Devon Kennard has a summer goal to get kids into books and reading. Check out his social post. 

Let’s all make it a goal to read at least one book this summer! For those following me who are in 3rd-12th Grade, or are a parent of someone in those grades. The Swipe left ⬅️⬅️⬅️⬅️ to see how to win some prizes for achieving our summer reading goal! I have hand picked two books (details on picture #2) and starting in July 17th, I will send out some short answer questions using the hashtag #ReadingWithDK on IG, Twitter and my FB fan page, and the most accurate and thoughtful answers will be chosen for some prizes (details on pic 4). Let’s make the most out of our summer! Good luck! Let’s get reading! #DaysWithDK #ReadingWithDK #inspiration #motivation #SummerGoals #SquadGoals

Just passing along the message.

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Each passing week seems to bring a new set of challenges for our New York Giants. This week we hope they could increase the lead in the NFC East or at least hold onto it. With the New Orleans Saints game on the horizon we asked Tee Word from Canal Street Chronicles to help us break down this weeks matchup.

For the Saints

The Saints defense has improved.
The Saints defense was in big trouble just a few weeks ago due to injury and a reliance on very young defensive starters. Naturally, the unit experienced growing pains including penalties and the inability to execute the scheme that was in place. As the rookies have had time to learn their assignments and gather in-game experience, they’ve learned to (mostly) clean up their mistakes and make plays when needed. Since facing the Dallas Cowboys, the defense has shown the improvement that is necessary to create pressure and cover the opposition’s primary threat. While far from perfect, the young pups and vets have found a way to generate pressure and force turnovers to help the offense get extra possessions and more opportunities to operate on schedule. The Giants have been squeaking by teams with suspect offensive units by keeping them out of the end-zone. Against the Saints, they’ll have to contribute substantially on offense to win, something that hasn’t been required in a few weeks for the Giants. This unit is hungry and talented, combine that with the light finally coming on and it spells trouble Eli Manning.

The Saints offensive line has come together as a unit.
Center Max Unger was brought in to provide relief to an ailing interior line in New Orleans. In camp and pre-season, Unger received rave reviews (to an extent), then the season started and the offensive line as a whole performed poorly. The main source of concern was Zach Strief and the rapidly aging Jahri Evans. The first three weeks of Saints football in 2015 was rough to say the least. Then the Cowboys came to town and the O-Line was able to provide protection to Drew Brees and open holes for the running-backs. After an 0-3 start, the Saints are 3-1 over the last four games, based in large part on solid line play by Unger, left tackle Terron Armstead, and left guard Tim Lelito. Reserve left tackle Tony Hills performed admirably in relief duty when Armstead couldn’t suit up and his replacement, 1st Round pick Andrus Peat, went down with an injury. In the face of adversity, the pieces have rallied to lead the way for an offense that seems to be finding its groove. The O-Line will play well enough to hold off the Giants rush and allow Brees enough time to carve up the secondary.

Drew Brees is still good at football!
The Giants defense hasn’t seen a high-caliber quarterback since week 2 when they faced Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. Since then, they’ve faced Kirk Cousins, Tyrod Taylor, Colin Kaepernick, Sam Bradford, and Matt Cassel, not exactly world beaters.

Cousins threw for 316 yards, Taylor – 274, Kaepernick – 262, and Bradford – 280. Even Cassel put up 200+ on Sunday. This leads me to believe that Brees will have a good game, even if he avoids Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie completely. Reasons two and three give me even more confidence in reason number one because I believe that a strong defensive effort against Eli and solid blocking by the Saints O-Line will give Brees the opportunities and vehicle to shred the Giants defense. I’d go as far as speculating that Brees will pass for 300+ and 2 TDs in a close Saints victory. Based on the Saints team who showed to Indianapolis on Sunday, Sean Payton seems to be hitting his stride as well and the combination of Payton and Brees can be deadly when they’re on! I truly believe these reasons will lead to the demise of the New York Giants in the Mercedes-Benz SuperDome.

