Here is the link to the NJ.com fan blog:
http://blog.nj.com/giants_fan_blog/index.html
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Movin' on Up?
Remember the NJ.com Giants fan blogger contest? Well, I won (along with 5 other people). NJ.com is associated with the Star-Ledger, so I guess I'll start telling people I'm a sportswriter for The Ledger. It's got a nice ring to it.
The question is what does this mean for fatgiantsfan.blogspot.com? The answer is, I really don't know. I will certainly not take down the site, for I don't really know how long this gig with NJ.com will last, but I need to figure out how it's going to work with my blog essentially moving to NJ.com for the time being. For now don't worry, I will pass along all the info once I get it, and now matter where it is, I'll keep the blog posts coming.
The question is what does this mean for fatgiantsfan.blogspot.com? The answer is, I really don't know. I will certainly not take down the site, for I don't really know how long this gig with NJ.com will last, but I need to figure out how it's going to work with my blog essentially moving to NJ.com for the time being. For now don't worry, I will pass along all the info once I get it, and now matter where it is, I'll keep the blog posts coming.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
10 Not-So-Interesting Facts: Week 1
1. The win evens up the Giants all-time series with the Carolina Panthers at 3-3. The Panthers have still outscored the Giants in those 6 contests 164-142.
2. As bad as the Giants rushing attack was in the first half, their 118 rushing yards was good enough to put them at 11th in league after week 1. The Giants didn't break 118 yards in a game until week 3 last season, when they rushed for 226 against the Bucs.
3. Eli Manning's 263yds passing was the most he's ever had in an opening day win. It his second highest total in any opening game behind his 312 yd performance in 2007's 45-35 opening day loss to the Cowboys.
4. Carolina's 5 turnovers was the most turnovers the Giants defense has forced since Oct 2, 2005, when they beat the Rams 44-24.
5. The last time they forced 5 or more turnovers on opening day was in 1999 when they beat the Bucs 17-13 (a close game considering the Giants didn't turn the ball over at all themselves).
6. The last time the Giants combined with an opponent for 9 or more turnovers was on Nov 4th, 2001 when they beat the Cowboys 27-24. Interestingly enough, the Giants combined with the Redskins for another 9 turnover performance just 1 month before that on Oct 14th, 2001 (another Giants win, 23-9).
7. The Giants and Jets combined for a whopping 220 penalty yards in week 1.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka recorded 2 sacks on Sunday. He is the first Giant to have a multi-sack game since Justin Tuck recorded 2 against the Oakland Raiders in Week 5 of last season.
9. The Giants have now won 3 straight opening games, and have improved to 4-3 on opening day with Tom Coughlin at the helm. Coughlin is now 10-5 all time on opening day as a head coach.
10. Hakeem Nicks' became the first Giant since Plaxico Burress in Week 1 of the 2007 season--a loss to the Cowboys--to haul in 3 receiving TD's in a single game. The last Giant with 3 receiving TD's in a win was Amani Toomer in Week 15 of the 2002 season (45-27 over the Colts). With defenses starting to focus on Steve Smith, it is imperative that Nicks step up and be a big time playmaker for this offense. So far so good. Nicks' performance makes him the Fat Know-It-All's player of the week for week 1. So congrats Mr Nicks, I know you're excited!
2. As bad as the Giants rushing attack was in the first half, their 118 rushing yards was good enough to put them at 11th in league after week 1. The Giants didn't break 118 yards in a game until week 3 last season, when they rushed for 226 against the Bucs.
3. Eli Manning's 263yds passing was the most he's ever had in an opening day win. It his second highest total in any opening game behind his 312 yd performance in 2007's 45-35 opening day loss to the Cowboys.
4. Carolina's 5 turnovers was the most turnovers the Giants defense has forced since Oct 2, 2005, when they beat the Rams 44-24.
5. The last time they forced 5 or more turnovers on opening day was in 1999 when they beat the Bucs 17-13 (a close game considering the Giants didn't turn the ball over at all themselves).
6. The last time the Giants combined with an opponent for 9 or more turnovers was on Nov 4th, 2001 when they beat the Cowboys 27-24. Interestingly enough, the Giants combined with the Redskins for another 9 turnover performance just 1 month before that on Oct 14th, 2001 (another Giants win, 23-9).
7. The Giants and Jets combined for a whopping 220 penalty yards in week 1.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka recorded 2 sacks on Sunday. He is the first Giant to have a multi-sack game since Justin Tuck recorded 2 against the Oakland Raiders in Week 5 of last season.
9. The Giants have now won 3 straight opening games, and have improved to 4-3 on opening day with Tom Coughlin at the helm. Coughlin is now 10-5 all time on opening day as a head coach.
10. Hakeem Nicks' became the first Giant since Plaxico Burress in Week 1 of the 2007 season--a loss to the Cowboys--to haul in 3 receiving TD's in a single game. The last Giant with 3 receiving TD's in a win was Amani Toomer in Week 15 of the 2002 season (45-27 over the Colts). With defenses starting to focus on Steve Smith, it is imperative that Nicks step up and be a big time playmaker for this offense. So far so good. Nicks' performance makes him the Fat Know-It-All's player of the week for week 1. So congrats Mr Nicks, I know you're excited!
Week 1 Report Card
There are two ways to look at Sundays game. The optimist will say, hey they didn't play well--4 turnovers, 9 penalties, 1 blocked punt allowed--and still won the game going away. Tighten up the mistakes and they'll be fine. The pessimist, on the other hand, will point out the running game was non-existent in the first half, the special teams were a joke, the defense gave up too many 3rd and longs, and all this was against an opponent that, frankly, doesn't look very good. I'll let you decide which side you're on, but here are my week 1 performance grades for the defense, offense, and special team.
Defense:
We can talk about the 3rd down conversions, but the bottom line is the Giants gave up only 237 yards (5th best in week 1), 89 yards on the ground against a supposedly great rushing team, forced 5 turnovers, had 4 sacks, and held their opponent to 16 points despite being given awful field position to work with all day courtesy of turnovers and horrific special teams play. That's a pretty damn good day. The question is whether or not this was the result of solid defense, or a completely inept offense. We'll find out next week for sure.
Grade: B
Offense:
Forget the 3 interceptions, Eli looked solid. More importantly, he looked confident in his receivers. Steve Smith has apparently graduated to double coverage, so Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will be vital weapons for this offense (feel free to join the party anytime you want Ramses Barden). Both stepped up in that role on Sunday. The running-game remains a concern, but thanks to some second half adjustments they ended up with a respectable 118 yards on the ground. The Colts got gashed last week by Arian Foster and now they are without Bob Sanders, so if the Giants struggle to run the ball next week, then I'll worry.
Grade: B-
Special Teams:
They should play the "Entry of the Gladiators" every time one of the Giants special teams units come out on the field, because they are circus act right now. I'm not saying anything you don't already know, but the special teams will cost them at least one game this year if things don't turn around. They need to find some combination of guys who can run down and make a tackle, or make a block. As for the punter, Tom Coughlin said it best, "Patience is not a good word right now." I don't care that he was a draft pick, I said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm not interested in developing a punter. You have patience with a rookie QB, not a punter. It's clear Dodge struggles under pressure (he shanked his first few kicks in camp, his first few punts in preseason, and now his first few punts in a regular season game) so even if he starts to show some consistency in the regular season, can you really trust that his nerves won't get the best of him in the fourth quarter of a big game come December. God help us when the winds pick up.
Grade: F
-----
In case you missed it, Kevin Boss suffered a concussion on Sunday--and it's not his first. He will definitely miss this week and we'll have to wait and see after that. Also, Chase Blackburn re-sprained his MCL (same injury he had in camp) and William Beatty hurt his foot. Blackburn says he hopes to be back this week--although that seems unlikely. Beatty remains a bit of a mystery as Ralph Vacchiano reported that he needs surgery and may miss the season, but there hasn't been any conformation of that, and Mike Garofolo reported that his timetable is uncertain. The Giants signed Bear Pascoe off their practice squad and released LB Bryan Kehl to make room. I would think that if the Giants expected Beatty to really miss the year he would have been placed on IR to make room for Pascoe--so maybe that's a good sign. I'll let you know as soon as see something concrete. I'm sorry to see Kehl go, but if you remember I figured Pascoe would make the team over Kehl to begin with, so it's not too surprising. Kehl was also the one who missed his assignment on the blocked punt--which Tom Coughlin called "embarrassing"--so that may have been the play that sealed Kehl's fate.
Defense:
We can talk about the 3rd down conversions, but the bottom line is the Giants gave up only 237 yards (5th best in week 1), 89 yards on the ground against a supposedly great rushing team, forced 5 turnovers, had 4 sacks, and held their opponent to 16 points despite being given awful field position to work with all day courtesy of turnovers and horrific special teams play. That's a pretty damn good day. The question is whether or not this was the result of solid defense, or a completely inept offense. We'll find out next week for sure.
Grade: B
Offense:
Forget the 3 interceptions, Eli looked solid. More importantly, he looked confident in his receivers. Steve Smith has apparently graduated to double coverage, so Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will be vital weapons for this offense (feel free to join the party anytime you want Ramses Barden). Both stepped up in that role on Sunday. The running-game remains a concern, but thanks to some second half adjustments they ended up with a respectable 118 yards on the ground. The Colts got gashed last week by Arian Foster and now they are without Bob Sanders, so if the Giants struggle to run the ball next week, then I'll worry.
Grade: B-
Special Teams:
They should play the "Entry of the Gladiators" every time one of the Giants special teams units come out on the field, because they are circus act right now. I'm not saying anything you don't already know, but the special teams will cost them at least one game this year if things don't turn around. They need to find some combination of guys who can run down and make a tackle, or make a block. As for the punter, Tom Coughlin said it best, "Patience is not a good word right now." I don't care that he was a draft pick, I said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm not interested in developing a punter. You have patience with a rookie QB, not a punter. It's clear Dodge struggles under pressure (he shanked his first few kicks in camp, his first few punts in preseason, and now his first few punts in a regular season game) so even if he starts to show some consistency in the regular season, can you really trust that his nerves won't get the best of him in the fourth quarter of a big game come December. God help us when the winds pick up.
Grade: F
-----
In case you missed it, Kevin Boss suffered a concussion on Sunday--and it's not his first. He will definitely miss this week and we'll have to wait and see after that. Also, Chase Blackburn re-sprained his MCL (same injury he had in camp) and William Beatty hurt his foot. Blackburn says he hopes to be back this week--although that seems unlikely. Beatty remains a bit of a mystery as Ralph Vacchiano reported that he needs surgery and may miss the season, but there hasn't been any conformation of that, and Mike Garofolo reported that his timetable is uncertain. The Giants signed Bear Pascoe off their practice squad and released LB Bryan Kehl to make room. I would think that if the Giants expected Beatty to really miss the year he would have been placed on IR to make room for Pascoe--so maybe that's a good sign. I'll let you know as soon as see something concrete. I'm sorry to see Kehl go, but if you remember I figured Pascoe would make the team over Kehl to begin with, so it's not too surprising. Kehl was also the one who missed his assignment on the blocked punt--which Tom Coughlin called "embarrassing"--so that may have been the play that sealed Kehl's fate.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Post Game Overreaction: Giants 31; Panthers 18
A win is a win is a win. They don't give style points. That being said, there are plenty of positives to take away from today's win, and also plenty of areas where the G-men need to improve. Here are my quick hit/half drunk thoughts on the game:
~ The special teams are still a nightmare. I like what I saw from Reynaud, but other than that, this is an absolutely awful special team unit. No coverage on kickoffs, the worst punter in the world, a blocked punt no return yards...a circus on the field every time they come on.
~ The adjustments both the offense and the defense made at half-time make me feel good about the G-mens chances.
~ Matt Moore is not a good football player...I thank him for that.
~ The decision to keep only 2 TE's (really 1.5 because Travis Beckum is incapable of blocking another human being) has already proven to be a mistake.
~ I like the look of the "Big Base"--with Kiwanuka at OLB and Chris Canty at DE. The run defense was impressive.
~ What's with those hideous "New Meadowlands Stadium" patches -- ugly.
~ All of Eli's INT's were slightly off-target passes, but all of them could have been caught.
~ The Giants need consistency from the run game. The yardage obviously improved in the second half, but overall the rushing attack was still inconsistent.
~ The game turned around when I poured myself a glass of Jameson. Just sayin'....
~ Linval Joseph a healthy scratch? You have to expect more from a second round pick.
~ Hakeem Nicks was ridiculous. Mario Manningham also impressed me -- which I'm sure was his goal going into the day.
~ Jason Pierre-Paul was a ghost in this one. Just sayin'....
~ Matt Dodge-- I know I already lambasted the special teams, but this guy needs a special mention. What an absolutely terrible punter.
~ I think the Panthers are a 6-10 football team. So beating them at home is nothing to write home about. But I also don't think the Giants played as well as they can, so there is a bit of hope. Then again, this was one sloppy game and the Giants won't beat many teams playing the way they did.
~ The special teams are still a nightmare. I like what I saw from Reynaud, but other than that, this is an absolutely awful special team unit. No coverage on kickoffs, the worst punter in the world, a blocked punt no return yards...a circus on the field every time they come on.
~ The adjustments both the offense and the defense made at half-time make me feel good about the G-mens chances.
~ Matt Moore is not a good football player...I thank him for that.
~ The decision to keep only 2 TE's (really 1.5 because Travis Beckum is incapable of blocking another human being) has already proven to be a mistake.
~ I like the look of the "Big Base"--with Kiwanuka at OLB and Chris Canty at DE. The run defense was impressive.
~ What's with those hideous "New Meadowlands Stadium" patches -- ugly.
~ All of Eli's INT's were slightly off-target passes, but all of them could have been caught.
