Giants Daily Blitz Blog

David Wilson intends to be lead back

A changing of the guard was set in motion last month when the Giants released running back Ahmad Bradshaw. The six-year vet’s departure jumpstarted the competition for the lead role, and David Wilson, last year’s first-round draft choice by the Giants, has set his eyes on it.

“I mean that’s definitely my intention,” Wilson said Thursday on ESPN NY 98.7FM. “But you’ve got to go in and come into camp and definitely lock the spot down. So I’ve been working hard this offseason so I can give myself the best chance to do that.”

Among others, Andre Brown shares that intention and will also vie for more time out of the backfield. But Wilson believes turning the corner after the bye in Week 11 of his rookie season will give him an edge heading into 2013.

“After that bye week, I took that time to really stay in the meeting rooms extra and definitely catch up,” said Wilson, who had just 18 carries before the break and three games with none. “So after that bye week, I think that’s when I really had a good grasp of what was going on, and I was able to go out there and perform and have some good games and some good moments.”

Wilson went on to finish the year with 71 carries for 358 yards (5.0 average) and four touchdowns, and averaged more than 10 rushes for 60 yards per game in the final four weeks of the season. The increased load was partly due to his role in the blocking schemes, which had been a question mark early on.

“It was pretty fair,” Wilson said of people critiquing him. “When the game’s on the line, the ball is going to be in Eli [Manning’s] hands for him to make the decisions. So in order for him to make decisions accurately, he’s got to be able to stand in the pocket. But as well, it was a part of just bringing me along slow. The coaches weren’t really in a rush. Ahmad was definitely doing his part in making plays for the team, and I guess they didn’t feel like they were going to rush to really get me on the field.”

Of course, the final question remains his role as a kick returner.

Wilson became the first player in NFL history to record 200 kick return yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game with his performance against New Orleans in Week 14. But if he plans on being an every-down back, can he still return kicks?

“That’s definitely one of my passions,” he said. “So I would definitely enjoy being back there and helping in that aspect too.”

QUICK HITS

» Draft Class Challenge: First Round Results

» 2013 NFL Draft Order

» Experts predict Giants draft pick (3/21)

» Latest updates on the 2013 Free Agents

» QB David Carr returns to backup Eli & prep D

» David Diehl stops by NFL Network studios

Tyree catch the greatest play in NFL history?

March Madness isn’t about just college basketball anymore.

When you’re done checking out and voting on Giants.com’s own NYG Draft Class Challenge, head over to NFL.com’s bracketology department to determine the greatest play in NFL history.

NFL.com has picked the 64 best plays ever, and throughout the month, fans can cast their votes as they advance round by round. Five plays from Giants history made the field: David Tyree Helmet Catch (No. 1 seed); Leonard Marshall Forces Joe Montana Fumble (9); Jim Burt Knocks Out Joe Montana, LT Gets Pick Six (13); Jason Sehorn Amazing INT vs. Eagles (14); and most recently, Eli Manning 38-Yard Pass to Mario Manningham (15).

Let us know if you think one of those was the greatest play in NFL history.

QUICK HITS

» Latest updates on the 2013 Free Agents

» QB David Carr returns to backup Eli & prep D

» Transcript: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Annual Meeting Press Conference

» WATCH: Eisen’s Mailbag – How to use Free Agent signees

» Power Rankings: Where does NYG stack up?

» GM Jerry Reese talks Free Agent Strategy

» VOTING NOW OPEN! View Draft Bracket!

Giants welcome newly-signed free agents

@murph918 @giants welcome to NY sir. #timetowork—
Justin Tuck (@JustinTuckNYG91) March 19, 2013

My brotha Aaron Ross is back. It's time to get down once again!! G-Men—
Antrel Rolle (@antrelrolle26) March 12, 2013

@JustinTuckNYG91 Much appreciate. Looking forward to getting started.—
Cullen Jenkins (@CullenJenkins) March 11, 2013

Beyond excited to begin a new journey with @Giants!!!! #lefthandblessing—
Ryan Mundy (@RMundy29) March 15, 2013

My roommate in the high school army all American game. Dan Connor is now a giant.—
Keith Rivers (@rivers55) March 16, 2013

Congrats to @rivers55 aka Keith Chief signing back!—
Spencer Paysinger (@SpittyP) March 15, 2013

Been a great 4 years in Oakland I appreciate the coaches players an fans. All good things must come to an end an Ashlee an I are excited—
Brandon Myers (@myersb83) March 17, 2013

For this opportunity in NYC.—
Brandon Myers (@myersb83) March 17, 2013

I thank God and the NY @Giants for this opportunity for me and my family. We are thankful.Proud to be apart of the Giants family.#timetowork—
Louis Murphy Jr (@murph918) March 19, 2013

QUICK HITS

» Where does NYG stack up in Power Rankings?

