GIANT NOTES
The Giants in general and Tom Coughlin in particular love the fact that kicker Jay Feely comports himself like a regular player.
Feely loves to do the dirty work, lifts weights with a passion and frequently engages in coverage and tackling just like any other member of the special teams.
The zeal may have to be tempered just a bit. Feely on the opening kickoff of Monday night’s 27-10 victory over the Saints lowered his head to contribute to a tackle of Saint return man Fred McAfee, helping cause a fumble. Feely strained his lower back on the play, though, and needed a painkilling injection in order to remain in the game.
“I will be all right,” he said. “I’m not missing anything. It was hurting, went in and got a shot, felt better after that. It’s sore when I walk but I’ll be all right.”
Feely will need treatment this week and has already had a conversation Coughlin about not always putting himself in harm’s way.
“We don’t want to spend that time on the sideline worrying about what his status is,” Coughlin said. “That may be the most important lesson as far as Jay goes. His value is as a safety on the kickoff team. We’re better off keeping his nose out of there unless he absolutely has to make the play.”
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Rookie CB Corey Webster replaced Will Allen with the first-team defense late in the third quarter and would have remained in with the starters if his bruised thigh did not act up. This could be a sign of things to come, as the Giants want to get Webster on the field, and Allen was often beaten by Saint WRs Joe Horn and Donte’ Stallworth.
Asked about the secondary – which gave up 375 passing yards – Coughlin said, “I don’t see how you can be pleased. But with as much pressure as we’re bringing, you do have some holes you have to contend with.”
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Giants scored inside the Saints’ 20 on three of their four opportunities but once again had limited snaps. They had only 53 offensive plays after managing just 51 in the opener.
“We need the ball more,” Coughlin said. “We have to have drives that do not falter out.”
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Giants head to San Diego on Saturday, making this a quick turn-around after Monday.