New York Giants

Which Giants rookie will have the biggest impact in '08??

Still a couple of weeks away from training camp for the Champion Giants, but we are getting there. I had a conversation the other day with a buddy and an interesting (at least to me) topic came up; which New York Giants rookie will have the greatest impact in 2008?

Giants GM Jerry Reese may have set the bar too high for himself with his amazing draft class of 2007, which might be difficult to duplicate. Giants fans will never forget the contributions during that magical Super Bowl run we got from Aaron Ross, Kevin Boss, Steve Smith, Ahmed Bradshaw, Jay Alford and company. It is fair to say the Giants would never have won it all without them.

So which Giants rookie will be a major factor in 2008? Lets start with first round pick Kenny Phillips. The safety out of Miami will probably have the best chance of starting right out of the gate since the Giants are not very deep at the position. He has the size ( 6'1" 215lbs), speed and aggressive style of play the team wants out of the safety position. He also brings an athletisism the Giants have lacked back there. He can come up to support the run effectively, but he is also a playmaker. With the pass rush the Giants are going to bring there will be opportunities for athletes like Phillips tp make things happen as quarterbacks will have a tendency against the pressure to chuck the ball and hope for the best.

Second rounder Terrill Thomas, corner back out of USC, I seriously doubt will start, barring injury. The Giants are actually pretty deep at the position with Aaron Ross and the resurgent Corey Webster backed up by vets like Sam Madison and RW McQuarters. I think Thomas will compete for a spot in the nickel package and play special teams. He is not likely to have a major impact in 2008, but should be a fine player for the Giants for years to come.

Third round receiver Mario Manningham could be big. If he stays out of trouble he has all the ability in the world. The Giants, despite winning the Super Bowl, finished only 16th in total offense last season. They need to improve on that. While they are very deep at receiver, the only true "playmaker" on the roster last season (as a receiver)was Plaxico Burress. Manningham can really cause match up problems for opposing defenses with his ability. Line him up opposite Plax with guys like Toomer and Shockey (hopefully) over the middle and the O could be lethal. Manningham could be a huge contributer.

The balance of the Giants 2008 draft class are more likely to contribute on special teams as well as provide quality depth at their respective positions.

My guess is Phillips and Manningham will have big seasons for big blue as the Giants defend their title.      

New York Giants news and notes...

Well Giants fans, not much happenning as we wait for the start of training camp....just a few tidbits to help get you through....

Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora is currently in Iraq visiting the troops. Good for you Osi, be careful.

Plaxico Burress remains optimistic that a new deal will get done prior to training camp, and he will be attending. Burress said negotiations between the Giants and Drew Rosenhaus are progressing.

The Giants have been nominated for 6 "espy's" for their upcoming awards show; best upset (Giants- patriots), best coach (Coughlin), best team, best player (Eli Manning) best game (Super Bowl 42) and best play....see if you could guess what that might be.

Only about two weeks left till Giants training camp.

How long until Game One!

As I write this post it is 4th of July and I am getting ready for some Beers and BBQ like most Americans. But I really wish it was more like September 4th and I was getting ready for the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (I just really love working that in) to start their title defense by slapping around the Washington Foreskins....(sorry, I mean Redskins).

I can't remember an off season moving sooooo slow. It seems like it is taking forever. Part of the reason of course is the fact that the Giants are defending Champs and we are all anxious for them to get back to it. I think also, part of it is the fact that the Giants are getting so little respect nationally.

The Giants aren't even in most discussions I hear about who will be the Super Bowl Champion next season! This drives me nuts and I am sure most Giants fans feel the same way. It makes you want the season to start so bad you can taste it. It makes you anxious for the Giants to go out there and once again prove themselves to all the doubters.

I hope the Giants players are all as anxious as we are.

Giants fans off season woes...

I probably wouldn't even write this post if there were any actual New York Giants news out there...there isn't. But as a long time Giants fan who is still basking in the glow of the greatest season in franchise history (in my humble opinion), my biggest gripe is the number of "haters", (which I guess is a new term), out there.

