Fewell: JPP would be terrific TE
The Giants know all about how defensive end J.J. Watt caught a touchdown pass in the most recent game for the Texans, which is why when the Giants will be in their goalline defense, coordinator Perry Fewell says “all eyes are on him.’’
What about the Giants breaking with tradition and doing the same thing with their athletic defensive lineman?
“JPP, you could probably throw it 5 yards over the goal post and he’d have a chance to go up and get it,’’ offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said, referring to Jason PierrePaul.
It’s not in head coach Tom Coughlin’s nature to think so out side the box. McAdoo said when he was an assistant in Green Bay, the Packers used defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Mike Daniels as tight ends on their goalline offense.
“You’re always tempted,’’ McAdoo said. “I mean, look at those guys. Of course you want to use ’em. We have some talented guys.’’
PierrePaul is the one defensive player who intrigues the Giants coaching staff.
“I would be all for it,’’ Fewell said. “I say this to our coaching staff all the time — JPP would be a great tight end. You ought to see the guy run and catch the ball around here. He would be a great tight end. But let’s just keep him on the defensive side of the ball and let’s not put that in his head anymore.’’
Defensive penalties are up all around the league and the Giants are not immune. They are conducting their practices with officials on the field. “We’ve asked them to be very strict in their calls,’’ Coughlin said.
McAdoo flatly answered “No’’ when asked if he allows himself to look forward to the time when rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr. is healthy enough to play. Why so curt? “He has a special skill set,’’ McAdoo said. “He is gifted. He is talented. He is smart. He is conscientious. I am excited for the chance for him to come out here. It has to be painful for him right now. I am not going to put myself or him through any of that. When he comes out here, it will be a good bonus for all of us.’’
The 71yard punt return for a touchdown last week by the Cardinals’ Ted Ginn Jr. was the fourth against the Giants in the past 18 games. “You feel sick when it happened and how it happened and the impact it had on the game,’’ special teams coordinator Tom Quinn said. … LB Devon Kennard (hamstring) did not practice and won’t play this weekend. … After sitting out Wednesday to rest his sprained left ankle, Steve Weatherford returned and looked good punting the ball.