For The Giants

Control the crowd.
I was there in person last time the Giants flew down to the Super Bowl to face the New Orleans saints I can tell you firsthand that the crowd is deafening. I was able to get awesome last-minute tickets we were in the second row by the end zone and I couldn’t hear what anybody was saying directly next to me. Expect the G-Men to take the crowd out of the game. They are going to try to score early and maintain a strong lead to keep that place quiet. I could see them trying to hit Odell Beckham Jr. up for a couple long patterns in hopes for a quick score.

Bend but do not break.
Linebacker the Devon Kennard returned from his injury last week and played against the Dallas Cowboys well. He played almost half of the Giants defense of snaps and his presence on the field definitely showed some impact. We think that he will be able to play a complete game and see some more snaps this week against the Saints. While initially the Giants run defense was top two in the league it has fallen back somewhat. The defense has been able to force some turnovers between strips and interceptions helping the Giants to 4-3 record. It will be interesting to see how they fare against Drew Brees this week considering they haven’t played a top-level quarterback since week two against Matt Ryan of the Falcons.

OLine still holds strong.
Marshall Newhouse returns to form and rebounds from his past poor play against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie left tackle Ereck Flowers also proved his value last week against the Dallas Cowboys holding Greg Hardy to only one sack, w minimal pressure. The Saints defense this year with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is improved, but definitely inconsistent at best. I think the Giants offense will be able to get the best of Rob Ryan and the Saints. In prior years I always have a feared The Giants going down to New Orleans for a tough matchup. That is not the case this year.

I think we’re going to see motivated Odell Beckham Jr in his professional debut in Louisiana. You can ask any Saints or LSU fan they know that Odell is a game breaker. I think the Giants get the win and go to 5/3, with a bunch of Eli and bunch of Odell.

Please feel free to share and leave a comment below!

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The Final Nail…err Report Card for 2014

The Giants closed out their 2014 season the same way they ushered it in back in September, with a loss. And as NFL coaches get their walking papers, it is time to evaluate, especially if you did not receive an invitation to the playoff dance.

So let the grading begin at the top of the Giants class is no surprise

Odell Beckham Jr. (Rookie of the Year).

The numbers are awesome 91 recs 1305 yards 12 TD’s and 108 yards per game. ODB brings so much, a player that can stretch the field. A dynamic play maker not seen since the days of LT, he will make other players better, defenses will have to game plan for him, has swagger and excitement. Big Blue fans the “future is bright you gotta wear shades” Grade A+.

Antrel Rolle

At 10 years in the league, Rolle often proves why he is a captain of the team. With 71 tackles and 3 interceptions his numbers are devastatingly consistent over his career. More importantly he is a leader in the locker room. I even enjoy listening to him when he appears on WFAN. He is upfront ,direct and believes in what they have begun…”Once a Giant always a Giant”. Grade A

JPP-“the free agent”

It is tough to say go and spend 50-100 million dollars on a defensive lineman. However, if you don’t it is just as difficult to think of replacing JPP. No one can ignore his 12.5 sacks this year or the 42 sacks he has amassed in 5 years. He often is double teamed, which should give others opportunities on defense. Remember you win or lose in the trenches. Grade A-

Eli Manning

The numbers 4410 yards 30 TD’s and a completion percentage of 63% should have earned an “A”. Well unfortunately for Eli this year just too many critical interceptions (like at the end of yesterday’s game against the Eagles). Why so many interceptions? The answer is simple “too many times playing from behind” (Mike M. in the parking lot). The truth be told there are not many other QB’s you would rather leading your team. He is cool, accepts the responsibility of a leader, and prepares. Grade B+

Jameel McClain

Hopefully reaching his potential. Each year he has steadily improved. Seemed to be everywhere on defense (74 tackles, and 2.5 sacks) against the Eagles. Grade B

Devon Kennard

Also giving the Giants hope at the linebacker position.. Unfortunately did not play in the season finale due to a toe injury. He has the NFL genes and in 12 games 35 tackles with 4.5 sacks. Not a bad season for a rookie. Grade B-

