Director of Operations
"Hall of Fame member ... perennial All-Pro ... team captain ... former assistant coach ... successful businessman ... those are the impressive credentials that Andy Robustelli brings with him in his capacity as Director of Operations for the Giants.
As Director of Operations, Robustelli oversees all field operations for the Giants including coaching, scouting, signing of players, trades, and the preseason training camp.
The 50-year-old Robustelli is one of the great success stories of professional football. A 19th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 out of little Arnold College in Connecticut, he went on to star with the Rams through 1955, winning All-Pro honors and appearing in two championship games with Los Angeles. He came to the Giants in a 1956 trade and won All-Pro honors consistently. All told, he was an All-NFL selection nine times during his 14 seasons and appeared in the Pro Bowl nine times as well. He played in six championship games with the Giants, was team defensive captain for six years and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1962.
Robustelli was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and was additionally voted into the Helms Football Foundation Hall of Fame. His career with the Giants ended in 1964 after spending his final seasons as a player-defensive coach.
In recent years, Andy has served as President of Robustelli Travel Service, Inc., a group of five travel agencies in Connecticut and has also been associated with the Allied Chemical Company. He has also conducted his own TV show during the football seasons, but remains first and foremost a football man and has grown with professional football over the years.
Robustelli was born on December 6, 1926 in Stamford, Conn., graduated from the Stamford public school system and then attended LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, L.I. from September 1943 to January 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1944 and served for two years in the South Pacific, including the invasion of Okinawa. After his discharge, he matriculated to Arnold College and graduated with a B.S. degree, majoring in health and physical education. He was named to the Little All-American team for three years and also lettered in baseball.
Drafted by the Rams in 1951, he played five seasons with L.A., winning All-Pro honors three times and playing on two championship teams. Named MVP on defense for the Rams for three consecutive years, he came to the Giants in that 1956 trade, adding to his laurels with six more All-Pro honors and six more championship game appearances. He was an assistant coach-player for his final four seasons.
In addition to his business and television interests, Andy has been the Connecticut chairman of the United Fund and is also a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness where he organized a business task force for that Council group."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
1977 New York Giants Outlook
"The Giants find themselves in an interesting position. They have a sound, young, improving defense. They have a head coach, John McVay, who is starting his first full season and who is generally respected by the squad. They have their new stadium in the New Jersey meadows for a full season and they have an easier schedule- though not by much- than last year.
But they don't have a quarterback.
Well, that's not strictly accurate. They do have a quarterback, several of them, in fact. But having traded away Craig Morton (regrettable but necessary), they left themselves without a regular at that position. At the moment, the job is probably Steve Ramsey's. He came from Denver for Morton. But Dennis Shaw has made great strides and should get a long look. And in McVay's plans for the future is Jerry Golsteyn. No one else.
Golsteyn was a rookie last summer, a No. 12 pick who suddenly looked like the pearl of the draft. Then he stepped into a hole the week before the season started and needed knee surgery. Now he's back. It is of great excitement to McVay.
Fullback Larry Csonka is back, too, fully recovered from a knee operation. He'll team with either Doug Kotar or Gordon Bell in the backfield, while Marsh White, Bob Hammond and Larry Watkins vie for relief spots. Only White is sure to make it.
The tight end is Bob Tucker, which isn't bad at all. Behind him is Gary Shirk, which has to change. Rookie Al Dixon should send Shirk home.
Another gaping vacancy was at wide receiver, and the Giants have taken steps to correct that, too. They drafted, on the second round, 6-2 208-pound Johnny Perkins of Abilene Christian. He should start, beating out Ray Rhodes. Ed Marshall, who joined the team as a free agent late last season, will probably win the other spot after a challenge from free agent Don Zimmerman and last year's rookie free agent, Jimmy Robinson. Walker Gillette may not get out of camp. Rookie Emery Moorehead (the pearl of this year's draft?) bears watching.
The front line was another problem, simply because too few of the regulars played well. The present lineup has Tom Mullen and Doug Van Horn at tackles, Al Simpson and John Hicks at guards, Karl Chandler at center. Hicks must get better, Simpson must continue to improve and Van Horn must be beaten out.
Ron Mikolajczyk, Mike Gibbons and rookies Mike Vaughan (285 pounds) and Bob Jordan will provide tackle competition, while Bill Ellenbogen wants one guard spot and could take it. He filled in nicely for Hicks on several occasions last season.
The defense is a-building, as they say. The front four should start out as ends Jack Gregory and George Martin, tackles Troy Archer and John Mendenhall. But the No. 1 draft pick was Gary Jeter of USC, 6-4 and 265, and he should start. His presence may free Mendenhall to be used as trading material, or could shift Archer to end if Gregory's knee (no operation) hasn't come around.
Archer was the No. 1 pick last year and played like it. Martin continued to improve and he's only 24.
Linebacking might be the best area of all. In the middle is Harry Carson, a 6-2 235-pound converted defensive end who was a No. 4 pick last year and who took command before the season was half over. He has incredible potential and unusual strength. Brad Van Pelt on the strong side finally played up to Pro Bowl caliber. He's 6-5, 235 and should be around for a long time. Brian Kelley moved to the weak side to make room for Carson and liked it, as the coaches liked his play. The leading reserve is another soph, Dan Lloyd, who made noises as though he must become a starter.
Strong safety Robert Giblin moves up to linebacker, joining Brad Cousino and Bob Schmit on the depth chart.
The secondary is so-so at the moment, but could be better if several injuries are healed. The projected corners are Bill Bryant, a free agent (WFL) rookie last year, and Bobby Brooks, who missed most of the season with a knee. Veteran backup Charlie Ford missed it, too, and must be fully recovered to have any chance to stick this year.
Clyde Powers is the strong safety and Jim Steinke, if he isn't needed at corner, will be the free safety. Rick Volk, the old Baltimore veteran, joined up after the season started and played well.
But no matter the improvement on defense, the Giants' overriding problem is still quarterback. If McVay gets an affirmative answer from Goldsteyn's performance, this could be a surprise team. But for a non-regular quarterback to take over and start immediately would be a surprise of major proportions."
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: The game plan calls for Golsteyn to be the regular in a short while. Ramsey, obtained from Denver for Craig Morton, is a mediocre veteran. Shaw may challenge for the early lead.
Performance Quotient: 4 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Csonka says he's fully healed from knee surgery; he might be, since speed was never his forte. Kotar does everything well and is a quiet but respected back. Bell has the flash and fire, but maybe not enough poise.
White has lived off his potential for two years now. Watkins doesn't do badly when he gets a chance, and he's able. Hammond should leave the premises quickly.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Marshall saved the day in the latter part of last season but isn't consistent. Rhodes has been a three-year bust and may move to cornerback now. Tucker is still among the best tight ends in the league when he's thrown to.
Robinson has lots of heart, lots of speed, some moves and little height. Zimmerman, as a free agent, could challenge for a starting position. Shirk made the team because there weren't any other tight ends around. Gillete was never sharp.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: Mullen may be the best lineman on the team, and his torn knee has mended. Van Horn is facing the reality of age, but he can hang on as a reserve. Simpson has a world of potential but not too many blue ribbons. Hicks has been a disappointment and has been subject to trade rumors. Chandler will retain the center's job if he isn't shifted to guard.
Ralph Hill is too short for this league, but he plays with verve to try to make up for his stature. Mikolajczyk, a jumbo-sized Oakland reject, will put strong pressure on Van Horn. Ellenbogen, a free agent surprise, could just win himself a spot. Gibbons has almost no chance.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Joe Danelo can't do it, and if they keep him, he'll lose some games. Dave Jennings is among the league's top punters.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Gregory refused a knee operation and says he's fine; we'll see. Martin is developing into one of the better young ends in the conference. Archer was the top draft choice in '76 and proved to be a blue-chipper. Mendenhall is ferocious when sound- and happy. Too often he's neither.
Rick Dvorak was a project of former coach Bill Arnsparger; new boss McVay may not pick up the reins, though. Jim Pietrzak, who missed all of '76, may play center. Dave Gallagher can't start here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Dramatic improvement catapulted Van Pelt to the Pro Bowl plateau. Kelley is consistent, has good range and a knack for hitting hard. Carson, a 1976 rookie, developed quickly; he should star.
Lloyd, another head-hunting '76 rookie, worries Kelley now. Giblin is a converted strong safety who can't crack the lineup there. Cousino was a waiver pickup, and his value is on special teams. Schmit tries to come back from serious knee surgery and will likely fail.
