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Good morning, New York Giants fans! Despite crazy Internet rumors to the contrary Ben McAdoo is still head coach of the team this morning. So, let’s check on what is happening as the Giants prep for the San Francisco 49ers.
Justin Pugh intends to play
After missing last week’s game vs. the Los Angeles Rams due to a back injury that has been lingering for a few weeks, offensive lineman Justin Pugh practiced Wednesday on a limited basis.
“Every intention that I have is playing,” Pugh said. “Barring a setback, I’ll be out there on Sunday.”
“A little bit too much” on defense
Ben McAdoo spent part of his Wednesday press conference talking about building a “sound plan” and “doing simple better.”
Put two and two together with a remark that safety Landon Collins made on Wednesday and it seems apparent McAdoo was likely talking about the Giants being too complex on defense.
“I think we just had a little bit too much,” Collins said. “We just weren’t doing what we do best and that’s the biggest point I see.
“Last year was very simple. We pushed the issue about just playing and doing what we do best and knowing what we do and working at what we do best, you know, and that’s what we did last year. So, we’re getting back to that issue and we feel like we’re playing better and practicing better in that category.”
Can the Giants really make a run?
At 1-7, the Giants are not officially eliminated from playoff contention. Yet, the season is almost certainly lost. Can they make a run, at least toward respectability, over the final eight games?
“I just know in this league the way it goes, it’s so cyclical. You look at it, who’s the best team right now? Philadelphia is 8-1, they are the best team. They needed a 61-yard field goal. It’s crazy how competitive and close these games are. It really comes down to confidence,” Pugh said. “We got to get our mojo back and getting some guys healthy. Hopefully OV (Olivier Vernon) can go this week, getting Janoris (Jenkins) back, getting me back out there. We can kind of spark these guys a little bit.”
Around the Inter-Google
Is anyone on the Giants going to stand up for Ben McAdoo? | NJ.com
After two players anonymously ripped Giants coach Ben McAdoo to ESPN, will others get his back forcefully and publicly?
Giants CB Eli Apple says he hesitated, didn't quit on Rams TD | NJ.com
"I saw (Woods) was running really fast, nobody touched him and I kind of hesitated a little bit," Apple said. "Then I felt (Rams receiver) Sammy (Watkins) on my shoulder and I was thinking he might cut it out and he kind of grabbed me a little bit, but I could have easily made a better play, for sure. That's on me."
Bill Cowher, ex-Steelers coach, has become a NY kind of guy | Newsday
The accent still says Pittsburgh. The coaching resume still says Pittsburgh. The chin still says Pittsburgh. But ask Bill Cowher where he comes from and the ...