TEAM DIRECTORY
President: Wellington Mara
Vice-President-Treasurer: Timothy Mara
Vice-President-Secretary-General Manager: Raymond J. Walsh
Director of Operations: Andy Robustelli
Director of Pro Personnel: Jim Trimble
Director of Player Personnel: Jim Lee Howell
Director of Public Relations: Ed Croke
Head Coach: John McVay
Home Field: Giants Stadium (76,500)
-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)
OFFENSE
"Picture a couple of jigsaw pieces with the rest of the puzzle missing. That's the Giants. Larry Csonka, who theoretically was to be the team's bread and butter, turned out to be closer to margarine. The offensive line was pretty soft, too, and the passing game was erratic and ... and ...
Well, the Giants do have some admirable overachievers who will at least give their best at all times. Bobby Hammond is a fairly effective, but small, running back. Jimmy Robinson is a fairly effective, but small, wide receiver. Johnny Perkins, a slow-developing No. 2 draft pick from last year, might be a top player and maybe quarterback Joe Pisarcik can get by on his brashness.
The thing is that the coaches lived in deathly fear of mistakes most of last season, thus creating a dull and conservative approach. It must be said that the team turned bravely toward a youth movement before last season and so must work very hard on its patience. Also, it could print up bumper stickers with a slogan fit for the new season: 'Help!' "
-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)
DEFENSE
"Help? Yes, glad you asked. The defense will help as it has for several years. Troy Archer is a real NFL player. And so is Harry Carson, and so is Brad Van Pelt. The defensive line, as a group, played well through a bumpy season and the Giants are willing to try again with John Mendenhall, who played out his option after years of griping but is returning nevertheless. Mendenhall doesn't play badly even when he's unhappy.
But what the rest of the league knows is that the Giants' secondary can be dreadful. Ray Rhodes, who had been a hard-working but limited wide receiver, thus was moved to defense, where he became a hard-working but limited cornerback. The idea is to fix that lead without disturbing the rest of the defense because the defense is the team's strength. Meanwhile, the defensive coordinator, Marty Schottenheimer, has left for a similar job with Detroit. So who knows what will happen now."
-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)
KICKING GAME
"Can't complain too much about this phase, either. Dave Jennings is a steady punter and Joe Danelo, after one season of stark inconsistency, repaid McVay's trust by having a good year. Hammond can return punts, but the team doesn't have a kickoff returner and doesn't cover kicks particularly well."
-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)
THE ROOKIES
"Water for the parched areas: offensive tackle Gordon King of Stanford, defensive back Odis McKinney of Colorado, running back Billy Taylor of Texas Tech and another defensive back, Terry Jackson of San Diego State. Even if only one of them makes the team, it will help."
-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)
OUTLOOK
"The schedule is sooooo easy, which either means the Giants can actually be a contender, or McVay is on his way out the door. For years this franchise has been a leaf caught in a gale, and the weather is still unpredictable."
-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)
"Perhaps rookie wide receiver Emery Moorehead said it all when post-season talk speculation suggested that New York just might make a run for the playoffs in 1978. The Giants' schedule includes two games with Tampa Bay's Buccaneers, a prospect which prompted Moorehead to say:
'Hey, Tampa Bay has just won two in a row. They might be thinking Super Bowl next year.'
So much for unbounded flights of optimism. The big question facing these displaced New Yorkers, known across the river as the Jersey Giants, is whether they can get all together and keep rolling with more consistency than they demonstrated in 1977. It's entirely possible, according to at least two Giant players who can hardly wait to back up their opinions.
'We should have won seven or eight games with the people we had,' complained safety Jim Stienke just after he underwent post-season surgery for a fractured hand incurred in the 12-9 overtime loss to Chicago in the season's finale. And safety Clyde Powers chimed in with his analysis, saying, 'We've got a defensive unit that's already of playoff caliber. A few people here and there, and we'll be ready.'
Comparatively, the 1977 NFL statistics would seem to give little justification for such a rosy outlook. In total defense, for instance, the club finished eighth in the NFC. This breaks down to a ranking of third in rushing defense (not bad at all) but a lowly 12th on passing defense. Obviously, this means the defensive line's pass rush was hardly something for opposing quarterbacks to lose sleep over the night before a game. And the secondary couldn't have given receivers much trouble as they ranged outward, looking for the ball. During those moments, the Giants managed to intercept passes only 12 times.