Performance Quotient: 2
Cornerbacks: Bryant, an ex-WFLer, started most of last season and played nicely. Brooks, who missed most of '76 with a torn knee, showed real ability before the injury.
Ford's another knee case.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Powers is slowly turning into one of the better strong safeties in the NFC. Steinke is valuable at many position, but mostly at free safety.
Volk used all of his experience when he filled in last last season. Larry Mallory, another WFLer, has a chance.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
1977 DRAFT SELECTIONS
"Jeter, with 4.8 speed, will step in and win a starting job- maybe Mendenhall's, although the rookie can also play at end. Perkins, too, should be an instant starter. He has 9.6 speed in the 100 and is rangy tough. Vaughan is a gamble, but if he sheds 20 pounds and plays as he did in his junior year, he's a bargain. Randy Dean, considering the state of flux with quarterbacks, has a chance.
Jordan has size and Moorehead could have been a bargain- his college coach swears he'll make it big. Dixon has a job- as a reserve- if he shows anything.
Performance Quotient: 2"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
"The Giants, who play their home games in East Rutherford, New Jersey, finished with a 3-11 record after a string of nine consecutive defeats. Personable John McVay applied the breaks to the skid after taking over from Bill Arnsparger, who had compiled a lackluster 7-28 mark as head coach. In restoring a degree of serenity to a tense and disillusioned squad, McVay rekindled hopes for a return to respectability and vows a dramatic turnaround for 1977.
A pathetically unimaginative offense that scored only 170 points last year and once went 19 quarters without scoring a touchdown will be totally revamped. Now that the Giants have finally realized a short passing game doesn't win in the NFL, the quarterbacks may be allowed to throw deep from time to time. Jerry Golsteyn, the unheralded but impressive rookie who missed all of 1976 with injury, will be competing with sleeper candidate Dennis Shaw and ex-Bronco Steve Ramsey for the regular job. Ramsey compiled a poor 47.4 percent competition mark last season and finished out the campaign on the bench in Denver.
A markedly mediocre set of pass receivers further complicates the quarterback bugaboo that has plagued the Giants for over a decade. Bob Tucker had 42 receptions but only one touchdown from his tight end slot where he is backed up by Larry Mialik and Gary Shirk. Little Ray Rhodes and Jimmy Robinson, along with lanky Ed Marshall, Don Zimmerman and Walker Gillette, comprise a ho-hum set of flankers who are easily knocked off their routes by stronger pass defenders. McVay hopes top-rated rookie John Perkins of Abilene Christian, a 9.7 flanker with great jumping ability, will liven up the picture.
Larry Csonka, the hulking (6-4/220) bone-cruncher, yielded a low return on New York's million-dollar investment, gaining only 569 yards and four touchdowns before undergoing knee surgery at the end of the season. If he can come back in top form, he's the fullback, with quick-starting Marsh White and possibly Larry Watkins backing his play. Doug Kotar, a tough slasher, is the top runner with 731 yards plus 36 pass receptions at halfback where he is assisted by little Gordon Bell, a fast-stepping cutback artist, and possibly ex-Eagle Po James.
McVay will shift personnel in his offensive line to improve pass-blocking. Super-strong Karl Chandler (6-5/250) remains at center where Ralph Hill acts as backup. Tom Mullen (6-3/255), John Hicks (6-1/260) and Al Simpson (6-5/255) are certain starters at three of the four guard-tackle slots. The remaining open slot will be contested by veteran Doug Van Horn (6-3/245), Ron Mikolajczyk (6-3/275) and the brutally strong rookie, Mike Vaughan (6-6/285) of Oklahoma. Soph Mike Gibbons and Bill Ellenbogen will also be on hand as reserve candidates.
Dave Jennings returns after posting an excellent 41.3-yard average on 74 attempts but will have some competition from Randy Dean of Northwestern. Little Joe Danelo could have considerable difficulty keeping his job after converting only eight of 21 field goal attempts last year. Kick returns will be handled by flankers Robinson, Perkins, Bob Hammond and possibly Rondy Colbert.
In sharp contrast to the stumbling offense, New York boasts a tough and aggressive defense which has been furthered strengthened by the addition of their top draft choice, All-American Gary Jeter (6-4/260) of USC, a remarkably fast and strong lineman who can play either end or tackle. Super-soph Troy Archer (6-4/250) is a knockout hitter at tackle who could be shifted outside to make room for Jeter. Top pass rusher Jack Gregory (6-5/255) and George Martin (6-4/245) were the regular ends while Archer had been teaming with agile John Mendenhall (6-1/260) at tackle. Rop reserves include Rick Dvorak (6-4/245) and Jim Pietrzak (6-5/260). Our guess for the starting unit would be a Gregory-Archer-Mendenhall-Jeter combination.
Brad Van Pelt (6-5/240) was the club's MVP at his linebacker slot and the sole Giant to appear in the Pro Bowl. Soph Harry Carson (6-3/240) came on fast in the middle, establishing a rep as a violent hitter, while tough Brian Kelley (6-3/225) rounded out the muscular linebacking trio on the right side. Soph Dan Lloyd, Bob Schmit, Brad Cousino and possible strong safety Robert Giblin will vie for reserve backer berths.
Clyde Powers and Jim Steinke anchor the secondary at their safety positions where they could be supported by Rick Volk, Larry Mallory and/or Giblin. Top candidates for the cornerback jobs are Bill Bryant, Bobby Brooks, Charlie Ford and injury-plagued Henry Stuckey.
While the Giants, who have not qualified for playoff competition in 14 years, still have some distance to go before being viewed as a legitimate contender, they should show marked improvement under McVay, at least enough to allow them to escape the cellar of the NFC Eastern Division. Their fine defense will keep them competitive but until they come up with a regular quarterback who can put some points on the board with reasonable regularity, a winning season remains a pipe dream.
'77 Forecast: 4th Place"
-Football Forecast 1977, published by Lexington Library, Inc.
"Despite finishing last season with a 3-11 record, making their mark for the past four years 12-43-1- the worst in the league except for the expansion teams Tampa Bay and Seattle- the Giants are enthusiastic about beginning this season.
The reason?
John McVay.
The popular McVay was made interim head coach after the Giants had lost their first seven games under Bill Arnsparger last season, then after guiding the team to a 3-4 record the rest of the way, he was given a two-year contract as head coach.
'The players respect him and respond to him,' pointed out defensive lineman Dave Gallagher, who decided to forgo football this year in favor of a medical career. 'He came in during a near-impossible situation, amid bickering and doubts and lost confidence, and he restored us.'
'We proved we can win with him,' says defensive end George Martin.
'McVay is a damn good coach, a spirited guy who knows a lot of football and someone we could be winners with,' emphasized guard John Hicks.
Under McVay, the Giants attitude took a complete turn, and he was fully aware of it. 'Watching the players, I saw men suddenly playing hard, going all out, playing with abandon ... really having a good time,' he says. 'And, of course, we started winning a few games.'
'I don't think it was necessarily the wins that the fans found most important,' he continues. 'It was seeing players putting out as hard as they could. I'm pleased, really honored, that the players said they wanted me back, that they were backing me. But more important to me is the way they played for me.'
Under McVay, the Giants played inspired, hard-nosed football. They dispensed with the complicated moves, and returned to basics and straight-ahead blocking. And they played without fear ... without fear of the coach and the second-guess.
'There's a different feeling now,' said quarterback Craig Morton, often maligned for his play calling and passing. 'The guys aren't as worried about making mistakes. Before, they didn't really play to win as much as they played not to lose. Maybe it was fear.'
However, Morton obviously did not fit into McVay's long range plans. The quarterback was dealt to the Denver Broncos in a straight trade of signal callers which brought Steve Ramsey to the Giants. Ramsey had not been an overwhelming success in his Denver stint, having suffered the boos of disenchanted fans who watched him struggle through an indifferent 1976 season.
'It all points back to McVay,' says defensive tackle John Mendenhall. 'He's doing the job, getting us up each week. We respond more to him. He doesn't beat around the bush. He explains what he wants us to do. Arnsparger used to stop the films on mistakes and yell at us. McVay explains them.'
All the praise for McVay, however, will not make the Giants division contenders. That takes talent, and the team lacks that in too many areas.