~ The Giants need consistency from the run game. The yardage obviously improved in the second half, but overall the rushing attack was still inconsistent.
~ The game turned around when I poured myself a glass of Jameson. Just sayin'....
~ Linval Joseph a healthy scratch? You have to expect more from a second round pick.
~ Hakeem Nicks was ridiculous. Mario Manningham also impressed me -- which I'm sure was his goal going into the day.
~ Jason Pierre-Paul was a ghost in this one. Just sayin'....
~ Matt Dodge-- I know I already lambasted the special teams, but this guy needs a special mention. What an absolutely terrible punter.
~ I think the Panthers are a 6-10 football team. So beating them at home is nothing to write home about. But I also don't think the Giants played as well as they can, so there is a bit of hope. Then again, this was one sloppy game and the Giants won't beat many teams playing the way they did.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Giants vs Panthers Preview: It's Like Christmas Eve
I feel like a kid on Christmas eve. I'm so excited I can barely stand it. I am dreaming of all the wonderful things I may receive on Sunday: a big pass rush, a dominating run game, a high-flying pass attack...oh my! Of course, I also can't help but think about all the things that went wrong this year: the failure to improve the aging offensive line, the failure to significantly upgrade the LB's, the injuries, the question marks at DT... and I begin to fear that all I'll wake up to find is a lump of coal in my stocking. That's one of the things that makes week 1 great. You just don't know. No matter how much inside knowledge you have, or how many preseason games you've watched, you really don't know what to expect from a team until they strap on the pads week 1. Of course, with the bi-polar nature of the Giants last season, their new D-coordinator, and all the new faces, I feel I am even more clueless this year than in years past.
The Giants open their 2010 campaign, and the new "GIANTS" Stadium (until they name it, that's what I'm calling it), against the Carolina Panthers--the same team that humiliated the Giants (and me) in the last game the Giants ever played at the old stadium. The Panthers are another team that is hard to gauge coming into 2010. They have a young QB who showed promise last year (e.g. when he lit up the Giants), two excellent RB's, and the bold prediction by SI's Peter King that they are going to the Superbowl. I like Peter King, he's a fine writer and a seemingly lovely man, but he tends to be awful with his predictions and I think that might be the case here. The Panthers certainly offer an interesting challenge to the G-men, but the fact remains they are starting 4 new defensive linemen. And when I say new, I don't just mean to the Panthers, I mean they are starting 4 guys who didn't start for anyone in 2009! They are also going to be without starting RT Jeff Otah (knee).
The Giants need to win this game. I don't want to overstate the importance of the first game of the season (we all remember what happened at the start of the 2007 campaign), but if the Panthers come in and run all over them again, it will be devastating. Obviously, not so much in terms of standings, but more for its effect on the team's psyche. I get the sense the Giants are confident they can bounce back from last season, but still aren't quite sure they will. With a game in Indianapolis next on the schedule, a loss may very likely mean an 0-2 start. Now I know they went 0-2 in 2007 and went on to win the Superbowl (come to think of it, in 2007 they also had a new D-coordinator and were also coming off an 8-8 year--just saying), but I don't think this team could handle the pressure that would mount on them with a slow start.
One advantage the Giants have is the element of surprise. Perry Fewell said the Giants showed about 10% of their defensive looks in the preseason, meaning the defense you see on Sunday won't be on tape yet. Hopefully they can cause confusion for the young QB and get some pressure to force a few turnovers. Offensively, if the Giants can't run on this inexperienced front, they won't be able to run on anyone. I'm pretty confident they'll move the ball against this defense. Knowing the Giants, it will be a sloppy game. Don't expect the football equivalent of a Red Ryder BB Gun to be under the tree Sunday, but I don't think we're getting coal either. I think the Giants win--ugly.
The Giants open their 2010 campaign, and the new "GIANTS" Stadium (until they name it, that's what I'm calling it), against the Carolina Panthers--the same team that humiliated the Giants (and me) in the last game the Giants ever played at the old stadium. The Panthers are another team that is hard to gauge coming into 2010. They have a young QB who showed promise last year (e.g. when he lit up the Giants), two excellent RB's, and the bold prediction by SI's Peter King that they are going to the Superbowl. I like Peter King, he's a fine writer and a seemingly lovely man, but he tends to be awful with his predictions and I think that might be the case here. The Panthers certainly offer an interesting challenge to the G-men, but the fact remains they are starting 4 new defensive linemen. And when I say new, I don't just mean to the Panthers, I mean they are starting 4 guys who didn't start for anyone in 2009! They are also going to be without starting RT Jeff Otah (knee).
The Giants need to win this game. I don't want to overstate the importance of the first game of the season (we all remember what happened at the start of the 2007 campaign), but if the Panthers come in and run all over them again, it will be devastating. Obviously, not so much in terms of standings, but more for its effect on the team's psyche. I get the sense the Giants are confident they can bounce back from last season, but still aren't quite sure they will. With a game in Indianapolis next on the schedule, a loss may very likely mean an 0-2 start. Now I know they went 0-2 in 2007 and went on to win the Superbowl (come to think of it, in 2007 they also had a new D-coordinator and were also coming off an 8-8 year--just saying), but I don't think this team could handle the pressure that would mount on them with a slow start.
One advantage the Giants have is the element of surprise. Perry Fewell said the Giants showed about 10% of their defensive looks in the preseason, meaning the defense you see on Sunday won't be on tape yet. Hopefully they can cause confusion for the young QB and get some pressure to force a few turnovers. Offensively, if the Giants can't run on this inexperienced front, they won't be able to run on anyone. I'm pretty confident they'll move the ball against this defense. Knowing the Giants, it will be a sloppy game. Don't expect the football equivalent of a Red Ryder BB Gun to be under the tree Sunday, but I don't think we're getting coal either. I think the Giants win--ugly.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Here's What Won't Happen in 2010
I feel like it is a prerequisite that if you have any sort of sports-related blog or radio show you have to make preseason picks. So here are my uninformed, sure to be wrong picks:
^Home Field Advantage
*wild card
NFC East:
Cowboys: 10-6
Giants: 9-7*
Eagles: 9-7*
Redskins: 7-9
Comment: Cowboys and Eagles come back down a bit, Giants and Redskins move up a bit...tight division race with only a few games separating the top from bottom. Giants and Eagles just make the playoffs thanks to a weak conference.
NFC North:
Packers: 11-5
Vikings: 9-7
Bears: 7-9
Lions: 6-10
Comment: Brett Favre looked uninterested last night. He'll get hurt behind that shaky O-line and probably play through it--to the detriment of the team. The Pack emerge as the top team in the NFC North.
NFC South:
Saints: 11-5^
Falcons: 9-7
Panthers: 8-8
Bucs: 3-13
Comment: No surprises here. Saints win the division, Falcons stay competitive but come up just short.
NFC West:
49ers: 10-6
Cardinals: 6-10
Seahawks: 5-11
Rams: 3-13
Comment: 49ers cruise to a division title in the worst division in football
AFC East:
Patriots: 10-6
Dolphins: 9-7
Jets: 9-7
Bills: 0-16 (yeah I think they are that bad)
Comment: The Bills are awful but a thin line separates the Pats, Dolphins, and Jets. I think a healthy happy Brady puts the Pats on top.
AFC North:
Ravens: 12-4
Steelers: 10-6*
Bengals: 8-8
Browns: 7-9
Comment: Ravens do it with offense, not defense. Steelers get the wild card and both the Bengals and Browns are competitive making this the toughest division in the league.
AFC South:
Colts: 12-4^
Titans: 10-6*
Texans: 9-7
Jags: 6-10
Comment: Colts pull it off again. Titans get the wild card and once again the Texans fail to get over the hump.
AFC West:
Chargers: 10-6
Broncos: 7-9
Raiders: 7-9
Chiefs: 7-9
Comment: Chargers still the best team out west, but no one is that good.
Playoffs:
NFC Wild Card Round:
Giants @ 49ers (Giants blow a huge lead in the second half and lose on a botched field goal attempt...oh wait that already happened. Screw it, Giants WIN 17-12)
Eagles @ Cowboys (Eagles 27-20)
NFC Divisional Round:
Giants @ Packers (Rodgers doesn't pull a Brett Favre and there is no repeat of the 2007 magic in Lambeau, Packers win convincingly 31-17)
Eagles @ Saints (Saints 38-24)
NFC Championship
Packers @ Saints (Again, Rodgers doesn't pull a Brett Favre; Packers win 37-24)
AFC Wild Card Round:
Steelers @ Patriots (Patriots: 24-21)
Titans @ Chargers (Titans: 23-13)
AFC Divisional Round:
Titans @ Colts (Colts 24-14)
Patriots @ Ravens (Ravens 27-20)
AFC Championship Game:
Ravens @ Colts (Colts once again humiliate their old city 37-20)
Superbowl:
Colts 31 Packers 27 (Manning is redeemed)
^Home Field Advantage
*wild card
NFC East:
Cowboys: 10-6
Giants: 9-7*
Eagles: 9-7*
Redskins: 7-9
Comment: Cowboys and Eagles come back down a bit, Giants and Redskins move up a bit...tight division race with only a few games separating the top from bottom. Giants and Eagles just make the playoffs thanks to a weak conference.
NFC North:
Packers: 11-5
Vikings: 9-7
Bears: 7-9
Lions: 6-10
Comment: Brett Favre looked uninterested last night. He'll get hurt behind that shaky O-line and probably play through it--to the detriment of the team. The Pack emerge as the top team in the NFC North.
NFC South:
Saints: 11-5^
Falcons: 9-7
Panthers: 8-8
Bucs: 3-13
Comment: No surprises here. Saints win the division, Falcons stay competitive but come up just short.
NFC West:
49ers: 10-6
Cardinals: 6-10
Seahawks: 5-11
Rams: 3-13
Comment: 49ers cruise to a division title in the worst division in football
AFC East:
Patriots: 10-6
Dolphins: 9-7
Jets: 9-7
Bills: 0-16 (yeah I think they are that bad)
Comment: The Bills are awful but a thin line separates the Pats, Dolphins, and Jets. I think a healthy happy Brady puts the Pats on top.
AFC North:
Ravens: 12-4
Steelers: 10-6*
Bengals: 8-8
Browns: 7-9
Comment: Ravens do it with offense, not defense. Steelers get the wild card and both the Bengals and Browns are competitive making this the toughest division in the league.
AFC South:
Colts: 12-4^
Titans: 10-6*
Texans: 9-7
Jags: 6-10
Comment: Colts pull it off again. Titans get the wild card and once again the Texans fail to get over the hump.
AFC West:
Chargers: 10-6
Broncos: 7-9
Raiders: 7-9
Chiefs: 7-9
Comment: Chargers still the best team out west, but no one is that good.
Playoffs:
NFC Wild Card Round:
Giants @ 49ers (Giants blow a huge lead in the second half and lose on a botched field goal attempt...oh wait that already happened. Screw it, Giants WIN 17-12)
Eagles @ Cowboys (Eagles 27-20)
NFC Divisional Round:
Giants @ Packers (Rodgers doesn't pull a Brett Favre and there is no repeat of the 2007 magic in Lambeau, Packers win convincingly 31-17)
Eagles @ Saints (Saints 38-24)
NFC Championship
Packers @ Saints (Again, Rodgers doesn't pull a Brett Favre; Packers win 37-24)
AFC Wild Card Round:
Steelers @ Patriots (Patriots: 24-21)
Titans @ Chargers (Titans: 23-13)
AFC Divisional Round:
Titans @ Colts (Colts 24-14)
Patriots @ Ravens (Ravens 27-20)
AFC Championship Game:
Ravens @ Colts (Colts once again humiliate their old city 37-20)
Superbowl:
Colts 31 Packers 27 (Manning is redeemed)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A Look at the "Other" NFC East Teams
So the NFL season kicks off tonight, meaning all is right with the world again. I guess it's about time I mention teams other than the NY Giants, so here's my pseudo NFC East preview.
Dallas Cowboys: For a while the Eagles had surpassed the Cowboys on my hate scale, but as sure as the tide, the Cowboys always manage to rekindle my hatred. There’s not much to like: their owner, their name, their fans, their QB, their "America's Team nonsense. I mean really, I get sick just thinking about them. Everyone has got them winning the division, and many like them to represent the NFC in the Superbowl—which is being played, not-coincidentally, at their home field. Here’s what I don’t get: why should we think the Cowboys will be better than last year? Sorry if I don't think adding a late first round WR who was injured all through camp isn’t enough Cowboy fans. Especially when you have serious concerns with your offensive line. They lose stability up-front, and basically stay the same in every other position and I’m suppose to think they are magically going to get better? It doesn’t work that way. Say what you will about the Giants, but you have to admit they have a much better roster right now than they did at the end of last season—you know, when they beat the healthy Cowboys for the second straight time. In this league you’re either getting better or getting worse, and the Cowboys certainly didn’t get better.
Philadelphia Eagles: Who trades a pro-bowl quarterback to a division rival? Andy Reid, apparently. Philly’s rotund head coach/general manager is either going to look like the savviest man in the league, or the dumbest (he’s also battling Rex Ryan for the title of “fattest”, but that’s neither here nor there). Kevin Kolb looks pretty good, so I understand moving McNabb, but unless the former pro-bowler and face of the franchise has nothing left in the tank, sending him to Washington looks pretty stupid. The Eagles biggest question mark is not at QB, however. It’s their defense. It wasn’t good last year, and they've addressed their problems by starting a rookie at safety this year. They also have a banged up offensive line that could cost them as well. Andy Reid (his questionable GM Tactics aside) is probably the best coach in the division, so the Eagles will likely be competitive. Like the Giants, I think the Eagles could compete for the division if everything falls into place, but like our friends in blue, they could also be in for a long season if they don’t.
