E-GIANTS
Dave Klein was the Giants' beat writer for The Star-Ledger from 1961 to 1995.
He is the author of 26 books and he is one of only three sportswriters to have covered all the Super Bowls. Dave has allowed TEAM GIANTS to reprint some of his articles.

JASON GARRETT OUTLINES PLANS FOR THE OFFENSE

By Dave Klein
It was the first time Jason Garrett held a press conference since he was named offensive coordinator of the Giants, and the first mass press conference since he was fired as head coach by the Dallas Cowboys.

He sounded as though he missed it.

'If you guys don't mind," he said, 'I'd love to have the questions today focused on what's happening with the Giants rather than [what went on] in Dallas."

He clearly had no interest in discussing the particulars of the end of his stint in Dallas, saying only that he was proud of the program that they built over his nine-plus seasons as the team's head coach. He also referred this opportunity as a 'new day" and that the chance to run the offense for head coach Joe Judge made it easy to dive back into a coordinator's role.

"It was just too good an opportunity to pass up," Garrett said.

Despite his duties, which encompass all facets of the team's offense, it could be argued that his two main projects are quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley, who will shoulder the weight of any real success the offense generates this season.

He called Jones 'a real joy to work with,"he has a 'big arm" and indicated he hopes he can help to turn that arm into the focal point of a winning team in New Jersey. 'The thing I like most about Daniel is the approach to the game that he takes every day. He loves the game and he's always trying to refine his skills, to find a way to be better individually and for the team. That's what really excites me."

And Barkley? 'Regarding Saquon," he said, 'he's just one of those guys who's a really good player. We had to try to tackle him in Dallas, and all of our energy was put on that because he can be such a difference-maker.

'And talk about a first-class person, talk about someone who loves football, that's him. He's an extremely talented player - and a person."

So Jason Garrett, a product of Princeton, who played backup quarterback for the Giants for four years, who also played in a backup role for New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Dallas and the Giants, is about ready to resume his duties as an offensive savant.

'One of the things we believe in strongly is that our offensive linemen must do lots of different things," he continued. They need to be athletic, they need to be able to run block on he second level [downfield], hey need to pass protect against the outstanding pass rushers in this league."

TG-Note - Marc Colombo, a former standout NFL lineman, is in his first season as the Giants' offensive line coach. Colombo spent the previous five seasons on the coaching staff of the Dallas Cowboys under Jason Garrett,

Marc Colombo, played for Garrett in Dallas. 'He was a hell of a player for us in Dallas," he agreed. 'He was one of those guys who always did a great job."

With a fleet of young offensive linemen, such as first-round draft pick Andrew Thomas, fourth rounder Matt Peart and fifth rounder Shane Lemieux, in addition to second- and third-year players, Colombo - and Garrett - will have a major responsibility for the Giants' offense.

EXTRA POINTS - The Giants announced the death of Hillary Tisch, 33-year-old daughter of team co-owner Steve Tisch. ... Details of her death and its location were unavailable, but the team released the following statement:

Steve Tisch, on behalf of his family, announces with great sadness, the loss of their daughter and sister, Hilary Anne, on Aug. 10, 2020.

Hilary was a kind, caring and beautiful person. Her mother, sisters, brothers and I are devastated by her passing. It leaves a hole in our hearts and our lives. She, like so many others, bravely fought the disease of depression for as long as she could. We love and will miss her dearly. Our family is utterly heartbroken and is mourning its tragic loss. We ask for privacy during this very difficult time.
In addition to her father Steve, Hilary is survived by her mother, Patsy Tisch, and her siblings Will Tisch and his wife Grace, Elizabeth Tisch, Holden Tisch and Zachary Tisch. Hilary was born on November 1, 1983.

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- Team Giants

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