Ramsey's running backs include Larry Csonka, coming off knee surgery, Doug Kotar, Gordon Bell and Marsh White. The receivers are Ed Marshall, Jimmy Robinson, Walker Gillette and Ray Rhodes on the outside, and Bob Tucker at tight end. The offensive line has Tom Mullen, also returning from knee surgery, and Doug Van Horn at tackles, Hicks and Al Simpson at guards, and Karl Chandler at center.
The defensive lineup includes Martin, Troy Archer, Mendenhall and Jack Gregory up front, Brad Van Pelt, Harry Carson and Brian Kelley at linebackers, and a secondary with Jim Steinke, Rick Volk, Clyde Powers, Henry Stuckey, Charlie Ford, Bill Bryant and Bobby Brooks."
-Bert Rosenthal, Complete Sports 1977 Pro Football Special Preview
"If Steve Ramsey wasn't the answer with the defensively strong Denver Broncos, why should he be the messiah who will lead the Giants from the wilderness of defeat and discord they have wandered in for lo! so many years? The Giants were 3-11 last year, which breaks to down to 0-7 under Bill Arnsparger and 3-4 under new head man John McVay.
Once more revamping, the Jints will do things like throwing all the offensive linemen into a hopper and letting the best five play. John Hicks may try tackle instead of guard, Ron Mikolajczyk will be switched to tackle for a time, and guard Al Simpson, a disappointment in the past, will get a shot at tackle.
Ramsey may be pencilled in as the starting quarterback in place of Craig Morton, for whom he was traded. Whether Ramsey is the answer is moot. The trade was mostly made to clear the air and relieve the Giant players of Morton, who wasn't liked.
Norm Snead has retired, leaving untried Jerry Golsteyn as the dark horse unless McVay can steal a quarterback from someone. Dennis Shaw, late of the Bills and Cardinals and a man experienced at running a ball-control attack, will also get more than a mere glance and could be the man.
The Giants defense, which played far better than the record would indicate, allowed 4,191 yards in 1976 to finish ninth overall in the NFC. Three rookies played very well- [tackle] Troy Archer, middle linebacker Harry Carson and cornerback Bill Bryant. They will start this year for sure. The Giants want a large-sized tackle next to Archer and are trying to spring Carl Barzilauskas from the Jets. John Mendenhall is a solid pro. And the draft provided Gary Jeter, the USC All-American defensive tackle.
The top priority has to be to improve the lousy, dull offense that Morton tried to palm off on Meadowlands patrons. They booed him all the way to Denver and continued to buy more tickets (76,000 per game) than fans of any other team in the NFL, but that can slow down if things don't get better.
McVay hired assistant coach Bob Gibson away from the Detroit Lions to serve as offensive coordinator. It was Gibson who supervised the renaissance of the Lions and Greg Landry.
Last year the Jint attack was fourth from last in the NFC, with a combined 3,696 yards and a mere 170 points- only five more than the Eagles, who were last in that department. Retooling the attack means checking out Larry Csonka's knee [after surgery]. It means the same with tackle Tom Mullen, who got hurt in the same game that messed up Zonk. Can Gordon Bell, a quick, smallish scatback, oust Doug Kotar from his starting halfback spot? Should smallish Ray Rhodes quit as a wide receiver and become a cornerback?
Overall, the Giants claim that a fleet wide receiver who can take a bomb all the way is their prime need. Maybe so, but it says here that both the offensive and defensive lines, and the corners, need help. The front four has been hurt by the retirement of defensive end Dave Gallagher, obtained from the Chicago Bears for a third round draft pick. Gallagher was used sparingly, despite good work when he did perform, and he reacted accordingly.
Any time a team revamps- and, in effect, runs open house at almost every position- it takes a certain amount of time to gain cohesion and a feeling of togetherness. The Giants, especially on the attack, were very much apart from each other last year. Owner Wellington Mara is becoming tired of losing and only gave McVay a two-year contract. If the team gets off to a poor start this year, look for more fur to fly even before the regular season opens. Winning in the preseason will become important in establishing a winning attitude.
Kotar did pretty well with 731 yards last year, but Csonka disappointed with only 569, but Zonk got hurt, too. It wasn't quite like having the Miami holes opened by Larry Little and Norm Evans. And that's where chaos in the offensive line hurts. Doug Van Horn and Tom Mullen [and Hicks] are left from the old guard. Semi-new are Mike Gibbons, Simpson,Karl Chandler and Mikolajczyk.
When McVay was imported from Memphis of the WFL, he brought with him a cadre of offensive linemen from both the Memphis Southmen and the Birmingham Americans. But somehow these players didn't click as a unit. They might be tried again, but not all WFL types make it in the NFL. Another question is what happens to John Hicks, the combative guard who drew too many holding penalties in 1976.
Most NFL coaches like the Giants' defense, but shudder when the attack is mentioned. That should be McVay's first area of change- and the change will be the one loyal Giant fans will appreciate the most."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Ramsey had mediocre stats with the Broncos and could be the main reason John Ralston was fired. He's only 29, so the Giants gain comparative youth over old man Morton, but Steve had a poor 47.4 and only 11 touchdowns with Denver. He'll have to do better. Shaw failed at Buffalo and couldn't unseat Jim Hart with the Cards, but he's at the right age and has game experience. Personal problems bothered him in the past. He will stick. Golsteyn is the future hope of the Jersey Jints.
Running Backs: Kotar is too small, say some, but he outran Csonka last year. Csonka must prove that his knee is all right and that he can scamper without a great attack line in front of him.
Bell did a job when he got the chance; he gained 233 yards last year. Marsh White is the heir apparent if Zonk can't make it. Larry Watkins is a journeyman reserve.
Receivers: Bob Tucker led the Giants in 1976 with 42 receptions, but he still was overlooked in the early going by coach Arnsparger and quarterback Morton. He is top flight and would be hard to replace if hurt. Running back Kotar caught 36 passes, Bell 25. Jimmy Robinson surprised with 18 and Rhodes proved too small- he got only 16.
Morton's favorite receiver, Walker Gillette, may not make the team, especially when his 1976 report card of 16 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns is analyzed. Don Zimmerman is a newcomer with five years of NFL experience.
Interior Linemen: Mullen's knee must be repaired if he is to challenge for his regular spot again. Simpson has all the potential in the world but hasn't been entirely coachable. Mikolajczyk was caught holding too often in '76, as was Hicks. Chandler is a dependable center and is backed by WFL type Ralph Hill. Van Horn most likely will go. He survived both the Alex Webster and Bill Arnsparger era. How much can a man take?
Kickers: Dave Jennings is one of the NFL's best kickers; certainly he is the best Giant punter since Don Chandler. Joe Danelo is spotty, inconsistent and replaceable."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: George Martin, John Mendenhall, Troy Archer and Rick Dvorak don't make too bad a front wall if all goes well. Mendenhall must accept the fate of remaining a Giant, and Archer must continue to improve. The return of Gallagher from the retired list would help.
Linebackers: Van Pelt was just about the best Giant last year, and he'll be back this season after wavering as a free agent. Carson reminded oldtimers of a young Sam Huff, and Brian Kelley was better than expected.
Former safety Robert Giblin will try his hand at linebacker this year.
Cornerbacks: Bryant is a regular. Charlie Ford, Henry Stuckey and Rondy Colbert are experienced. The Giants intercepted only 12 passes in 1976. Van Pelt, Jim Steinke and Rick Volk managed to steal two each.
Safeties: Volk proved he is still a top NFL safety after he joined the Giants. He and Clyde Powers give the club strength in the deep secondary. Steinke also plays corner on occasion."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977
"In their new Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Giants had what they call their 'first season' and their 'second season.' In their first season, under coach Bill Arnsparger, the team lost its first seven games. In its second season, under John McVay, the team won three and lost four, but could easily have won three of those four defeats.
That offers some hope for 1977, but the bald facts remain that the Giant offense scored an average of only 12 points a game and once went an incredible 20 straight periods without a touchdown. The Giants ranked 11th of 14th in total offense, 10th in rushing and ninth in passing. On defense they gave up 18 points a game, ranking ninth overall, ninth against the rush and seventh against the pass.
OFFENSE: Last year's No. 1 quarterback, Craig Morton, was sent to Denver for Steve Ramsey. Steve will battle Jerry Goldsteyn, a rookie who was impressive until he hurt a knee in spring training game, and veteran Dennis Shaw. Rookie Randy Dean (Northwestern) was a No. 5 pick.
