Since Thursday was a holiday, the 2-9 New York Giants’ coordinators met the media on Friday this week as they gear up for their match this Sunday against the 8-3 Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium.
The thread of losing efforts appears to be catching up to the Giants as it is reflected in every corner of the franchise from the coaches to players.
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula
The offense will be without their two top tight ends again this week. Rhett Ellison (concussion) and Evan Engram (foot) have both been ruled out for the game. Shula talked about rookie Kaden Smith, who will be handling the bulk of the duties at tight end this week along with Scott Simonson.
“I think for the first time, and Coach alluded to this, I thought he had a nice day for his first start,” Shula said of Smith. “I think the more we’re kind of getting to know him, I think he’s got, in fact we just said this in there today, he has good football sense. Really good football awareness for a young guy. You can tell by the way he asks questions and just little adjustments, whether or not it’s the run game or the pass game. We’re looking forward to him getting him out there a little bit more and giving him more opportunity.”
Defensive coordinator James Bettcher
Last season, rookies Lorenzo Carter and B.J. Hill, both third round draft choices showed a ton of promise, giving the Giant fans a glimpse of hope for the future.
This season, Hill and Carter have take a step back so to speak. Bettcher was asked what the duo needs to do to break out of their sophomore slumps.
“I think both of them are a little bit different,” he said. “I think B.J. inside, with the addition of Dex, on a day in day out basis it really created a highly competitive room. A year ago, he was our young guy that was playing next to Dalvin and those guys were primarily getting all the snaps. Now we have built a more deep room where there is a good rotation like you need to have in this league to have success. I think that plays into numbers and all that kind of stuff. I think just playing in the framework, both of the guys, just playing within the framework of their games. Both of them are different players and play different positions. Some of those specific things are different, but it’s just playing within the framework of both of their games.”
Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey
The Giants are dealing with the loss of veteran long snapper Zak DeOssie (wrist) but it was unclear whether he’d go on injured reserve. Colin Holba was likely going to be promoted from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
The Giants had some kickers in this week for tryouts but apparently none of them were impressive enough to knock Rosas from his perch.
McGaughey is also without his two top returners in Golden Tate (concussion) and Jabrill Peppers (back). Wide receiver Da’Mari Scott was promoted from the practice squad this week and will likely be used as a returner along with wide receiver Cody Latimer.
