that have turned so many “Giants fans” against him. Although he has made questionable decisions in the past, that has to be overlooked now because of his superstar performance. The Miami Dolphins are ranked 21^st against the pass, so if Eli can study and dissect that defense, there’s no way he can be stopped. His finest skills are needed if he wants to lead his team to another division leading victory.

     Sticking on the offensive side of the ball, RB Ahmad Bradshaw is our next superstar player. He is ranked 18^th in the NFL among other running backs with 98 carries, 390 rushing yards, and 5 touchdowns. Ahmad has been a tremendous help and contributor ever since his first NFL season, he fights for extra yards and runs like an angry bull. There is no doubt that he’s out there to give his best effort to win and contribute as much as possible. Every single down, drive, game, and season, Bradshaw gives a 100% effort and 100% dedication to the Giants and their offense. The Dolphins are ranked 20^th against the run and tend to miss tackles more than any other team in this league. Ahmad is perfect for slipping tackles and making defenders miss, so it’s relevant that his O-line gives him the holes needs. Now that RB Brandon Jacobs and OL Chris Snee will return this week from injuries, he has some assistance in the backfield and up front on the O-line. “Smash N’ Dash,” are back at full force and the Giants will depend on them to help get a win.

    After reading about two wonderful players and how they have played great so far, it’s time to discuss the suspect of the week.  Also for the second time this season, DB Deon Grant has not been playing to his full potential.  Grant has 28 total tackles, 1 sack, no interceptions, and about 20 blown coverage’s. For those who watched the Bills vs. Giants game in week 6, Deon was the reason two Bills touchdowns were scored. His angling, vision, speed, and tackling abilities appear to be struggling, but age and an unknown injury could be in effect. When you hear his name, you picture a physical, effortful man with a ton of leadership, yet none of those qualities are displayed on the field. His presence is important to the Giants and we need him to step up big this week. Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall is a huge, physical player and will take advantage of the Giants defensive backfield if he has the opportunity to do so. Therefore, Deon Grant can’t afford to slip another week, or eventually he may be replaced. It’s time for him to prove why the New York Giants signed him a couple years ago.

    In Summary, the New York Giants are receiving the majority of their injured players back this week just in time for the Dolphins game, but the players that must stand out over everyone are QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, and DB Deon Grant. Manning needs to continue to be accurate with his throws, avoid the interceptions, and just focus on delivering. Bradshaw will play a huge role in this week’s game because he can run effectively and catch out of the backfield as well.  If he gets the blocking he needs from his O-line, the rest of the work is on him. Grant has to become more aware and open up his vision, this way no tackles are missed, coverage’s are blown, and touchdowns are scored. If these three New York Giants can perform well on Sunday, we could be talking about a 5-2 record and we will stand in first place alone in the NFC East! Go Giants! 

Grant disputes idea Giants are immature

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/blue_man_group_PLiRlUEngXmIL7uMizMWNM

GIVING HIM FITZ: Corey Webster (23) and Mathias Kiwanuka close in on the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald during the Giants' 31-27 triumph Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.

By George Willis - NY Post 10/4/11

Key Players For Week 4 New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals Matchup

By Author of Mario Manningham Facebook Fan Page - InReeseWeTrust.com 9/28/11  

   The New York Football Giants touched up their record to 2-1 on Sunday September 25^th, 2011 with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s all be honest, advancing into this game was probably one of the most nerve racking games on our schedule, for the simple fact that they were the team who ended our season (confidence wise).  A massive amount of pressure was on the Giants shoulders to snap the six game losing streak to these green birds and come out and play physical, even if they couldn’t get a victory.  Unexpectedly, Big Blue exploded on the field early and came out quick and fierce. With the absences of WR Mario Manningham & DE Osi Umenyiora, the G-Men yanked a ‘W,’ out of the bag anyways. On Sunday October 2^nd, we will travel to Arizona to play the (1-2) Cardinals. If the Giants want to begin a three game win streak, the following players have to stand out.

   Despite having 17 tackles this season so far, DB Deon Grant is our first victim this week. The 12^th year man out of Tennessee hasn’t been as aggressive as he normally is. Some fans and writers have diagnosed Grant with the “Deon Sanders Syndrome,” which means he tackles poorly and depends on his body and shoulder to do the work for him. New York Giants fans were extremely pleased when Deon re-signed before the season started because of his play making ability from the previous 2010 NFL Season. With 72 total tackles, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries, the 32-year old still has gas left in the tank. Furthermore, our defensive backfield is decimated enough and we could really use a superstar performance.  This is why his presentation against the Cardinals must be effective.