» GM Jerry Reese talks Free Agent Strategy

» VOTING NOW OPEN! View Draft Bracket!

» NYG adds vertical threat, WR Louis Murphy

Register now for NYG Run of Champions 5K

Bring the whole family to the New York Giants Run of Champions 5K Presented by Walgreens and Duane Reade on Sunday, June 23^rd at 9am!

Runners of all ages and abilities get a chance to live every Giants fan’s dream: running full-speed into the end zone in MetLife Stadium—without getting tackled! After the race, enjoy a behind-the-gridiron tour of MetLife Stadium, meet Giants legends, and more.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTOR FOR NYG RUN OF CHAMPIONS 5K

The walk offers another opportunity to join the fun. Walkers follow the same course—high-stepping into the end zone is optional, but encouraged.  Please note that strollers are allowed for the walk, but not for the run!

A special VIP Package gives you breakfast before or after the race in the Toyota Coaches Club and a chance to rub elbows with players. This exciting event will benefit the Giants Foundation, which assists youth-related charities throughout the greater New York area.

NYRR will once again be providing NJ Transit train service between Secaucus Junction and MetLife Stadium. Capacity is limited and will be first come, first served.  Registered runners will receive an e-mail alerting them when transportation registration is available.

NFC East: Who’s coming, going, or staying

As the team moves toward the 2013 season, Giants.com has been keeping you updated on all the free agency news coming out of the Timex Performance Center. But what about the competition?

With the first week of the 2013 free agency signing period nearly in the books, we take a look at the comings and goings around the NFC East:

Washington Redskins

Coming: T Jeremy Trueblood (from Tampa Bay), DE Phillip Merling (Green Bay)
Going: LB Lorenzo Alexander (to Arizona), CB DeAngelo Hall (released)
Staying: G Kory Lichtensteiger, FB Darrel Young, DT Kedric Golston, LB Bryan Kehl, P Sav Rocca, LB Rob Jackson, TE Logan Paulsen, LS Nick Sundberg
TBD: DE Chris Baker (RFA), DE Kentwan Balmer (UFA), WR Brandon Banks (UFA), T Jordan Black (UFA), T Jammal Brown (UFA), TE Chris Cooley (UFA), TE Fred Davis (UFA), SS Cedric Griffin (UFA), QB Rex Grossman (UFA), T Tyler Polumbus (UFA), FS Madieu Williams (UFA), LB Chris Wilson (UFA)

Dallas Cowboys

Coming: none yet
Going: CB Vince Agnew (released), DE Marcus Spears (released, signed with Baltimore), S Gerald Sensabaugh (released), LB Dan Connor (to New York Giants), WR Kevin Ogletree (to Tampa Bay), TE John Phillips (to San Diego)
Staying: LB Anthony Spencer (franchised), C Phil Costa
TBD: OLB Victor Butler (UFA), RB Felix Jones (UFA), DE Kenyon Coleman (UFA), P Brian Moorman (UFA), S Danny McCray (RFA), CB Mike Jenkins (UFA), G Derrick Dockery (UFA), S Charlie Peprah (UFA), LB Ernie Sims (UFA), LB Victor Butler (UFA), S Eric Frampton (UFA)

Philadelphia Eagles

Coming: LB Connor Barwin (from Houston), S Kenny Phillips (NY Giants), DT Isaac Sopoaga (San Francisco), S Patrick Chung (New England), CB Cary Williams (Baltimore), FB James Casey (Houston), CB Bradley Fletcher (St. Louis), LB Jason Phillips (Carolina)
Going: DT Cullen Jenkins (released, signed with New York Giants), CB Nnamdi Asomugha (released), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (to Denver), DT Mike Patterson (released), T King Dunlap (to San Diego)
Staying: S Colt Anderson, LS Jon Dorenbos
TBD: LB Akeem Jordan (UFA), G Jake Scott (UFA), DT Derek Landri (UFA), DE Darryl Tapp (UFA)