Larry Csonka and Doug Kotar are the running backs. Csonka was not the Super Bowl back the Giants had hoped, though he did gain 569 yards in 11 games before an injury sidelined him. This year look for the Giants to send Csonka stomping straight ahead while using him to block for Kotar on sweeps.
The top catcher among the wide receivers was Jimmy Robinson, with only 18. Others include Ray Rhodes, Walker Gillette and Ed Marshall, with Marshall the only deep threat. The tight end is Bob Tucker, who led the team with 42 catches. The Giants drafted two wide receivers, Johnny Perkins (Abilene Christian) and Emery Moorehead (Colorado).
DEFENSE: Here McVay can smile a little. On the front four are tackles Troy Archer and John Mendenhall and ends George Martin and Jack Gregory, with Dave Gallagher and No. 1 draft choice Gary Jeter (USC) possible starters.
Leader of the linebackers is Brad Van Pelt. Middle man Harry Carson made the All-NFL Rookie team. Brian Kelley is on the outside.
The cornerbacks figure to be Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey, the strong safety Clyde Powers, the free safety Jim Steinke, but Steinke can play corner with veteran Rick Volk the safety.
SPECIALISTS: Punter Dave Jennings ranked No. 2 in the NFC with a 41.3 average. But place kicker Joe Danelo (8 of 21) was erratic.
STRENGTHS: A young and improving defense.
WEAKNESSES: A stumbling offense with holes at quarterback, on the line and among the receivers; no field goal kicker; no depth anywhere.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: Unless a new Johnny Unitas comes along to pick up the offense and turn it around, coach John McVay will have an agonizing season of losing a bunch of close ones."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
OFFENSE
"The Giants- New York Giants claims the masthead- now play in East Rutherford, New Jersey. If that doesn't confuse you, the offense is right out of Pottstown, PA. In fact, their latest quarterback, Steve Ramsey, might have trouble beating out ol' King Corcoran of those immortal Firebirds. Ramsey couldn't do it in Denver, so what can be expected with the East Rutherford Giants? Possibly that unknown Jerry Goldsteyn will be the quarterback by season's end.
Then there's Larry Csonka- once Zonk, now Zonked- with his made millions and depreciated talent. And coming off surgery, a bad sign. Will Doug Kotar go it alone? Is Gordon Bell really Rickey Bell in disguise? Remember, the Giants went 20 straight periods without scoring a touchdown in '76.
What promise does '77 hold? The Giants have wide receivers, but none who can do deep. Tight end Bob Tucker is good, but can't light up Times Square by himself. There is an uncertainty about the offensive line, not only who will play, but how well? John Hicks is proven goods, however. Another thing hurting the Giants: they play in the wrong division."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
DEFENSE
"Not too bad. Over the last seven games of the NFL's toughest schedule in '76, the Giants' defense yielded but 12 points a game and held Dallas and Washington without a touchdown. The front four won't look like Robustelli, Grier, Modzelewski and Katcavage, but the present grouping of George Martin, Troy Archer, John Mendenhall and Jack Gregory is a solid unit even without a potent offense, which wasn't a problem with the old Giants. Martin led the team in sacks last year.
Linebacking is even stronger, with Brad Van Pelt, Harry Carson and Brian Kelley. The secondary is questionable. Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey, who lost their cornerback jobs last year, are back, but Stuckey may have trouble supplanting Brooks. Jim Steinke returns to free safety after filling in at corner, while Clyde Powers has two years experience as the starting strong safety.
If the secondary comes together, the Giants' defense almost certainly will improve, especially with an easier schedule. If the Giant offense can get some points, the defense would improve that much more."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
KICKING GAME
"Joe Danelo, the Giants' third field goal kicker in three years, beat the Redskins (12-9) by himself, but otherwise was inconsistent (8-for-21). Four in four years? Dave Jennings' punting (41.3) was second in the NFC. Bell appears the best return man."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
THE ROOKIES
"Gary Jeter was the second defensive lineman taken in the draft, and the Giants' second straight defensive lineman taken in the first round (Troy Archer went in '76). New York needs wide receivers, so unknown Johnny Perkins (Abilene Christian) will get a good look."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
OUTLOOK
"Coach John McVay needs someone who can throw and others who can catch. The running game appears lacking. The offensive line is one big grab bag. It's too bad the Giants don't have an offense to approach their defense. Since they don't, care to guess where they will finish?"
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
But they don't have a quarterback.
Well, that's not strictly accurate. They do have a quarterback, several of them, in fact. But having traded away Craig Morton (regrettable but necessary), they left themselves without a regular at that position. At the moment, the job is probably Steve Ramsey's. He came from Denver for Morton. But Dennis Shaw has made great strides and should get a long look. And in McVay's plans for the future is Jerry Golsteyn. No one else.
Golsteyn was a rookie last summer, a No. 12 pick who suddenly looked like the pearl of the draft. Then he stepped into a hole the week before the season started and needed knee surgery. Now he's back. It is of great excitement to McVay.
Fullback Larry Csonka is back, too, fully recovered from a knee operation. He'll team with either Doug Kotar or Gordon Bell in the backfield, while Marsh White, Bob Hammond and Larry Watkins vie for relief spots. Only White is sure to make it.
The tight end is Bob Tucker, which isn't bad at all. Behind him is Gary Shirk, which has to change. Rookie Al Dixon should send Shirk home.
Another gaping vacancy was at wide receiver, and the Giants have taken steps to correct that, too. They drafted, on the second round, 6-2 208-pound Johnny Perkins of Abilene Christian. He should start, beating out Ray Rhodes. Ed Marshall, who joined the team as a free agent late last season, will probably win the other spot after a challenge from free agent Don Zimmerman and last year's rookie free agent, Jimmy Robinson. Walker Gillette may not get out of camp. Rookie Emery Moorehead (the pearl of this year's draft?) bears watching.
The front line was another problem, simply because too few of the regulars played well. The present lineup has Tom Mullen and Doug Van Horn at tackles, Al Simpson and John Hicks at guards, Karl Chandler at center. Hicks must get better, Simpson must continue to improve and Van Horn must be beaten out.
Ron Mikolajczyk, Mike Gibbons and rookies Mike Vaughan (285 pounds) and Bob Jordan will provide tackle competition, while Bill Ellenbogen wants one guard spot and could take it. He filled in nicely for Hicks on several occasions last season.
The defense is a-building, as they say. The front four should start out as ends Jack Gregory and George Martin, tackles Troy Archer and John Mendenhall. But the No. 1 draft pick was Gary Jeter of USC, 6-4 and 265, and he should start. His presence may free Mendenhall to be used as trading material, or could shift Archer to end if Gregory's knee (no operation) hasn't come around.
Archer was the No. 1 pick last year and played like it. Martin continued to improve and he's only 24.
Linebacking might be the best area of all. In the middle is Harry Carson, a 6-2 235-pound converted defensive end who was a No. 4 pick last year and who took command before the season was half over. He has incredible potential and unusual strength. Brad Van Pelt on the strong side finally played up to Pro Bowl caliber. He's 6-5, 235 and should be around for a long time. Brian Kelley moved to the weak side to make room for Carson and liked it, as the coaches liked his play. The leading reserve is another soph, Dan Lloyd, who made noises as though he must become a starter.
Strong safety Robert Giblin moves up to linebacker, joining Brad Cousino and Bob Schmit on the depth chart.
The secondary is so-so at the moment, but could be better if several injuries are healed. The projected corners are Bill Bryant, a free agent (WFL) rookie last year, and Bobby Brooks, who missed most of the season with a knee. Veteran backup Charlie Ford missed it, too, and must be fully recovered to have any chance to stick this year.
Clyde Powers is the strong safety and Jim Steinke, if he isn't needed at corner, will be the free safety. Rick Volk, the old Baltimore veteran, joined up after the season started and played well.
But no matter the improvement on defense, the Giants' overriding problem is still quarterback. If McVay gets an affirmative answer from Goldsteyn's performance, this could be a surprise team. But for a non-regular quarterback to take over and start immediately would be a surprise of major proportions."
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: The game plan calls for Golsteyn to be the regular in a short while. Ramsey, obtained from Denver for Craig Morton, is a mediocre veteran. Shaw may challenge for the early lead.
Performance Quotient: 4 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Csonka says he's fully healed from knee surgery; he might be, since speed was never his forte. Kotar does everything well and is a quiet but respected back. Bell has the flash and fire, but maybe not enough poise.
