[Stokley] caught passes with at a summer camp back in Louisiana in the mid 1990s — Eli Manning.

“I have caught from Eli since he was in high school at the Manning passing camp,” Stokley said Thursday after finishing his first practice with his new team. “I have known Eli for a while. You could tell way back when he was going to be a special quarterback and I think he has proven that.”

Stokley is the type of receiver the Giants (0-1) have needed since losing Steve Smith to free agency last month. He is a possession specialist who plays the slot.

It seems like this move is staring to make more and more sense with each passing (pun) day.

First up to talk about the acquisition, Coach Tom Coughlin:

[clips via Giants.com]

Check out his interview here:

[clip via Giants.com]

Good News:

• Justin Tuck worked out just about everything today in practice, he will participate but be listed as limited
• Prince Amukamara is slightly ahead of schedule and did some light jogging straight ahead yesterday with minor soreness.

Bad News:

• Hakeem Nicks made good progress, we’ll see what the doctors say before he suits up
• Travis Beckum did not practice, and Coughlin is not happy about it.

Videos of Tuck, Nicks, and Amukamara discussing their progress after the jump

It’s a little late this week due to my travelling back from the west coast, missing the game, having to re-watch it and being delayed a day — so just know that usually this post will come out Wednesdays after our initial gut checks have taken place, no matter if the Giants win or lose. The point is the NY Giants are always one of those teams that seem to be criticized by a stat line — with little to no analysis as to what’s going on behind the numbers. Here, we’ll always try to acknowledge that some stats speak for themselves, others have to be unpacked a bit more to tell the whole story. Here’s where we strive to get to the quantitative AND the qualitative meanings behind the stats for of each and every Giants game. So without further ado, here we go!

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My thoughts on the Stokley signing are here.

Stokley’s most famous claim to fame is of course his game winning tipped reception in Denver from 2009… one of NFL’s wild plays of that season. But one of the plays of the year for Stokley last year was this 45 yard TD in the playoffs during the Seattle Seahawks upset Wild Card game.

The Giants are obviously impressed with his speed to get behind the defense. I’d think he fits right into the Giants system as well, short passes that are designed to hit guys in motion and get vertical quickly.

Now I happen to love that slant play — classic Josh McDaniels. They bring Welker, I mean Stokley, across in motion, bunch him up momentarily and then he sells a route to the outside perfectly and then cuts back inside to get behind his man and into the middle of the defense where it’s been cleared out by the other two receivers. He takes a 7 yard slant 60+ yards and sets up a scoring opportunity for his offense, all off a simple little 3 step drop and slant.

Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride, adjust your playbooks accordingly.

[clips via NFL Videos]

Aiming to challenge die-hard fans that live outside the market of thier favorite NFL team, DIRECTV’s Ultimate Displaced Fan contest asks displaced, fanatical NFL followers to creatively display their perpetual passion for their favorite out-of-market team. By submitting videos, essays, or photos that best display their extreme dedication and the difficulties that come with being a far-away fan, contestants vie for a chance to earn the title of America’s Ultimate Displaced Fan. To enter, displaced fans can log onto www.UltimateDisplacedFan.com and upload an essay outlining their loyalty along with an optional (but highly encouraged) video and photos. (Watch video HERE to get submission tips from last year’s winner)

In addition to bragging rights, one grand prize winner will receive the ultimate Super Bowl experience, including a trip for two to Indianapolis, two tickets to the game and the opportunity to go on a media tour at the famed “radio row” with a player from their favorite team. If that’s not enough, the winner will rub elbows with NFL greats and celebrities when they participate in DIRECTV ‘s nationally televised Celebrity Beach Bowl flag football game.

Last year’s Ultimate Displaced Fan title was awarded to Kris Jones, a Raleigh, N.C. resident with a fanatical loyalty to the Baltimore Ravens. In a video that showcased his unparalleled passion for the Ravens, Jones provided viewers with a complete tour of his “Ravens Room” – the home of his Baltimore memorabilia, wall decals and a special bed where he superstitiously tucks himself in between Ravens-branded sheets the night before every game. It was due to his enthusiasm, creativity unique video and obvious un-wavering love for the Raven’s that Jones earned a place in DIRECTV history as the 2010 Ultimate Displaced Fan. Other fans also found themselves among the top entrants.