QUICK HITS

» Offensive Weapon TE Brandon Myers signed

» TRANSCRIPT: NFL Annual Meeting Conference Call

» D adds toughness with LB Dan Connor signing

» Latest updates on the 2013 Free Agents

» Experts predict Giants draft pick (3/15)

» Giants sign free agent safety Ryan Mundy

» Giants sign LB Keith Rivers; Watch Interview

» Top NYG FA Signings: #1 – Plaxico Burress

» Exclusive Interview: Aaron Ross on return

Roger Goodell kicks off NFL Annual Meeting

Commissioner Roger Goodell opened the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix Monday with a presentation to team owners, general managers, coaches and staff.

The theme of the 90-minute session was on where the NFL is headed. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL would focus on investing in the future, embracing and taking on challenges, taking the long-term view and making a difference beyond football.

Goodell posed two key questions: “How are we doing?” and “Where are we going?”

“The foundation is strong,” said Goodell, noting 10-year collective bargaining agreements with players and officials, long-term network television agreements and enhanced agreements with sponsors and licensees. Goodell mentioned that there are 13 stadium projects in the pipeline at a total estimated cost of $5.3 billion.

Following are some of the highlights outlined by the commissioner.

On the league’s emphasis on player health and safety:

“The game is safer and better,” said Goodell. “We are making process and our changes are working. But we have more work to do.”

Goodell said fans are engaging in record numbers, citing:

In the stadium: NFL stadiums are filled to 98 percent capacity.

On TV: NFL TV audiences dominate the TV landscape. Since 2005, primetime television viewership is down 22 percent. NFL game viewership since 2005 is up 24 percent.

Online and Mobile: Digital media platforms have expanded and are growing significantly. Fans are connecting with the NFL in more ways and spending more time than ever.

On thinking long-term, Goodell said: “We have done that in the NFL, and it has served us well. Have the courage to make tough decisions for the best long-term outcome.”

On making a difference beyond football, Goodell said: “As leaders, we can make a difference beyond the game of football. We have something very, very special in this room. Football is about passion. It is about bringing communities together. It is about teamwork and it is about the things that make your franchises successful making us as a league successful. It is about something bigger than ourselves and achieving that collectively.

“But with success comes more responsibility and it requires us to do more. That falls on everybody in this room. It is your personal responsibility as well as the thousands of people not in this room to do your part to celebrate our game to make people proud to be a part of this game.”

Goodell concluded by referencing two groups the league needs to continue to reach.

“One is our players, with a particular focus on our retired players,” noted Goodell. “Make them feel proud that they played NFL football. Make them feel proud and celebrate them to be part of your league and your teams. The second group is our fans. They love this game. We need to make sure they feel a part of it. We need to make sure they feel that same connection to the game. It is an exciting time for the NFL. We have a lot of work to do so, let’s get started.”

QUICK HITS

» VOTING NOW OPEN! View Draft Bracket!

» Eisen’s Mailbag: Pass Heavy Offense

» Giants awarded compensatory pick in Draft

» Latest updates on the 2013 Free Agents

Vote: Greatest FA signing in Giants history

We at Giants.com just finished counting down the all-time best free agent signings, and wide receiver Plaxico Burress came in at No. 1. But now we want to hear from you, Giants fans. Vote below and let us know who you think was the best free agent acquisition in Giants history.

Here’s a brief look at our top five:

Number 1: WR Plaxico Burress

Originally a first round draft pick (eighth overall) by Pittsburgh in 2000, wide receiver Plaxico Burress signed with the Giants in 2005 and would become Eli Manning’s most productive target as well as one of the heroes of Super Bowl XLII. >>READ MORE

Number 2: QB Kerry Collins

In five seasons with the New York Giants, Kerry Collins became one of the most productive passers in franchise history, leading the team to the 2000 NFC Championship and a berth in Super Bowl XXXV as well as a 2002 NFC Wild Card Playoff berth. >>READ MORE

Number 3: LB Antonio Pierce

Carrying on the linebacker tradition and also wearing No. 58, Antonio Pierce joined the Giants as a free agent in 2005 after spending four seasons with the Washington Redskins. During his five seasons with New York, Pierce led the team in tackles three times, was a three-year captain, a Pro Bowler in 2006, and one of the inspirational leaders of the squad that won Super Bowl XLII. >>READ MORE

