GIANT NOTES
JACKSONVILLE – At this time a year ago, the Giants were not especially impressed with Andre Weathers. The sixth-round draft pick out of Michigan did not appear ready to make a major contribution, but then came the first regular-season game.
Weathers intercepted a pass from Trent Dilfer and returned it for a touchdown to give the Giants a 17-13 upset victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay.
The Giants learned that day that Weathers was not a strong practice player, but that when given the chance, he could make big plays. Weathers, though, tore up his left knee in mid-November and was lost for the remainder of the season. The Giants were hoping Weathers would be ready for a full load this summer, but it hasn’t turned out that way. That’s too bad, as Weathers has good size (6-foot, 190) and would have been in prime position to fit into the all-important nickel back spot.
“He’s just not there yet, and it’s kind of an enigma because I think he’s capable when healthy,” defensive coordinator John Fox said. “The knee’s fine but just getting it strengthened takes time. I saw enough last season to where I felt comfortable, because he’s smart, he’s aware, he’s got some size, some cover ability when healthy. He does make some plays, even hobbling. It would be a good thing for us if he does come on.”
Fox has been forced to improvise, which is why Emmanuel McDaniel is at present the nickel back, with Reggie Stephens and rookie Ralph Brown next in line in the pass-defense packages. Weathers will play tonight vs. the Jaguars, and perhaps he can regain his form. McDaniel, 28, has bounced around with four teams and has started just two NFL games. Stephens was activated for one game for the Giants last season.
There is a chance an attempt will be made to convert Weathers into a safety, as the Giants are dangerously thin at that position. “He’s shown me enough where it’s not as far-fetched as it would have been a year ago,” Fox said.
*
Once again, Jim Fassel is playing it conservative with his injuries, as several players will sit out tonight’s game vs. Jaguars with nagging ailments. Those who won’t play: FB Greg Comella (back), WR Joe Jurevicius (shoulder), TE Dan Campbell (hamstring), DT Keith Hamilton (hamstring), LB Mike Barrow (knee) and T Mike Rosenthal (shoulder). … Last year’s Giants-Jaguars pre-season game was bizarre. Playing at home, the Giants opened up a 24-7 halftime lead but then lost the ball on fumbles on six consecutive possessions in the second half. The Giants held on to win 27-20. … Starters will play the first half. Giants face the Jags again, but not until Dec. 23, the final game of the regular season, so there’s no need to hold anything back. “Because we play them again so late in the season, I won’t worry about our play selections,” Fassel said. “I probably won’t even view the tape of this pre-season game in December.” … Giants GM Ernie Accorsi took special notice of the retirement of Jerry West, the Lakers executive vice president of basketball operations. Accorsi has a long and deep admiration of West, whom he considers “the model” for how a front-office executive should be.
“This guy is on the road all winter, they have a lot more games to scout than we do, he’s in Utah In the middle of January on a Wednesday night, working,” Accorsi said. “He always talked about every summer going back to Cabin Creek, to walk the streets, see where he was from, to keep in touch where he was from. The other thing I can identify with is he said he got to a point where he couldn’t even watch the games. I’m almost there. I thought he was so humble and did such a great job for so many years. I think he’s a model, I really do.”