Washington Redskins: Living in the DC area I’ve learned that Redskins fans are truly unique. I’ve never seen a fan base that is more delusional about their team. Every year (and actually this extends to other sports as well) they are convinced they are going to win the Superbowl. I mean literally convinced. Every year Dan Snyder spends a lot of money on players/coaches/GM’s and everyone in DC drinks the cool-aide and rejoices. Of course, this year is no different. Yes my friends, don’t bother watching the season, just picture McNabb and Shanahan each hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and embracing in a long-drawn out hug. The only real question is will Albert Haynseworth be there to lift his coach and quarterback up on his shoulders?
Dallas Cowboys: For a while the Eagles had surpassed the Cowboys on my hate scale, but as sure as the tide, the Cowboys always manage to rekindle my hatred. There’s not much to like: their owner, their name, their fans, their QB, their "America's Team nonsense. I mean really, I get sick just thinking about them. Everyone has got them winning the division, and many like them to represent the NFC in the Superbowl—which is being played, not-coincidentally, at their home field. Here’s what I don’t get: why should we think the Cowboys will be better than last year? Sorry if I don't think adding a late first round WR who was injured all through camp isn’t enough Cowboy fans. Especially when you have serious concerns with your offensive line. They lose stability up-front, and basically stay the same in every other position and I’m suppose to think they are magically going to get better? It doesn’t work that way. Say what you will about the Giants, but you have to admit they have a much better roster right now than they did at the end of last season—you know, when they beat the healthy Cowboys for the second straight time. In this league you’re either getting better or getting worse, and the Cowboys certainly didn’t get better.
Philadelphia Eagles: Who trades a pro-bowl quarterback to a division rival? Andy Reid, apparently. Philly’s rotund head coach/general manager is either going to look like the savviest man in the league, or the dumbest (he’s also battling Rex Ryan for the title of “fattest”, but that’s neither here nor there). Kevin Kolb looks pretty good, so I understand moving McNabb, but unless the former pro-bowler and face of the franchise has nothing left in the tank, sending him to Washington looks pretty stupid. The Eagles biggest question mark is not at QB, however. It’s their defense. It wasn’t good last year, and they've addressed their problems by starting a rookie at safety this year. They also have a banged up offensive line that could cost them as well. Andy Reid (his questionable GM Tactics aside) is probably the best coach in the division, so the Eagles will likely be competitive. Like the Giants, I think the Eagles could compete for the division if everything falls into place, but like our friends in blue, they could also be in for a long season if they don’t.
Washington Redskins: Living in the DC area I’ve learned that Redskins fans are truly unique. I’ve never seen a fan base that is more delusional about their team. Every year (and actually this extends to other sports as well) they are convinced they are going to win the Superbowl. I mean literally convinced. Every year Dan Snyder spends a lot of money on players/coaches/GM’s and everyone in DC drinks the cool-aide and rejoices. Of course, this year is no different. Yes my friends, don’t bother watching the season, just picture McNabb and Shanahan each hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and embracing in a long-drawn out hug. The only real question is will Albert Haynseworth be there to lift his coach and quarterback up on his shoulders?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Better Late Than Never...Post-"Cutdown Day" Overreaction
Well, Saturday was one crazy day. I spent it driving up to Lake Placid, NY with my wife in the passenger seat "manning" my blackberry and giving me Twitter updates every few minutes as the news of the Giants' cuts slowly leaked out. Most were expected, but a few caught me by surprise. As we approached the 6 O'Clock deadline, the Giants needed one more cut to get down to 53. The rumors on "Twitter" were that the Giants were trying to trade DE Dave Tollefson, so if a deal couldn't be reached, he seemed to be the most likely odd-man out. As the tension mounted, I--of course--lost cell phone service. It wasn't until around 6:30 when I got into my hotel room that I finally found out what was--in my opinion--the biggest surprise of the day. The Giants had kept Tollefson, and dropped second year RB Andre Brown. The decision didn't surprise me because Brown had "wowed" me in the preseason, but rather because the Giants seemed very high on him, and as a general rule, they don't like to give up on draft-picks too quickly. But in the end, the banged-up and unrpoven Brown was simply not worth a roster spot.
To me, the other big surprise was WR Duke Calhoun beating out WR Derek Hagen. Hagen was a solid back-up and (I thought anyway) a very good special teams player. I had also noticed he was one of the Giants captains for their preseason game against the Ravens, so I didn't think he was really on the bubble. But apparently the Giants felt Hagen had slowed down as a gunner on punt coverage, and they felt Calhoun was an upgrade in this regard.
The one bold pick I got right was that the Giants would cut Jay Alford. Despite my intuition, Alford was probably the player I was most disappointed to see go. His hit on Tom Brady in Superbowl XLII will live in Giants' lore forever, but he was coming off major knee surgery, and the Rocky Bernard simply outplayed him in the preseason. Alford wasn't out of work long though, as he was reunited with former defensive line coach Mike Waufle in Oakland. I wish him luck.
Finally, I was legitimately happy for Victor Cruz. There were a lot of doubters who felt his lack of a role on special teams would cost him a roster spot but he just played too damn well to not keep. He could probably be the #1 WR on the Rams right now. Besides, he replaces Sinorice Moss on the roster, and what did Moss ever do on special teams? If anything, Cruz is more versatile because he's bigger than Moss. They had to keep him, and I'm glad they did. It's amazing when you think about the fact that Calhoun and Cruz were both undrafted rookies, trying to make a team that was supposedly already stacked at WR. That's a hell of a job by those two, and I tip my hat to them. That being said, the minute one of them drops a pass or misses a tackle on punt coverage, I'll be the first to curse them out demand they be cut. I overreact, it's just what I do.
To me, the other big surprise was WR Duke Calhoun beating out WR Derek Hagen. Hagen was a solid back-up and (I thought anyway) a very good special teams player. I had also noticed he was one of the Giants captains for their preseason game against the Ravens, so I didn't think he was really on the bubble. But apparently the Giants felt Hagen had slowed down as a gunner on punt coverage, and they felt Calhoun was an upgrade in this regard.
The one bold pick I got right was that the Giants would cut Jay Alford. Despite my intuition, Alford was probably the player I was most disappointed to see go. His hit on Tom Brady in Superbowl XLII will live in Giants' lore forever, but he was coming off major knee surgery, and the Rocky Bernard simply outplayed him in the preseason. Alford wasn't out of work long though, as he was reunited with former defensive line coach Mike Waufle in Oakland. I wish him luck.
Finally, I was legitimately happy for Victor Cruz. There were a lot of doubters who felt his lack of a role on special teams would cost him a roster spot but he just played too damn well to not keep. He could probably be the #1 WR on the Rams right now. Besides, he replaces Sinorice Moss on the roster, and what did Moss ever do on special teams? If anything, Cruz is more versatile because he's bigger than Moss. They had to keep him, and I'm glad they did. It's amazing when you think about the fact that Calhoun and Cruz were both undrafted rookies, trying to make a team that was supposedly already stacked at WR. That's a hell of a job by those two, and I tip my hat to them. That being said, the minute one of them drops a pass or misses a tackle on punt coverage, I'll be the first to curse them out demand they be cut. I overreact, it's just what I do.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Giants Add Rosenfels and Reynaud
The Giants solved their concerns at back-up QB and in the return game in one fell swoop last night by trading with the Minnesota Vikings for QB Sage Rosenfels and RB/WR/RS Darius Reynaud. The Giants sent Minnesota a 5th round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012 in return.
The trade shores-up two of the Giants' concerns, but has also got to have a few players worried. As I discussed the other day, a lot of noteworthy players could find themselves cut today. Adding two more players (both guaranteed to make the roster provided they pass a physical) only creates more of a log-jam. I'm sure a lot of players started to feel their seats warm-up last night.
One player I thought was safe but suddenly is definitely in jeopardy is Victor Cruz. The local training camp hero is no lock to make the roster (I know I said I thought he was, but everything changes now). Cruz is not much of a special teams contributor so it's possible (I still don't think likely though) that Reynaud just took his roster spot. The Giants haven't had a 3rd QB in several years, so Rhett Bomar might also be looking for a job by the end of the day. Fortunately for both of them, they've played well enough to land a job somewhere in the league.
Overall, this is a good deal for the Giants. They were in desperate need of a kick returner and Rosenfels is the kind of veteran presence you like to have on the bench, ready to steady the ship if Eli goes down.
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Today is the big cut-down day. I'll be on the road but I'll try and update everyone via Twitter (@fatgiantfan) as the cuts are announced.
The trade shores-up two of the Giants' concerns, but has also got to have a few players worried. As I discussed the other day, a lot of noteworthy players could find themselves cut today. Adding two more players (both guaranteed to make the roster provided they pass a physical) only creates more of a log-jam. I'm sure a lot of players started to feel their seats warm-up last night.
One player I thought was safe but suddenly is definitely in jeopardy is Victor Cruz. The local training camp hero is no lock to make the roster (I know I said I thought he was, but everything changes now). Cruz is not much of a special teams contributor so it's possible (I still don't think likely though) that Reynaud just took his roster spot. The Giants haven't had a 3rd QB in several years, so Rhett Bomar might also be looking for a job by the end of the day. Fortunately for both of them, they've played well enough to land a job somewhere in the league.
Overall, this is a good deal for the Giants. They were in desperate need of a kick returner and Rosenfels is the kind of veteran presence you like to have on the bench, ready to steady the ship if Eli goes down.
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Today is the big cut-down day. I'll be on the road but I'll try and update everyone via Twitter (@fatgiantfan) as the cuts are announced.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Check me out on NJ.com's Giants Fan Blogger Contest
I'm shooting for the top. Or, at least as close to the top you rank NJ.com in the blogosphere. They are holding a contest to select a new Giants Fan Blogger. Since I'm blogging anyway, I figured, why not? So I'll be posting all my entries from here on out (started with my roster preview from yesterday actually) to their site. Check out the link below to find my entries (username: brunkst64). Please comment and follow me, as I figure your support can only help! Thanks again!
http://blog.nj.com/giants_fan_blog/index.html
http://blog.nj.com/giants_fan_blog/index.html
Post-game Overreaction (Preseason Week 4: Giants 20; Patriots 17)
Well, I got at least one of my wishes. The Giants' offense took the ball down the field with ease on their opening possession to score a TD. Finally! Unfortunately, the defense--set up with bad field position by terrible kick coverage once again--let the Pats answer right back. Oh well. Here's a few random observations from the game:
- The Giants opening game is 9 days away and they still don't have a kick returner. Manningham and Ross (if and when he returns from the injury) can handle the punt returns, but no one has looked good on kick-offs. Andre Brown was probably the most consistent (albeit the least explosive) through preseason, but he has the dreaded "Turf Toe" and will likely miss at least the first game of the season. I'll tell you another thing, it doesn't matter who is back there right now if the Giants don't find 10 other guys who can block because there has been no where to go.
- Bryan Kehl played his heart out last night. I'm a long-time supporter of Kehl's and I hope to see him hang on. He showed some tremendous speed last night. The problem is, who do you cut?
- I know they gave up a TD on the first drive, but I thought the starting defense played much better overall. Brady was squeezing the ball into some tight spaces. If those are the types of passes they are going to make QB's make, then I expect they'll generate a lot more turnovers this year, which should help counteract the yards they may give up.
- Clint Sintim is awful.
- Carl Banks made 2 good points on the broadcast last night:
- First, when he talked about how the Giants don't seem to have anyone who understands how to blitz. Their blitzes look like they are in slow motion. They need to watch some film of how teams like the Ravens and Jets blitz (and while there at it, pop in some tape of their own defense from the 2007 season).
- Secondly, I agree with Banks about Jonathan Goff's play. Even though he was in with back-ups, he just seemed to be moving around with more aggression and confidence.
- Mario Manningham is still running the wrong routes. If this guy had half a brain he'd be a hell of a football player.
- If the Giants can't bring themselves to cut some of the veterans on defense I mentioned in my preview of the cuts, they may be able to roll the dice and go with only 8 offensive linemen. They have guys who are versatile, so they might be able to pull it off for at least 6 weeks when Boothe comes off the PUP. If they do, they'll likely release Petrus and just pray he clears waivers so they can sign him to the practice squad. I'm not saying they will, I'm just saying it's an option.
- Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith are going to be one hell of a 1-2 punch at WR.
- The Bossman (aka Kevin Boss) looked good last night in his limited action.
- Shawn Andrews looks like he may have been an absolute steal.
- Antrel Rolle is going to do what they paid him top dollar to do: make big plays.
- With the preseason wrapped-up, I can honestly say I have no idea what to expect from the Giants this year. I can see them winning 11 games and the division, I can see them losing 11 games and finishing in dead last, and I can see all possibilities in between....
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Five Things To Watch: Giants vs Patriots
It's the final preseason game, and no one cares, so there is no point in coming up with "10" things to keep an eye on when most of you will probably not watch the game anyway. But for all of you who lack a life (like me), here's 5 things to keep an eye on as the Giants wrap-up the preseason.
1. Southern Miss at South Carolina - Real football begins in college tonight, you're probably better off watching it than another practice NFL game.
2. Shaun Andrews - He should get some extended playing time for the second week in a row. Forget about how he plays, if he is physically able to go the whole time it's a good sign.
3. Rhett "The Threat" Bomar - If he plays well, I think the Giants go with him as the #2. If he struggles, they'll look to sign a veteran (not named Matt Leinart).
4. The Battle for the final roster spots: see preceding article
5. Can someone, anyone, for the love of God, return a kick-off past the 30 yard line? I promise to throw down a shot of Jameson if they do.
1. Southern Miss at South Carolina - Real football begins in college tonight, you're probably better off watching it than another practice NFL game.