I live in Central New Jersey. Interesting area for many reasons, but as a football fan, this area seems pretty  divided between Giants, Jets, Eagles, and to a lesser degree, Cowboys and other misguided fans.

That is fine, it made it very enjoyable to wear my NY Giants Super Bowl Champion gear out around town to piss off other fans. Which it did!

However, it also evoked a lot of comments along the lines of "luckiest team ever", "Cinderella story", etc.

The thing that struck me was the fact that these people actually believe the Giants were just lucky to win it all! It is as if it was only through some sort of divine intervention that the Giants went on the road to beat the Bucs, Dallas Cowboys (keep crying, T.O.), Green Bay Packers and unbeaten Patriots!

Do these people believe God had money on the Giants??

It is ignorant. The NFL is far too competitive for a lesser team to get lucky that many times. Fact is, the Giants deserved  to win every post season game,and the third Super Bowl  Title in the proud history of the franchise.

Big season for Eli!

Well Giants fans, it is the middle of the off season and since there is really no Giants news to speak of, I thought I would just give my thoughts on the prospects for a big season out of Eli Manning.

We all will remember Eli from the happy picture to the left. Winning a Super Bowl MVP validates his career.But, despite the dream season Eli and the Giants gave us in 2007, we all want more in 2008.The Giants need Eli  to play well consistently through out the year. I think he will.

Eli is entering his fifth season, which is generally when  quarterbacks seem to "get it."In each of his three  full seasons thus far, Eli has thrown over 20 touchdowns, passed for over 3,000 yards, and  has a regular season record of 29-19, plus 4-2 in the playoffs, including a Super Bowl ring.Pretty impressive stuff. The problem for Manning and  the Giants has been inconsistency, and interceptions. Eli has shown a tendency to turn the ball over. During  the  Giants magical run last season however,one of the big differences was Eli took better care of the ball. In the playoffs, Eli threw six touchdowns vs only one interception(which wasn't his fault....Steve Smith had one bounce off his chest in the Super Bowl).He showed more poise, better decision making, and started to use pump fakes to get defenders out of position. All signs of veteran play.

The Giants don't necessarily need Eli to have more "upside", just less "downside." If Eli Manning continues to take care of the football, and play somewhat like he did during the post season, the New York Giants will be in great shape.

I will even make a prediction; Eli will be named to the Pro Bowl in 2008.

Grab your wallets Giants fans!

Giants season ticket holders, welcome to the new age of unrivaled greed in professional sports.The Giants have announced that they are the latest club to charge fans with a PSL (private seast liscense).Fans, all fans, will be charged prices ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on seat location for the PSL.

The Giants may be the only team that is charging all of their fans as most other clubs do it with selected seats only. Make no mistake, PSL's are a gimmick designed to take away more of your hard earned dollars.The Giants say this is being done to defray costs of building the new stadium. Fine, if the fans help pay for it do they also get to share the revenue???Obviously, the answer is hell no.

Giants sign Chris Snee!

The New York Giants signed right guard Chris Snee to a six year, $43M extension.The move means the Giants entire O-line is wrapped up for the next several years as  all five starters  now have long term  deals.

I am certain MVP Eli Manning is thrilled knowing his protection will stay in tact.

Now if the Giants can just get something done for Plaxico Burress and figure out what they are doing with Jeremy Shockey, perhaps training camp will be focused solely on football.

More info on Bradshaw...

On the Ahmed Bradshaw situation,while no one knows yet for sure exactly what happened, it seems he checked in voluntarily to the Virginia jail on Sunday. This is apparently not a new offense, but something stemming from his prior arrest.It is said that he will serve a predetermined, (but unknown to us at this point), amount of time.

The Giants issued a brief statement that said basically it is from a previous incident and they are in touch with Bradshaw's legal team.

Ahmed Bradshaw in jail since Sunday

The  headache for Giants coach Tom Coughlin just got worse as it has been confirmed that running back Ahmed Bradshaw has been sitting in a Virginia jail since Sunday.