White has lived off his potential for two years now. Watkins doesn't do badly when he gets a chance, and he's able. Hammond should leave the premises quickly.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Marshall saved the day in the latter part of last season but isn't consistent. Rhodes has been a three-year bust and may move to cornerback now. Tucker is still among the best tight ends in the league when he's thrown to.
Robinson has lots of heart, lots of speed, some moves and little height. Zimmerman, as a free agent, could challenge for a starting position. Shirk made the team because there weren't any other tight ends around. Gillete was never sharp.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: Mullen may be the best lineman on the team, and his torn knee has mended. Van Horn is facing the reality of age, but he can hang on as a reserve. Simpson has a world of potential but not too many blue ribbons. Hicks has been a disappointment and has been subject to trade rumors. Chandler will retain the center's job if he isn't shifted to guard.
Ralph Hill is too short for this league, but he plays with verve to try to make up for his stature. Mikolajczyk, a jumbo-sized Oakland reject, will put strong pressure on Van Horn. Ellenbogen, a free agent surprise, could just win himself a spot. Gibbons has almost no chance.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Joe Danelo can't do it, and if they keep him, he'll lose some games. Dave Jennings is among the league's top punters.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Gregory refused a knee operation and says he's fine; we'll see. Martin is developing into one of the better young ends in the conference. Archer was the top draft choice in '76 and proved to be a blue-chipper. Mendenhall is ferocious when sound- and happy. Too often he's neither.
Rick Dvorak was a project of former coach Bill Arnsparger; new boss McVay may not pick up the reins, though. Jim Pietrzak, who missed all of '76, may play center. Dave Gallagher can't start here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Dramatic improvement catapulted Van Pelt to the Pro Bowl plateau. Kelley is consistent, has good range and a knack for hitting hard. Carson, a 1976 rookie, developed quickly; he should star.
Lloyd, another head-hunting '76 rookie, worries Kelley now. Giblin is a converted strong safety who can't crack the lineup there. Cousino was a waiver pickup, and his value is on special teams. Schmit tries to come back from serious knee surgery and will likely fail.
Performance Quotient: 2
Cornerbacks: Bryant, an ex-WFLer, started most of last season and played nicely. Brooks, who missed most of '76 with a torn knee, showed real ability before the injury.
Ford's another knee case.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Powers is slowly turning into one of the better strong safeties in the NFC. Steinke is valuable at many position, but mostly at free safety.
Volk used all of his experience when he filled in last last season. Larry Mallory, another WFLer, has a chance.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
1977 DRAFT SELECTIONS
"Jeter, with 4.8 speed, will step in and win a starting job- maybe Mendenhall's, although the rookie can also play at end. Perkins, too, should be an instant starter. He has 9.6 speed in the 100 and is rangy tough. Vaughan is a gamble, but if he sheds 20 pounds and plays as he did in his junior year, he's a bargain. Randy Dean, considering the state of flux with quarterbacks, has a chance.
Jordan has size and Moorehead could have been a bargain- his college coach swears he'll make it big. Dixon has a job- as a reserve- if he shows anything.
Performance Quotient: 2"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1977
"The Giants, who play their home games in East Rutherford, New Jersey, finished with a 3-11 record after a string of nine consecutive defeats. Personable John McVay applied the breaks to the skid after taking over from Bill Arnsparger, who had compiled a lackluster 7-28 mark as head coach. In restoring a degree of serenity to a tense and disillusioned squad, McVay rekindled hopes for a return to respectability and vows a dramatic turnaround for 1977.
A pathetically unimaginative offense that scored only 170 points last year and once went 19 quarters without scoring a touchdown will be totally revamped. Now that the Giants have finally realized a short passing game doesn't win in the NFL, the quarterbacks may be allowed to throw deep from time to time. Jerry Golsteyn, the unheralded but impressive rookie who missed all of 1976 with injury, will be competing with sleeper candidate Dennis Shaw and ex-Bronco Steve Ramsey for the regular job. Ramsey compiled a poor 47.4 percent competition mark last season and finished out the campaign on the bench in Denver.
A markedly mediocre set of pass receivers further complicates the quarterback bugaboo that has plagued the Giants for over a decade. Bob Tucker had 42 receptions but only one touchdown from his tight end slot where he is backed up by Larry Mialik and Gary Shirk. Little Ray Rhodes and Jimmy Robinson, along with lanky Ed Marshall, Don Zimmerman and Walker Gillette, comprise a ho-hum set of flankers who are easily knocked off their routes by stronger pass defenders. McVay hopes top-rated rookie John Perkins of Abilene Christian, a 9.7 flanker with great jumping ability, will liven up the picture.
Larry Csonka, the hulking (6-4/220) bone-cruncher, yielded a low return on New York's million-dollar investment, gaining only 569 yards and four touchdowns before undergoing knee surgery at the end of the season. If he can come back in top form, he's the fullback, with quick-starting Marsh White and possibly Larry Watkins backing his play. Doug Kotar, a tough slasher, is the top runner with 731 yards plus 36 pass receptions at halfback where he is assisted by little Gordon Bell, a fast-stepping cutback artist, and possibly ex-Eagle Po James.
McVay will shift personnel in his offensive line to improve pass-blocking. Super-strong Karl Chandler (6-5/250) remains at center where Ralph Hill acts as backup. Tom Mullen (6-3/255), John Hicks (6-1/260) and Al Simpson (6-5/255) are certain starters at three of the four guard-tackle slots. The remaining open slot will be contested by veteran Doug Van Horn (6-3/245), Ron Mikolajczyk (6-3/275) and the brutally strong rookie, Mike Vaughan (6-6/285) of Oklahoma. Soph Mike Gibbons and Bill Ellenbogen will also be on hand as reserve candidates.
Dave Jennings returns after posting an excellent 41.3-yard average on 74 attempts but will have some competition from Randy Dean of Northwestern. Little Joe Danelo could have considerable difficulty keeping his job after converting only eight of 21 field goal attempts last year. Kick returns will be handled by flankers Robinson, Perkins, Bob Hammond and possibly Rondy Colbert.
In sharp contrast to the stumbling offense, New York boasts a tough and aggressive defense which has been furthered strengthened by the addition of their top draft choice, All-American Gary Jeter (6-4/260) of USC, a remarkably fast and strong lineman who can play either end or tackle. Super-soph Troy Archer (6-4/250) is a knockout hitter at tackle who could be shifted outside to make room for Jeter. Top pass rusher Jack Gregory (6-5/255) and George Martin (6-4/245) were the regular ends while Archer had been teaming with agile John Mendenhall (6-1/260) at tackle. Rop reserves include Rick Dvorak (6-4/245) and Jim Pietrzak (6-5/260). Our guess for the starting unit would be a Gregory-Archer-Mendenhall-Jeter combination.
Brad Van Pelt (6-5/240) was the club's MVP at his linebacker slot and the sole Giant to appear in the Pro Bowl. Soph Harry Carson (6-3/240) came on fast in the middle, establishing a rep as a violent hitter, while tough Brian Kelley (6-3/225) rounded out the muscular linebacking trio on the right side. Soph Dan Lloyd, Bob Schmit, Brad Cousino and possible strong safety Robert Giblin will vie for reserve backer berths.
Clyde Powers and Jim Steinke anchor the secondary at their safety positions where they could be supported by Rick Volk, Larry Mallory and/or Giblin. Top candidates for the cornerback jobs are Bill Bryant, Bobby Brooks, Charlie Ford and injury-plagued Henry Stuckey.
While the Giants, who have not qualified for playoff competition in 14 years, still have some distance to go before being viewed as a legitimate contender, they should show marked improvement under McVay, at least enough to allow them to escape the cellar of the NFC Eastern Division. Their fine defense will keep them competitive but until they come up with a regular quarterback who can put some points on the board with reasonable regularity, a winning season remains a pipe dream.
'77 Forecast: 4th Place"
-Football Forecast 1977, published by Lexington Library, Inc.
"Despite finishing last season with a 3-11 record, making their mark for the past four years 12-43-1- the worst in the league except for the expansion teams Tampa Bay and Seattle- the Giants are enthusiastic about beginning this season.
The reason?
John McVay.
The popular McVay was made interim head coach after the Giants had lost their first seven games under Bill Arnsparger last season, then after guiding the team to a 3-4 record the rest of the way, he was given a two-year contract as head coach.
'The players respect him and respond to him,' pointed out defensive lineman Dave Gallagher, who decided to forgo football this year in favor of a medical career. 'He came in during a near-impossible situation, amid bickering and doubts and lost confidence, and he restored us.'