2. Shaun Andrews - He should get some extended playing time for the second week in a row. Forget about how he plays, if he is physically able to go the whole time it's a good sign.
3. Rhett "The Threat" Bomar - If he plays well, I think the Giants go with him as the #2. If he struggles, they'll look to sign a veteran (not named Matt Leinart).
4. The Battle for the final roster spots: see preceding article
5. Can someone, anyone, for the love of God, return a kick-off past the 30 yard line? I promise to throw down a shot of Jameson if they do.
Alford and Kehl Could Find Themselves on the Chopping Block
No one likes to talk about it, but we are just a few short days away from the Giants having to cut 22 players from their active roster. They will undoubtedly sign a few to their practice squad, but only rookies are eligible. No matter how you slice it, there will be some veteran names you recognize being let go on Saturday. Here is a look at each position by the numbers and how I think it might shake out:
Safeties:
Currently: 8 on the roster
2009: 3
Safe: Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Kenny Phillips
Hot Seat: Michael Johnson
Pack your Bags: John Busing, Sha'reff Rashad, and Seth Williams
Breakdown: The Giants will likely keep 4 safeties this year. It's definitely Johnson's job to lose, but he hasn't been overly impressive as of late. Then again, neither have the other 3. Giants could add a free-agent if they don't like what Johnson shows.
Cornerbacks:
Currently: 6
2009: 5
Safe: Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson
Hot Seat: Aaron Ross (Inj)
Pack your Bags: Courtney Brown and DJ Johnson
Breakdown: As Antrel Rolle can play corner, the Giants may elect to go with only 4 corners this year. If they do, both Brown and Johnson will be released. If they stick with 5, then those two will be battling it out, however, it's likely that the Giants will look for help elsewhere if they need it. If Ross's injury is worse than the Giants have let on, then he could end up on IR.
Defensive End:
Currently: 7
2009: 4
Safe: Mathias Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora
Hot Seat: Dave Tollefson
Pack your bags: Alex Hall and Tommie Hill
Breakdown: Hall and Hill are dead men walking. I think the Giants hold onto Tollefson who's had a great summer and go with 5 defensive ends.
Defensive Tackles:
Currently: 7
2009: 4
Safe: Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, Barry Cofield
Hot Seat: Rocky Bernard, Jay Alford,
Pack Your Bags: Nate Collins and Dwayne Hendricks
Breakdown: This is where it gets interesting. Collins and Hendricks are gone, but can the Giants afford to keep 5 DT's AND 5 DE's? Something has got to give, and I think it may be Alford.
Linebackers:
Currently: 8 (not including DeOssie)
2009: 8 (not including DeOssie)
Safe: Clint Sintim, Keith Bulluck, Michael Boley, Jonathan Goff, and Phillip Dillard.
Hot Seat: Gerris Wilkinson, Bryan Kehl and Chase Blackburn (Inj)
Pack Your Bags: N/A
Breakdown: Blackburn is probably safe, but if his knee isn't healing right he'll be placed on IR. Wilkinson has played well in my opinion, so I think he hangs on as well. The Giants need to trim the roster somewhere, and I think this might be one of those positions. I think Kehl winds up the odd-man out.
Offensive Line:
Currently: 14
2009: 9
Safe: Rich Seubert, Chris Snee, David Diehl, Kareem McKenzie, William Beatty
Hot Seat: Shaun O'Hara (inj), Shawn Andrews (inj), Adam Koets, Guy Whimper, and Mitch Petrus
Pack Your Bags: Jacob Bender, Dennis Landolt, Jim Cordle, Taylor Herb
Breakdown: The Giants are worried about O'Hara's ankle, so even though I don't think he'll end up on IR, I don't want to rule it out either. Obviously, he's the starting center if healthy. Andrews' back has held up so far, but if he suffers a set-back tonight he could be gone. Landolt and Cordle are definitely going, and if O'Hara and Andrews are healthy, then Bender and Herb will definitely join them. I think Koets is the other cut, getting them down to 9. Petrus likely makes the roster but quite frankly hasn't looked very good so far. Remember that the Giants also have Kevin Boothe on the PUP list, so if he comes back and is able to play after week 6, then Whimper might be looking for a job then too.
Wide Receivers:
Currently: 8
2009: 7
Safe: Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Derek Hagan, Mario Manningham, and Victor Cruz (yeah I think it's a done deal now).
Hot Seat: Ramses Barden (inj)
Pack Your Bags: Tim Brown and Duke Calhoun
Breakdown: Again, Barden is only listed as being on the hot seat because of his back issues. If he gets the all-clear he'll be on the active roster. Tim Brown and Duke Calhoun are both potential practice squad guys--Brown has a better shot--but I don't see them making the 53 man roster. The Giants may take a look at a free agent or two, but I think they go with 6 wide receivers this year.
Tight Ends:
Currently: 4
2009: 3
Safe: Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum
Hot Seat: Scott Chandler and Bear Pascoe
Pack Your Bags: N/A
Breakdown: I think Chandler gets the axe, Pascoe makes the team.
Runningbacks:
Currently: 7
2009: 5
Safe: Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Madison Hedgecock
Hot Seat: DJ Ware
Pack Your Bags: Gartrell Johnson and Jerome Johnson
Breakdown: Jerome Johnson has done nothing to unseat Hedgecock for the full-back job, so he'll be gone. I think this is the end of the road for Gartrell Johnson. DJ Ware is probably safe unless the Giants decide they'd rather have Alford and Kehl.
Quaterbacks:
Currently: 3
2009: 2
Safe: Eli Manning and Rhett Bomar
Hot Seat: N/A
Pack Your Bags: Dominic Randolph
Breakdown: Randolph will hope to play well enough tonight to get a spot on the practice squad, but that's it. The Giants could bring in a veteran to challenge Bomar for the #2 spot if they aren't comfortable, which could shake up the roster even more. Even if they bring in a veteran, they'll have to hold onto Bomar at this point I would think.
Specialists:
Currently: 3
2009: 3
Safe: Lawrence Tynes and Zak Deossie
Hot Seat: Matt Dodge
Pack Your Bags: N/A
Breakdown: Most likely nothing will change with this group, but if Dodge is inconsistent tonight the Giants may look for a veteran punter on the waiver wire.
As you can see, getting down to 53 ain't easy. What do you think? Who should go, who should stay?
Safeties:
Currently: 8 on the roster
2009: 3
Safe: Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Kenny Phillips
Hot Seat: Michael Johnson
Pack your Bags: John Busing, Sha'reff Rashad, and Seth Williams
Breakdown: The Giants will likely keep 4 safeties this year. It's definitely Johnson's job to lose, but he hasn't been overly impressive as of late. Then again, neither have the other 3. Giants could add a free-agent if they don't like what Johnson shows.
Cornerbacks:
Currently: 6
2009: 5
Safe: Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson
Hot Seat: Aaron Ross (Inj)
Pack your Bags: Courtney Brown and DJ Johnson
Breakdown: As Antrel Rolle can play corner, the Giants may elect to go with only 4 corners this year. If they do, both Brown and Johnson will be released. If they stick with 5, then those two will be battling it out, however, it's likely that the Giants will look for help elsewhere if they need it. If Ross's injury is worse than the Giants have let on, then he could end up on IR.
Defensive End:
Currently: 7
2009: 4
Safe: Mathias Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora
Hot Seat: Dave Tollefson
Pack your bags: Alex Hall and Tommie Hill
Breakdown: Hall and Hill are dead men walking. I think the Giants hold onto Tollefson who's had a great summer and go with 5 defensive ends.
Defensive Tackles:
Currently: 7
2009: 4
Safe: Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, Barry Cofield
Hot Seat: Rocky Bernard, Jay Alford,
Pack Your Bags: Nate Collins and Dwayne Hendricks
Breakdown: This is where it gets interesting. Collins and Hendricks are gone, but can the Giants afford to keep 5 DT's AND 5 DE's? Something has got to give, and I think it may be Alford.
Linebackers:
Currently: 8 (not including DeOssie)
2009: 8 (not including DeOssie)
Safe: Clint Sintim, Keith Bulluck, Michael Boley, Jonathan Goff, and Phillip Dillard.
Hot Seat: Gerris Wilkinson, Bryan Kehl and Chase Blackburn (Inj)
Pack Your Bags: N/A
Breakdown: Blackburn is probably safe, but if his knee isn't healing right he'll be placed on IR. Wilkinson has played well in my opinion, so I think he hangs on as well. The Giants need to trim the roster somewhere, and I think this might be one of those positions. I think Kehl winds up the odd-man out.
Offensive Line:
Currently: 14
2009: 9
Safe: Rich Seubert, Chris Snee, David Diehl, Kareem McKenzie, William Beatty
Hot Seat: Shaun O'Hara (inj), Shawn Andrews (inj), Adam Koets, Guy Whimper, and Mitch Petrus
Pack Your Bags: Jacob Bender, Dennis Landolt, Jim Cordle, Taylor Herb
Breakdown: The Giants are worried about O'Hara's ankle, so even though I don't think he'll end up on IR, I don't want to rule it out either. Obviously, he's the starting center if healthy. Andrews' back has held up so far, but if he suffers a set-back tonight he could be gone. Landolt and Cordle are definitely going, and if O'Hara and Andrews are healthy, then Bender and Herb will definitely join them. I think Koets is the other cut, getting them down to 9. Petrus likely makes the roster but quite frankly hasn't looked very good so far. Remember that the Giants also have Kevin Boothe on the PUP list, so if he comes back and is able to play after week 6, then Whimper might be looking for a job then too.
Wide Receivers:
Currently: 8
2009: 7
Safe: Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Derek Hagan, Mario Manningham, and Victor Cruz (yeah I think it's a done deal now).
Hot Seat: Ramses Barden (inj)
Pack Your Bags: Tim Brown and Duke Calhoun
Breakdown: Again, Barden is only listed as being on the hot seat because of his back issues. If he gets the all-clear he'll be on the active roster. Tim Brown and Duke Calhoun are both potential practice squad guys--Brown has a better shot--but I don't see them making the 53 man roster. The Giants may take a look at a free agent or two, but I think they go with 6 wide receivers this year.
Tight Ends:
Currently: 4
2009: 3
Safe: Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum
Hot Seat: Scott Chandler and Bear Pascoe
Pack Your Bags: N/A
Breakdown: I think Chandler gets the axe, Pascoe makes the team.
Runningbacks:
Currently: 7
2009: 5
Safe: Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Madison Hedgecock
Hot Seat: DJ Ware
Pack Your Bags: Gartrell Johnson and Jerome Johnson
Breakdown: Jerome Johnson has done nothing to unseat Hedgecock for the full-back job, so he'll be gone. I think this is the end of the road for Gartrell Johnson. DJ Ware is probably safe unless the Giants decide they'd rather have Alford and Kehl.
Quaterbacks:
Currently: 3
2009: 2
Safe: Eli Manning and Rhett Bomar
Hot Seat: N/A
Pack Your Bags: Dominic Randolph
Breakdown: Randolph will hope to play well enough tonight to get a spot on the practice squad, but that's it. The Giants could bring in a veteran to challenge Bomar for the #2 spot if they aren't comfortable, which could shake up the roster even more. Even if they bring in a veteran, they'll have to hold onto Bomar at this point I would think.
Specialists:
Currently: 3
2009: 3
Safe: Lawrence Tynes and Zak Deossie
Hot Seat: Matt Dodge
Pack Your Bags: N/A
Breakdown: Most likely nothing will change with this group, but if Dodge is inconsistent tonight the Giants may look for a veteran punter on the waiver wire.
As you can see, getting down to 53 ain't easy. What do you think? Who should go, who should stay?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Matt Leinart in Blue? Not Buying It
Early this morning, Adam "I Like to Run With Stories Without Solid Sources" Schefler reported on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike in the Morning" that the Giants were one of three teams interested in trading for Cardinal's QB Matt Leinart (The Bills and Raiders were the other two). In related news, I'm looking to drop 20 pounds, but neither is going to happen. First of all, Leinart is owed $10 million in base salary over the next two years. I don't see the Giants trading a draft pick to spend $5 million a year on a back-up. Secondly, the Giants don't need another young, unproven QB. I mean, isn't that essentially what Rhett Bomar is? I realize Leinart was a star in college and a first-round pick, but none of that matters now--does it. Both he and Bomar are unproven back-ups at this point. I'm in favor of the Giants adding some QB depth, but only if it is a veteran who has shown that he can play in the NFL. I mean, Jeff Garcia is playing in the UFL right now--just sayin'. If Eli goes down and can't play a few games, wouldn't you feel more comfortable with a veteran stepping in to hold down the fort until he comes back? I think the Giants wait for cut-down day to make a decision. If they see someone they like that is available, they'll sign him, if not, then Rhett "the threat" Bomar should be the #2.
Now that the dust has settled...a calmer look back at the Giants Preseason Loss to the Ravens
I had my hand on the panic button Saturday night, but I managed to talk myself out of pushing it. 3 days later I've taken my hand off, but I'm still keeping it close by. I'm not as worked up about the problems the Giants had in coverage anymore, however. Tom Coughlin said that they stuck with a lot of man coverage (even though it wasn't working) as a test for their young corners--hinting that the Giants defensive game plan was designed more to see what the unit was capable of, rather than stopping the Ravens. It's also Perry Fewell's first season, and as we saw in 2007, it can take a little time for players to grow comfortable with a new scheme, so we as fans shouldn't overreact to what happen Saturday night. Plus Fewell's Bills were the second best defense against the pass last year and I still believe the Giants have more talent in their secondary than the Bills.