Bradshaw was sentenced to two years probation stemming from a petty theft charge while a student at Marshall. He was also arrested, and kicked out of the University of Virginia for an incident involving alcohol. It is unclear  at this time exactly what Bradshaw did to violate the terms of his parole.

Bradshaw was a huge part of the New York Giants Super Bowl run. However,the Giants had character concerns when drafting him, his talent clearly wasn't the reason he lasted till the seventh round.Evidently, those concerns were well founded.I will withhold  judgment until we find out what really happened,  but my first reaction was MORON!!!!After the season you had you could have written your own ticket, now who knows?? I want to give Ahmed the benefit of the doubt, but it doesn't look good. The fact that he is still in jail since Sunday, and he isn't exactly poor, means this could be something serious. Lets hope not.

Even if it is a minor offense, Bradshaw has hurt his team since Roger Goodell will almost certainly suspend him.

It has been a nightmare of an off season after the Giants dream season. Michael Strahan retires, Jeremy Shockey, well, is being Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress hold himself out of mini camp due to contract concerns, Chris Snee, Osi Umenyiora and according to a Giants source, "more then you know" want new deals.

Welcome to the Super Bowl hangover.

Plaxico Burress expects a deal

Unhappy Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was on Ike Reese's radio show this week and stated that he expects he and the team will come to terms quickly. Burress indicated he expects to be at training camp, along with a new deal.

While I hope it happens, and is good news (and one less distraction for the Giants), part of me can't help but feel a little ticked off. The New York Giants have lived up to the terms of Plax's  original  deal, as has Plax. He has been a great  player and we would not have won the Super Bowl without him. I will never forget the guts he displayed during the greatest season in Giants history by playing through severe pain. Credit him for all of that. But this nonsense of "he outperformed his contract" spewed by his slime bag agent Drew Rosenhaus, gets on my nerves. Did the Giants give him $26m because they expected him to suck?? Players seem to want the security of a long term deal, but just as soon as salaries escalate, and they always do, they start whining about being "underpaid", or "unappreciated." Bull!

How about just living up to the terms you agreed to! It  should be, and is, the Giants choice whether or not they want to give him more money. I hope they do because he is a very valuable member of the team and any chance of repeating goes out the window without Plaxico. If the Giants choose to reward him for the special things he did last year, great. If they choose not to, he should live up to his word, and play out his existing contract.   

That being said, just pay him and get it over with....too many distractions already this off season.(And I haven't even mentioned Jeremy Shockey, speaking of distractions).

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Giant pass rush, Mathias Kiwanuka

(Note: This article comes to us courtesy of pat Kirwan at NFL.com. I thought it was an intersting piece, especially during a slow Giants news week in the off season).

As the Michael Strahan era officially ended last Tuesday and many looked back at a great career, one New York Giant was thinking about the future.

Linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka will add to the Giants pass rush this year

Mathias Kiwanuka's world just got a little bigger.

Like most fans, the Giants knew this day was coming, but the writing was on the wall even before Strahan's late arrival at training camp last summer. That's why the team drafted Kiwanuka, a defensive end out of Boston College, in 2006.

At the time, defensive end didn't appear to be an immediate need worthy of a first-round pick, but the Giants knew that Kiwanuka's athleticism, non-stop motor and work in the film room would find a spot in their lineup.

After working predominantly as a situational pass rusher during his rookie season, Kiwanuka willingly made the transition to outside linebacker in 2007 with Osi Umenyiora becoming a force opposite Strahan and Justin Tuck getting more time in the defensive end rotation. Kiwanuka responded with solid results until a broken leg ended his season in Week 11.

While the expectation has been that Kiwanuka would be ready to take over for Strahan as the strong side end, he is able to do much more than just rush the passer. His invaluable experience at linebacker combined with the aggressive schemes of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could allow Kiwanuka to have a bigger impact than most realize.

The six-foot-5, 265-pounder will be all over the field and will help Spagnuolo and the Giants play the matchup game against opposing offenses. Justin Tuck will take over left defensive end on run down situations, while the recent signing of Reynaldo Wynn fills the backup role left open as everyone moves up a notch.