'We proved we can win with him,' says defensive end George Martin.
'McVay is a damn good coach, a spirited guy who knows a lot of football and someone we could be winners with,' emphasized guard John Hicks.
Under McVay, the Giants attitude took a complete turn, and he was fully aware of it. 'Watching the players, I saw men suddenly playing hard, going all out, playing with abandon ... really having a good time,' he says. 'And, of course, we started winning a few games.'
'I don't think it was necessarily the wins that the fans found most important,' he continues. 'It was seeing players putting out as hard as they could. I'm pleased, really honored, that the players said they wanted me back, that they were backing me. But more important to me is the way they played for me.'
Under McVay, the Giants played inspired, hard-nosed football. They dispensed with the complicated moves, and returned to basics and straight-ahead blocking. And they played without fear ... without fear of the coach and the second-guess.
'There's a different feeling now,' said quarterback Craig Morton, often maligned for his play calling and passing. 'The guys aren't as worried about making mistakes. Before, they didn't really play to win as much as they played not to lose. Maybe it was fear.'
However, Morton obviously did not fit into McVay's long range plans. The quarterback was dealt to the Denver Broncos in a straight trade of signal callers which brought Steve Ramsey to the Giants. Ramsey had not been an overwhelming success in his Denver stint, having suffered the boos of disenchanted fans who watched him struggle through an indifferent 1976 season.
'It all points back to McVay,' says defensive tackle John Mendenhall. 'He's doing the job, getting us up each week. We respond more to him. He doesn't beat around the bush. He explains what he wants us to do. Arnsparger used to stop the films on mistakes and yell at us. McVay explains them.'
All the praise for McVay, however, will not make the Giants division contenders. That takes talent, and the team lacks that in too many areas.
Ramsey's running backs include Larry Csonka, coming off knee surgery, Doug Kotar, Gordon Bell and Marsh White. The receivers are Ed Marshall, Jimmy Robinson, Walker Gillette and Ray Rhodes on the outside, and Bob Tucker at tight end. The offensive line has Tom Mullen, also returning from knee surgery, and Doug Van Horn at tackles, Hicks and Al Simpson at guards, and Karl Chandler at center.
The defensive lineup includes Martin, Troy Archer, Mendenhall and Jack Gregory up front, Brad Van Pelt, Harry Carson and Brian Kelley at linebackers, and a secondary with Jim Steinke, Rick Volk, Clyde Powers, Henry Stuckey, Charlie Ford, Bill Bryant and Bobby Brooks."
-Bert Rosenthal, Complete Sports 1977 Pro Football Special Preview
"If Steve Ramsey wasn't the answer with the defensively strong Denver Broncos, why should he be the messiah who will lead the Giants from the wilderness of defeat and discord they have wandered in for lo! so many years? The Giants were 3-11 last year, which breaks to down to 0-7 under Bill Arnsparger and 3-4 under new head man John McVay.
Once more revamping, the Jints will do things like throwing all the offensive linemen into a hopper and letting the best five play. John Hicks may try tackle instead of guard, Ron Mikolajczyk will be switched to tackle for a time, and guard Al Simpson, a disappointment in the past, will get a shot at tackle.
Ramsey may be pencilled in as the starting quarterback in place of Craig Morton, for whom he was traded. Whether Ramsey is the answer is moot. The trade was mostly made to clear the air and relieve the Giant players of Morton, who wasn't liked.
Norm Snead has retired, leaving untried Jerry Golsteyn as the dark horse unless McVay can steal a quarterback from someone. Dennis Shaw, late of the Bills and Cardinals and a man experienced at running a ball-control attack, will also get more than a mere glance and could be the man.
The Giants defense, which played far better than the record would indicate, allowed 4,191 yards in 1976 to finish ninth overall in the NFC. Three rookies played very well- [tackle] Troy Archer, middle linebacker Harry Carson and cornerback Bill Bryant. They will start this year for sure. The Giants want a large-sized tackle next to Archer and are trying to spring Carl Barzilauskas from the Jets. John Mendenhall is a solid pro. And the draft provided Gary Jeter, the USC All-American defensive tackle.
The top priority has to be to improve the lousy, dull offense that Morton tried to palm off on Meadowlands patrons. They booed him all the way to Denver and continued to buy more tickets (76,000 per game) than fans of any other team in the NFL, but that can slow down if things don't get better.
McVay hired assistant coach Bob Gibson away from the Detroit Lions to serve as offensive coordinator. It was Gibson who supervised the renaissance of the Lions and Greg Landry.
Last year the Jint attack was fourth from last in the NFC, with a combined 3,696 yards and a mere 170 points- only five more than the Eagles, who were last in that department. Retooling the attack means checking out Larry Csonka's knee [after surgery]. It means the same with tackle Tom Mullen, who got hurt in the same game that messed up Zonk. Can Gordon Bell, a quick, smallish scatback, oust Doug Kotar from his starting halfback spot? Should smallish Ray Rhodes quit as a wide receiver and become a cornerback?
Overall, the Giants claim that a fleet wide receiver who can take a bomb all the way is their prime need. Maybe so, but it says here that both the offensive and defensive lines, and the corners, need help. The front four has been hurt by the retirement of defensive end Dave Gallagher, obtained from the Chicago Bears for a third round draft pick. Gallagher was used sparingly, despite good work when he did perform, and he reacted accordingly.
Any time a team revamps- and, in effect, runs open house at almost every position- it takes a certain amount of time to gain cohesion and a feeling of togetherness. The Giants, especially on the attack, were very much apart from each other last year. Owner Wellington Mara is becoming tired of losing and only gave McVay a two-year contract. If the team gets off to a poor start this year, look for more fur to fly even before the regular season opens. Winning in the preseason will become important in establishing a winning attitude.
Kotar did pretty well with 731 yards last year, but Csonka disappointed with only 569, but Zonk got hurt, too. It wasn't quite like having the Miami holes opened by Larry Little and Norm Evans. And that's where chaos in the offensive line hurts. Doug Van Horn and Tom Mullen [and Hicks] are left from the old guard. Semi-new are Mike Gibbons, Simpson,Karl Chandler and Mikolajczyk.
When McVay was imported from Memphis of the WFL, he brought with him a cadre of offensive linemen from both the Memphis Southmen and the Birmingham Americans. But somehow these players didn't click as a unit. They might be tried again, but not all WFL types make it in the NFL. Another question is what happens to John Hicks, the combative guard who drew too many holding penalties in 1976.
Most NFL coaches like the Giants' defense, but shudder when the attack is mentioned. That should be McVay's first area of change- and the change will be the one loyal Giant fans will appreciate the most."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Ramsey had mediocre stats with the Broncos and could be the main reason John Ralston was fired. He's only 29, so the Giants gain comparative youth over old man Morton, but Steve had a poor 47.4 and only 11 touchdowns with Denver. He'll have to do better. Shaw failed at Buffalo and couldn't unseat Jim Hart with the Cards, but he's at the right age and has game experience. Personal problems bothered him in the past. He will stick. Golsteyn is the future hope of the Jersey Jints.
Running Backs: Kotar is too small, say some, but he outran Csonka last year. Csonka must prove that his knee is all right and that he can scamper without a great attack line in front of him.
Bell did a job when he got the chance; he gained 233 yards last year. Marsh White is the heir apparent if Zonk can't make it. Larry Watkins is a journeyman reserve.
Receivers: Bob Tucker led the Giants in 1976 with 42 receptions, but he still was overlooked in the early going by coach Arnsparger and quarterback Morton. He is top flight and would be hard to replace if hurt. Running back Kotar caught 36 passes, Bell 25. Jimmy Robinson surprised with 18 and Rhodes proved too small- he got only 16.
Morton's favorite receiver, Walker Gillette, may not make the team, especially when his 1976 report card of 16 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns is analyzed. Don Zimmerman is a newcomer with five years of NFL experience.
Interior Linemen: Mullen's knee must be repaired if he is to challenge for his regular spot again. Simpson has all the potential in the world but hasn't been entirely coachable. Mikolajczyk was caught holding too often in '76, as was Hicks. Chandler is a dependable center and is backed by WFL type Ralph Hill. Van Horn most likely will go. He survived both the Alex Webster and Bill Arnsparger era. How much can a man take?