As for the offense, it fared little better. The final statistics showed the Giants 10th in the NFC in total net yards- while finishing seventh in rushing and 12th in passing. If the defense could stand a little patching here and there, then a similar claim can be made for the offense.
The Giant defense is strongest in its seven players up front, including linemen Jack Gregory, John Mendenhall, Troy Archer and George Martin, and the linebackers, Harry Carson, Brad Van Pelt and Brian Kelley. Coach John McVay is confident these men will return for the new campaign fired up and ready to go, and he includes Mendenhall in this group despite the seven-year tackle's often-stated views about 'wanting to leave.' Even though the four linemen had great seasons, somebody may have to move to make room for Gary Jeter, New York's No. 1 draft pick for last year, who is complaining about his lack of playing time.
Perhaps there's no single player who gets more off-season attention than Larry Csonka, the rolling pile-driver who made his mark in Florida, then really made his fortune in Memphis, Tennessee, by way of Canada. Csonka has never run up yardage for the Giants with the same steady efficiency he displayed with the Dolphins. The reasons may be varied- lack of a good offensive line to open up the holes and running room, his advancing age (he's 31), or any one of several other factors. Csonka did run for 464 yards (and one paltry touchdown) last season, carrying 134 times for a 3.5. But his main forte in Miami, you'll remember, was lowering his head and picking up those two or three vital yards needed for conversions on third downs. And he made it look so easy. Now, there's some speculation that Csonka perhaps would like to call it quits but, somehow, he can't bring himself to admit it. One thing that has always come through about Larry Csonka- he wants to do the right thing for those who have expressed confidence in him. And that goes for the New York Giants management as well.
Regardless of where they may have finished in the standing and in the statistical ratings, the Giants once again led the entire NFL in ticket sales during the 1977 season. For the seven home dates at Giant Stadium, across the river in the Jersey Meadowlands, the sale was 529,561- an average of more than 75,000 per contest. That was even more tickets than were sold in Denver where the Orange Crush raged throughout the season (although the Broncos were second in sales with 519,603). Whatever else may be wrong with the Giants, getting people to come to their games isn't [a problem].
While they crank up for the new season, the Giants are keeping a wary eye on the new-fangled schedule which supposedly pits a club like theirs against other clubs of comparable strength. A quick look at the '78 schedule reveals some very formidable opposition. Dallas, for instance, plays the Giants twice and so do the improving Philadelphia and the Pardee-oriented Washington. Los Angeles is on the list with suddenly-tough Atlanta and restive New Orleans. As mentioned before, Tampa Bay plays the Giants twice and the games are already being touted as the McKays vs. the McVays."
-Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1978
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Joe Pisarcik, for the time being at least, has ended the search for a quarterback, even though his 42.7 completion average and 42.5 rating his rookie year weren't all that impressive. But he can throw long to speed-burning receivers and he can run (2 TDs carrying the ball last season).
Jerry Golsteyn is still ready to go in with a 'good day' if Pisarcik should have a 'bad' one- or vice versa. Randy Dean is still waiting for somebody to give him a look.
Running Backs: Gordon Bell didn't carry very much but did manage a 3.9 average on 16 carries. Doug Kotar seems prone to injury. Larry Csonka showed flashes of the old form he may never regain and he could become, for the Giants, a multimillion-dollar miscue. Bob Hammond is the up-and-coming type here, even though his club-leading 577 yards rushing was a little less than impressive.
Willie Spencer is a backup at present, apparently nothing more. Harold Hart and Marsh White contend with injuries but could be ready to challenge. Billy Taylor had a career rushing average of 5.0 yards per carry in the Southwest Conference.
Receivers: Jimmy Robinson and Johnny Perkins led the club in receptions last season (22 and 20) with running back Hammond also qualifying with 19. Gary Shirk and Emery Moorehead, both of whom have that magic element called 'potential,' share the starting roles with Robinson.
Just about everybody on the Giants' offensive unit caught at least one pass last season- 13 different players nailed passes. Al Dixon would up the season on injured reserve. Ernie Pough arrives in a trade that sent John Hicks to the Steelers.
Interior Linemen: A puzzling array of pro football players- do they have talent, or not? Probably not. Doug Van Horn has a wide edge on experience but he can't do it all alone. Hicks got restless, wanted to travel elsewhere and was traded to Pittsburgh. Gordon Gravelle played with two Super Bowl champions at Pittsburgh before coming to New York, but he's injury-prone though a good pass blocker when he's healthy. Jim Clack can play guard or center and was part of the Hicks deal with Pittsburgh.