Full press release after the jump

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Clipped from: nflmocks.com (share this clip)

Here’s a snippet dealing with the Giants biggest needs right now – Cornerback:

The biggest defensive need for me for the 2012 NFL Draft as it stood entering the season was cornerback. And that remains the same. The Giants still have no depth at cornerback and this will not change until Prince Amukamara comes back AND there is good news on the Terrell Thomas front. Thomas can be a free agent after this season if he’s not resigned by the new York Giants. Aaron Ross had an o.k. game, but he is also a free agent after this season. If you’re a Giants fan keep a lookout for round 1 and two cornerback prospects. Those who are against grabbing cornerbacks back to back in the first round are stubborn. Cornerback is always a need, the problem is it’s a major need for the Giants and it needs to addressed.

Be sure to check back each week at NFL Mocks for more mock draft coverage, and we’ll be linking to each story referencing the Giants for you as well here at GMEN HQ.

Clipped from: nflmocks.com (share this clip)

Here’s a snippet on MLB Greg Jones who unexpectedly played his first start for the Giants in place of Jon Goff who is out for the season with a torn ACL:

Jones was just getting his feet wet on Sunday and did a pretty good job. Jones biggest responsibility this year is going to be in run support and the Giants will use other players (they used another rookie a lot) for pass support. Jones has to stick his nose in the run game, and try to blow up plays. He had four tackles in the game and was used a lot more early than he was late when the Giants used more three safeties. Jones didn’t make any tackles for loss or deliver any impressive blows, but played admiarbly. He clearly has natural instincts though he was a touch late on Tim Hightowers’ touchdown run. Solid outing. He has a lot of room for improvement though.

Be sure to check back each week at NFL Mocks for more rookie news, and we’ll be linking to each story referencing the Giants for you as well here at GMEN HQ.

Good morning guys. St. Louis Rams week and we are excited about getting started and trying to improve and get better. The Rams played the Eagles in the opener in a very physical game, without a doubt. Both teams rushed the ball very well. Eventually, of course, Michael Vick took off and made the 97 yards and McCoy had 122 yards against them. Really McCoy’s run was a long run towards the end of the game. It was a very physical game and both teams got after the quarterback with five and three sacks. They played a very physical game and we played a very physical game and now we are excited about getting ready for Monday night.

Q: How is Nicks?

A: He won’t practice today but he is making pretty good progress.

Q: What is the injury?

A: Knee.

Q: What did the tests show?

A: It was a bone bruise.

Q: How long do you think he will be out?

A: I have no idea. We will just go day by day.

Q: What about Tuck and Osi?

A: Osi, no, and Justin is going to practice limited today. We are in shells and that’s the way he will go.

Q: Do you see Spags bringing an NFC East mentality to that division?

A: I don’t know. They are a physical football team. I don’t know if it is categorized as NFC East but it looked like an NFC East battle. That type of game.

Q: Do you talk to him?

A: We text at the beginning of the season ‘good luck’ and naturally we look for each other at the league meetings and in Indianapolis.

Q: Is he the same coach that he was as a defensive coordinator?

A: I am sure he is the head coach, so he has all those hats to wear. No question he has his hands on the defensive side, but I am sure offense as well and special teams as well. They are an aggressive special teams outfit.

Q: What do you miss when Tuck is not in there?

A: Leadership ability. Pass rush. Where do you want me to stop? What do you think we lose? You lose a heck of a football player and the captain of your defensive team.

Q: Does his presence help calm things?

A: Sure, absolutely. You lose Osi, too, if you want me to keep going. Get them out there and you will quickly see and that’s not taking anything away from the guys that are playing. They are playing their tails off. Tollefson played well. Trattou came in and gave us some snaps. JPP rose up again when he had to and made a couple sacks. They are playing hard and there is no if, ands or buts about that. You are talking about reinforcements of a very high quality.

