New York Giants first-year special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial has a lot of work to do with the 2024 NFL season just days away.
Like every special teams coach in the league, Ghobrial is still learning the ropes with the new kickoff rules and positioning, but there are other issues he’s focused on.
First, top returner Isaiah McKenzie is out for the season with a foot injury and second option Gunner Olszewski is recovering from a groin injury.
“He’s working hard behind the defense and doing a great job catching the ball,” Ghobrial said of Olszewski, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice.
Ghobrial may have to use recently signed guard Adoree’ Jackson as a punt returner in this Sunday’s season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I never close the opportunity to put the ball in a playmaker’s hands,” Ghobrial said, describing Jackson as “dynamic.”
“He’s been working hard backstage. You know we can only have 48 players on the field on match day, so the more flexibility we have in positions, the more versatile our players are, the better.”
Coach Ghobrial got straight to the point when clarifying what he is looking for first from his returning players.
“My biggest thing about the value of a returner is the ability to control the ball,” he said. “The most obvious statistic that determines whether you win or lose in this league is turnover margin, so it’s about being able to control the ball safely. So whoever the returner is, I want to make sure that guy can control the ball and make smart decisions to catch it.”
Coach Ghobrial was asked about second-year wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who has emerged as a solid gunner on punting, and the Giants kept “BFW” on the 53-man roster over more experienced wide receivers because of his play with the team.
“I love Bryce Ford-Wheaton, by the way. He’s trending in the right direction. I think it starts with mentality, and if the mentality is right, everything else falls into place,” Ghobrial said. “Obviously, as a receiver, he has that natural feel to be able to get guys out of there. He’s a really good catcher. He gives us flexibility in terms of ball-holding position in that respect.”
“Obviously, when you’re playing as a receiver, you have to look at it from a coverage standpoint. Number one, he goes in there every time with the intention of winning that replay, so I think his mentality is great. Also, his experience as a receiver carries over to other areas.”
Finally, the question of placekicker Graham Gano’s rehabilitation from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season in half came up.
“I’ve watched Graham, I’ve watched Graham Gano win football games in this league,” Ghobrial said. “I’m really excited to see him sign that contract. He’s a proven kicker in this league and I have full confidence in his ability to kick at any distance.”
The Giants had Northern Ireland international Jude McAtamney in camp but released him once Gano was found to be healthy.