   During this past offseason and NFL lock out, the Giants became bare at the linebacker position. As a result, in the 2011 NFL Draft, they picked up Greg Jones (Michigan State) and Jacquian Williams (South Florida).  Big Blue lost their primary LB Jonathon Goff to a season-ending injury (Torn ACL), which caused them to start Jones in the first week of the season against the Washington Redskins.  In three games and three starts, this rookie out of MSU has a total of 7 tackles. His main obstacle is scanning the opposing teams’ offense and becoming deceived on certain plays. Brainy teams will take advantage of the fact that he is still a rookie, and throw confusing audible plays at him. Greg Jones needs to step up this week against the Arizona Cardinals because only having one tackle in an entire game (week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles), is not acceptable for a starting LB. If Greg can’t handle the predicament he’s in at the moment, LB Jacquian Williams or LB Mark Herzlich will definitely eye some playing time alongside Michael Boley and Mathias Kiwanuka.

   On the offensive side of the ball, rookie FB Henry Hynoski is the last man remaining on the list of “Key Players,” for this week. The Giants signed this undrafted free agent to replace former FB Madison Hedgecock. With the NFL Lock Out and barely any practice or minicamp, Hynoski was immediately shoved into the Giants starting offense, having to block for RB’s Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Although he lacks speed, agility, and running ability, Henry is excellent at picking up the blitz and doing the dirty work.  For a rookie, his effort has been tremendously helpful but, he needs to continue with this production if he wants to stick around the starting job.  The Arizona Cardinals are ranked 27^th against the run, so the Giants need Hynoski to block like never before. If RB’s Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs can run through the Cardinals defense, the game is in our hands.

    

  To sum up, week 4 of the 2011 NFL season is just around the corner and the Giants have a great opportunity to improve their record to 3-1 against the Cardinals. We will have the upper hand if DB Deon Grant, LB Greg Jones, and FB Henry Hynoski come into view this week. It is significant that the Giants come out the same exact way they did against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Now that our confidence is up, injured players are returning, and coaching is improved, we have to take advantage of this simple time and win! Remember to keep your eyes open for these players and watch the Giants carve up the Cardinals at 4:05 PM! Amazingly, in the “Key Players,” article I wrote last week, the three Giants I touched on all had solid performances against the Eagles. Did they happen to read the article? GO G-MEN!

Giants acting desperate because they are

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/30804/giants-acting-desperate-because-they-are

By Dan Graziano - ESPN.com 9/22/11

Recent history against Eagles doesn't worry Giants

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/lopsided_history_not_concern_juNXpgGpstaHShK5tQopzM

SICK VICK: Michael Vick eludes Deon Grant during the Eagles’ Miracle at the Meadowlands II last December. Grant said he’ll be going after Vick, assuming he plays, again — but won’t target his concussed head.

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/22/11

Giants safety Grant insists he's not faker

http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/giantsblog/giants_safety_grant_insists_he_not_B3ZE2h9bC0MnOxhD5t4QGP

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/22/11

Giants' Perry Fewell must adapt after key injuries on defense

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/09/giants_perry_fewell_must_adapt.html

Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell speaks with Deon Grant during camp this summer in East Rutherford.

By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 9/9/11

Giants vs. Jets: Tom Coughlin upset with Brandon Jacobs, Deon Grant

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/08/giants_vs_jets_tom_coughlin_up.html

The Giants' Devin Thomas (15) fumbles a kickoff in the first half. The New York Giants hosted the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ 8/29/11 (Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger)

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 8/30/11

As Eagles grab attention, Giants make under-the-radar move in re-signing veteran safety Deon Grant

Deon Grant is pumped to be back with the New York Giants and agrees with Giants GM Jerry Reese who is not yet ready to crown the Eagles NFC East champions.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 8/17/11

InReeseWeTrust.com: New York Giants Training Camp Practice Report August 16, 2011

By Norb Pendergast - InReeseWeTrust.com 8/17/11

            As we all know this is a critical week of practice for the New York Giants. After last week’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers it was obvious that the defense was far in front of the offense in terms of clicking and their playing level.  This week of practice is important for the offense to come together and gel as a unit and for young players to step up and new players learn the schemes a little better. Unfortunately, from today’s practice it is obvious the offense still has a lot of work to do.

