McAdoo: Giants different team since Oct. loss at Green Bay
The Giants were beaten by the Packers, 23-16, in early October at Green Bay, but coach Ben McAdoo says, “I think we’re two different teams.’’
One of the differences McAdoo identified: “I think we’ve learned how to win since then. We’ve grown together, and we’ve learned a lot about each other.’’
After that loss, the Giants reeled off a sixgame winning streak and won eight of their next nine games to secure a playoff berth.
Asked how the Giants learned how to win, McAdoo said, “You have to go through tough times together, stick together, get hardened by some controversy at times, and you have to play through it. I think we’re a battle-tested football team.’’
The Giants are a healthy team. The only player on the roster who did not practice Wednesday was DE
Jason Pierre-Paul, coming off sports hernia surgery. They listed six other players on their injury report: TE Jerell Adams (shoulder), S Nat Berhe (concussion), RT Bobby Hart (forearm), CB Janoris Jenkins (back), DE Owa Odighizuwa (hamstring), CB Coty
Sensabaugh (ankle). Hart was a full participant in practice, all the others were limited.
Victor Cruz, asked if he was surprised by the media reaction to the trip to Miami he and three other receivers, including Odell Beckham Jr., took after the game against the Redskins, said, “Not surprised. Let’s move along. It’s all about Green Bay now. We’re already a couple of days removed from that. Green Bay is the focus.’’
McAdoo made a funny! He was asked: “What is it about Eli’s personality that helps him succeed in these types of playoff situations.’’ McAdoo responded “Eli Apple, you go back to Ohio State, he had some success in the playoff there. No, Eli Manning is a guy that is very consistent in his preparation and the way he approaches each and every week.’’
On cue, McAdoo at first would not answer a question about the impact his former boss, Packers coach
Mike McCarthy, had on his career. Finally, McAdoo said, “Mike has been a tremendous influence on me, but this isn’t the time or place for that.’’ … Pro Football Focus named Landon Collins as one of its first-team All-Pro safeties. Four Giants were named to the PFF second team: Beckham, Jenkins, CB Dominique RodgersCromar tie and DT Damon Harrison.