ESPN.com - NFL/TRAININGCAMP00 - Giants: Dayne carries a big load

NFL
Scores/Schedules
Standings
Statistics
Transactions
Injuries
Players
Weekly lineup

 Saturday, August 12
Giants: Dayne carries a big load
 
 By Tom Oates
Special to ESPN.com

The New York Giants have been going backward since they posted a 10-5-1 record under first-year coach Jim Fassel in 1997. After slumping to 7-9 last year, the organization sent Fassel a message in the form of a one-year contract extension. It's now clear that if Fassel doesn't win this year, he's gone.

At least Fassel will have a fighting chance. The Giants finally have a potential franchise back in Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne and they retooled the offensive line and the secondary, letting high-priced non-producers go and rolling the dice with younger players. If Dayne is the real deal and the defense stays healthy, the playoffs are possible.

 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Ron Dayne
The Giants expect big things from 260-pound rookie running back Ron Dayne.
  Location: University of Albany (Albany, N.Y.)
Rookies report: July 21
Veterans report: July 21
Preseason schedule:
   Aug. 5: Chicago
   Aug. 11: at Jacksonville
   Aug. 18: at N.Y. Jets
   Aug. 25: Baltimore

Man in the spotlight
Fassel is hopeful that Dayne will end his four-year search for a franchise back. Fassel's halfback-by-committee approach will be scrapped for Dayne, the all-time leading rusher in NCAA history. There are worries about Dayne's history of weight gain and nagging injuries, but he's a 260-pound hammer with surprisingly nimble feet. If he can overpower NFL defenses like he did college defenses, not a guarantee behind a questionable line, Fassel's offense could take a giant step forward.

Key position battle
Luke Petitgout, the 1999 first-round draft pick, flopped at left guard last season. He will be moved to his more natural right tackle position, where he will battle with free agent Glenn Parker for the starting job. If Petitgout beats out Parker, the latter will probably move to left guard, which would give the Giants four new starters on the offensive line.

Biggest adjustment
After changing quarterbacks near midseason for three straight years, Fassel believes he's finally found a keeper in Kerry Collins. Collins, who no longer drinks alcohol, was somewhat erratic but generally impressive in six starts late last season. No one will be happier than Fassel if Collins asserts himself as the long-term starter. One thing is for sure, the Giants have their best group of receivers in many years.

Rookie report
With the exception of Dayne, there will be little immediate help from the draft. Fifth-round cornerback Ralph Brown might have the best chance to help right away, mostly because the secondary ranks have been thinned by free agency.

New York Giants
Signed Waived/released/lost
DE Jomo Cousins
WR Anthony Tucker
S Tre Thomas
G Mark Nori
DB Reggie Stephens
*S Sam Garnes
QB Jason Garrett from Cowboys
*CB Conrad Hamilton
OT Lomas Brown from Browns
LB Micheal Barrow from Panthers
C-G Dusty Ziegler from Buf.
OL Glenn Parker from Chiefs
CB Dave Thomas from Jaguars
*C Derek Engler
*DT Christian Peter
*LB Pete Monty
*LB Ryan Phillips
*RB Tiki Barber
*QB Mike Cherry
*P Brad Maynard
 

Acquired via trade

Retired
Charles Way

QB Kent Graham to Pitt.
RB Gary Brown
LB Marcus Buckley to Atl.
C Lance Scott
to Patriots
C Brian Williams
K Cary Blanchard to Arizona
CB Jeremy Lincoln to Broncos
S Percy Ellsworth to Browns
LB Scott Galyon to Dolphins
DT Robert Harris
OT Roman Oben to Browns
C Derek Engler
OT Toby Myles
DE Bernard Holsey to Colts
WR David Patten to Browns
OT Scott Gragg
LB Corey Widmer

Traded


 



ALSO SEE
Cardinals: Plummer has to fix leaks

Cowboys: Time is ticking away

Eagles: Lofty expectations

Redskins: Super offseason



AUDIO/VIDEO
audio
 Merill Hoge says Ron Dayne is vital to the Giants' success.
wav: 666 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Coach Jim Fassell liked what he saw in Ron Dayne Saturday.
wav: 116 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Jim Fassel on first round draft pick Ron Dayne.
wav: 498 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Coach Fassel thinks the Giants can execute the "quick strike" offense.
wav: 743 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Depth in the defensive secondary may be an area of concern for the Giants.
wav: 901 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Jessie Armstead and the Giants have matured.
wav: 99 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6