            On a positive note, Mario Manningham had a couple of catches during team and 7 on 7 drills today from the slot. This is the position that Steve Smith used to occupy and the Giants are looking for a player who can excel in that position on third down. Manningham lined up in the slot a couple of times during practice. Sometimes Nicks and Manningham were on the same side with Mario in the slot, and another time Nicks was isolated on the opposite side of the field and Travis Beckum was split out wide with Mario in the slot.  The running backs looked good today, Ahmad looked quick and used his vision to create a couple of nice runs. Andre Brown also looked good today and seems to be taking advantage of his second opportunity with the Giants.  Another positive sign was Will Beatty, from my standpoint he did a solid job against Osi Umenyiora for the majority of the day. Backup quarterback David Carr also looked very sharp today.

            On the Defensive side of the ball the first team secondary did an exceptional job today. Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Antrel Rolle, and Kenny Phillips all did a good job keeping the ball in front of them and making some plays. To end practice during a two minute drill Corey Webster intercepted a pass from Eli Manning that hit off Victor Cruz’s hands. Rookie Linebacker Spencer Paysinger also was playing with the first team defense today and seemed to do a good job stepping in for Boley who was out with back tightness. On one play he stopped Ahmad for a loss and then pressured Eli for a would be sack.  Kenny Phillips made a nice play on a quick hitch to Nicks, forcing Eli to throw high for an incompletion (he would have had a pick-6 if it was a good throw). That play was right after Eli threw a deep post to Victor Cruz and the ball was broken up by Terrell Thomas for what should have been an interception but he dropped it.

            The Young Guys….

·         Jerrel Jernigan had a solid day today as a slot receiver making a couple catches with both the first and second team offenses. He is battling for the third receiver position and seems to be getting more comfortable with the offense.

·         Marvin Austin looked great on one play, blowing through the line for a would be sack during team drills.

·         Greg Jones made a great stop on a direct snap to DJ Ware. The rest of the defense made some noise after Jones made the play.

·         Jake Ballard made a nice catch on a deep corner route showing some nice hands

·         Travis Beckum had a nice day with a couple of catches, the giants really need him to stay healthy and provide a receiving threat from the tight-end position.

·         Prince Amukamara looks like he is being missed on the practice field. The one player who constantly seems to be getting beat is Aaron Ross and the Giants need a strong nickel corner. Prince’s injury has practically given that spot to Ross, and once he comes back from foot surgery he should push Ross for that position.

Injuries:

--Michael Boley missed practice today and was nowhere to be found on the field.

--JPP felt some stiffness in his back during practice and did not participate in team drills today

--Hixon was on the bike today, taking his day off which is part of his scheduled recovery

Transactions:

Today the Giants signed Deon Grant, who was a key reserve last year and played a ton of snaps in the three-safety set.

Giants' Deon Grant brings his valuable leadership back to franchise by re-signing

Deon Grant practices with the Giants today in East Rutherford after-resigning with the team. In his first season with the Giants last year, he recorded 72 tackles, three interceptions and one sack.

By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 8/17/11

Return of veteran Grant is safety net for Giants

I’LL TAKE THAT: Giants safety Deon Grant, intercepting a pass vs. the Panthers in last season’s opener, practiced yesterday, a day after teammate Osi Umenyiora practiced for the first time this season.

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 8/17/11

Giants likely to re-sign safety Deon Grant

Safety Deon Grant, who spent last season with the Giants, is on his way back after agreeing to terms with the team on a new contract.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 8/16/11

Breaking down the safeties: New York

By Matt Williamson - ESPN.com 4/26/11

Did You Know? Featuring Deon Grant

New York Giants Safety, Deon Grant

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 2/16/11

InReeseWeTrust.com New York Giants Offseason Report, Early NFL Draft Projections, & Free Agency Projections

By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 1/27/11

            For the third consecutive season, the New York Giants failed to live up to the expectations and burdens of the 2007 Championship season. Though finishing with a usually playoff bound 10-6 record, the Giants never put their foot down with a statement win to quiet doubters and intimidate opponents. Instead, the season was defined by statement losses. The Giants lost back-to-back games three times during the season. In week 15, the Giants led Philadelphia 31-10 with eight minutes to play and inexplicably allowed four touchdowns to lose the game. One week later the Packers blew out the Giants 45-17 in Green Bay. Beforehand, the winner of the Green Bay game would have all but clinched a wild card spot and essentially eliminate the loser, and the Giants got creamed. All the momentum made in Perry Fewell’s first season unraveled in the defense giving up 66 points in a 68 minute period.  The unit finished seventh in yardage allowed and eighteenth in points allowed.