Still, I can't shake the worry I have about both sides of the line. The offensive line looked old and slow, and the defensive line--the tackles anyway--looked soft. I think that the Shaun Andrews pick-up is looking more important every day. If O'Hara's ankle continues to be a problem, I expect the starting O-Line to be Diehl (LT), Andrews (LG), Seubert (C), Snee (RG), and McKenzie (RT) by week 3. No matter who is in there, the line will have to pick up their play. On the defensive side of the ball, Perry Fewell is going to have to get creative with how he attacks the run. The Giants are not a "read-and-react" type of front 7. They lack the strength and 2-gap style D-tackles. They need to get back to attacking the run gaps like they did under Steve Spagnuolo. Of course, Fewell is the coordinator who had one of the worst run defenses in the league over the past two years (sigh). Let's hope for the best.
Still, I can't shake the worry I have about both sides of the line. The offensive line looked old and slow, and the defensive line--the tackles anyway--looked soft. I think that the Shaun Andrews pick-up is looking more important every day. If O'Hara's ankle continues to be a problem, I expect the starting O-Line to be Diehl (LT), Andrews (LG), Seubert (C), Snee (RG), and McKenzie (RT) by week 3. No matter who is in there, the line will have to pick up their play. On the defensive side of the ball, Perry Fewell is going to have to get creative with how he attacks the run. The Giants are not a "read-and-react" type of front 7. They lack the strength and 2-gap style D-tackles. They need to get back to attacking the run gaps like they did under Steve Spagnuolo. Of course, Fewell is the coordinator who had one of the worst run defenses in the league over the past two years (sigh). Let's hope for the best.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Post-Game Overreaction (Preaseason Week 3)
I wrote this shortly after coming home from the game on Saturday night. For various reasons I wasn't able to finish and post it. I've tempered in the past few days, but the point of the Post-Game Overreaction is to give you my instant raw emotional response, so I haven't altered this at all. I'll give you the cooled down, more logical evaluation soon.
What do I think? I'll tell you what I think. I think it's going to be a long year for the G-men, and by extension, me--and by further extension, my wife. I continuously raised the issue in the off-season that one of the Giants main concerns on defense, other than the obvious need at safety, was the play of their defensive tackles. They were too soft last year, and they are still too soft. The Giants seemed to think that rookie Linval Joseph would add some strength in the middle, but he gets pushed around like a blocking sled whenever he gets double-teamed. Barry Cofield and the oft-injured Chris Canty struggle in this regard as well. Amazingly, fat Rocky Bernard has been one of the Giants most consistent tackles in preseason. A pass rush from the outside doesn't do any good if the QB can just step up, and that's the problem right now.
The linebackers remain an issue as well. Clint Sintim is a real disappointment as he was given every opportunity to take over the starting SLB spot, and has completely failed to seize his opportunity. Keith Bulluck looks like an old linebacker coming off of knee surgery--why I thought for a minute he'd look like anything else is beyond me now. Honestly, the Giants best 3 linebackers at this point are probably Jonathan Goff, Michael Boley, and Gerris Wilkinson--which is not exactly an all-star cast.
It was obvious that Ravens' QB Joe Flacco had pretty easy pre-snap reads to make. Find whoever Bruce Johnson or Courtney Brown is covering, and throw to him. He abused the young corners all night. You can say that the Giants will be better when they have Terrell Thomas and Aaaron Ross back, but honestly, for how many games do you expect Ross to be healthy? His latest ailment is plantar fasciitis--which Eli suffered last year and is one of those lingering injuries that doesn't go away. You can't dismiss your back-ups as not important, as they will be called on at some point this season. Right now it doesn't look like the Giants have much depth on the back-end of this defense. The good news is Corey Webster played outstanding last night. Forget about the interception, that was more luck than anything else, I was more impressed with how he more or less shut down everyone he covered. If I had to give a game ball, it would go to Webster. Let's hope he and Terrell Thomas never get hurt this year.
As concerned as I am about the defense, it does not compare to my concerns regarding the offense, in particular the offensive line. The Giants missed the warning signs brewing on their aging offensive line and it could cost them big. Shaun O'hara's ankle will be an issue all year, and so might Chris Snee's knee. Guy Whimper, Adam Koets, and William Beatty do not appear to be guys you want to count on. Beatty is particularly disappointing. I really thought he would win a starting job this year, but after watching him closely last night, it's clear he is nowhere near ready. He was flat out beat all night. The once cohesive unit is also suffering from a serious lack of communication. No way to tell how much of that is on them, and how much is on Eli, but there were several plays last night when they allowed for a free rusher to get in right off the snap. They remain confident and say once they get everyone back they'll be fine, but that's part of the problem. There is no way this aging group stays healthy all year (they haven't been healthy yet), so the Giants need guys to step in and be reliable. I don't see it.
The only good I can take from this game is that the Giants have sufficiently lowered my expectations enough that I'm pretty sure they'll meet them this year.
What do I think? I'll tell you what I think. I think it's going to be a long year for the G-men, and by extension, me--and by further extension, my wife. I continuously raised the issue in the off-season that one of the Giants main concerns on defense, other than the obvious need at safety, was the play of their defensive tackles. They were too soft last year, and they are still too soft. The Giants seemed to think that rookie Linval Joseph would add some strength in the middle, but he gets pushed around like a blocking sled whenever he gets double-teamed. Barry Cofield and the oft-injured Chris Canty struggle in this regard as well. Amazingly, fat Rocky Bernard has been one of the Giants most consistent tackles in preseason. A pass rush from the outside doesn't do any good if the QB can just step up, and that's the problem right now.
The linebackers remain an issue as well. Clint Sintim is a real disappointment as he was given every opportunity to take over the starting SLB spot, and has completely failed to seize his opportunity. Keith Bulluck looks like an old linebacker coming off of knee surgery--why I thought for a minute he'd look like anything else is beyond me now. Honestly, the Giants best 3 linebackers at this point are probably Jonathan Goff, Michael Boley, and Gerris Wilkinson--which is not exactly an all-star cast.
It was obvious that Ravens' QB Joe Flacco had pretty easy pre-snap reads to make. Find whoever Bruce Johnson or Courtney Brown is covering, and throw to him. He abused the young corners all night. You can say that the Giants will be better when they have Terrell Thomas and Aaaron Ross back, but honestly, for how many games do you expect Ross to be healthy? His latest ailment is plantar fasciitis--which Eli suffered last year and is one of those lingering injuries that doesn't go away. You can't dismiss your back-ups as not important, as they will be called on at some point this season. Right now it doesn't look like the Giants have much depth on the back-end of this defense. The good news is Corey Webster played outstanding last night. Forget about the interception, that was more luck than anything else, I was more impressed with how he more or less shut down everyone he covered. If I had to give a game ball, it would go to Webster. Let's hope he and Terrell Thomas never get hurt this year.
As concerned as I am about the defense, it does not compare to my concerns regarding the offense, in particular the offensive line. The Giants missed the warning signs brewing on their aging offensive line and it could cost them big. Shaun O'hara's ankle will be an issue all year, and so might Chris Snee's knee. Guy Whimper, Adam Koets, and William Beatty do not appear to be guys you want to count on. Beatty is particularly disappointing. I really thought he would win a starting job this year, but after watching him closely last night, it's clear he is nowhere near ready. He was flat out beat all night. The once cohesive unit is also suffering from a serious lack of communication. No way to tell how much of that is on them, and how much is on Eli, but there were several plays last night when they allowed for a free rusher to get in right off the snap. They remain confident and say once they get everyone back they'll be fine, but that's part of the problem. There is no way this aging group stays healthy all year (they haven't been healthy yet), so the Giants need guys to step in and be reliable. I don't see it.
The only good I can take from this game is that the Giants have sufficiently lowered my expectations enough that I'm pretty sure they'll meet them this year.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Ten Things To Watch: Giants vs Ravens
Saturday night the Giants travel to Baltimore for their only real road game of the preseason. I'll be at the game in my 1986 Jim Burt jersey, so I hope to give you my impressions of the team live. Several players are likely to miss the game, some of the key guys are Shaun O’Hara, Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas, Chris Canty, and Ramses Barden. The injuries are getting frustrating now, and now the Giants won't get a preseason game with their complete starting 11 on either side. So it will likely be another half-assed sloppy effort. God help us. In any event, as always, here are ten things I'll be keeping an eye on.
1. The linebacker rotation - Not really sure what's going on with this group--not really sure they do either. It's looking more and more like Jonathan Goff will get the start in the middle, with Michael Boley and Keith Bullock on either side of him, but a rotation is likely. Keep a close eye on how Fewell rotates in Gerris Wilkinson and Clint Sintim.
2. The running game - I know most teams prefer to pass more in the preseason to work out their timing, but this team needs to regain its identity on the ground and I hope to see them sustain a little ground attack Saturday.
3. Jay Alford, Kenny Phillips, and Keith Bulluck - these three key defense players who are all coming off injury are hoping to ratchet up the intensity this week. Let's hope we see all three back to form.
4. The not-so-special special teams - I know I say this every week, but I just want somebody to show something.
5. William Beatty vs Terrell Suggs - Suggs moves around, but if and when he's lined up on Beatty I'll be anxious to see if the young tackle can hold his own, or if he's over-matched.
6. Eli Manning - we haven't seen much of Eli, and the last time we did he nearly got his head taken off. It looks like Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith will both play, so it will good to see if the trio are in sync yet or not.
7. Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph - Again, I know I'm like a broken record, but I'm still not sure what we have with these two. Both had rough games last week so let's see if they can bounce back.
8. Plenty of ice bags on the sideline - these injuries are so ridiculous right now, let's just get everyone healthy and start this thing over.
9. Crisp play - This is the dress rehearsal, so it's time for the first teams to knock off the mistakes and miscues. The Giants need to look like a team ready to start the season. Thanks to injuries, I fear we won't see that, but here's to hope....
10. Something to get excited about - The first two preseason games were very bland. Granted, they were preseason games. But really, what have the Giants done to make you get excited about this season? The first game had Victor Cruz, but let's see a starter step up and take over a game. Or better yet, a whole starting unit. I want to see the defensive line dominate, or the secondary shut down, or the running-backs run wild. Just give me something to make me think 2010 will be better than 8-8.
1. The linebacker rotation - Not really sure what's going on with this group--not really sure they do either. It's looking more and more like Jonathan Goff will get the start in the middle, with Michael Boley and Keith Bullock on either side of him, but a rotation is likely. Keep a close eye on how Fewell rotates in Gerris Wilkinson and Clint Sintim.
2. The running game - I know most teams prefer to pass more in the preseason to work out their timing, but this team needs to regain its identity on the ground and I hope to see them sustain a little ground attack Saturday.
3. Jay Alford, Kenny Phillips, and Keith Bulluck - these three key defense players who are all coming off injury are hoping to ratchet up the intensity this week. Let's hope we see all three back to form.
4. The not-so-special special teams - I know I say this every week, but I just want somebody to show something.
5. William Beatty vs Terrell Suggs - Suggs moves around, but if and when he's lined up on Beatty I'll be anxious to see if the young tackle can hold his own, or if he's over-matched.
6. Eli Manning - we haven't seen much of Eli, and the last time we did he nearly got his head taken off. It looks like Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith will both play, so it will good to see if the trio are in sync yet or not.
7. Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph - Again, I know I'm like a broken record, but I'm still not sure what we have with these two. Both had rough games last week so let's see if they can bounce back.
8. Plenty of ice bags on the sideline - these injuries are so ridiculous right now, let's just get everyone healthy and start this thing over.
9. Crisp play - This is the dress rehearsal, so it's time for the first teams to knock off the mistakes and miscues. The Giants need to look like a team ready to start the season. Thanks to injuries, I fear we won't see that, but here's to hope....
10. Something to get excited about - The first two preseason games were very bland. Granted, they were preseason games. But really, what have the Giants done to make you get excited about this season? The first game had Victor Cruz, but let's see a starter step up and take over a game. Or better yet, a whole starting unit. I want to see the defensive line dominate, or the secondary shut down, or the running-backs run wild. Just give me something to make me think 2010 will be better than 8-8.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Stuck In The Middle With You: The Saga Continues
Just when we think we have it figured out....
It seems that Clint Sintim's poor play in the first two preseason games has got Tom Coughlin and Perry Fewell thinking he may not be there best option on the outside. The man they've picked to replace him is Keith Bulluck, the guy that the Giants signed to be their starting MLB. That means that Jonathan Goff is likely to once again be your starting MLB. Bulluck moves over to SAM, and Boley remains at the WIL
But wait, there's more! It seems that in Perry Fewell's system, SAM is really more like the WIL and the WIL more like the SAM in basically every other system. So Bulluck is now playing the SAM, which is similar to the WIL he played in Tennessee, and Boley is playing the WIL, which is similar to the SAM he played in Atlanta. Got it? If not, don't worry, even the Giants players have been joking about their own confusion with the somewhat backward system. Hopefully they figure it out by week 1.
Just to confuse things a little more, it should be noted that Gerris Wilkinson--who's looked good for a change--has also been taking snaps with the first team at the WIL--or is it SAM? What should we make of this? Well there are two possibilities. The pessimist (which I tend to be) will say that it is clear the Giants are unhappy with their linebackers and are desperately trying to find a combination that will work. The optimist will say the Giants are simple toying with different personal packages so they can use different sets in different scenarios. I'll let you be the judge.
It seems that Clint Sintim's poor play in the first two preseason games has got Tom Coughlin and Perry Fewell thinking he may not be there best option on the outside. The man they've picked to replace him is Keith Bulluck, the guy that the Giants signed to be their starting MLB. That means that Jonathan Goff is likely to once again be your starting MLB. Bulluck moves over to SAM, and Boley remains at the WIL
But wait, there's more! It seems that in Perry Fewell's system, SAM is really more like the WIL and the WIL more like the SAM in basically every other system. So Bulluck is now playing the SAM, which is similar to the WIL he played in Tennessee, and Boley is playing the WIL, which is similar to the SAM he played in Atlanta. Got it? If not, don't worry, even the Giants players have been joking about their own confusion with the somewhat backward system. Hopefully they figure it out by week 1.