The college draft could help here. Giants scouts say their No. 1 draftee, Gordon King, was the best college pass blocker in the country.
When last seen, Tom Mullen and Dick Leavitt were the big names on the injured reserve listings.
Kickers: If the Giants have at least one indisputable strong point, this is it. Joe Danelo led the club in scoring with 19-for-20 in PATs and 14 of 23 in field goals. Dave Jennings punted an even hundred times and averaged 39.9 yards per boot. (With all the interest in a punter's other abilities beyond distance, perhaps the statistics will one day show a punter's average 'hang time'- a statistic indicating how much time he gives his teammates to get downfield under the ball and on the punt returner.)"
-Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1978
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Another puzzle, but for a different reason, this unit is the principal strength of an exceedingly effective defense, but some of the main cogs just can't settle down, in their minds, that is. For three seasons now, John Mendenhall has been grumbling about 'leaving' the Giants. Gary Jeter isn't at all happy with his assignment to special teams duty. Jack Gregory was feuding with Hicks of the offensive unit.
Troy Archer is generally regarded as the top talent here. (One view is that he could start for the Cowboys.) George Martin is usually in on most of the plays.
Linebackers: Brad Van Pelt once again made it to the Pro Bowl, proving once again that he has both the ability and the votes. Harry Carson had one but not the other. Runners must beware of this craw, although passes occasionally sift through. Brian Kelley's play was a credit to the newly revived Giants.
Frank Marion was on the injury list at the season's end but hopes to regain his job as No. 5 linebacker consigned mainly to special teams.
Cornerbacks: The defensive secondary is regarded by some as the Giants' weakest zone. Beasley Reece, injured last season, was Dallas' No. 9 draftee in 1976. He asked to be traded to a team that would play him on defense, instead of wide receiver. Bill Bryant and Ray Rhodes remain, but there's a lot to learn.
Odis McKinney was chosen in the 2nd round of the draft, mainly on his speed credentials.
Safeties: Speed is missing here. Jim Stienke and Clyde Powers don't put on the kind of chase sometimes offered by other NFL safeties. Help is needed here."
-Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1978
"Despite possessing a respectable defensive unit, the lackluster Giants continue to wallow in the murky depths of the NFC's Eastern Division. A series of unproductive drafts, highly unstable coaching, poor trading and antiquated front office thinking have contributed to the downfall of this once proud franchise. Apart from drawing the easiest schedule in the league this season, the '78 Giants have little basis for optimism.
OFFENSE: A perfect example of the overall operation is an unimaginative and inept offense, one better suited to sandlot competition, that produced only 181 points last year while employing easily defensed, minimal formations. Coach John McVay calls the predictable plays from the sidelines for his three separate quarterbacks, Joe Pisarcik, Jerry Golsteyn, and Randy Dean. Pisarcik, a game and tough competitor, has the edge over the more polished Golsteyn. Ex-Steeler Ernie Pough, a true 9.3 blazer, and rookie decathlon star Brian DeRoo of Redlands shouldn't have trouble winning jobs on the flanks where diminutive Jimmy Robinson, Emery Moorehead, and Johnny Perkins have opened. Gary Shirk is the undersized tight end who splits time with Al Dixon.
An unimpressive group of running backs, seldom employed as receivers, had little Bob Hammond (577 yards) and Doug Kotar (480) sharing the halfback position while heavy-footed power man Larry Csonka (464) alternated with big Willie Spencer. Billy Taylor of Texas Tech appears a quality runner who should see action along with blocking fullback Dan Doornik of Washington State.
Top draft pick Gordon King (6-6/275) of Stanford is a top-notch pass-blocking tackle who should work on the left side next to standout guard Doug Van Horn. Gordon Gravelle returns to his normal right tackle position where he'll pair with either Mike Gibbons or Tom Mullen. Ex-Steeler Jim Clack will take over at center from Karl Chandler while big Ron Mikolajczyk, Bill Ellenbogen, and rookie Randy Pass (6-2, 245) of Georgia Tech act as tackle-guard subs.
The ineffectual offense resulted in punter Dave Jennings setting a club record with 100 attempts on which he managed to post a superlative 39.9-yard average. Joe Danelo returns to do the placekicking after converting 14 of 23 field goal attempts last year. The talented DeRoo can back up both kickers in barefoot style. Hammond will be joined by Pough in returning punts and kickoffs and thereby provide a breakaway tandem.