What that means is opposing quarterbacks will have to take note of where Kiwanuka is lined up. Expect to see him aligned as the strong-side linebacker on run downs. On third down and in obvious passing situations like the two-minute drill, Kiwanuka could put his hand in the dirt and work from the defensive end spot with Tuck sliding inside as a pass rushing defensive tackle, giving the Giants three down rushers.

Spagnuolo makes extensive use of a fire-zone blitz package that brings pressure from several different points on the field, which would also allow Kiwanuka to take shots at the quarterback as a stand-up rusher.

Kiwanuka has a lean build and sometimes struggles to hold up at the point of attack in the run game, meaning his best position on this Giants team is at strong-side linebacker. It allows him to use his speed and athleticism to run to the ball as his motor and closing speed make him a threat in back-side pursuit on runs going the opposite direction.

Granted, Kiwanuka is still raw when dropping into coverage, but he is tall and can get into the passing lanes (he has two career interceptions). His ability to play linebacker allows the Giants to keep Umenyiora and Tuck at the ends and put their best 11 defenders on the field.

But look for Spagnuolo to find ways to have the group playing to their strengths while mixing his looks. Linebacker Gerris Wilkinson will step in for the departed Kawika Mitchell and will also be a threat in the blitz package. The Giants like to drop defensive tackles into coverage in their version of the fire zone, which means that any combination of players could be coming at the quarterback on any given play.

Much was made of Tuck's ability to play inside or outside during the Super Bowl win. Combined with Kiwanuka's versatility and the emergence of Wilkinson, the Giants seem poised to put pressure on the quarterback as they did during their title run.

The only reason that's the case is because they prepared for a future without Strahan.

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The Giants need to get tough with Shockey

New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey appears to be playing hard ball with the team. The Giants need to fire right back. They can fine him in the area of $8600 every day he refuses to participate in mandatory team activities. They should do it!

If this little soap opera isn't resolved by training camp, my hope is that the Giants will get tough and show this ignorant cry baby who has the leverage. I really wish I knew what Shockey's problem is. If he wants a new contract he must realize he is, once again, coming off a season cut short by injury, and we all  know  what the Giants did in his absence. If he is upset  with his role in the offense, too damn bad! Cash your paycheck, shut your mouth and do what your boss tells you to do. It is called being an adult.
If his feelings are hurt by what fans and media members said about the Giants being better off without him, the best way to deal with that is to come in, work hard and have a big year. 

If the Giants don't get a suitable deal for Shockey from some other team(very likely) they need to use their leverage. I don't think the Giants, even with all the problems he causes, will trade him just to trade him. This may be a long term situation that could get even uglier.

It is sad that this guy, who didn't even participate in last season's historic New York Giants run is intent on ruining all the good feelings from that season.   

New York Giants mini camp notes

Sadly, the biggest news to come out of yesterdays mini camp session for the New York Giants is the fact that Jeremy Shockey is a jack ass.

I have always been a fan of his, always supported him. No more. He is proving himself to be a self absorbed, whining troublemaker.

Yesterday it was reported that the Giants chief prima donna had a heated argument with GM Jerry Reese. Neither side would comment and while it is not known what the cause was, Jeremy is wrong. You do not get into shouting matches with your boss in front of the other employees. Shockey also refused an order from Coach Tom Coughlin to report to the practice field along with his teammates.

His slime bag of an agent Drew Rosenhaus had this to say; "I don't specifically have a way to address that at this time because Jeremy's been very adamant about avoiding any public discussion about the situation," Rosenhaus said. "The best thing I can say about Jeremy's situation is that we are talking to the team about some of the issues that exist and we hope to get that resolved." What issues??? Have the Giants ever missed a paycheck? Exactly what are the issues? That the team had the audacity to win the Super Bowl after your punk client got injured?

I hate to say it, but the Giants should have traded this cry baby when they had the chance. I was happy at the time they didn't because I thought the team was better off with him. I didn't realize he was going to turn into Chad Johnson right before our eyes.

Day two of Giants mini camp....

