Giants news, 11/30: Bobby Okereke, Deonte Banks, Evan Engram, more headlines

New York Giants news for Thursday

Good morning, New York Giants fans!

Valentine’s Views: Interview with Dan Duggan of The Athletic

Dan Duggan joins the ‘Valentine’s View’ podcast. He and Ed discuss Joe Schoen’s bye week press conference, Tiki Barber’s Hall of Fame worthiness and much more.

More from Big Blue View

• Evan Engram one of many former New York Giants having success in new homes
• Dane Brugler gives Giants WR Malik Nabers at No. 6 in mock draft 1.0
• NFL power rankings, Week 13: Giants still near the bottom heading into bye week

Other Giant observations

Bobby Okereke has been a rare Giants free agent to shine | New York Post

In coordinator Wink Martindale’s aggressive scheme, he has shown a nose for the ball with four forced fumbles and two interceptions (plus two interceptions created for teammates) that he learned from playing alongside three-time First-Team All-Pro Shaquille Leonard.

“Instincts are a big part of this game, and I think Wink does a really good job of letting me play to those instincts,” Okereke said. “I got to watch Shaquille Leonard firsthand fly around and get forced fumbles, interceptions, fumble recoveries. I’m doing my best ‘Maniac’ impression.”

And the analytic guys are in on Bobby O as well

Did New York Giants Set Up Their O-Line for Struggles? | Sports Illustrated

When it came to getting the offensive line settled, this is where the coaches had their biggest failure. While it’s understandable that they wanted to get as many guys ready to play multiple positions in the event of injury, that they kept rotating different guys in and out of the lineup through the end of training camp was a headscratcher because it wrecked their continuity.

Progress Report: How the rookies have fared (so far) | Giants.com

The interception was the second of Banks’ season. In 12 starts this year, the 22-year-old has registered 10 passes defensed, which is tied for the second-most among all rookie cornerbacks. Only Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon (14) has more. Banks has also recorded 43 tackles (35 solo) with one tackle for loss to go with the two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks has a passer rating allowed of 83.0 on 75 targets. He was nominated for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week for his performance against the Commanders in Week 7.

Jack Hughes getting ready for the Stadium Series in MetLife

The QB decision that will dictate Joe Schoen’s Giants tenure | New York Post

New York Giants GM Joe Schoen has yet to take a quarterback with a first-round pick, and if he makes that leap in the 2024 NFL Draft, the player he selects will be linked to Schoen forever.

NFL Draft 2024: How Jets could pass Giants this week, pushing Joe Schoen further from top QBs | NJ.com

The Giants are off this week. But they could still continue to fall in the 2024 NFL Draft order.

They were second (and 2-8) entering their trip to Washington, two games ago. They won that game and fell to fifth, because teams around them lost. Then they won again last week, over the Patriots, and fell to sixth.

Around the league

Caleb Williams says it’s “a game-time decision” whether he’ll declare for 2024 draft | Pro Football Talk

DeSean Jackson officially retires from the NFL as a member of the Eagles | Bleeding Green Nation

Brock Purdy/Brandon Aiyuk combo has 49ers’ offense rolling | ESPN.com

Eagles DC Sean Desai: We will have to have a good plan to corral ‘slippery’ Brock Purdy | NFL.com

Woman refiles defamation lawsuit against Jerry Jones, associates | ESPN.com

Seahawks see ‘night and day’ difference in Geno Smith ahead of Cowboys game | CBSSports.com

Jets opening QB Aaron Rodgers’ 21-day practice window | NFL.com

Baker Mayfield says ankle is good, Bucs expect him to play | Pro Football Talk

Bailey Zappe takes reps as Bill Belichick mum on Patriots’ QB situation | ESPN.com

Lions rookie QB Hendon Hooker to start practicing | Pro Football Talk

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson owns up for effort on fumble vs. Bengals: ‘It won’t happen again’ | NFL.com

Tytus Howard out for season: Texans lose starting O-lineman to knee injury | CBSSports.com

Vikings to activate Justin Jefferson off IR: What this means for Minnesota down the stretch | The Athletic

Kareem Jackson meets with Roger Goodell after Broncos safety was suspended for second time this season | CBSSports.com

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