Q: Do you think the Rams will run as much without Steven Jackson?

A: Absolutely. 19 for 91 with Cadillac, they are just going to keep on doing what they do very well, or attempt to.

Q: How about Beckum?

A: Beckum is Beckum. He has a hamstring.

Q: How do you get better as a team?

A: Every phase. Stop the big plays, punt the ball better, kick the ball better. Consistently move the ball on offense, move the ball on third down. Make your short yardage runs. There is a lot of ways that we must improve as we go forward and it is going to happen. It is just not there yet but it is going to happen.

Q: How different is Cadillac from Jackson?

A: Much different, but they are both very good football players and very good rushers. Cadillac has gone through some injuries that he was fought his way back from and he looks like the guy of old. Steven Jackson has been at the Pro Bowl level for a long time.

Q: Do you think hey will run the same?

A: Absolutely. It is the same offense.

Q: Do you think they will pass a lot with the Bradford injury?

A: I think you assess all that during the course of the week. They do have an extra day so that is going to help and then they will make their adjustments as it gets closer to game planning. I’m sure they game planned as if he is healthy and then as they get closer, they will make some decisions about what he can and cannot do.

Q: You seem frustrated by Beckum. Can Travis Beckum fight through this injury?

A: Evidentially, it is not that way yet. It hasn’t gotten to that point yet. We have had hamstring issues with Travis before. I am not frustrated but expectations are very high. It is very difficult to improve him when he is not practicing.

Q: Do you think Brandon and Ahmad can have the same number of carries?

A: The first thing that has to happen is that we have to get some plays on offense. If you make some third downs, then you have a chance to have some plays and you have a chance to have some continuity. You have a chance to do a lot of different things. I am not going to tell you that it will be this or that. I know in my mind what I am looking for in all the players if they were healthy. How many times I want them to touch the ball. But that is under circumstances where you have some snaps and you are doing some things in the game to keep the ball.

Q: Are you confident in the other wide receivers if Nicks can’t go?

A: Dominek has done it before and very well. I would be very high and I think that you can’t judge a guy on one game. Victor has to get ready and go play. Jernigan has to get ready and go play and Devin Thomas will have opportunities as well so they have to prepare themselves to go and when the opportunity is there they have to take advantage of it.

Q: What do you lose if Hakeem can’t go?

A: You lose a playmaker. You lose a guy who can put the ball in the end zone. You lose a guy who loves the ball coming his way and can make the hard catch, the easy catch and has great confidence. He loves to play and wants to be out there all the time.

Q: How good are the guys at picking up the hot reads?

A: They are starting to get it better. Of course, Mario has had that experience before. You saw what Hixon did the other day, two of his catches were sights and hots. They have to be able to do it all. The quarterback has to get rid of the ball when that happens. When you don’t do something to pick it up with your protection call or you can’t because there is too many of them and they are going to have one more than you do, the ball has to go somewhere quick.

Q: What do you see out of Bradford?

A: Poise. Toughness, he stays in there and takes a lick. Throws the ball down the field and has a good, strong arm, and will come out of there if he can and knows when to slide.

Q: Is communication an issue with the offensive line?

A: That is part of it but it is also that split second adjustment that has to happen, the cohesive action that has to happen by everybody, not just two guys or not the other guy and so on and so forth.

via the Daily News

Hakeem Nicks has “just a bone bruise” Coughlin said. Nicks won’t practice today. Coughlin has “no idea” if he’ll be ready for Monday night.

The snake bite continues to spew its venom….

“Honestly, talk to me right now, I don’t see how I will not play on Monday. And that’s me. Obviously, you’ve got to go through the process of doctors, coaches, general manager, owner, and going through what’s most important for me and what’s most important for this football team. If I come out (today) and this thing feels 100 percent, I’m going. It just all depends on how it feels. We are just taking it day by day, and how I go out on the football field and play is in direct correlation to how the neck feels.”

According to various reports, Tuck has a muscular issue causing his neck injury – not a herniated disc or worse. But a neck injury is of course not something you push or rush — and Justin Tuck sitting out for 2 weeks is not as bad as playing injured and missing 4-6 weeks thereafter. Considering the repercussions of missing more games by playing too early, I’m completely fine with Tuck not playing Monday night, or the week after until he’s 100% ready.