The New York Giants wrapped up Day two of their mini camp today. I decided, just to give everybody a break, I won't even mention Jeremy Shockey or Plaxico Burress....so I won't.

Anyhow, a few notes;

• Tight end Darcy Johnson was impressive today catching several passes and showing some ability to  break away from coverage
• Shockey ( I know I said I wouldn't mention him.....but) he is apparently working well in terms of mentoring the younger guys
• the Giants are carrying 5 QB's...it will be 4 when real camp opens, bad news for somebody....
• the Giants have ten players not practicing due to either injury or Drew Rosenhaus
• Tom Coughlin seemed happy with the special teams play thus far..not so happy when questioned about the two players I said I would not mention   

All in all it was a quiet day for the  Giants , all things considered. Mini camp wraps up tomorrow  with just one, not two sessions. Lets hope there  is no big news....since lately big news has been bad for the Giants ( I mean of course since the Super Bowl). 

New York Giants mini camp notes

The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants wrapped up Day one of their mandatory mini camp today. Since it is the Giants, and New York, and they are defending Champs, there will always be news. There was.

First, Jeremy Shockey did attend....good news. He didn't practice however due to his leg not being fully recovered, fine. But Jeremy didn't speak with the media, or, much more importantly, stay on the field with his Giants teammates, choosing instead to stay inside the complex. There could be more to it that we don't know, and I give him the benefit of the doubt. In reality though it seems he may be determined to make himself  as  much of a pain in the ass as possible in order to force a trade. We will see, but, as I have stated often, I hope not. The Giants are better off with Jeremy Shockey, provided he has the proper attitude.

In other negative signs, Receiver Plaxico Burress sat out today's activities since he is upset with his contract. Usually I don't like it when players don't plan to honor their contracts, but in Plax's case, he really is underpaid. Lets hope it gets resolved quickly. 

Other then that, pretty boring. Giants Coach Tom Coughlin continues with his forward looking posture; “I think there are areas that obviously we have to improve upon and that is what we are out here working on,” Coughlin said. “You saw us in the red and the green (areas). I think that obviously, defensively, we want to improve in that area and also we want to put more points on the board offensively. I think that is one of the real challenges. We are always a team that is going to talk about taking care of the football, not turning the ball over. And in terms of our special teams area, our kickoff coverage team, our punt return team, we are working on that right away. You saw us right here in the first session in this OTA. So there are a lot of things for us to get better at. And I think our players have responded well to that.”

All in all, for a defending Champ playing in the media center that is New York, it is pretty quiet.

Michael Strahan press conference

I am watching the Michael Strahan press conference as I write this where Michael is announcing his retirement from the New York Giants.

As I tuned in, Tom Coughlin was speaking. He commented on what an asset Strahan was to the Giants, not only on the field, but certainly off it in terms of his leadership. Coughlin called him a "great, natural, inspirational leader."

Then  Michael came on and the gist  of it was, "we are  a  family" and that "once you are a Giant, you are a Giant for life."

It was a very sincere, heartfelt speech, in which he didn't cry (Osi Umenyiora told him not to). Strahan also praised the New York Giants as a "class" organization, then praised his teammates and the Giant fans.

He then thanked the organization, teammates, fans, and even the media, who he had a little fun with. Telling them now they could pick on Osi and Justin Tuck.

He emphasized that he was stepping down not because he couldn't do it any longer, just because of the toll it takes on you. He wanted to do it under his terms. He did! How much better can you do then leaving as a Super Bowl Champion!

Thanks, Michael, on behalf of all New York Giants fans!

The Michael Strahan era is over

Well, the mystery is over. Michael Strahan officially announced his retirement today from the NFL. After  a fifteen year career with the New York Giants, Strahan decided he had enough; "It was important that my teammates knew which way I was going before they got on the field to start the work to defend our title," Strahan told FoxSports.com. "It's time. I'm done." I was wrong. I truly believed that Strahan would return for one more season in an attempt to get the Giants another title.