The Coaching staff

Took too long for McAdoo’s offense to take hold. By the time the offense looked in sync the Giants were 3-7. Defensively way too much time for opposing quarterbacks see Tony Romo 8 seconds. Special teams was an issue all year. Tom Coughlin unable to get the red flag out of his pants. The positive, they kept the team motivated and had tremendous effort down the stretch. Grade C+

The Running Backs

The tandem of Jennings and Williams combined for almost 1,400 yards and 11 TD’s. Hard to imagine just too many injuries . Honestly this is a spot that Reese should address in free agency with the likes of a Frank Gore available. Grade C

The Home Record

3-5 just unacceptable- home field is too important in the NFL. The division record 2-4 simply can’t lose the way they did as often as they did to Dallas and Philly. Two lowly victories over the Redskins. Grade D

Victor Cruz, Jon Beason and Geoff Schwartz- out for the season- Grade INC

The Offensive Line

Eli Manning sacked 28 times. Way too many times no “push” on short yardage situations. Their lack of protection and inability to establish the run game often resulted in “3 and outs”. Injuries shifted players to other positions. Just too poor. Grade F.

The post New York Giants Report Card 2014 first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

As the New York Giants’ 2014 campaign is coming to a disappointing end without a playoff birth for the fifth time in six seasons. Despite the poor performance this season there are pieces on the current roster that give the Giants hope for the future. Here is New York Giants: 5 Reasons for Optimism in 2015.

If there is one player that gives Giants’ fans most enthusiasm for the future it is the wide receiver who in only ten games played has broken the Giants team record for most receiving yards by a rookie. The explosive, dynamic receiver has already made numerous unbelievable plays, exemplified by his one-handed touchdown catch against Dallas, which landed his game-worn jersey in Canton. Yet to play a full season, Beckham Jr. has already broken several team and league rookie records. He has at least 90 receiving yards in each of the last seven games, the longest such streak ever by both a Giants player and an NFL rookie. Also, he has three games this season in which he caught at least 10 passes, making him the first rookie in history to do that. Along with the statistical feats, he has already developed great chemistry with Eli Manning and should continue to be his favorite target moving forward. His incredible skillset and unparalleled talent make the prospects of him playing alongside Victor Cruz a scary thought for defenses around the league next season.

The post New York Giants: 5 Reasons for Optimism in 2015 first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

Spotlight On Devon Kennard

[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][vc_column_text]Looks like the New York Giants  are excited about their 2014 5th Round Pick LB Devon Kennard.  Standing  6-foot-3 and 249 pounds, Kennard has the ability to play multiple positions, or as Jerry Reese describes it as “Joker”.

“He was great on the [chalk] board, he did an excellent job of that,” coach Tom Coughlin said after the draft. “He really convinced the coaches that he was a really sharp football player, a multiple position guy, a guy that would come in here and play the linebacker position for us, which is what he’ll do. So we’re excited about that.”

Kennard’s road to The NFL was not an easy one suffering setbacks to injures. Playing 13 games as a freshman in under USC Coach Pete Carroll, starting as a strongside linebacker. Kennard also earned some time playing middle linebacker and defensive end before finishing his senior year  as an outside linebacker tallying 60 tackles and 9 sacks.

Along with many of the Giants 2014 draft picks Devon Kennard was team captain for the Trojans and thought of as having a high football IQ. The ability to learn multiple positions under a new playbook would be a key for him to see some  nice playing time.

“Right now they have me concentrating on middle linebacker,” Kennard said. “My focus is there, that’s what I’m focused on. They also want to make sure I know the SAM as well. “I definitely think SAM linebacker is the position that I feel most comfortable with. But that’s because I did it last year, I feel like I can come on the inside as well. I definitely have a passion for rushing the passer, passing situations and things like that but I can also cover and do things like that.”

Check out thepostgame article on his recovery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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