Broncos week is officially here
Week 1 is finally here, which means we are just a few days away from the Giants welcoming the Denver Broncos to MetLife Stadium to kick off the season.
Coach Joe Judge spoke to the media yesterday on the injury status of several Giants players heading into the opener. While he wouldn't go so far as to confirm or deny that any of them would be active this Sunday, he did express some optimism that a lot of them will be able to suit up.
"I'd say a number of these guys coming back right now, we're optimistic about all of them, to be honest with you," said Judge. "We'll see how they do throughout this week in practice. Saw a lot of guys make a lot of gains last week. There are a lot of guys that are getting reintroduced to the team that missed some time in training camp. I'd say it was a productive week in terms of them making progress with the team on the field. Obviously, this week will be a big thing for them."
One player who is certain to be out there is first-time team captain Logan Ryan.
Ryan is entering his ninth season in the NFL and his second with the Giants. The veteran defensive back signed with the team just days before the start of the 2020 campaign, and then signed a multi-year extension later in the season.
Ryan is the most experienced player on the defensive side of the ball for the Giants. In fact, he went up against Broncos starting QB Teddy Bridgewater while they were both in college, Ryan playing for Rutgers and Bridgewater for Louisville. Ryan told the media yesterday that he already began breaking down the film of Denver's starting quarterback.
"Yeah, of course. I've been watching him over these last couple of days off. He's a very smart quarterback, man, he beat me in Louisville (versus) Rutgers nine years ago..." Ryan said about Bridgewater. "I think he's going to protect the ball. They have good playmakers. I think his job is to distribute the ball to the playmakers and I think he has to do a good job of protecting the ball. I think he does that, (a) cerebral guy, been in the league eight years. I've got a lot of respect for him going back to college."
On the other side of the ball, the Broncos have a few dominant pass rushers.
Bradley Chubb is fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance after registering 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hits in 14 games last season. Opposite him is veteran outside linebacker Von Miller, and while he missed the entire 2020 season with a tendon injury, the eight-time Pro Bowler is now healthy and ready for Week 1.
When asked about the talented pass rushing duo, Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas said that the O-line will have to be at their best come Sunday.
"Definitely a dominant group at outside linebacker," said the second-year tackle. "Both very talented. We'll have to be on our A game to block them."
Giants vote 7 team captains for 2021 season
When Joe Judge gathered his players together late Monday afternoon, he spoke to them about their just-completed practice, the schedule for the rest of the week – and who they had voted to be their captains on the 2021 Giants.
Seven players will represent the team as captains: quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, center Nick Gates, linebacker Blake Martinez, safeties Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan, and kicker Graham Gano.
"To me, the important thing for a captain is they've got to set the tone for the team in how they work, how they perform, and also how to put the team first," Judge said. "They have to be the example of the most unselfish players on the team. The other important role for captains in any locker room is they've got to be the voice of the team directly to the head coach. So, if there's an issue, or if there's something that needs to be addressed, they've got to be someone who the team trusts to speak for them on their behalf and make sure that the issue is getting addressed. It's important that these guys are good players who put the team first, and also have good communication as well and are not afraid to speak their mind."
Barkley is a third-year captain; Jones, Martinez and Peppers were selected for a second season; and Gates, Ryan and Gano received the honor for the first time.
Martinez, Ryan and Gano joined the Giants last year.
The seven captains match the 2019 team for the Giants' highest number since they began selecting season-long captains in 2007.
"They're players who demonstrate on a daily basis how they put the team first," Judge said. "They're obviously good players and they've earned the respect of their teammates."
View photos of the New York Giants' active 53-man roster as it currently stands.