Strahan leaves as the Giants all time sack leader with 141.5. He was a force his entire career as one the NFL's most fierce pass rushers. A multiple Pro Bowl selection, Strahan was also a leader on the Giants for much of his career. During last years playoff run, teammates noted his inspirational pre game speeches, and locker room presence. Giants defensive end, Justin Tuck, Strahan's successor, raved about Strahan's leadership during an ESPN interview today. "There is no replacing Michael Strahan" Tuck noted.Agreed.

I feel this news is a big blow to the Giants chances of repeating. Not only do the Giants lose his leadership, but they also lose a devastating pass rusher and a very good run player as well.I was looking forward to seeing Strahan out there with Umenyiora, Tuck and Kiwanuka getting after the QB.

It will be interesting to see how the  Giants deal with this. Obviously Tuck is the heir apparent, but what will big blue do with Mathias Kiwanuka? Do they keep him at linebacker, put him back on the line, or, more likely, leave him primarily as a LB, but sort of use him as a "tweener" and use him in different spots at different times.

Strahan will go down as one of the all time great New York Giants, and probably, next to Lawrence Taylor, one of their greatest defensive players. He is a first ballot hall of famer and while he was sometimes controversial, sometimes had a bit too much to say, I will miss him.

From all Giants fans; good luck Michael and thanks for the memories!

Shockey's back in town!

Well, here we go. If you thought it was quiet around Giant land, get ready. Jeremy Shockey showed up, as expected, at an event today in Queens. He made his first public statement since prior to the Super Bowl:
"The statement I would like to make about the Giants and speculation in the offseason is that whatever happens between the upper management, the lower management, the owners, any management, is gonna keep between ourselves. Unlike the Giants, I’m gonna be quiet. They’ve released multiple things about myself and if you look back into the media, there’s always a source. Well, I’d like to know who this source is and we’ll go over hear and we’ll deal with it ourselves, because I haven’t said one negative thing towards the Giants in the newspapers. I have never expressed feelings of the things you guys have made up. I'm here doing a great deal with Powerade and that’s it. If I make it to minicamp you guys will have a chance to interrogate me a little more."

Two comments, first, when you say you will keep it between yourself and the Giants, it isn't helpful to also insult them in the same sentence by saying "unlike the Giants...". Second, I don't like the "if" I show up at camp next week.

Shockey has the right to do or say as he pleases. However, I am not sure what he thinks he is accomplishing with his statements. If he was smart, he would show up, keep his comments positive, work his ass off, and make a statement on the field. I am not sure what negative comment about Shockey has come from the Giants? I haven't heard any. Jerry Reese, Tom Coughlin and his teammates, including Eli Manning have only said they want him on the team. I just don't get his negative attitude towards the Giants. Towards the media and some fans, I could understand.

The bottom line is I do understand some of Shockey's frustration. I just feel it is misplaced when directed at the Giants. If it is the trade talks that bothered him, realize the Giants didn't solicit offers, but like any smart franchise, and the Giants are smart, they listened to offers. Then turned them all down!

Jeremy, most fans, including me, love having you on  the  Giants.  But get over it!

New York Giants player profiles, Jonathon Goff

The New York Giants selected Vanderbilt middle linebacker Jonathon Goff in round five of the 2008 NFL Draft. Goff has good size at 6-2, 245 lbs, quickness and is considered very intelligent and a high character guy.

He will likely play on special teams and serve as Antonio Pierce's back up.

Goff is a former All American who led Vanderbilt in tackles the past two seasons. He was also a team captain who contributed to game plans and meetings with the coaching staff.