DEFENSE: The grossly overworked defensive unit ranked No. 3 in the NFC versus the run, allowing a stingy 3.4 yards per rush, and registering 37 sacks along the way. Aggressive tackle Troy Archer is an emerging star and perfectly complements tigerish John Mendenhall in the middle. Brutally strong Gary Jeter seems ready to push aside either Jack Gregory or George Martin at the end posts. Jim Krahl (6-5, 250) of Texas Tech seems sure to stick as a reserve along with kick snapper Jim Pietrzak.
Harry Carson is the team's leading tackler and a knockout hitter from his middle linebacker slot while strongside ace Brad Van Pelt may be the standout performer of the defensive platoon. Brian Kelley is challenged by rugged Dan Lloyd on the weak side while Frank Marion and Jeff Grady of Florida A&M provide depth.
Blue-chipper Odis McKinney of Colorado has the size and 4.5 speed to win a regular job at cornerback where he will probably team with solid Bill Bryant, leaving Ray Rhodes, Bobby Brooks, and Beasley Reece in reserve roles. Jim Stienke and Clyde Powers perform in consistent fashion at the safety slots where young Terry Jackson of San Diego State could serve as a swing reserve.
PFI OUTLOOK: The Giants, under McVay, will be trying to escape a third consecutive last-place season and have been blessed with a remarkably soft list of opponents. The amateurish offense, when combined with a porous pass defense, is likely to eliminate any thought of a .500 season despite the competition so it appears New York will be battling St. Louis for the fourth slot in the '78 Eastern Division standings."
Prediction: 5th Place
-Pro Football Illustrated 1978, published by Complete Sports, Inc.
"The Giants' chances depend on how much their offense improves. Larry Csonka doesn't figure prominently in the Giants' plans. Joe Pisarcik rates as the regular quarterback again, and coach John McVay likes his toughness and leadership. The sub-par passing game gets another young wide receiver in young Ernie Pough from the Steelers.
Their defense is solid in the front seven, but the secondary needs bolstering."
-Jimmy the Greek, Jimmy the Greek's 1978 Football Handbook
"One of these years, the Giants will quit treading water and start making waves, but first their No. 1 draft choices are going to learn to swim. Only one, defensive lineman Troy Archer, started last season.
Although the choice of Stanford offensive tackle Gordon King was met with cheers, the memory of Ohio State's John Hicks was too close. Hicks, picked No. 1 four years amid rave notices, was a flop and was peddled to Pittsburgh for guard Jim Clack and wide receiver Ernie Pugh.
Defensive end Gary Jeter, chosen last year after an All-American career at USC, was unable to break the starting lineup.
Another No. 1 was traded to Dallas for Craig Morton, who didn't prove worth it until he got to Denver. That left Joe Pisarcik and Jerry Goldsteyn at quarterback. Pisarcik showed improvement even though he was sacked 32 times.
The Giant running game was poor last year and they are still counting on aging Larry Csonka. King must help immediately.
A very good pass rush led by Archer, Jack Gregory and John Mendenhall and the linebacking of Brad Van Pelt and Harry Carson are the Giants' strengths.
Prediction - Fifth"
-Don Pierson, Football Digest (September 1978)
CAPSULE ANALYSIS
Strength: Pass rush, schedule.
Greatest Need: Blocking, running, passing.
Outlook: Future isn't now.
-Football Digest (September 1978)
1978 Fleer Team Action: Ready, Aim, Fire!
"The Giants display the perfect execution of the dropback pass with the team's young line 'holding the fort' and allowing the quarterback to get ready, aim, and fire a pass to an awaiting receiver. Coach John McVay's rebuilding program should pay off for the Giants in coming years."
-1978 Fleer No. 35
1978 Fleer Team Action: Meeting of the Minds
"'Heads up' determination was the Giants' key last season, and the team's defense was number two in the NFC in defending against the rush. The Giants were 'spoilers' in the NFC, keeping Washington out of the divisional playoffs with two victories over the Redskins."