            While they didn’t make the playoffs, the Giants did win ten games, and there is a lot to like about the current roster. Eli Manning threw for 31 touchdowns, but it will be key to the team’s success for his turnover rates to lower- he threw 25 interceptions and fumbled seven times. The offense exploded thanks to the breakout of wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, who accounted for 1996 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns combined. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs combined for 2058 yards on the ground behind a rotational offensive line. The Giants’ defensive line impressed, including rookie Jason Pierre-Paul emerging as a solid pass rusher, and Osi Umenyiora returning to form with 11.5 sacks, which equaled Justin Tuck’s total. Jerry Reese has already identified the linebacker corps and secondary as areas that will be targeted in the offseason.

List of unrestricted free agents:

DJ Ware, Running back

Keith Bulluck, Linebacker

Deon Grant, Safety

Jim Sorgi, Quarterback

Derek Hagan, Wide receiver

Domenik Hixon, Wide receiver

Chase Blackburn, Line backer

Bear Pascoe, Tight end

Courtney Brown, Corner back

Jamon Meredith, Offensive line

Michael Clayton, Wide receiver

List of restricted free agents:

Ahmad Bradshaw, Running back

Barry Cofield, Defensive tackle

Mathias Kiwanuka, Defensive end

Steve Smith, Wide receiver

Kevin Boss, Tight end

Kevin Boothe, Guard

Dave Tollefson, Defensive end

Michael Johnson, Safety

Will Blackmon, Cornerback

Gerris Wilkinson, Linebacker

Free Agency Wish List

1.      Ahmad Bradshaw- Bradshaw was the focal point of this season’s offense in his first year as a starter, and I can’t see the Giants letting him walk after grooming him from the 7th round of the 2007 Draft. Stays

2.      Kevin Boss- While Boss may wish for more attention in the passing game, he must be praised for his run blocking. The running game suffered when Boss was hurt late in the season. Stays

3.      Barry Cofield- Cofield is the best defensive tackle on the roster, and didn’t receive much of a push from 2^nd round rookie Linval Joseph. The four-year veteran will be looking for payday, but will the Giants be the ones to hand it to him given all the money spent on defensive line? Stays

4.      Steve Smith- Smith is a must-sign as one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets, and will come cheaper due to his knee injury. Stays

5.      Deon Grant- Grant would be welcomed back for his veteran presence, but safety is a crowded position with Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips also returning. Grant will want more playing time and wants to start next season. Walks

6.     Chase Blackburn- Blackburn is the special teams captain, and his leadership is valued. Though he likely won’t contend for a starting linebacker spot, he should be brought back. Stays

NFL Free Agents- Players who will be in a Giants uniform next season

1.     Chad Greenway, Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings- Greenway is a tackling machine- he recorded 144 this season- and is a fit in the 4-3 scheme. Greenway is the best linebacker available in the 2011 offseason, draft and free agency included.

2.     Logan Mankins, Guard, New England Patriots- Mankins is a Pro Bowler who will test the market after refusing a long-term offer from New England.

3.     Plaxico Burress, Wide receiver- Giants management and the fans want Plax back. Get it done!

First Round Draft Prospects

1.      Mark Ingram, Running back, Alabama- Ingram becomes an option only if Bradshaw is signed by another team. The Heisman Trophy winner would slide right into a powerful rotation with Brandon Jacobs if that were the case.

2.      Akeem Ayers, Linebacker, UCLA- The Giants have drafted linebackers in the middle rounds of the past few draft (Gerris Wilkinson, Clint Sintim, Brian Kehl) that either have not developed or were poor fits for the 4-3 scheme. The 6’4” 250 pounds Ayers played outside linebacker in the 4-3 at UCLA. Another linebacker option is Von Miller out of Texas A&M.

3.      Tyron Smith, Offensive tackle, Southern Cal- The talented junior could be part of the rebuilding of the offensive line and would give the Giants a second young tackle alongside Will Beatty to develop. Other offensive line options include Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin and Anthony Castonzo of Boston College.