Between JPP, Kiwi, and Toly — I think the Giants defense can get to the QB with their defensive ends. If they want to get creative in Tuck’s stead — they’ll inject rookie LB Jacquain Williams for some speed on the outside as well the way they hoped Clint Sintim could be used. The Giants simply need to keep the pressure dialed in, and rely on man coverage from their corners on the outside to defend quick passes. Anything over the middle is still going to be a problem, and I think if the Giants are going to rush 5 or more they need to keep the MLB in coverage and bring pressure off the edges. That seems to be the best recipe for Big Blue success under Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell. Why he gets away from it for half the game, I have no clue.

Listen to the interview here:

Here are some of Rolle’s best comments after week 1:

On the state of the defense after losing in Washington

“I definitely feel there is a lot of work to be done. We have a lot of guys playing different positions. We have to fill in some key areas. We still haven’t found that chemistry yet. It’s getting close and it is definitely getting close. We’re definitely striving to get things on a better track.”

On his outlook on the Giants team in general after week 1:

“As a team and organization we know that the Washington Redskins are not a better team than us. We know that. Hands down. If we played them 100 times they might win 5. They won that day. It never leaves a good taste in your mouth when you lose to an opponent you know you are better than. We understood where things went wrong. I don’t think we played a good game at all as a team. I don’t think we played well on special teams, on defense or offense. I think that is something we realize and once you realize the problem then you could work on fixing it and that’s exactly what we are going to do.”

On the defenseless receiver penalty that lost the game for the Giants

“It was a caught ball and the guy was on the ground and he only had one more yard to get, so as a football player my first instinct is he is going to try to reach and put the ball over that line. Once I felt like he was going to try to reach to put the ball over that 1-yard line my instinct was to go and try to hit him as hard as I can and try to force a turnover. I know he is not going to reach over and have full control of the ball, so my instinct was to go over there and create a turnover the best way I can. My initial target point was definitely not a head shot, but as he started rolling it kind of threw my target off it a little bit. I think what happened is my shoulder definitely hit him first, but as I hit him the back of my helmet caught his helmet. I’m not the one to sit here and say it was a good call or it wasn’t a good call, but in my eyes it was a legit call and something I can learn from. Next time I have to make a smarter play and try to tackle him down and force him with my hands instead of my shoulders.”

[via WFAN]

THE GOOD

The Giants running game. Talk about depth, the Giants have their choice of about 4 quality RB’s that bring a unique flavor to every snap. And while Andre Brown did well enough to give Danny Ware cause for concern, both of these guys better watch out for the next guy in the good column.

DaRel Scott. Dude had a night. After thinking Andre Brown was going to supplant Scott for the final roster spot – DaRel made the absolute most out of every opportunity he had. Every single snap. He went for 114 yards over 12 carries and a TD coming off a brilliant fake punt. Talk about break away speed! But to me he moment I knew he made the roster was when he took a typical draw play up he gut for a first down and about 20 yards. He was into the secondary before I had a chance to blink… I mean his quickness was unbelievable. God am I glad the Giants took a flyer on this guy. Welcome to the final 53 DaRel.

Special Teams. How about taking a page right out of Belichick handbook and winning that third facet of the game… And in doing so the Giants gave themselves a chance to beat the Patriots outright. A combination of good returns, utilizing a great fake punt, and at the same time providing good coverage gave the Giants the advantage they needed to win that battle. Extremely exciting momentum builder heading into week 1 of the regular season.

Defense. After rattling off a quick 10 points following offensive turnovers, the Giants defense held firm for the rest of the game and I would say took over he second half of the game. Particularly when the game was on the line. Giants front 7 swarmed and overwhelmed the Patriots and got much needed pressure to deliver the win for the Giants. While injuries continue to be a concern, the Reserves showed some backbone last night and some pride. Created opportunities with turnovers, got pressure – I’m excited.