-1978 Fleer No. 36
1978 NEW YORK GIANTS ROSTERS
1978 Giants Preseason Roster
Head Coach - John McVay
Assistant Coaches: Dick Modzelewski, Jerry Wampfler, Jay Fry, Joe Galat, Allan Webb, John Symank, Bob Gibson, Lindy Infante
77 Troy Archer (DT) Colorado
25 Gordon Bell (RB) Michigan
83 Boyd Brown (TE) Alcorn State
21 Bill Bryant (CB) Grambling
53 Harry Carson (LB) South Carolina State
61 Karl Chandler (C) Princeton
Jim Clack (G) Wake Forest
39 Larry Csonka (RB) Syracuse
18 Joe Danelo (K) Washington State
15 Randy Dean (QB) Northwestern
84 Al Dixon (TE) Iowa State
65 Bill Ellenbogen (G) Virginia Tech
79 Mike Gibbons (G) Southwest Oklahoma State
12 Jerry Golsteyn (QB) Northern Illinois
71 Gordon Gravelle (T) Brigham Young
81 Jack Gregory (DE) Delta State
33 Bob Hammond (RB) Morgan State
30 Harold Hart (RB) Texas Southern
52 Ralph Hill (C) Florida A&M
13 Dave Jennings (P) St. Lawrence
70 Gary Jeter (DT) USC
31 Ernie Jones (S) Miami
55 Brian Kelley (LB) California Lutheran
44 Doug Kotar (RB) Kentucky
54 Dan Lloyd (LB) Washington
34 Larry Mallory (S) Tennessee State
51 Frank Marion (LB) Florida A&M
75 George Martin (DE) Oregon
64 John Mendenhall (DT) Grambling
62 Ron Mikolajczyk (T) Tampa
82 Emery Moorehead (WR) Colorado
73 Tom Mullen (G) Southwest Missouri State
86 Johnny Perkins (WR) Abilene Christian
76 Jim Pietrzak (DT) Eastern Michigan
9 Joe Pisarcik (QB) New Mexico State
Ernie Pough (WR) Texas Southern
29 Clyde Powers (S) Oklahoma
28 Beasley Reece (CB) North Texas State
22 Ray Rhodes (CB) Tulsa
85 Jimmy Robinson (WR) Georgia Tech
57 Andy Selfridge (LB) Virginia
87 Gary Shirk (TE) Morehead State
27 Willie Spencer (RB)
20 Jim Steinke (S) Southwest Texas State
68 J.T. Turner (DT) Duke
63 Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State
10 Brad Van Pelt (LB) Michigan State
36 Larry Watkins (RB) Alcorn State
24 Marsh White (RB) Arkansas
Top Five Draft Choices
1 Gordon King (T) Stanford
2 Odis McKinney (DB) Colorado
4 Billy Taylor (RB) Texas Tech
5 Terry Jackson (DB) San Diego State
5 Jim Krahl (DT) Texas Tech
-1978 Complete Handbook of Pro Football
1978 New York Giants Preseason Position Roster
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Randy Dean (Northwestern)
Jerry Golsteyn (Northern Illinois)
Joe Pisarcik (New Mexico State)
Running Backs
Gordon Bell (Michigan)
Larry Csonka (Syracuse)
Bob Hammond (Morgan State)
Harold Hart (Texas Southern)
Doug Kotar (Kentucky)
Willie Spencer
Billy Taylor (Texas Tech)
Marsh White (Arkansas)
Receivers
Body Brown (T) (Alcorn State)
Al Dixon (T) (Iowa State)
Emery Moorehead (W) (Colorado)
Johnny Perkins (W) (Abilene Christian)
Ernie Pough (W) (Texas Southern)
Jimmy Robinson (W) (Georgia Tech)
Gary Shirk (T) (Morehead State)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Brad Benson (G) (Penn State)
Karl Chandler (C) (Princeton)
Jim Clack (G-C) (Wake Forest)
Bill Ellenbogen (T) (Virginia Tech)
Mike Gibbons (T) (Southwest Oklahoma State)
Gordon Gravelle (T) (Brigham Young)
Gordon King (T) (Stanford)
Dick Leavitt (T) (Bowdoin)
Ron Mikolajczyk (T) (Tampa)
Tom Mullen (T) (Southwest Missouri State)
Doug Van Horn (T) (Ohio State)
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
Joe Danelo (PK) (Washington State)
Dave Jennings (P) (St. Lawrence)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Troy Archer (T) (Colorado)
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
Gary Jeter (T) (USC)
George Martin (E) (Oregon)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Jim Pietrzak (T) (Eastern Michigan)
J.T. Turner (E) (Duke)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Harry Carson (M) (South Carolina State)
Brian Kelley (O) (California Lutheran)
Dan Lloyd (M) (Washington)
Frank Marion (O) (Florida A&M)
Andy Selfridge (O) (Virginia)
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Bill Bryant (Grambling)
Ernie Jones (Miami, Fla.)