Just to confuse things a little more, it should be noted that Gerris Wilkinson--who's looked good for a change--has also been taking snaps with the first team at the WIL--or is it SAM? What should we make of this? Well there are two possibilities. The pessimist (which I tend to be) will say that it is clear the Giants are unhappy with their linebackers and are desperately trying to find a combination that will work. The optimist will say the Giants are simple toying with different personal packages so they can use different sets in different scenarios. I'll let you be the judge.
Position Preview: WR (The Kids are All Right)
When the Giants won the Superbowl in the 2007 season, Steve Smith was the young inconsistent rookie who showed flashes of what was to come (e.g. the big third down reception on the last drive of the Superbowl). Three years later and Smith is now the Giants' most consistent receiver and the veteran leader of this group. At least he should be. Hakeem Nicks made a strange remark during OTA's that Sinorice Moss was the units leader--God help us. In any event, Smith is the Giants best receiver. He is also the most underrated WR in the league.
Nicks is the favorite to start alongside Smith. Like Smith in 2007, Nicks, although often inconsistent, showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year (remember his up and down game against Philadelphia at home last year?). The issue for Nicks is going to be his health. He's been nicked up (no pun intended...OK it was intended) quite a bit in his young career and is currently battling a slew of minor bumps, bruises, and strains. The good news is injury woes are not uncommon for young receivers (I have no idea why but it seems rookie WR never stay healthy their first year) and Nicks showed he is resilient enough to come back from injury. I like Nicks this year--I like him a lot.
The sometimes dazzling, often infuriating Mario Manningham is likely to be the guy you see lined up in the slot this year. Manningham can make plays, but is a little too inconsistent to be an everydown player. The other wild card is Ramses Barden. The 6'6" second year receiver has once again wowed everyone in practice, and has once again--at least so far--failed to produce in games (even fake ones). Now he has a stress fracture in his back that will likely bother him all year. God knows I know nothing about being a 6'6" receiver, but I think it's pretty safe to say your back is pretty important. I fear Barden might have a rough go of it in 2010, but if he can battle through the injury, the Giants would love to use him as both a back-up and situational (i.e. red zone) wide-receiver.
The bubble battle is likely between Sinorice Moss, Derek Hagen, and Victor Cruz. I think Hagen is a lock at this point. He's a valuable special teams player and a solid back-up wide receiver. The Giants kept 7 wide receivers last year, so it's possible both Moss and Cruz make the roster now that Hixon is out for the year. But the Giants also only kept 3 safeties in '09, which turned out to be a critical mistake. I think they stick with 6 on the active roster and 1 or 2 on the practice squad. Cruz is obviously the fan favorite, but we should be cautious. He hasn't shown he can contribute on special teams yet, and if you're going to be the sixth wide receiver, you damn well better. Then again Moss hasn't done much in that department (or any other for that matter) either.
The dark-horse candidates looking to earn a roster spot--or at least a practice squad look--are rookies Tim Brown, Duke Calhoun, and Nyan Boateng. I've noticed both Calhoun and Boateng have been given a lot of looks on special teams in the first two preseason games, but it's hard to evaluate how they've done on TV. Brown, like Cruz, was impressive in camp but hasn't had a real shot to show what he can do in a game yet. He got good separation and made a nice catch on that long pass against the Steelers, but Bomar lead him too far to the outside. I think Brown (a Rutgers alum) has got a good shot of landing on the practice squad.
The Giants WR's are young and fast and are hopefully only going to get better. This could be a strong unit for years to come, and one of the few I'm not too worried about in 2010 (what a difference a year makes).
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Post-Game Overreaction (Preaseason Week 2: Giants 17; Steelers 24)
~ All things considered, I think Rhett Bomar played pretty well. Would have liked to see him do a little more against the Steelers' backups but he hung in against a good defense (and a ton of pressure) in the first half. With the exception of interception at the end of the half--which was either a miscommunication or an awful pass--he played smart, and looks capable of being a back-up in this league.
~ The stadium looked a lot better in blue
~ Hakeem Nicks: if you're going to get thrown out of a game, at least get your money's worth.
~ Ahmad Bradshaw looks like he's set for a big year. DJ Ware (until he got knocked out) and Andre Brown looked good as well.
~ Tom Coughlin benched Bradshaw and Antrel Rolle to start the game for being late to a meeting--I'm not sure benching two veterans in a preseason game is much of a punishment.
~ Jason Pierre Paul looked slow and timid. I'm guessing he was confused, because he never looked timid in college. All-in-all an absolutely awful performance.
~ Linval Joseph played well with the first teamers, but struggled with the second team. He seemed to play more shaded on the center with the second team (which drew more double-teams), although I'd have to watch the game more closely to determine if that is true or not. Either way, the Giants still lack a DT who can really take on a double team, and this could be a big issue going forward.
~ It's understandable, but Keith Bulluck looked really slow. Kind of like a guy who hadn't played football in a long time.
~ It's good to know that Steve Smith is still really really good.
~ Overall, the defense definitely looked better. Fewell showed a lot more looks last night. It's a lot harder to play against this defense when you don't automatically know they are in cover-2.
~ Osi Umenyora and Justin Tuck played very well. Tuck had to enjoy running by Flozell Adams
~ The Giants offense need to get at least most their starters back by next week if they are going to find any kind of rhythm before the start of the season.
~ Has Clint Sintim made a tackle yet?
~ Matt Dodge is not very good. Maybe one day he will be, but do you really want to develop a punter? If he doesn't get it together the Giants really need to start looking for other guys to bring in.
~ I'm glad Tom Coughlin kicked the field goal in the 4th quarter. It's more useful to get your kicker practice from 40+ yards in live action than it is to see if your back-up QB can complete a 4th and 13 pass.
~ I've been down on him since the Giants picked him up last year, but I have to admit Rocky Bernard played pretty well. Chris Canty was disruptive at times too.
~ Aaron Ross is clearly the team's best option as a punt returner. Still not sure who's going to handle kick-offs. Andre Brown runs hard but he's not a play maker. Then again, the blocking on kick returns has been so bad I'm not sure Devin Hester could make anything happen.
~ Victor Cruz may not of had the game he hoped for, but he actually played pretty well at receiver. Scratch him off the punt returner depth chart though.
~ Still waiting on Travis Beckum do something...anything.
~ Don't panic about the O-line, they'll be OK once Snee gets back.
~ The stadium looked a lot better in blue
~ Hakeem Nicks: if you're going to get thrown out of a game, at least get your money's worth.
~ Ahmad Bradshaw looks like he's set for a big year. DJ Ware (until he got knocked out) and Andre Brown looked good as well.
~ Tom Coughlin benched Bradshaw and Antrel Rolle to start the game for being late to a meeting--I'm not sure benching two veterans in a preseason game is much of a punishment.
~ Jason Pierre Paul looked slow and timid. I'm guessing he was confused, because he never looked timid in college. All-in-all an absolutely awful performance.
~ Linval Joseph played well with the first teamers, but struggled with the second team. He seemed to play more shaded on the center with the second team (which drew more double-teams), although I'd have to watch the game more closely to determine if that is true or not. Either way, the Giants still lack a DT who can really take on a double team, and this could be a big issue going forward.
~ It's understandable, but Keith Bulluck looked really slow. Kind of like a guy who hadn't played football in a long time.
~ It's good to know that Steve Smith is still really really good.
~ Overall, the defense definitely looked better. Fewell showed a lot more looks last night. It's a lot harder to play against this defense when you don't automatically know they are in cover-2.
~ Osi Umenyora and Justin Tuck played very well. Tuck had to enjoy running by Flozell Adams
~ The Giants offense need to get at least most their starters back by next week if they are going to find any kind of rhythm before the start of the season.
~ Has Clint Sintim made a tackle yet?
~ Matt Dodge is not very good. Maybe one day he will be, but do you really want to develop a punter? If he doesn't get it together the Giants really need to start looking for other guys to bring in.
~ I'm glad Tom Coughlin kicked the field goal in the 4th quarter. It's more useful to get your kicker practice from 40+ yards in live action than it is to see if your back-up QB can complete a 4th and 13 pass.
~ I've been down on him since the Giants picked him up last year, but I have to admit Rocky Bernard played pretty well. Chris Canty was disruptive at times too.
~ Aaron Ross is clearly the team's best option as a punt returner. Still not sure who's going to handle kick-offs. Andre Brown runs hard but he's not a play maker. Then again, the blocking on kick returns has been so bad I'm not sure Devin Hester could make anything happen.
~ Victor Cruz may not of had the game he hoped for, but he actually played pretty well at receiver. Scratch him off the punt returner depth chart though.
~ Still waiting on Travis Beckum do something...anything.
~ Don't panic about the O-line, they'll be OK once Snee gets back.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Ten Things to Watch: Giants vs Steelers
1. Eliminate the mistakes - Monday night's game was sloppy. As it was the first preseason game, I can understand, but now I want to see improvement. I realize a lot of starters are out, but the dumb mistakes and miscues need to be eliminated.
2. Keith Bulluck and Kenny Phillips - Both are expected to make their 2010 debut tonight. Say a prayer, and keep an eye on their knees.
3. Linval Joseph and JPP - Let me just tell you I'll be keeping an eye on these two all preseason. I'd like to see a breakout performance by at least one of them.
4. Rhett Bomar - Here's your chance kid. The Colts failed to resign Sorgi partly because of concerns over his shoulder, now the Giants understand. Can Bomar really be the back-up? He'll get the start and likely play nearly the whole game against an excellent defense, so we'll find out.
5. Special Teams - Kicks, coverage, returns, all were ugly on Monday night, and all need to improve tonight. Like to see somebody step up in the return game. Victor Cruz?....just saying.
6. Running game - It never got going last week, but I did like what I saw from all of the backs. Let's see if they can get a few holes and make something happen.
7. Victor Cruz - flash in the pan or a real find? Let's see what he can do for an encore.
8. Gerris Wilkinson - I must admit I overlooked Wilkinson's play in my cursory viewing of the Jets game, but evidently the coaches were impressed. Wilkinson even found himself taking snaps with the first team this week thanks to his play Monday night. He'll probably get some time at MLB with the first team tonight, so let's see if he can finally step up or continue to disappoint (like his fellow 2006 draft pick Sinorice Moss).
9. The D-line: They were very disappointing in week 1--everyone was. Hopefully we'll see a little intensity, and a little pass rush. As a bonus, keep a close eye on DE Dave Tollefson. Since publishing the last 3-up/3-down column, I've regretted snubbing Tollefson. He looked like a dead man walking when the Giants drafted JPP but he is making it very hard for them to get rid of him. They've even played with him at LB in their all-D-end front (which is yet to be revealed). The preseason is really all about guys like Tollefson--guys working their tail off to try and earn a roster spot.
10. Do I really need to say it? Just stay healthy.
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Well I'll admit, I'm playing golf so I'll be a little late the the party tonight, but I have it recording so I should be able to catch up pretty quick. Follow me on twitter (or check my twitter feed on this site) to see my real-time reactions to the action.
2. Keith Bulluck and Kenny Phillips - Both are expected to make their 2010 debut tonight. Say a prayer, and keep an eye on their knees.
3. Linval Joseph and JPP - Let me just tell you I'll be keeping an eye on these two all preseason. I'd like to see a breakout performance by at least one of them.
4. Rhett Bomar - Here's your chance kid. The Colts failed to resign Sorgi partly because of concerns over his shoulder, now the Giants understand. Can Bomar really be the back-up? He'll get the start and likely play nearly the whole game against an excellent defense, so we'll find out.
5. Special Teams - Kicks, coverage, returns, all were ugly on Monday night, and all need to improve tonight. Like to see somebody step up in the return game. Victor Cruz?....just saying.
6. Running game - It never got going last week, but I did like what I saw from all of the backs. Let's see if they can get a few holes and make something happen.
7. Victor Cruz - flash in the pan or a real find? Let's see what he can do for an encore.
8. Gerris Wilkinson - I must admit I overlooked Wilkinson's play in my cursory viewing of the Jets game, but evidently the coaches were impressed. Wilkinson even found himself taking snaps with the first team this week thanks to his play Monday night. He'll probably get some time at MLB with the first team tonight, so let's see if he can finally step up or continue to disappoint (like his fellow 2006 draft pick Sinorice Moss).
9. The D-line: They were very disappointing in week 1--everyone was. Hopefully we'll see a little intensity, and a little pass rush. As a bonus, keep a close eye on DE Dave Tollefson. Since publishing the last 3-up/3-down column, I've regretted snubbing Tollefson. He looked like a dead man walking when the Giants drafted JPP but he is making it very hard for them to get rid of him. They've even played with him at LB in their all-D-end front (which is yet to be revealed). The preseason is really all about guys like Tollefson--guys working their tail off to try and earn a roster spot.
10. Do I really need to say it? Just stay healthy.
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Well I'll admit, I'm playing golf so I'll be a little late the the party tonight, but I have it recording so I should be able to catch up pretty quick. Follow me on twitter (or check my twitter feed on this site) to see my real-time reactions to the action.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Final Training Camp 3-Up/3-Down
3-Up:
Victor Cruz: I mean, come on, no explanation needed.
Phillip Dillard: He’s only going to be a back-up this year, but after watching just 1 preseason game I’m willing to bet he is the Giants “long-term solution” at MLB.
Lawrence Tynes: He’s been on fire in camp, let’s hope “Mr. Inconsistency” can keep it up.
