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Good morning, New York Giants fans! Here are some headlines for the start of your weekend.
Justin Pugh looking forward to facing New England
Offensive guard Justin Pugh, who was listed as "probable" on Friday's injury report, said that he is back to 100 percent and is ready to face the Patriots this Sunday. Pugh went through the concussion protocol but was determined to have an illness following Big Blue's win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday.
"I'm at 100 percent now, so I don't really feel any effects from it," Pugh said. "I just have to make sure i'm more careful, and make sure I'm properly hydrated, and make sure I'm going above and beyond playing in those hot environments."
Pugh also spoke about the versatility of the Patriots and that he thinks it's the reason they are one of the three remaining undefeated teams in the NFL. New England is one of the top 10 defenses in the league in terms of yards per game, and they've given up the fifth-fewest points in the NFL.
"I think what makes them so good is they have guys who are very versatile," Pugh said about the New England defense. "If you look at any of their players, they can rush the passer, the front seven I'm saying, they can rush the passer, be a defensive lineman, or they can drop into coverage and be linebackers. We have to make sure we're communicating on who's on the field, and what we're going to do with our protections, or whatever it is in the run game."
Pugh added that "it's going to be a fun game on Sunday" and that he's excited to go up against a former college teammate.
"They got a Syracuse guy, Chandler Jones, who has a bunch of sacks, so it'll be fun going up against him because I got to go against him for four years in college," Pugh said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
More Giants Headlines
Bill Belichick compared Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's blocking ability to that of former Giants great Mark Bavaro.
Defensive tackle Jay Bromley is going into Sunday's game as an opportunity to showcase his talents and earn a bigger role on the defense.
Victor Cruz received a second platelet-rich plasma injection to his left calf about three weeks ago and will begin to run routes this weekend.
The MMQB revisits 2007, when the Giants nearly defeated the Patriots in the final game of their perfect regular season.
Phil Simms argues that if the Giants can beat the Patriots, it could change the dynamics of their team.
Landon Collins will draw the major assignment of covering Rob Gronkowski most of the time and believes it will be crucial to disrupt his routes.
Jonathan Casillas reveals Bill Belichick's back-of-the-mind angst to defeat the Giants and "kick Eli Manning's butt."
In Case You Missed It
Ed lists five things to watch for this Sunday.
Ben McAdoo says the Giants need to play their game against the Patriots.
Steve Spagnuolo's game plan seems to hinge on hoping Tom Brady has a bad day.
Chris goes to the film room to compare Jason Pierre-Paul's performance last week against some games in 2014.
Around the NFL
Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is expected to get the nod to start this weekend versus the Steelers.
Panthers cornerback Josh Norman was fined for honoring the troops with red, white and blue cleats on Salute to Service Day because they were a violation of the league's uniform policy.
Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is undergoing surgery, but may not miss any games.
Pats Pulpit offers two X-Factors that could make a huge difference on Sunday.
Buccaneers cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah reflects on his journey from Italy to the NFL.
Raiders rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper compares to Odell Beckham Jr. in each of their first eight games in the NFL.