THE BAD

Offense continues to struggle. 2 turnovers back to back did not give anyone confidence that the Giants are committed to eliminating mistakes this season. It’s preseason, but avoidable fumbles and INTs deep in your own territory are a recipe for disaster. Good thing the defense didn’t roll over.

Jernigan’s first half. Dropped balls, muffed punts, bobbles. Very shaky and could very well be this years Matt Dodge. Great upside, no experience or confidence – and jitters out the wazoo. His redemption for his 42 yard return and game winning 2 point conversion cannot go unnoticed though. Coughlin will likely be patient and hope Jernigan turned the corner last night.

David Carr had an off night. Turnovers aren’t just reserved for Eli I guess. His best asset is clearly his legs and scrambling for first downs is something I wish Eli could do more of. But you can’t teach that — which is why Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick are so highly regarded as passers. If Eli ever goes out and he line breaks down, Carr needs to think run first, throw second.

THE UGLY

Clint Sintim. 9 months after tearing an ACL he does it all over again. Coughlin was right, this is going to be devastating for him. For the Giants – we’ll see more of Greg Jones hopefully now.

1. Tom Brady obviously wants to get some time this week against the Giants, and Bill Belichick played your #1′s for a couple series last year in the finale. How much time are the Patriots going to give to their starters tonight?

I think the starters will play, but likely only for a series or two. If Tom Brady drives the offense down for a touchdown on the first drive, his night will likely be done. There will be some starters that could see extended time, like safeties Brandon Meriweather and Patrick Chung.

2. Are Patriots fans over Superbowl 42, or is this game still pretty meaningful?

Well I was until you brought it up! I don’t think it is in Patriots fans’ minds unless they have to relive the experience. It does come up at times when talking about how the Patriots haven’t won in the playoffs since then, but other than that I think most are over it. At least I’m over it, but my best friend in college was a Giants fan so I grew to not dislike the Giants.

3. Patriots and Jets — who wins the division this year between these two teams?

I still think that the division is the Patriots’ to lose. If the Pats can at least split the two games against the Jets, they stand a good chance at winning the division. I see the Patriots as a much improved team this year over last year, at least on paper, whereas the Jets are about where they were last year.

4. What more than anything has been the Patriots offseason focus this year? Have they accomplished their goals?

The Patriots definitely wanted to improve their defense, which was last in the NFL at getting off the field on third down. It’s evident that it was the main focus of Bill Belichick, as the scheme has changed from three to four down linemen and has been much more attacking, at least in the preseason. It’s tough to say if they accomplished their goals until the regular season gets underway, but the preseason has shown a better pass rush and a defense that can get off the field on third down.

5. Prediction for the Patriots season?

I’m thinking the Patriots go 12-4 this season. They have a tough schedule, so expecting a repeat of last year’s 14-2 is a stretch. I think the team will be better while its record may not reflect that.

6. Prediction for tonights game, what can we look to see from the Patriots?

This is the final shot at making the team, or any NFL team for that matter, for a lot of players. I expect to see more spirited play from both sides as jobs are on the line. The final score doesn’t really matter, but I think after last week’s abysmal performance, the Pats will pull out a late victory tonight, 24-21 to end on a positive note.

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1. The Giants haven’t had much luck with injuries, especially at corner. Are there any trade rumors floating around or are they going to try and weather the storm until Prince Amukamara returns?
No trades, just hopes that 3rd year nickel corner Aaron Ross finally steps it up in place of Terrell Thomas which is a huge loss any way you slice it.  It looks like he’s much better on the outside than on the inside, and he was always a liability if offenses ran on that package.  Contract year coming up, my bet is Aaron Ross plays better than he ever has.  Antrel Rolle may play corner is certain situations as well, with Deon Grant having been resigned to safety. The Giants like the 3 safety package and used it with much success last year.

2. What are the chances we see the Giants’ starters in the preseason finale?

50%.  I think one series will do it, but I doubt the Giants are going to risk anymore injuries to their #1′s.  That’s not to say they don’t need the work, reps, and momentum if they can put up a good showing.

3. The Eagles seem to be the team to beat in the NFC East according to the national media. Are Giants fans believing the hype?