Number 4: LB Micheal Barrow

Suiting up for five teams in his career, Barrow joined the Giants in 2000 after playing with the Carolina Panthers and the team that drafted him in the second round in 1993, the Houston Oilers. Barrow started 61 of 62 games in four seasons with the Giants, not including all three postseason games en route to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXV. >>READ MORE

Number 5: C Shaun O’Hara

O’Hara joined the Giants in 2004 — the same year Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning arrived – and became one of the just three centers in Giants history to be selected to at least three Pro Bowls (joining Ray Wietecha and Bart Oates). He was one of the five captains on the 2007 team that won Super Bowl XLII and started all 97 games he played in a Giants uniform from 2004-2010. >>READ MORE

Former Giants attend officiating clinic

Held at the Maritime Institute and Morgan State University from March 14-16, Mark Collins, who played eight seasons for the Giants and helped the franchise win its first two Super Bowls, and C.C. Brown, who played for New York in 2009, will participate with others in a program featuring classroom and on-field instruction, breakouts by position group, and on-field scrimmage work.

NFL Player Engagement and the NFL Football Officiating Academy partnered to select the players for the three-day program.

In addition to keynotes from Super Bowl XLVII Referee Jerome Boger and NFL Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino, instructors include current and former officials and officiating supervisors at all levels, including previous Super Bowl referees Scott Green and Terry Mc Aulay. More than 10 NFL officials as well as officials from the CFL, Arena League and college football have participated at the Tom Beard officiating camps and clinics.

“We are excited to continue providing opportunities for former players to explore post-playing careers,” said Troy Vincent, Senior Vice President of NFL Player Engagement.  “Officiating is a natural extension for players who have an interest in staying close to the game.”

Following are the NFL players participating in the Tom Beard Football Officials Clinic:

Charles Ali (Former CLV, BLT)
C.C. Brown (Former HST, NYG, DET, JAX)
Ahmad Carroll (Former GB, JAX, NYJ)
Mark Collins (Former NYG, KC, GB, SEA)
Aaron Craver (Former MIA, DEN, SD, NO)
Chris Crocker (Current CIN)
Rick DeMulling (Former IND, DET, WAS)
Nate Jones (Former DAL, MIA, DEN, NE)
Terrence Melton (Former ATL, NO)
William Thomas (Former PHI, OAK)
Landon Trusty (Former SD)
Dewayne Washington (Former MIN, PIT, JAX, KC)

QUICK HITS

» Cullen Jenkins on why he picked Giants

» Scouts Take: DT Cullen Jenkins signing

» Tuck excited for new look D with Jenkins

» Top-Five Cullen Jenkins Highlights

» Top NYG FA Signings: #5 – Shaun O’Hara

» Latest updates on the 2013 Free Agents

» Experts predict Giants draft pick

» Osi: Weighing all options in Free Agency

Reaction to Cullen Jenkins signing with Giants

What you need to know about free agency

The NFL released a set of frequently asked questions in regards to free agency, which is set to begin shortly:

SALARY CAP SET AT $123,000,000

Q.  When does the 2013 free agency signing period begin?

A.  At 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 12.   

Q.  What is permitted during the new three-day negotiating period prior to the start of free agency?

A.  Beginning at 12:00 midnight ET on Saturday, March 9 (i.e., after 11:59:59 p.m. ET, on Friday, March 8) and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 12, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2012 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12.  However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12.

During this negotiation period, a prospective Unrestricted Free Agent cannot visit a club (other than the player’s current club) at its permanent facility or at any other location, and no direct contact is permitted between the player and any employee or representative of a club (other than the player’s current club).  If a player is self-represented, clubs are prohibited from discussions with the player during the negotiating period.

Clubs (other than the player’s current club) may not discuss or make any travel arrangements with prospective Unrestricted Free Agent players, their certified agents, or anyone else associated with the player until the expiration of those players’ 2012 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12.

The three-day negotiating period applies only to potential Unrestricted Free Agents; it does not apply to players who are potential Exclusive Rights Players or Restricted Free Agents, or to players who have been designated as Franchise Players or Transition Players.

Q.  What are the categories of free agency?

A.  Players are either “Restricted Free Agents” or “Unrestricted Free Agents.”  A Restricted Free Agent may be subject to a qualifying offer.  A Restricted or Unrestricted Free Agent may be designated by his prior club as its Franchise Player or Transition Player. Read more »