3-down:
Sinorice Moss: Moss is a tendered restricted free-agent (meaning the Giants don’t owe him anything unless he makes the team), so with Cruz lighting it up, now is the time to dump the last big mistake of the Ernie Accorsi era.
Ramses Barden: He may not have been on this list if Eli had gotten that fade to him (and he came down with it), but what we saw of him on Monday night didn’t look good. Now he’s out indefinitely with lingering back issues. Starting to wonder if this guy will ever live up to the hype.
Jim Sorgi: The shoulder was a concern when he was signed, now he could be out the rest of the preseason. If Rhett Bomar plays like he did on Monday night, Sorgi’s stint as a Giant might be a short one.
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In case you missed it, the Giants signed former Eagle and 2-time Pro Bowl Guard Shawn Andrews late last night. Andrews was a beast early in his career but has been plagued by back--and maybe a few mental--issues. Jerry Reese said the Giants staff have been monitoring his progress and liked what they saw from him in a workout Thursday. Andrews can play both guard and tackle so the Giants are probably hoping his back can hold up enough for him to be a solid back-up, but he did sign a 6-year deal laden with insentives just in case he shows he can get back to form. Seems unlikely that Andrews will, but it's also a worthwhile gamble.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Post-game overreaction (Preseason Week 1: Giants 31; Jets 16)
The Giants’ preseason opener can be summed up in one word: sloppy. Their performance was marred by dropped passes, a blocked punt, a shanked punt, slips in the secondary, the goaline defensive personnel debacle, miscommunications on routes, and of course “the audible” that resulted in the starting QB’s head being cut open. Still, they won the game. Now normally I would say winning or losing a preseason game is meaningless, but it was clear from the start the Jets were trying to win this thing. They kept their starters in a full half, and they ran multiple defensive fronts and multiple blitzes. They can say what they want, but they wanted to make a statement, and I’m not sure they really made one. It just sits better with me knowing the G-men won the first game in the new stadium. That being said, it would be hard to argue against the fact the Jets starters outplayed the Giants’ starters. Long way to go for this team, but here’s my random observations after a single viewing of the game:
~ How about that Victor Cruz? I told you to keep an eye on this kid, but I had no idea the Paterson Catholic alum would put on this kind of performance. I thought Derek Hagan also played well. Sinorice Moss might want to start packing his bags.
~ I know I'm stating the obvious here, but the hit Eli Manning took was absolutely ridiculous. He'll be fine, but its quite possible he'll miss the next preseason game (or 2) because I can't imagine him putting a helmet on until that cut is completely healed. Not good considering he was clearly still out of sink with his receivers.
~ Barry Cofield was awful. He got a little pressure on pass plays but got pushed around on runs. Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard were not much better as the defense really struggled against runs up the middle. Jonathan Goff also struggled a bit at reacting to the run from his MLB spot and over-pursued on a few plays. On the bright side, I liked what I saw from Linval Joseph, who seemed to hold his ground better than Cofield or Bernard. I’d like to see him get some reps against Pittsburgh’s first team Saturday night.
~ Jason Pierre Paul played about how you might expect: inconsistently.
~ With the exception of the number he wore (#49, which I assume is due to a lack of available LB numbers), I really liked what I saw from Phillip Dillard. He doesn’t always get to the right spot, but he flies around with a lot of energy and seemed to attack the hole on running plays better than Goff. It looks like he has at least past Gerris Wilkinson on the MLB depth chart.
~ I think there is no point in trying to evaluate the starting offense's performance. They were up against one of the best defenses in the league (who didn’t seem to be holding back anything) with their top receiver, both starting guards, and their top 3 TE’s all out. That being said, there were too many miscues for a unit that has had the same coordinator for 4 years.
~ The makeshift O-Line the Giants put out Monday night was not very good, but William Beatty showed me he is at the very least willing to work hard. Beatty showed genuine hustle as he got down field on that long catch and run by Bradshaw. Beatty’s block downfield help spring Bradshaw for an extra 20 yards.
~ I thought both back-up QB’s played pretty well.
~ I realize the Giants were in a base cover-2 set all night, but the defense better figure out a way to get off the field on 3rd downs. They need to start by getting a better pass-rush, which was disappointing Monday night.
~ I liked that the first person to run up and congratulate Victor Cruz after his 3rd TD was defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. You don’t often see that.
~ It was interesting that Ramses Barden started over Mario Manningham. It was also interesting that Barden once again failed to translate his success in practice to the field.
~ The Giants special teams were absolutely awful. Poor tackling on coverage, absolutely no return game, and nothing went right with Dodge’s punts--a shank, a blocked kick, and one boomed out of the endzone when they were trying to pin the Jets inside the 20. The Giants are obviously still looking for someone to replace Hixon in the return game. If no one steps up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the them pick someone up after cuts are made (remember they signed Hixon after week 2 in 2007).
~ Despite poor blocking, and really no significant rushing yards, I like what I saw from all of the Giants running-backs. I also like that Bradshaw seems to be the starter. Coming off the bench might help Jacobs.
~ Chris Canty has the most ridiculous facemask I’ve ever seen. It looks like something you’d strap Hannibal Lecter into.
~ So far they’ve called it just a sprained MCL, but I hope Blackburn isn’t out for too long. He’ll never be a full-time starter in the NFL, but he’s a solid back-up and special teammer.
~ I just have to hope the Giants are getting the injury bug out now. It will be a long year if this is a sign of things to come.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Ten Things To Watch: Giants vs Jets
I know, the preseason (blanks) but I got to admit, I’m excited to see Big Blue on the field again. We all know the starters will probably only play 1 or 2 series, and anyone with so much as a toothache won’t play at all, so I wanted to give you my list of ten things (in no particular order) I’m interested and/or hoping to see:
#1 Everyone stays healthy – I admit this is a lame beginning to what is sure to be a pretty lame list, but it’s hard to come up with 10 things to look forward to in a preseason game, and let’s be honest, this is all any of us really want anyway.
#2 The Return Game – Let the battle begin. Not sure who Coughlin will let risk injury in a preseason game to return kicks, but someone has got to fill the void left by Domenik Hixon.
#3 The Draft Picks: JPP, Linval Joseph, Phillip Dillard, Mike Petrus, and Adrian Tracey – They should see a quite a bit of action in their NFL debuts. Looking forward to seeing what they got.
#4 The “other” draft pick: P Matt Dodge – He’s got a big leg but has been inconsistent at times in camp. Anxious to see how he handles game pressure, and interested to see how weird it looks to have someone other than Jeff Feagles back there.
#5 The “look” of the defense – We’re certainly going to get “vanilla,” but at least we’ll get a taste of what Perry Fewell has been churning. As a bonus, I’m also interested in the “look” of Fewell on the sideline. The ever-exuberant coach should combine with Coughlin to make the league’s most animated sideline.
#6 Rex Ryan’s sweat line – It should be a steamy night in East Rutherford, look for Rex to be pitted out by kickoff, and a little belly sweat breaking through by halftime.
#7 WR Ramses Barden – He is once again tearing up camp, I’m interested to see if he shows it on the field, even if it is a “fake” game.
#8 The New Stadium - Its first primetime action. Unfortunately it will be done up in Jet’s Green. You know what, I take it back. I’m not interested to see it--scratch this one
#8 (revised) The back-up QB’s – Two new faces vying for a spot behind Eli, let’s hope at least one of them looks competent.
#9 Undrafted WR’s Victor Cruz and Tim Brown – both have impressed in camp, both should have Sinorice Moss worried. Let’s see what they got.
#10 - The G-Men kick some ass – I don’t care about winning or losing, but it would be nice to see at least the G-men starters rough up their overly cocky cross-town rivals. If you haven’t grown sick of the Jets yet, just tune into WFAN and listen to the radio commercial of Mark Sanchez referring to his team as the “New York Football Jets” and I’m sure you’ll feel the same resentment I do.
Unfortunately I am away and may not be able to access my twitter account during the game. I've got it DVR-D though and plan on giving it a careful look tomorrow and sharing my reactions then. Enjoy the Game.
#1 Everyone stays healthy – I admit this is a lame beginning to what is sure to be a pretty lame list, but it’s hard to come up with 10 things to look forward to in a preseason game, and let’s be honest, this is all any of us really want anyway.
#2 The Return Game – Let the battle begin. Not sure who Coughlin will let risk injury in a preseason game to return kicks, but someone has got to fill the void left by Domenik Hixon.
#3 The Draft Picks: JPP, Linval Joseph, Phillip Dillard, Mike Petrus, and Adrian Tracey – They should see a quite a bit of action in their NFL debuts. Looking forward to seeing what they got.
#4 The “other” draft pick: P Matt Dodge – He’s got a big leg but has been inconsistent at times in camp. Anxious to see how he handles game pressure, and interested to see how weird it looks to have someone other than Jeff Feagles back there.
#5 The “look” of the defense – We’re certainly going to get “vanilla,” but at least we’ll get a taste of what Perry Fewell has been churning. As a bonus, I’m also interested in the “look” of Fewell on the sideline. The ever-exuberant coach should combine with Coughlin to make the league’s most animated sideline.
#6 Rex Ryan’s sweat line – It should be a steamy night in East Rutherford, look for Rex to be pitted out by kickoff, and a little belly sweat breaking through by halftime.
#7 WR Ramses Barden – He is once again tearing up camp, I’m interested to see if he shows it on the field, even if it is a “fake” game.
#8 The New Stadium - Its first primetime action. Unfortunately it will be done up in Jet’s Green. You know what, I take it back. I’m not interested to see it--scratch this one
#8 (revised) The back-up QB’s – Two new faces vying for a spot behind Eli, let’s hope at least one of them looks competent.
#9 Undrafted WR’s Victor Cruz and Tim Brown – both have impressed in camp, both should have Sinorice Moss worried. Let’s see what they got.
#10 - The G-Men kick some ass – I don’t care about winning or losing, but it would be nice to see at least the G-men starters rough up their overly cocky cross-town rivals. If you haven’t grown sick of the Jets yet, just tune into WFAN and listen to the radio commercial of Mark Sanchez referring to his team as the “New York Football Jets” and I’m sure you’ll feel the same resentment I do.
Unfortunately I am away and may not be able to access my twitter account during the game. I've got it DVR-D though and plan on giving it a careful look tomorrow and sharing my reactions then. Enjoy the Game.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Position Preview: O-Line (is it the end of an era?)
The Giants have been the model of consistency up front as David Diehl, Chris Snee, Shaun O'Hara, Rich Seubert, and Kareem McKenzie have been the Giants' starters since the start of the 2007 season. However, 2009 was disappointing on many levels, and the lack of running game has lead some in the organization to think a change is needed up-front. Enter 2009's 2nd round draft pick William Beatty. The 6'6" Beatty is being given every chance to break into the starting lineup. The Giants like his size and athleticism and think he has a higher ceiling than Diehl. The question is can he reach it? If he succeeds (and that's a big IF) he will likely take over the LT spot, with Diehl sliding over to guard and Seubert sliding onto the bench. Some seemed to think the transition was a done deal headed into camp, but those are people who don't know Richy Seubert very well (OK, so I don't really "know" Seubert either, but I do read a lot about him from guys who do "know" him, which I feel makes it OK for me to call him "Richy"--right?). Remember, this is a former undrafted free agent, who shattered his leg in 2003--an injury that required 5 surgeries and cost him 2 full seasons--only to fight and claw his way back into the starting lineup in 2007. Everyone associated with the Giants loves #69, and all agree he is one tough, mean S-O-B. In other words, don't think he's going to kindly hand over his starting job to a second year "kid." I haven't heard any mention of this, but it seems to me McKenzie shouldn't be guaranteed a starting job either. If Beatty plays well, I would think the Giants would have the option to move either he or Diehl over to RT to replace McKenzie. Again, I haven't heard that talked about, but I would think the Giants are certainly considering that an option.
As far as depth is concerned (and it is always a concern when you are talking about the o-line), the Giants, like most teams, have a lot of guys with potential but also question marks. No matter who wins the starting jobs, the Giants will have either Seubert or Beatty (or maybe McKenzie) as solid back-up options. Beatty can play either tackle spot, and Seubert can play guard or center. The Giants also have veterans Guy Whimper and Adam Koets as back-up tackle and center, respectively (Koets is also a tackle, but seems to be getting worked mostly as a back-up center right now). Koets is untested, but Whimper has shown he is at least a serviceable back-up . Veteran G Kevin Boothe, is currently on the PUP list, but if he can return from his shoulder injury he adds another experienced back-up to the mix. The Giants also a 6th round pick on Mitch Petrus, a feisty guard out of Arkansas who seems to be a clone of Rich Seubert (both exactly 6'3" 310 lbs and both nasty, dirty players) to help out in the middle. Petrus has impressed the team in camp so far, and should a be a solid back-up immediately and a potential starter a year or two down the road. In the "also attending camp" list you have rookies Jim Cordle (center, Ohio State), Dennis Landolt (guard, Penn State), and Cliff Lewis (tackle, Morgan State), as well as 4th-year veteran Herb Taylor (tackle, Texas Christian by way of the Chiefs and Broncos) Taylor has also been playing some TE lately because the Giants have had so many injuries there. Honestly, I haven't heard anything about any of these guys except a few references to them getting blown up by D-linemen in camp, so I wouldn't expect much.
I think the O-line got a little over-maligned last year. The lack of production in the running game had more to do with the injuries/struggles of the backfield--especially FB Madison Hedgecock and RB Brandon Jacobs. This group is ageing, that's for sure, but they did send 3 players to the pro-bowl last year. I know, I know, they were alternates, but that just shows how respected they are by coaches around the league. I don't think this Superbowl-winning line's era is over just yet. Reports out of camp are that Beatty has struggled a bit in his reps with the first team. There's a long way to go, but he might not be quite ready for prime-time. Guys like Beatty and Petrus may be the future of this line, but I think this veteran group, if they can stay healthy, have got one more year left in them.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Training Camp: 3-Up/3-Down
3-Up:
1. LB Michael Boley - Several beat writers have commented that the healthy Boley is loving the new system, taking on a leadership role, and making plays.