Giants fans and the team itself wont let themselves believe the hype.  They look stacked, no doubt.  But I think the Giants are up to the challenge, defensively especially.  Remember last year, the Giants were 8 minutes away from a very decisive victory over the birds and they basically stopped playing.  24 points later, the Giants are out of the playoffs and once again have that bitter taste in their mouth at the start of this season.   They hopefully won’t forget it come week 3.

4. Do Giants fans feel that Eli Manning is taking a step back or is his slow start to the preseason nothing to be worried about?

It’s certainly debate-worthy.  People point to a change in QB coach, but that’s probably not it.  He just needs to throw it away and take sacks more than he does currently. In general I think he’s been trying to force things into his receivers and got off the “minimize mistake” track since 2008. In 2009 he had a great offensive season with marginal turnovers, but the defense took such a step back that they had nothing to show for it.  Last year, again another explosive season offensively but implosively with bad luck with tipped balls, bad decisions, and just bad injuries to his best receivers.   This year I think he checks it down more and gets back to minimizing the turnovers. Last weeks game just underscores the need for him to focus on that more than anything. I think he’ll have a better year in 2011.

5. What’s your prediction for the Giants’ record this season?

I think they go 10-6 and make the playoffs.

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I know it’s a little late for last game analysis, but Pro Football Focus has their weekly rewind of all the preseason games up, and something jumped out at me that I thought was worthy of another mention – Jake Ballard could be the best option at TE for the Giants.

Though it seemed like Travis Beckum would be the player to step up after Kevin Boss’ departure to Oakland, Jake Ballard used this game to show the coaching staff why he may be the better option. Ballard, a 2010 undrafted free agent out of Ohio State, was extremely impressive in his ability to block effectively. On a number of occasions, he was driving defenders down the field for so long, that the running back would be tackled before he had disengaged. It wasn’t just against linebackers and receivers, either, as on one play, he drove Jets’ rookie defensive tackle Wilkerson five yards down the field. Ballard certainly isn’t the weapon or threat that Beckum could be in the passing game, the Giants would be better off with Ballard who is definitely the better blocker of the two.

Given the fact that Beckum cannot block whatsoever, and Bear Pascoe has had an off preseason — I’ll take Ballard’s potential at starting TE any day of the week as one of the Giants bookends.  This year is one of those seasons for the Giants where young players are going to have to make the most of their opportunities, where better to start than at TE.  We know he can catch, we now know he can block… this might be the answer the Giants have been looking for.

via Philly.com:

Under the terms of his agreement with creditors, Vick must dedicate a share of his earnings to paying back those to whom he owes money. The percentage he pays increases with his income, according to court documents. Ten percent of his first $750,000 in annual earnings goes to creditors, for example, with the share increasing to 40 percent of any money earned over and above $10 million.

Vick is due between $16 and $20million this year depending on what happens during his 2011 season, and that means the 40% clause will come into play immediately. His creditors are certainly happy about that.

And with this new $100 million contract, that’s not to say Vick is going to be undergoing any significant lifestyle changes. His bankruptcy laden prison term is still going to be affecting him for years to come:

Vick owed roughly $20 million when he filed for bankruptcy. Through the end of June, he had set aside about $2.1 million for the trust collecting money on behalf of his creditors, according to court documents. As part of his bankruptcy plan, Vick is restricted to a budget that limits him to about $300,000 of personal-living expenses. The budget is scheduled to be in place through 2015. But at the end of October, Vick can ask the court to remove the restrictions. After paying taxes and his creditors, and setting money aside for his budgeted spending, Vick has been putting his remaining income into savings he can access later.

Vick said of the contract:

“A lot of things happened in my life. Whether things were done right or wrong, it doesn’t matter anymore. I have an opportunity to move on with my life, and that’s all I prayed for, and that opportunity has come.”

It’s a good thing Vick has the pieces in place to do whats best for him going forward. Saving money, laying low, and paying his debts. It really is an amazing story, however controversial, and he’ll continue to have the spotlight on him with every move he makes.

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[Source: Philly.com]