Kickers: Dave Jennings is one of the NFL's best kickers; certainly he is the best Giant punter since Don Chandler. Joe Danelo is spotty, inconsistent and replaceable."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: George Martin, John Mendenhall, Troy Archer and Rick Dvorak don't make too bad a front wall if all goes well. Mendenhall must accept the fate of remaining a Giant, and Archer must continue to improve. The return of Gallagher from the retired list would help.
Linebackers: Van Pelt was just about the best Giant last year, and he'll be back this season after wavering as a free agent. Carson reminded oldtimers of a young Sam Huff, and Brian Kelley was better than expected.
Former safety Robert Giblin will try his hand at linebacker this year.
Cornerbacks: Bryant is a regular. Charlie Ford, Henry Stuckey and Rondy Colbert are experienced. The Giants intercepted only 12 passes in 1976. Van Pelt, Jim Steinke and Rick Volk managed to steal two each.
Safeties: Volk proved he is still a top NFL safety after he joined the Giants. He and Clyde Powers give the club strength in the deep secondary. Steinke also plays corner on occasion."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977
"In their new Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Giants had what they call their 'first season' and their 'second season.' In their first season, under coach Bill Arnsparger, the team lost its first seven games. In its second season, under John McVay, the team won three and lost four, but could easily have won three of those four defeats.
That offers some hope for 1977, but the bald facts remain that the Giant offense scored an average of only 12 points a game and once went an incredible 20 straight periods without a touchdown. The Giants ranked 11th of 14th in total offense, 10th in rushing and ninth in passing. On defense they gave up 18 points a game, ranking ninth overall, ninth against the rush and seventh against the pass.
OFFENSE: Last year's No. 1 quarterback, Craig Morton, was sent to Denver for Steve Ramsey. Steve will battle Jerry Goldsteyn, a rookie who was impressive until he hurt a knee in spring training game, and veteran Dennis Shaw. Rookie Randy Dean (Northwestern) was a No. 5 pick.
Larry Csonka and Doug Kotar are the running backs. Csonka was not the Super Bowl back the Giants had hoped, though he did gain 569 yards in 11 games before an injury sidelined him. This year look for the Giants to send Csonka stomping straight ahead while using him to block for Kotar on sweeps.
The top catcher among the wide receivers was Jimmy Robinson, with only 18. Others include Ray Rhodes, Walker Gillette and Ed Marshall, with Marshall the only deep threat. The tight end is Bob Tucker, who led the team with 42 catches. The Giants drafted two wide receivers, Johnny Perkins (Abilene Christian) and Emery Moorehead (Colorado).
DEFENSE: Here McVay can smile a little. On the front four are tackles Troy Archer and John Mendenhall and ends George Martin and Jack Gregory, with Dave Gallagher and No. 1 draft choice Gary Jeter (USC) possible starters.
Leader of the linebackers is Brad Van Pelt. Middle man Harry Carson made the All-NFL Rookie team. Brian Kelley is on the outside.
The cornerbacks figure to be Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey, the strong safety Clyde Powers, the free safety Jim Steinke, but Steinke can play corner with veteran Rick Volk the safety.
SPECIALISTS: Punter Dave Jennings ranked No. 2 in the NFC with a 41.3 average. But place kicker Joe Danelo (8 of 21) was erratic.
STRENGTHS: A young and improving defense.
WEAKNESSES: A stumbling offense with holes at quarterback, on the line and among the receivers; no field goal kicker; no depth anywhere.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: Unless a new Johnny Unitas comes along to pick up the offense and turn it around, coach John McVay will have an agonizing season of losing a bunch of close ones."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
OFFENSE
"The Giants- New York Giants claims the masthead- now play in East Rutherford, New Jersey. If that doesn't confuse you, the offense is right out of Pottstown, PA. In fact, their latest quarterback, Steve Ramsey, might have trouble beating out ol' King Corcoran of those immortal Firebirds. Ramsey couldn't do it in Denver, so what can be expected with the East Rutherford Giants? Possibly that unknown Jerry Goldsteyn will be the quarterback by season's end.
Then there's Larry Csonka- once Zonk, now Zonked- with his made millions and depreciated talent. And coming off surgery, a bad sign. Will Doug Kotar go it alone? Is Gordon Bell really Rickey Bell in disguise? Remember, the Giants went 20 straight periods without scoring a touchdown in '76.
What promise does '77 hold? The Giants have wide receivers, but none who can do deep. Tight end Bob Tucker is good, but can't light up Times Square by himself. There is an uncertainty about the offensive line, not only who will play, but how well? John Hicks is proven goods, however. Another thing hurting the Giants: they play in the wrong division."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
DEFENSE
"Not too bad. Over the last seven games of the NFL's toughest schedule in '76, the Giants' defense yielded but 12 points a game and held Dallas and Washington without a touchdown. The front four won't look like Robustelli, Grier, Modzelewski and Katcavage, but the present grouping of George Martin, Troy Archer, John Mendenhall and Jack Gregory is a solid unit even without a potent offense, which wasn't a problem with the old Giants. Martin led the team in sacks last year.
Linebacking is even stronger, with Brad Van Pelt, Harry Carson and Brian Kelley. The secondary is questionable. Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey, who lost their cornerback jobs last year, are back, but Stuckey may have trouble supplanting Brooks. Jim Steinke returns to free safety after filling in at corner, while Clyde Powers has two years experience as the starting strong safety.
If the secondary comes together, the Giants' defense almost certainly will improve, especially with an easier schedule. If the Giant offense can get some points, the defense would improve that much more."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
KICKING GAME
"Joe Danelo, the Giants' third field goal kicker in three years, beat the Redskins (12-9) by himself, but otherwise was inconsistent (8-for-21). Four in four years? Dave Jennings' punting (41.3) was second in the NFC. Bell appears the best return man."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
THE ROOKIES
"Gary Jeter was the second defensive lineman taken in the draft, and the Giants' second straight defensive lineman taken in the first round (Troy Archer went in '76). New York needs wide receivers, so unknown Johnny Perkins (Abilene Christian) will get a good look."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
OUTLOOK
"Coach John McVay needs someone who can throw and others who can catch. The running game appears lacking. The offensive line is one big grab bag. It's too bad the Giants don't have an offense to approach their defense. Since they don't, care to guess where they will finish?"
