Giants' McAdoo Says He Became An Olivier Vernon Fan After Watching Film Last Season
BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBSNewYork) -- Little did Ben McAdoo know that when he was watching film on the Miami Dolphins in preparation of a Monday night game in December that he was also doing some homework for the upcoming free agency period.
The new Giants coach told reporters Wednesday at the NFL meetings that then-Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon "jumped off the film right away." So heading into free agency, there was no doubt New York would pursue the disruptive pass rusher, McAdoo said.
"We feel that he's going to make a big impact for us, obviously," McAdoo said.
McAdoo said he was reminded of his days recruiting players in college football just before the Giants sealed the deal with Vernon on a five-year, $85 million contract.
"We had everybody in the room passing the phone around, just letting him know what we think of him," McAdoo said. "For me, it was simple, going into the game on Monday night, when we played them ... he was one of the most disruptive players I've seen on film that year, last year. We wanted him to be a part of it."
JACK RABBIT'S SECOND CHANCE
McAdoo was asked about one of the Giants' other big free agency scores: former Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
Jenkins entered the 2012 draft with plenty of red flags for issues off the field, including multiple arrestes and positive drug tests. He was kicked off the Florida football team before enrolling at North Alabama.
But Jenkins, who goes by the nickname "Jack Rabbit," has stayed out of trouble in the NFL.
"He's a guy that had some issues coming out (of college)," McAdoo said. "But he got an opportunity, and he took advantage of his opportunity. And it just shows you (if) you give a guy a second chance and he has an opportunity to take advantage of it, and he's done that, and you have to give him credit for that."
ELI GETTING BETTER?
Eli Manning enjoyed arguably the best statistical season of his career in 2015. He threw a career-high 35 touchdowns and passed for 4,436 yards, the second most of his career. His QB rating of 93.6 was also a career best.
But McAdoo, Manning's offensive coordinator the past two seasons before being promoted to head coach in January, thinks there's room for improvement.
"I still think he's going to take another jump," McAdoo told reporters. "He really bought into the system and likes the controls that he has there. ... He knows what he likes now, and it's natural for him. He's not thinking as much as he was the first year and the early part of last year. It comes a little more natural for him."
Manning lobbied for McAdoo to get the head coaching job after Tom Coughlin stepped down.
FASHION CAUSE
McAdoo was the butt of many jokes after he wore a baggy suit when the Giants formally introduced him as their next coach.
Wide receiver Victor Cruz and Hall of Famer Michael Strahan have since expressed interest in helping the coach dress better.
"Victor is a guy who definitely wants to help me out in that regard," McAdoo said. "You have to know your strengths and weaknesses and my wardrobe, well, I'm a work in progress."
Strahan, meanwhile, has offered to send McAdoo a few suits from his line at JCPenney.
McAdoo has said the suit he wore to the news conference was big because he had recently lost 60 pounds.