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Devontae Booker
CB James Bradberry
G Ben Bredeson
RB Gary Brightwell
LB Lorenzo Carter
WR Pharoh Cooper
DB Keon Crossen
LB Tae Crowder
OT Korey Cunningham
P Riley Dixon
TE Evan Engram
QB Jake Fromm
K Graham Gano
FB Cullen Gillaspia
QB Mike Glennon
WR Kenny Golladay
G Will Hernandez
DT Austin Johnson
WR Collin Johnson
DL Raymond Johnson III
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
DB Julian Love
G Wes Martin
LB Benardrick McKinney
S Xavier McKinney
TE Chris Myarick
LB Azeez Ojulari
DB Steven Parker
OT Matt Peart
FB Elijhaa Penny
C Billy Price
LB Reggie Ragland
DB J.R. Reed
LB Quincy Roche
TE Kyle Rudolph
DB Logan Ryan
DT Danny Shelton
WR Sterling Shepard
OL Matt Skura
WR Darius Slayton
LB Elerson G. Smith
OT Nate Solder
OT Andrew Thomas
DT Leonard Williams
📸 Through the Years: Giants vs. Broncos
Check out the gallery below to view rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Kent Graham as Denver Broncos cornerback Tito Paul (28) was unable to break up the play in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The touchdown gave the Giants a 20-16 win over the Broncos to end their run at an unbeaten season. (AP Photo/John Dunn)
Lawrence Taylor (56), Erik Howard (74) and Leonard Marshall (70) jubilate over Denver Broncos QB John Elway after he was sacked by George Martin (75) for safety in second quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif. Sunday Jan. 25, 1987.
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) looks to get rid of the football as he caught for a sack by the New York Giants Jim Burt during second quarter NFL action at Giants Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 23, 1986, East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) talks to Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) before the NFL game on November 23, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 19-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Mark Bavaro, left, is tackled after 15 yard pass reception in the first half at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 23, 1986. Denver Broncos Jim Ryan (50) is at left. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Phil McConkey cradles the ball as Denver Broncos Steve Wilson, right, looks on at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 23, 1986. McConkey gained 46 yards on the play to set up the winning field goal. (AP Photo/Susan Regan)
New York Giants defensive end George Martin (75) works his way around a block by Denver Broncos offensive lineman Ken Lanier (76) during the NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 23, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 19-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defender Erik Howard (74) and Lawrence Taylor (56) stand over Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway after he was sacked in the endzone for a safety during second quarter action in Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., in this Jan. 25, 1987 photo. Hoping to purge the past, the Denver Broncos aim to make amends for their three Super Bowl failures under Elway. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) shown in action in Super Bowl XXI game in Pasadena, Ca., Sunday, Jan. 25, 1987. The Giants defeated the Denver Broncos, 39-20. (AP Photo)
Defensive tackle Leonard Marshall (70) of the New York Giants rushes quarterback John Elway (7) of the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXI January 25,1987 in Pasadena. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39- 20. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway gets pressure from New York Giants Leonard Marshall (70) and Jim Burt (64) during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 25, 1987. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants Phil McConkey dives for the ball for a touchdown after it bounced off Mark Bavaro (left) in the fourth quarter of Super BowlXXI, Jan. 25, 1987 in Pasadena. Center is Broncos cornerback Mike Harden (31). (AP Photo/Peter Southwick)
New York Giants defensive backs Herb Welch and Kenny Hill wrap up Broncos wide receiver Vance Johnson during the Giants 39 - 20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants wide receiver Stacy Robinson runs upfield and is pushed out of bounds by Broncos cornerback Steve Wilson during the Giants 39 - 20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro (89) is stopped by Denver Broncos Dennis Smith (49) after taking a 17-yard pass from quarterback Phil Simms in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 25, 1987. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
New York Giants wide receiver Lionel Manuel (86) runs with the football and is pushed out of bounds by Denver Broncos safety Dennis Smith (49) during a 39 - 20 victory in Super Bowl XXI on Jan. 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Cal. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) is congratulated by guard William Moore (66) after scoring on a two-yard run during a Super Bowl XXI NFL game against the Denver Broncos in Pasadena, on January 25, 1987. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39-20. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
One Hall of Famer chases another as New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53) chases Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) during the Giants 39-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms winds up to pass in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXI, Jan. 25, 1987 in Pasadena, Calif. Left is Broncos Rulon Jones (75) and Giants left tackle Brad Benson (60). (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms winds up and looks for a receiver during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 25, 1987. Coming in at right is Broncos Andre Townsend. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) find a hole for short gain in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXI, Jan. 25, 1987 in Pasadena, Calif. Right is Broncos cornerback Louis Wright (20). Giants won, 39-20. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on December 10, 1989. The Giants defeated the Broncos 14-7. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Kent Graham as Denver Broncos cornerback Tito Paul (28) was unable to break up the play in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The touchdown gave the Giants a 20-16 win over the Broncos to end their run at an unbeaten season. (AP Photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (86) is tripped up by a diving Denver Broncos cornerback Tito Paul after completing a 15-yard reception in the second quarter at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants fullback Jim Finn, right, has words with Denver Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren after Warren was called for a holding penalty during the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) runs out of bounds ahead of Denver Bronco's Ian Gold after catching a fourth quarter 24-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning setting up the Giants final touchdown for a 24-23 victory Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, right, scores the winning touchdown on a two-yard pass as Denver Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth defends, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 24-23.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is pressured by Denver Broncos defensive end Trevor Pryce (93) during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 23 of 42 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns as the Giants beat the Broncos, 24-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) tackles Denver Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier (88) on second down in the second quarter of their game, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, right, reacts after scoring the winning touchdown on a two-yard pass against Denver Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth, left, to give the Giants a 24-23 win Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Denver Broncos tight end Stephen Alexander (82) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Will Allen during the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play during the first quarter an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (8) following an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. Denver won 26-6. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) looks for running room during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) is tackled by Denver Broncos safety David Bruton (30) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall has a pass deflected by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during an NFL football game against the at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes against Denver Broncos linebacker Mario Haggan during an NFL football game at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss runs during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) celebrates after picking up a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Denver Broncos during a week 2 football game on September 14, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) evades a tackle by Denver Broncos' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Denver Broncos' Eric Decker (87) is tackled by New York Giants' Jacquian Williams (57), Corey Webster (23) and Mark Herzlich (58) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Denver Broncos' Kayvon Webster (36) and Andre Caldwell (12) during the first half of an NFL football game on a kick return Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) is tackled by New York Giants' Spencer Paysinger (52) and Linval Joseph during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Denver Broncos' Duke Ihenacho (33) tackles New York Giants' David Wilson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Hakeem Nicks, left, attempts to avoid a tackle by Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Da'Rel Scott (33) rushes past Denver Broncos' David Bruton (30) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Broncos won the game 41-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs away from Denver Broncos' Tony Carter (32) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with his brother New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is tackled during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out the defense as Chris Snee (76) and David Baas (64) listen during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Denver Broncos' Tony Carter (32) dives for New York Giants' Rueben Randle (82) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) gets up after fumbling the ball during the first half of an NFL football game as New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (24) and Prince Amukamara (20) celebrate recovering the ball Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) crosses midfield on a 19-yard reception during third quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. October 15, 2017. (AP Photo via Eric Bakke)
New York Giants rookie tight end Evan Engram (88) is upended after making a catch during a 6 NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The Denver Broncos offense lines up against the New York Giants defense during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram runs against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Players for the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos shake hands before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) carries the ball during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday October 15, 2017 in Denver. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs upfield during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Denver Broncos during a NFL football game on Sunday October 15, 2017 in Denver. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. The Giants won, 23-10. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during a week 6 NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
The Denver Broncos start a play against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after the catch in front of Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during a week 6 NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares for the snap under center during a week 6 NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) hands off to Orleans Darkwa (26) during fourth quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. October 15, 2017. (AP Photo via Eric Bakke)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs upfield during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