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
Sunday, March 5, 2017
1976 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Craig Morton (California)
Carl Summerell (East Carolina)
David Jaynes (Kansas)
Running Backs
Doug Kotar (Kentucky)
Larry Csonka (Syracuse)
Ron Johnson (Michigan)
Joe Dawkins (Wisconsin)
Gordon Bell (Michigan)*
Marsh White (Arkansas)
Receivers
Ray Rhodes (W) (Tulsa)
Walker Gillette (W) (Richmond)
Bob Tucker (T) (Bloomsburg)
Danny Buggs (W) (West Virginia)
Jim Obradovich (T) (USC)
Elmo Wright (W) (Houston)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State)
Al Simpson (T) (Colorado State)
John Hicks (G) (Ohio State)
Tom Mullen (G) (Southwest Missouri State)
Bob Hyland (C) (Boston College)
Karl Chandler (G-C) (Princeton)
Ralph Hill (C) (Florida A & M)
Joe Miller (T) (Villanova)
Tom Kruyer (G) (Indiana)
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
George Hunt (PK) (Tennessee)
Dave Jennings (P) (St. Lawrence)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
Dave Gallagher (E-T) (Michigan)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Jim Pietrzak (T) (Eastern Michigan)
Rick Dvorak (T-E) (Wichita State)
Troy Archer (E) (Colorado)*
George Martin (E) (Oregon)
John Jordan (T) (Indiana)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
Pat Hughes (O) (Boston University)
Brian Kelley (M) (California Lutheran)
Bob Schmit (M) (Nebraska)
Andy Selfridge (O) (Virginia)
Harry Carson (O-M) (South Carolina State)*
Dan Lloyd (O) (Washington)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Henry Stuckey (Missouri)
Bobby Brooks (Bishop)
Safeties
Clyde Powers (S-W) (Oklahoma)
Jim Steinke (W) (Southwest Texas State)
Robert Giblin (S) (Houston)
Spider Lockhart (W) (North Texas State)
Mel Wilson (W) (Cal State-Northridge)*
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1976 published by Ballantine Books
OFFENSE
QB - Craig Morton, Carl Summerell, Mike Wells, David Jaynes
RB - Larry Csonka, Marsh White
RB - Larry Watkins, Doug Kotar, Gordon Bell
WR - Ray Rhodes, Danny Buggs, Charlie Hobbs
LT - Joe Miller, Willie Young, Al Simpson
LG - Charlie Bray, Tom Kruyer, Tom Mullen, Karl Chandler
C - Bob Hyland, Ralph Hill
RG - John Hicks, Charlie Bray, Karl Chandler
RT - Doug Van Horn, Mike Gibbons, Al Simpson, Dave Simonson
TE - Bob Tucker, Jim Obradovich, Gary Shirk
WR - Walker Gillette, Elmo Wright
DEFENSE
LDE - George Martin, Dave Gallagher
LDT - Rick Dvorak, Jim Peterzak, Bill Windauer
RDT - Dave Gallagher, Bonnie Sloan, Larry Jacobson
RDE - Jack Gregory, George Martin, Troy Archer
LLB - Pat Hughes, Andy Selfridge, Dan Lloyd
MLB - Brian Kelley, Bob Schmit, Harry Carson
RLB - Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge
LCB - Bobby Brooks
SS - Clyde Powers , Robert Giblin, Charlie Ford
FS - Jim Steinke, Spider Lockhart, Mel Wilson
RCB - Charlie Ford, Larry Mallory
SPECIALISTS
K - George Hunt
P - Dave Jennings, George Hunt
KR - Danny Buggs, Doug Kotar
PR - Ray Rhodes, Danny Buggs
KC - Bob Hyland, Jim Pietrzak
PC - Jim Pietrzak, Bob Hyland
H - Craig Morton, Carl Summerell
-Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook
OFFENSE
QB - Craig Morton, Carl Summerell, Mike Wells
RB - Doug Kotar, Joe Dawkins, Gordon Bell*, John Thomas*
RB - Larry Csonka, Marsh White, Larry Watkins
WR - Walker Gillette, Danny Buggs
LT - Al Simpson, Willie Young, Joe Miller
LG - Tom Mullen, Karl Chandler, Charlie Bray
C - Bob Hyland, Ralph Hill
RG - John Hicks, Tom Kruyer, Ralph Miller
RT - Doug Van Horn, Dave Simonson, Mike Gibbons
TE - Bob Tucker, Jim Obradovich, Gary Shirk
WR - Ray Rhodes, Elmo Wright, Craig Brantley, Tim Berra
DEFENSE
LDE - George Martin, Dave Gallagher, Raymond Carr
LDT - Dave Gallagher, Bill Windauer, John Jordan
RDT - John Mendenhall, Jim Pietrzak, Eddie Morgan*
RDE - Jack Gregory, Troy Archer*, Bonnie Sloan
LLB - Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge, Dan Lloyd*
MLB - Brian Kelley, Bob Schmit, Harry Carson*
RLB - Pat Hughes, Jerry Mullane, Frank Marlon
LCB - Bobby Brooks, Charlie Ford, Bill Bryant, Rick Caswell*
SS - Clyde Powers, Robert Giblin, Larry Mallory
FS - Jim Steinke, Spider Lockhart, Mike Townsend
RCB - Henry Stuckey, Mel Wilson*, Steve Curnutte *
* rookie
-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976, published by Pocket Books
Quarterbacks
Craig Morton (California)
Carl Summerell (East Carolina)
David Jaynes (Kansas)
Running Backs
Doug Kotar (Kentucky)
Larry Csonka (Syracuse)
Ron Johnson (Michigan)
Joe Dawkins (Wisconsin)
Gordon Bell (Michigan)*
Marsh White (Arkansas)
Receivers
Ray Rhodes (W) (Tulsa)
Walker Gillette (W) (Richmond)
Bob Tucker (T) (Bloomsburg)
Danny Buggs (W) (West Virginia)
Jim Obradovich (T) (USC)
Elmo Wright (W) (Houston)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State)
Al Simpson (T) (Colorado State)
John Hicks (G) (Ohio State)
Tom Mullen (G) (Southwest Missouri State)
Bob Hyland (C) (Boston College)
Karl Chandler (G-C) (Princeton)
Ralph Hill (C) (Florida A & M)
Joe Miller (T) (Villanova)
Tom Kruyer (G) (Indiana)
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
George Hunt (PK) (Tennessee)
Dave Jennings (P) (St. Lawrence)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
Dave Gallagher (E-T) (Michigan)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Jim Pietrzak (T) (Eastern Michigan)
Rick Dvorak (T-E) (Wichita State)
Troy Archer (E) (Colorado)*
George Martin (E) (Oregon)
John Jordan (T) (Indiana)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
Pat Hughes (O) (Boston University)
Brian Kelley (M) (California Lutheran)
Bob Schmit (M) (Nebraska)
Andy Selfridge (O) (Virginia)
Harry Carson (O-M) (South Carolina State)*
Dan Lloyd (O) (Washington)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Henry Stuckey (Missouri)
Bobby Brooks (Bishop)
Safeties
Clyde Powers (S-W) (Oklahoma)
Jim Steinke (W) (Southwest Texas State)
Robert Giblin (S) (Houston)
Spider Lockhart (W) (North Texas State)
Mel Wilson (W) (Cal State-Northridge)*
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1976 published by Ballantine Books
OFFENSE
QB - Craig Morton, Carl Summerell, Mike Wells, David Jaynes
RB - Larry Csonka, Marsh White
RB - Larry Watkins, Doug Kotar, Gordon Bell
WR - Ray Rhodes, Danny Buggs, Charlie Hobbs
LT - Joe Miller, Willie Young, Al Simpson
LG - Charlie Bray, Tom Kruyer, Tom Mullen, Karl Chandler
C - Bob Hyland, Ralph Hill
RG - John Hicks, Charlie Bray, Karl Chandler
RT - Doug Van Horn, Mike Gibbons, Al Simpson, Dave Simonson
TE - Bob Tucker, Jim Obradovich, Gary Shirk
WR - Walker Gillette, Elmo Wright
DEFENSE
LDE - George Martin, Dave Gallagher
LDT - Rick Dvorak, Jim Peterzak, Bill Windauer
RDT - Dave Gallagher, Bonnie Sloan, Larry Jacobson
RDE - Jack Gregory, George Martin, Troy Archer
LLB - Pat Hughes, Andy Selfridge, Dan Lloyd
MLB - Brian Kelley, Bob Schmit, Harry Carson
RLB - Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge
LCB - Bobby Brooks
SS - Clyde Powers , Robert Giblin, Charlie Ford
FS - Jim Steinke, Spider Lockhart, Mel Wilson
RCB - Charlie Ford, Larry Mallory
SPECIALISTS
K - George Hunt
P - Dave Jennings, George Hunt
KR - Danny Buggs, Doug Kotar
PR - Ray Rhodes, Danny Buggs
KC - Bob Hyland, Jim Pietrzak
PC - Jim Pietrzak, Bob Hyland
H - Craig Morton, Carl Summerell
-Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook
OFFENSE
QB - Craig Morton, Carl Summerell, Mike Wells
RB - Doug Kotar, Joe Dawkins, Gordon Bell*, John Thomas*
RB - Larry Csonka, Marsh White, Larry Watkins
WR - Walker Gillette, Danny Buggs
LT - Al Simpson, Willie Young, Joe Miller
LG - Tom Mullen, Karl Chandler, Charlie Bray
C - Bob Hyland, Ralph Hill
RG - John Hicks, Tom Kruyer, Ralph Miller
RT - Doug Van Horn, Dave Simonson, Mike Gibbons
TE - Bob Tucker, Jim Obradovich, Gary Shirk
WR - Ray Rhodes, Elmo Wright, Craig Brantley, Tim Berra
DEFENSE
LDE - George Martin, Dave Gallagher, Raymond Carr
LDT - Dave Gallagher, Bill Windauer, John Jordan
RDT - John Mendenhall, Jim Pietrzak, Eddie Morgan*
RDE - Jack Gregory, Troy Archer*, Bonnie Sloan
LLB - Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge, Dan Lloyd*
MLB - Brian Kelley, Bob Schmit, Harry Carson*
RLB - Pat Hughes, Jerry Mullane, Frank Marlon
LCB - Bobby Brooks, Charlie Ford, Bill Bryant, Rick Caswell*
SS - Clyde Powers, Robert Giblin, Larry Mallory
FS - Jim Steinke, Spider Lockhart, Mike Townsend
RCB - Henry Stuckey, Mel Wilson*, Steve Curnutte *
* rookie
-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976, published by Pocket Books
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