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Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on May 08, 2024, 10:08:45 AMThough it wasn't broadcast in the headlines of news stories, the Giants' ST squad was poor the last few seasons. Fans knew it, but it was a side-note in the news. Apparently, judging by the changes, Schoen decided to fix it...knock on wood

Some of the changes I've noticed:

- Fired STC Thomas McGaughey and hired new STC Michael Ghobrial

- Resigned Gunner Olszewski (and true to his name, is a "gunner") who was our best gunner on STs since the retirement of David Tyree. Olszewski is also our punt returner, but that could change after the addition of WR/RB Tracy in the draft

- Signed Miles Boykin, one of the best gunners in the NFL...but as you know, we need two gunners, one on each side of the field

- Signed former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, on a cheap 1-yr contract. Should promote competition at the punt return spot between him and Olszewski (and probably Tracy)

- Resigned Carter Coughlin, our best STs player who led the team with nine tackles last season and has earned a reputation as a hard hitter https://www.giants.com/video/carter-coughlin-s-hit-stick-tackle-ends-patriot-kick-return-giants-vs-patriots-h

- Drafted shifty Tyrone Tracy as a RB, but is targeted to also be a returner who could be especially effective under the new kickoff rules

- Bryce Ford-Wheaton has spent the year and off-season practicing to make the STs squad as a "jammer" and possibly a "gunner"...he is apparently taking STs very seriously

- Drafted Darius Muasau who is known to be a special teams ace and an "unrelenting" attacker. He also played for our new STC Ghobrial. He is said to be an extremely hard hitter and a "film rat"

- hopefully, Graham Gano is back and in top shape as our place kicker

- Jamie Gillan "the Scottish Hammer" made impressive improvement last season and should be in even better shape this coming season

I'm sure there are other behind the scenes changes being made, but it certainly appears that Schoen and Daboll have not ignored the problem of the "Third Team", for which we have sucked, and have taken it very seriously to upgrade across the board. I suspect the biggest change is probably putting in a whole new system designed by our new STC Ghobrial

Great post and topic! Thanks for putting it together. Been thinking a lot about this and have many of the same thoughts.

I like the new coaching staff. I like how the return game is coming together. I like the focus on gunners and standout ST tacklers.

My one big concern is with the 2 kickers. Gano's return from injury at his age is definitely a concern. And I'm just not high on Gillan. Too inconsistent for my liking.

But if the return and coverage units can perform, I'll be happy.

Big Blue Huddle / Re: Seems like a lot of commen...

Last post by Painter - Today at 09:50:53 AM

Quote from: Trench on May 08, 2024, 03:00:06 PMMy point being - I don't agree with you either. And that is ok.

However you should be a little nicer and not state as fact anyone not holding the same opinion of you doesn't "reflect that of a true Giants fan"....that is simply not true and is beneath what this board is all about. I would hope the moderators and the owner would agree.

Either you're missing the point, or prefer less candor when it comes to taking exception to those who are so singly invested in the relentless bashing of Daniel Jones and ridiculing of the team for his presence.

By no means has been it a one-off or a "fool me once" failure-rooting exercise to which I am taking exception. If you don't like it, you can tsk, tsk about it all you like without having to whine to teacher. What do expect them to do, spank the armadillo?

Cheers!

Big Blue Huddle / Re: Giants add a veteran rece...

Last post by Stringer Bell - Today at 09:48:51 AM

It's really amazing, but in a few short years our WR corps went from being one of the worst units on the team to hands down the deepest. Kudos to Schoen!

Nabers / Hyatt
Slayton / Hodgins / A. Robinson
W. Robinson / McKenzie

That's a unit you can be competitive with. It's a unit that allows ST-types like Gunner and Boykin to focus on ST. In year's past, these types were getting meaningful snaps on offense.

DJ and Daboll get most of the press in terms of "pressure's on now," but I actually feel like it's Kafka we should be talking about in that context. He MUST develop strong gameplans that effectively use the talent available if he wants to stay on his current HC trajectory.

Big Blue Huddle / Re: NY Giants "Special Teams" ...

Last post by londonblue - Today at 09:46:28 AM

A couple of things to add.

Ghobrial was working for a top 5 STC in Boyer at the Jets and was very highly regarded in the building. Has a reputation for being detail oriented, ultra prepared and finding small advantages. That brings back memories of a guy who started out on ST way back when and wound up being a pretty decent DC then HC. Not saying he has that upside but those are good traits to possess.

Gano was already carrying a leg problem that was incurred/visible week one. I remember a chat I had with Ceri a couple of weeks before his season ending injury suggesting we might be wise to IR Gano to prevent a more serious injury. Given his age there is definitely some risk around his recovery and return.

Big Blue Huddle / Re: Giants add a veteran rece...

Last post by MightyGiants - Today at 09:36:11 AM

Quote from: londonblue on Today at 09:34:29 AMI'd assume he is cheap. Competing with Hodgins for a role? A possibility to get some Waller 'big slot' snaps? He is said to be a good locker room guy and that has some value in our young, inexperienced WR room. No harm in seeing what he has left on a cheap deal IMO.

He appears to be here on a minimum salary. I also agree with the need for a veteran presence (especially with their only other real vet Slayton holding out)

https://x.com/pfrumors/status/1788562664014180370

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Big Blue Huddle / Re: Giants add a veteran rece...

Last post by londonblue - Today at 09:34:29 AM

I'd assume he is cheap. Competing with Hodgins for a role? A possibility to get some Waller 'big slot' snaps? He is said to be a good locker room guy and that has some value in our young, inexperienced WR room. No harm in seeing what he has left on a cheap deal IMO.

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