Odis McKinney (Colorado)
Beasley Reece (North Texas State)
Ray Rhodes (Tulsa)
Safeties
Larry Mallory (Tennessee State)
Clyde Powers (Oklahoma)
Jim Steinke (Southwest Texas State)
-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1978, published by Pocket Books
1978 New York Giants Basic Roster
OFFENSE
WR Emery Moorehead
WR Johnny Perkins
WR Jimmy Robinson
TE Johnny Perkins
T Ron Mikolajczyk
G Bill Ellenbogen
G John Hicks
C Karl Chandler
QB Jerry Golsteyn
QB Joe Pisarcik
RB Gordon Bell
RB Larry Csonka
RB Bobby Hammond
K Joe Danelo
DEFENSE
E Jack Gregory
E George Martin
T Troy Archer
T Gary Jeter
T J.T. Turner
LB Harry Carson
LB Dan Floyd
LB Brad Van Pelt
CB Bill Bryant
CB Ray Rhodes
S Ernie Jones
S Larry Mallory
S Clyde Powers
S Jim Steinke
P Dave Jennings
-Jimmy the Greek's 1978 Football Handbook
1978 Giants Veteran Roster
Head Coach - John McVay
77 Troy Archer (DT) Colorado
25 Gordon Bell (RB) Michigan
83 Boyd Brown (TE) Alcorn State
21 Bill Bryant (CB) Grambling
53 Harry Carson (LB) South Carolina State
61 Karl Chandler (C) Princeton
Jim Clack (G) Wake Forest
39 Larry Csonka (RB) Syracuse
18 Joe Danelo (K) Washington State
15 Randy Dean (QB) Northwestern
84 Al Dixon (TE) Iowa State
65 Bill Ellenbogen (G) Virginia Tech
79 Mike Gibbons (G) Southwest Oklahoma State
12 Jerry Goldsteyn (QB) Northern Illinois
71 Gordon Gravelle (T) Brigham Young
81 Jack Gregory (DE) Delta State
33 Bob Hammond (RB) Morgan State
30 Harold Hart (RB) Texas Southern
52 Ralph Hill (C) Florida A&M
13 Dave Jennings (P) St. Lawrence
70 Gary Jeter (DT) USC
31 Ernie Jones (S) Miami
55 Brian Kelley (LB) California Lutheran
44 Doug Kotar (RB) Kentucky
54 Dan Lloyd (LB) Washington
34 Larry Mallory (S) Tennessee State
51 Frank Marion (LB) Florida A&M
89 Ed Marshall (WR) Cameron State
75 George Martin (DE) Oregon
64 John Mendenhall (DT) Grambling
62 Ron Mikolajczyk (T) Tampa
82 Emery Moorehead (WR) Colorado
73 Tom Mullen (G( Southwest Missouri State
86 Johnny Perkins (WR) Abilene Christian
76 Jim Pietrzak (DT) Eastern Michigan
9 Joe Pisarcik (QB) New Mexico State
Ernie Pough (WR) Texas Southern
29 Clyde Powers (S) Oklahoma
28 Beasley Reece (CB) North Texas State
22 Ray Rhodes (CB) Tulsa
85 Jimmy Robinson (WR) Georgia Tech
57 Andy Selfridge (LB) Virginia
87 Gary Shirk (TE) Morehead State
27 Willie Spencer (RB)
20 Jim Steinke (S) Southwest Texas State
68 J.T. Turner (DT) Duke
63 Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State
10 Brad Van Pelt (LB) Michigan State
36 Larry Watkins (RB) Alcorn State
24 Marsh White (RB) Arkansas
-Football Digest (September 1978)
1978 Giants Draft Choices
Top Five Draft Choices
1 Gordon King (T) Stanford
2 Odis McKinney (DB) Colorado
3 choice to Miami
4 Billy Taylor (RB) Texas Tech
5 Terry Jackson (DB) San Diego State
5 Jim Krahl (DT) Texas Tech (from Minnesota)
5 Brian DeRoo (WR) Redlands (from Denver)
6 Randy Pass (G-C) Georgia Tech
7 Dan Doornink (RB) Washington State
8 Jeff Grady (LB) Florida A&M
9 Bill Swiacki (TE) Amherst
10 Greg Jorgensen (G) Nebraska (from New Orleans)
10 choice to Green Bay
