Giants second-year LB Goff likely to start Sunday
Since the day they drafted him last year, the Giants have looked at Jonathan Goff as their middle linebacker of the future. That future may start on Sunday.
Goff was taking practice reps with the first team Wednesday. Chase Blackburn, who started in place of the injured Antonio Pierce the last two games, said he was told Monday that Goff would get some time at the position.
Goff didn't crown himself with the job, especially because Tom Coughlin made no such announcement. But he did say that he's prepared to play if he's called upon.
"I've been working hard all season," Goff said. "I've been following along and studying just as much as the other guys, so whenever an opportunity might come along, I'll be ready to step in."
When Goff, 23, plays, he'll be flanked by veteran linebackers Michael Boley and Danny Clark. But those two wingmen basically said that Goff will be on his own out there.
"We've got the utmost confidence in him that he knows what he's doing," Boley said. "He's a good player and a good athlete. He wouldn't be here if he wasn't."
Blackburn took the news professionally.
"I'm obviously not happy about it, but it's part of football, it's part of the business and we'll figure out what's going to happen," he said. "They may want to look to see what Jon can do, too. He's a young guy, see where he stands."
Last week Coughlin said he wanted to get Goff some reps, not only in games but in practices, where he has been limited as the third-stringer for most of the season.
As curious as the Giants are about how Goff will play, the Cowboys are likely just as excited about the possibility of seeing him on the field. Asked if he expects the Cowboys to target him Sunday, Goff coolly said: "It's always a possibility."
Is he ready for that?
"Absolutely," he said.