2. CB Aaron Ross - Like Boley, Ross is healthy (for now) and showing the talent that got him drafted as a first rounder. Seems to be better suited for the zone read-and-react style of Fewell's defense.
3. CB Terrell Thomas - Not to be outdone, Thomas has been turning heads in camp as well. This could be a fun battle.
3 - Down:
1. LT William Beatty - the talk coming into camp was that he was going to challenge David Diehl for the starting LT spot. Long way to go, but so far he has struggled and not given the coaches any reason to think he will improve the unit.
2. G Rich Seubert - Despite Beatty's struggles, a broken hand might keep Seubert out for a few weeks, which is a long time for a veteran trying to cling to his starting job. Note: No sooner did I publish this than we got the good news that Seubert should be back next week
3. LB/LS Zak Deossie - The usually steady long-snapper is really struggling. By Ralph Vacchiano's count, he's misfired on at least 14 FG snaps, and recently launched a punt snap way over P Matt Dodge's head. He's also apparently not even working out with the LB's anymore, so he better fix whatever is ailing him, and fast.
Overall, it is the Defense that is up, and the Offense that is down. So far everyone seems to agree that the Giants' D is absolutely dominating the O. Let's hope that's a sign the defense is set for a big year, not that the offense is headed for a set-back.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
In Case You Missed It
~Sean O'Hara also got good news from the docs in NYC. His ankle is still swollen, though, and it looks like this could be a chronic injury. Fortunately, he's one tough SOB, and G Rich Seubert scoffed at the idea that the injury will keep O'Hara out. Still something to keep an eye on, though. Back-up C Adam Koets and Seubert filled in for the injured O'Hara with the first team on Tuesday.
~ It seems Osi Umenyiora has had a change of heart. In a very unusual interview with reporters today he backed off his off-season demands to start:
“Obviously I’ve been very selfish in the past in my demands in some of the things that I wanted. I don’t really feel that way anymore, right now. There’s enough playing time for everybody. As soon as I get on that football field I’m going to make plays, period, no matter where they put me at. If I’m coming off the bench I’m going to be the best bench player ever.... I’ve been talking to the coaches and talking to everybody around and realized they probably really felt like what they were doing (last year when they benched him) was in our best interests,” Umenyiora said. “It wasn’t nothing personal against me. That’s just the way I have to roll with it.” (from the bluescreen)He also talked about his injury and his decision not to have surgery. Again, it was a bit strange:
“I’m really not looking forward to getting cut open again. It’s something that I really don’t want to do. But at some point its going to be necessary and at some point, if I feel like I need to prolong my career, it’s something I’m going to have to do eventually....
"Sometimes I think that I do (want to prolong my career), and sometimes I think, ‘Really, what am I prolonging my career for? Everything I wanted coming into the NFL — every single thing — I’ve accomplished. Whether that’s winning a Super Bowl or being an all-pro player or being financially secure, I’ve accomplished all that already. So I’m not sure that’s something I want to continue to do." (from the bluescreen)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Position Preview: RB's (rebirth or continued decline?)
I had hoped to get all the position previews done before camp started and got exactly half-way to my goal. Oh well, it's been a busy summer. As we turn to the offense, we start with another disappointing group from '09--the runningbacks.When we talk about the Giants RB's, we have to start with the big man Brandon Jacobs. In 2007 and 2008, Jacobs was to the offense what Antonio Pierce was to the defense. He was their emotional leader. His angry style of running seemed to motivate his teammates. I remember when he ran over Charles Woodson at the start of the 2007 NFC Championship game I thought to myself, "we can win this." Sadly, Jacobs was a shell of himself in 2009. He claims the fix is simple, he just needs to get his legs up coming through the line. But we all know if it was that simple he would have fixed the problem last year. Kevin Gilbride said recently he had no idea why Jacobs struggled last year. I hope I'm wrong here, but I think Gilbride knows damn well what went wrong--he just can't admit it publicly. The simple fact is big runners--particularly tall ones--don't last. Their legs just take an unbelievable pounding. The tires wear thin, and the engine runs out of gas. Jacobs, like so many power backs before him, has hit the wall.
That is why I was very surprised the Giants didn't draft a RB this year. The Giants have brought back everyone from a year ago: Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny (oh sorry, I mean DJ) Ware, Gartrell Johnson, and Andre Brown. Early reports from camp are Bradshaw looks to be healthy and as agile as ever. If he stays that way this could be the year he goes from being a fan-favorite to a household name. You still hear good things about Ware from those who watch practice, but honestly, I didn't see it at all last year. He seemed soft and unable to make a big cut. Johnson is a quick back but he showed up to camp out of shape and struggled with his conditioning test, something that I'm sure angered Coach Coughlin. I think Ware, who can contribute on special teams, beats out Johnson for the 4th RB slot but neither will have a significant impact on the team. Brown, on the other hand, is an intriguing option. Remember he was a 4th round pick in '09 but missed the whole season after blowing his Achilles in camp. He's back, and he's healthy. He turned a few heads in off-season workouts, particularly with his ability to catch the football. He could be that 3rd back the Giants desperately need.
Leading the way for the tail-backs will once again likely be veteran FB Madison Hedgecock. Hedgecock has a little bit of competition this year in second-year man Jerome Johnson who is reportedly a better pass-catcher than Hedgecock (who is absolutely awful in that regard). Hedgecock struggled last year due to injury, but he was one of the most important cogs in the Giants running attack in 2008, and if he is healthy he should be back to form again.
Whatever the FB situation, Jacobs will certainly start the season as the starting tailback, but I think you will see more and more of Bradshaw and probably Brown as the season progresses. I hope I'm wrong about Jacobs, but I think it's the end of the road for him. It could be the start of something for Bradshaw and Brown though.
---Training Camp Update---
C Shaun O'Hara, was sent back to New York today for an exam by team physician Russ Warren on his ankle which swelled yesterday following a conditioning test. The ankle has reportedly been an ongoing issue for O'Hara but the flare up was unexpected. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Training Camp: 3-Up/3-Down
I'm roughly 350 miles away, but thanks to twitter I get minute by minute updates from all of the Giants beat reporters on how things are going at camp. Fortunately for all of you who have lives, I'll keep track of who is getting good reviews and who is getting dogged and summarize it for you....
DT Chris Canty - he's evidently healthy and in great shape. He was one of the few players Coughlin praised by name after Sunday's practice.
QB Rhett Bomar - The term "throwing darts" was used repeatedly to describe Bomar's morning session. There could be a real battle for the #2 QB spot.
DC Perry Fewell - the guy opened camp with a hot-potato tournament (ultimately won by Sha'reff Rashad after Kiwanuka was disqualified for a bad throw). For what it's worth, the players love him.
RB Gartrell Johnson - The only player to struggle with the conditioning test--bad start for a guy just hoping for a roster spot.
DE Osi Umenyora - Hip is looking like it could be a big issue. On the bright side, it might settle the "who's going to start" controversy.
P Matt Dodge - his first 4 attempts in camp: shank, shank, shank, fumbled snap. He did respond with a booming 55-yarder, but let's hope nerves aren't an issue here.
3-Up:
DT Chris Canty - he's evidently healthy and in great shape. He was one of the few players Coughlin praised by name after Sunday's practice.
QB Rhett Bomar - The term "throwing darts" was used repeatedly to describe Bomar's morning session. There could be a real battle for the #2 QB spot.
DC Perry Fewell - the guy opened camp with a hot-potato tournament (ultimately won by Sha'reff Rashad after Kiwanuka was disqualified for a bad throw). For what it's worth, the players love him.
3-Down:
RB Gartrell Johnson - The only player to struggle with the conditioning test--bad start for a guy just hoping for a roster spot.
DE Osi Umenyora - Hip is looking like it could be a big issue. On the bright side, it might settle the "who's going to start" controversy.
P Matt Dodge - his first 4 attempts in camp: shank, shank, shank, fumbled snap. He did respond with a booming 55-yarder, but let's hope nerves aren't an issue here.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
"I ain't Maurice"
Well it's that time of year again. You know, the one where professional athletes spend their nights sleeping in dorm rooms and their days sweating their (fill in your favorite "private-part" here) off. That's right, the Giants open camp today at the University of Albany. For me, this is an exciting time because it means two things: football season is rapidly approaching, and the greatest show on television (Hard Knocks) will be on again soon.In case you missed my tweet--and judging by my lack of followers, you did--the Giants were able to come to agreements with 1st and 2nd round picks Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph, who were their only remaining unsigned rookies. It's the fifth straight season the Giants have been able to get all of their draft picks into camp on time.
Quick story about training camp: When I was a kid, my father used to take us to watch training camp every year when the Giants still held camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 1991, the Giants took RB (and soon to be bust) Jarrod Bunch in the first round of the draft. Now Bunch wore #33--the same number fellow RB Maurice Carthon wore when he played for the USFL's New Jersey Generals. At camp that year, the very large Bunch walked by us wearing #33. My father, mistakenly associating the #33 with Carthon, lifted his camera and called out, "Hey Maurice!" Bunch, who judging by his website is a little full of himself to begin with, was clearly not pleased that someone did not recognize him. He turned, scowled, and in a intimidating and disdainful tone said, "I AIN'T Maurice!" I think my father actually snapped a picture of him as the response came, before he realized his mistake. Of course, calling Bunch "Maurice" was about the nicest thing my father ever called the first round bust. I think we would have got a much worse response if my father had called out his eventual nickname for Jarrod: "Hey Bunch of S***!"
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Position Preview: DT (where's the beef?)
Not unlike the rest of the defensive units, the Giants' D-tackles were very disappointing in '09. Although no one should be excused for their play, injuries did play a part. Chris Canty was never fully healthy, Fred Robbins seemed to have nothing left in the tank, Cofield didn't seem to be fully recovered from his knee surgery (same surgery Kenny Phillips had by the way), Rocky Bernard was banged up (and generally worthless) all year, and Jay Alford was lost for the year during camp. In other words, it was ugly.
In 2010, the Giants return all of their DT's from a year ago with the exception of Robbins who has rejoined Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis. They've also added second round draft choice Linval Joseph--a very large (6'4" 328 lbs) and very agile DT out of East Carolina. The additional big bodies headed into camp are rookie free-agent Nate Collins and second year man Dwayne Hendricks (2009 practice squad). The Giants had 4 DT's on their active roster a year ago, so barring injuries they are likely to part ways with 3 of these players.
Assuming Hendricks and Collins are cut or placed on the practice squad, and that Cofield, Canty, and Joseph are locks, Jay Alford and Rocky Bernard could be fighting it out for the last roster spot. Alford is coming off a knee surgery while Bernard looked to be well past his prime (then again he never really had a prime) last season. I think the Giants are still high on Alford, who is an excellent pass rushing DT. His youth and athleticism should be enough to beat out Bernard.
I think it's safe to say that barring injury or just a ridiculous preseason by Joseph, Cofield and Canty will be the week 1 starters. It will be interesting to see how the Giants will deploy those two. Canty--a converted 3-4 DE--is best suited as a 3-technique player. Problem is, so is Cofield, and one will have to shade on the center. It will be very interesting to watch how Perry Fewell utilizes all of his big boys as the preseason unfolds.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Additional Thoughts on Bulluck Signing
I was away over the weekend so I was not able to really put my two cents in on the Bulluck signing. In a word, I'm "intrigued." First though, let's be realistic. He's 33 and he suffered a torn ACL a mere 7 months ago. Even at his best, he was a very good, but not great player, and he's never been a 3-down middle linebacker (last year he played OLB for the Titans, but moved to the middle on passing downs). But the Giants are really risking nothing here. A one year deal worth $2.5 million in an uncapped season. I'm pretty sure the PSL's from section 101 alone could cover that. If he his healthy (or even close to it), he's better than what they have. If he's got nothing left, so what, what have they got to lose?
The Giants weren't the only team looking at Bulluck either. According to Tom Friend of ESPN, as many as 6 teams wanted to bring Bulluck in for inspection, but he accepted the invite of only the Giants and Cardinals. Both team's were impressed with his progress, and both reportedly were willing to bring him on to compete for their vacant starting MLB spots. The Giants not only worked him through drills, but had him come in for a physical with their trainers the following day. The lack of swelling convinced Reese that Bulluck was a worthwhile risk, and fortunately for the Giants, Bulluck decided he wanted to come home (he grew up a Giants' fan in New City, NY).
I don't believe Bulluck is being handed the starting job, but everyone in the organization knows he will easily win it if his knee holds up. He can fill the void until someone steps up (or is brought in) to be a "long-term solution"--as if such a thing even exists in sports today. At the very least, his presence should help the young linebacker corps.
The Giants weren't the only team looking at Bulluck either. According to Tom Friend of ESPN, as many as 6 teams wanted to bring Bulluck in for inspection, but he accepted the invite of only the Giants and Cardinals. Both team's were impressed with his progress, and both reportedly were willing to bring him on to compete for their vacant starting MLB spots. The Giants not only worked him through drills, but had him come in for a physical with their trainers the following day. The lack of swelling convinced Reese that Bulluck was a worthwhile risk, and fortunately for the Giants, Bulluck decided he wanted to come home (he grew up a Giants' fan in New City, NY).
I don't believe Bulluck is being handed the starting job, but everyone in the organization knows he will easily win it if his knee holds up. He can fill the void until someone steps up (or is brought in) to be a "long-term solution"--as if such a thing even exists in sports today. At the very least, his presence should help the young linebacker corps.
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