11 Dennis Heim (DT) Southwest Missouri
12 Greg Lawson (RB) Western Illinois
-Football Digest (September 1978)
1978 New York Giants Revised Team Roster
9 Joe Pisarcik (QB) New Mexico State
10 Brad Van Pelt (LB) Michigan State
12 Jerry Goldsteyn (QB) Northern Illinois
13 Dave Jennings (P) St. Lawrence
15 Randy Dean (QB) Northwestern
18 Joe Danelo (K) Washington State
21 Bill Bryant (CB) Grambling
22 Ray Rhodes (CB) Tulsa
23 Odis McKinney (DB) Colorado
24 Terry Jackson (DB) San Diego State
27 Willie Spencer (RB)
28 Beasley Reece (DB) North Texas State
31 Ernie Jones (S) Miami
33 Bob Hammond (RB) Morgan State
34 Larry Mallory (S) Tennessee State
35 Dan Doornink (RB) Washington State
38 Billy Taylor (RB) Texas Tech
39 Larry Csonka (RB) Syracuse
44 Doug Kotar (RB) Kentucky
51 Frank Marion (LB) Florida A&M
53 Harry Carson (LB) South Carolina State
54 Dan Lloyd (LB) Washington
55 Brian Kelley (LB) California Lutheran
56 Jim Clack (G) Wake Forest
57 John Skorupan (LB) Penn State
60 Brad Benson (C) Penn State
62 Ron Mikolajczyk (T) Tampa
63 Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State
64 John Mendenhall (DT) Grambling
68 J.T. Turner (G) Duke
70 Gary Jeter (DE) USC
71 Gordon Gravelle (T) Brigham Young
72 Gordon King (T) Stanford
74 Jim Krahl (DT) Texas Tech
75 George Martin (DE) Oregon
76 Jim Pietrzak (T-C) Eastern Michigan
77 Troy Archer (DT) Colorado
80 Emery Moorehead (WR) Colorado
81 Jack Gregory (DE) Delta State
82 Ernie Pough (WR) Texas Southern
84 Al Dixon (TE) Iowa State
85 Jimmy Robinson (WR) Georgia Tech
86 Johnny Perkins (WR) Abilene Christian
87 Gary Shirk (TE) Morehead State
89 James Thompson (WR) Memphis State
-Football Digest (January 1979)
1978 New York Giants Depth Charts
OFFENSE
QB Joe Pisarcik, Jerry Golsteyn, Randy Dean
RB Larry Csonka, Willie Spencer, Larry Watkins, Harold Hart, Billy Taylor*
RB Doug Kotar, Bob Hammond, Gordon Bell, Marsh White
WR Jimmy Robinson, Johnny Perkins, Ernie Pough
LT Gordon Gravelle, Bill Ellenbogeh, Mike Gibbbon, Tom Mullen
LG Doug Van Horn, Bill Ellenbogen
C Karl Chandler, Ralph Hill, Jim Clack
RG Gordon King*, Bill Ellenbogen, Brad Benson
RT Ron Mikolajczyk, Doug Van Horn, Dick Leavitt
TE Gary Shirk, Body Brown, Al Dixon
WR Emery Moorehead
DEFENSE
LDE George Martin, Gary Jeter
LDT John Mendenhall, J.T. Turner
RDT Troy Archer, J.T. Turner
RDE Jack Gregory, Gary Jeter
LLB Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge, Frank Marion
MLB Harry Carson, Dan Lloyd
RLB Brian Kelley, Andy Selfridge
LCB Bill Bryant, Ernie Jones, Odis McKinney*
SS Clyde Powers, Larry Mallory
FS Jim Steinke, Larry Mallory
RCB Ray Rhodes, Beasley Reece
* rookie
-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1978, published by Pocket Books
OFFENSE
QB Joe Pisarcik (New Mexico State) 9, Jerry Goldsteyn (Northern Illinois) 12, Randy Dean (Northwestern) 15
RB Doug Kotar (Kentucky) 44, Bob Hammond (Morgan State) 33, Willie Spencer 27
FB Larry Csonka (Syracuse) 39, Dan Doornink (Washington State)*, Billy Taylor (Texas Tech)*
WR Jimmy Robinson (Georgia Tech) 85, Ernie Pough (Texas Southern) 82, James Thompson (Memphis State) 89
