New York Giants News, 9/29: Will Olivier Vernon Be Able To Play Vs. Bucs?

Olivier Vernon has not practiced this week due to the ankle injury he suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles. Can he play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

“I always try to stay positive,” is how Vernon answered that question on Thursday.

Vernon has a team-high two sacks in three games. He also has 12 tackles and anchors the run defense on his side of the field. Without him Sunday, the Eagles gashed the Giants for several long runs directed where Vernon would have been.

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‘Snacks’ Addresses Tackling Issues

One of the main reasons for the Giants’ unexpected defensive struggles has been poor tackling. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said Thursday that “if we don’t get better at that, it’s not going to – all the other stuff is not going to matter.” Chris also took an in-depth look at some of the tackling issues.

Defensive tackle Damon Harrison said Thursday that the Giants need to tackle “with some authority.”

“It’s very surprising. Nobody saw that coming. But it’s all things that we can get corrected and get corrected fast,” Harrison said. “It’s not a matter of guys not being able to do it. It’s just actually doing it and doing it with some authority. I don’t think we’ve been doing that.”

Quinn Dissects Poor Punt By Wing

Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn said “a poor angle” led to the 28-yard punt by Brad Wing that helped set up the Eagles’ game-winning field goal on Sunday.

“That angle is a little too sharp,” Quinn said. “Unfortunate time for it to happen.”

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Wing, who had a punt returned 88 yards for a touchdown by the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Quinn, though, isn’t worried about Wing’s frame of mind.

“He’s competitive. He’s into it. He gets football. He wants to be a good teammate, wants to help,” Quinn said. “I’d rather have a guy like that than a guy who really doesn’t understand the game, is just kind of out there doing his own thing. So, he’s a competitive, competitive player which is nice to have.”

Still Looking For A Pick

The Giants don’t have an interception yet this season.

“Teams have been trying to establish the run, and that’s why we haven’t had many opportunities to even get our hands on the ball,” said cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who led the Giants with six interceptions last season. “When teams are throwing the ball 15-20 times a game it’s hard to get your hands on the ball. We know they’ll come. Just when they do make a mistake, we got to be there to capitalize on it.

“I know the guys in my room. We’re a good group of ball hawks, so they are coming.”

Giants’ Offense Hoping To Build On Sunday

The Giants scored 24 points in the fourth quarter on Sunday against Philadelphia. That’s nearly double the 13 points they put up in their first 11 quarters this season. Can they carry that momentum forward?

“We certainly hope so,” offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said today. “Anytime you can score 24 points in a quarter, if we can average that for four quarters, that’s a little different game. No doubt. That would be very good to build upon that. We just have to do a better job of finishing drives. It starts with being able to protect the football and getting into some of that rhythm and consistency, and all of the things we keep talking about.”