T Gordon Gravelle (Brigham Young) 71
G Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63, Brad Benson (Penn State) 60
C Jim Clack (Wake Forest) 56, Jim Pietrzak (Eastern Michigan) 76
G J.T. Turner (Duke) 68
T Ron Mikolajczyk (Tampa) 62, Gordon King (Stanford)*
TE Al Dixon (Iowa State) 84, Gary Shirk (Morehead State) 87
WR Johnny Perkins (Abilene Christian) 86, Emery Moorehead (Colorado) 80
DEFENSE
DE George Martin (Oregon) 75
DT John Mendenhall (Grambling) 64, Jim Krahl (Texas Tech)*
DT Troy Archer (Colorado) 77, Gary Jeter (USC) 70
DE Jack Gregory (Delta State) 81
LB Brad Van Pelt (Michigan State) 10, Frank Marion (Florida A&M) 51
MLB Harry Carson (South Carolina State) 53, Dan Lloyd (Washington) 54
LB Brian Kelley (California Lutheran) 55, John Skorupan (Penn State) 57
CB Terry Jackson (San Diego State)*, Bill Bryant (Grambling) 21,
SS Beasley Reece (North Texas State) 28, Larry Mallory (Tennessee State) 34
FS Ernie Jones (Miami) 31
CB Ray Rhodes (Tulsa) 22, Odis McKinney (Colorado)*
K Joe Danelo (Washington State) 18
P Dave Jennings (St. Lawrence) 13
KR Bob Hammond (Morgan State) 33, Ernie Pough (Texas Southern) 82
PR Bob Hammond (Morgan State) 33, Ernie Pough (Texas Southern) 82
*rookie
1978 NEW YORK GIANTS TOPPS CARDS
Troy Archer
Bill Bryant (1977 Giants Interceptions Leader, 3)
Harry Carson
Karl Chandler
Larry Csonka
Joe Danelo
Jerry Golsteyn
Jack Gregory
Bobby Hammond (1977 Giants Rushing Leader, 577 yards)
Dave Jennings
Brian Kelley
Doug Kotar
John Mendenhall (1977 Giants Quarterback Sacks Leader, 12)
Emery Moorehead
Johnny Perkins
Joe Pisarcik
Clyde Powers
Ray Rhodes
Jimmy Robinson (1977 Giants Receiving Leader, 422 yards)
Gary Shirk
Jim Steinke
Doug Van Horn
Brad Van Pelt
1978 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - John McVay
Defensive Coordinator - Dick Modzelewski
QB Joe Pisarcik (New Mexico State) 9
QB Jerry Golsteyn (Northern Illinois) 12
RB Bobby Hammond (Morgan State) 33
RB Doug Kotar (Kentucky) 44
FB Larry Csonka (Syracuse) 39
FB Alvin Maxson (SMU) 36
WR Johnny Perkins (Abilene Christian) 81
WR Jimmy Robinson (Georgia Tech) 85
WR Emery Moorehead (Colorado) 80
WR Ray Rhodes (Tulsa) 22
TE Gary Shirk (Morehead State) 87
C Karl Chandler (Princeton) 61
G Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
G J.T. Turner (Duke) 68
T Ron Mikolajczyk (Tampa) 62
T Gordon King (Stanford) 72
DT John Mendenhall (Grambling) 64
DT Troy Archer (Colorado) 77
DE Jack Gregory (Delta State) 81
DE George Martin (Oregon) 75
MLB Harry Carson (South Carolina State) 53
LB Brad Van Pelt (Michigan State) 10
LB Brian Kelley (California Lutheran) 55
LB John Skorupan (Penn State) 57
CB Bill Bryant (Grambling) 21
CB Ray Rhodes (Tulsa) 22
SS Clyde Powers (Oklahoma) 29
FS Jim Stienke (Southwest Texas State) 20
DB Maurice Tyler (Morgan State) 25
DB Odis McKinney (Colorado) 23
K Joe Danelo (Washington State) 18
P Dave Jennings (St. Lawrence) 13
KR Bobby Hammond (Morgan State) 33, Jimmy Robinson (Georgia Tech) 85
PR Bobby Hammond (Morgan State) 33, Jimmy Robinson (Georgia Tech) 85