Here is the scouting report:

Has good upper body thickness and muscle tone, but must improve his lower body thickness and strength…Has a wide chest, broad shoulders, flat back, tight abdomen, large hands and very good arm length…Physical player who might not explode behind his hits, but has the hand strength to drag the ball carriers down…Better when playing in the box than in space, but shows good awareness and urgency closing on plays in front of him…Has a great work ethic, watching lots of film and even sitting in on coaches’ meeting to help with game planning…Leader by example and highly intelligent sort who needs just minimal reps to retain…Plays with good effort and shows the high intensity to mix it up with bigger blockers in the trenches…Wants to make every play and is generally in position to do so, but only when playing in the box…Can read keys and locate the ball quickly, showing the instincts and vision to react to the run with good urgency (has good awareness in man coverage, but tight hips make him just adequate in mirroring the receiver)…Quick to fill the gaps with power and when he keeps his hands active, he can make tackles inside and hold ground at the point of attack (has no problem splitting double teams, but is susceptible to cut blocks)

…Shows good power taking on bigger blockers and a good hand punch to jolt…When he keeps his hands active and inside his frame, he has no problems shedding and creating separation…Does a good job of stacking at the line of scrimmage and it is rare to see him swap out…When he avoids the cut block, he can control the tight end’s movements…Even though he might get cut off at the feet, he does a good job of protecting his chest from blockers…Gives good effort chasing down outside running plays, but just lacks the loose hips to be consistent there (not good playing sideline-to-sideline)…Will use his hands more than his body to catch the ball, but has had just limited opportunities as an interceptor (plays more up near the line than back in the zone)…Has good timing, but just needs to show a more explosive burst on the blitz…Hits the gaps fast and hard and shows good desire closing on the quarter-back from the inside (can’t bend the edge as a pass rusher, though and is best when shooting the gaps instead)…Has good eyes for reading the pocket movement and is not the type that will bite on pump fakes or misdirection…Has the balance and low pad level to slip under most blocks playing near the X’s.

Next we look at Quarterback Andre Woodson.

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New York Giants player profiles, Bryan Kehl

The New York Giants selected a linebacker in round four of the 2008 NFL draft. After the Giants lost Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell to free agency, it was a position that needed addressing.That is exactly what the Giants did in selecting Bryan Kehl out of Brigham Young.

Kehl is an interesting pick, he has good size at 6-2", 242 lbs, great athletic ability, smarts (4.0 GPA), solid work ethic and character, (he took two years off to go on a Church mission....he may not hang much with Shockey...or me for that matter).

He had a reputation at BYU as a play maker who always seemed to be near the ball. The Giants may have gotten a deal in round four.

Here is the scouting report:

   Had broad shoulders, a developing frame with good upper body bulk, tight waist and good bubble, with long arms and soft, natural hands to cleanly field the ball… Shows excellent timing and leaping ability to compete for jump balls at its high point… Has very good weight room strength, but needs to find a way to translate it to the field (does not show a powerful hand punch or punish ball carriers as a tackler)…Runs with a normal stride and quickly accelerates in space…Shows good quickness, agility, and balance on the move…Very smart, productive and hard working athlete that leads by example and always has a high motor...Demonstrates good ability to learn and has good eyes for locating the ball when playing down the line (will lose sight some in zone coverage)…Shows good football instincts and puts in extra hours studying tapes…A team player who is very coachable…Works and trains hard and is a good leader both on and off the field…Plays alert and is instinctive, he is quick to recognize and react to the play, can adjust on the move and has the ability to quickly accelerate and get to the ball... Shows good desire and effort in both short and long pursuit, has the ability to accelerate and get to the ball...Has functional strength at the point of attack, demonstrating the ability to stack and control blocks and to quickly fill and take on blocks and control the point (his problems occur when he “short arms” and leaves his body exposed, as he then struggles vs. double teams)…Uses his hands and strength adequately to take on and shed blocks, but needs to be more consistent…Has quick hands and the ability to slip blocks and work through traffic…Shows the ability to engage and control tight ends and to keep separation in the short area passing game…Exhibits good tackling form, as he will hit and wrap up with proper technique to take the runner down (would be even more effective once he learns to use his weight room strength to punish)...Against the inside run he is decent at the point of attack when trying to control the lead blocker…Quick to fill and take on a block and control the point of attack...On the outside run, he can separate, disengage and work through traffic well, especially in space, as he works hard to get to the ball, showing a good motor and ability to sift through trash…Has the ability to widen with tight-end blocks and to quickly shed to make plays…Separates and disengages from blocks while in pursuit, working through traffic and in space to get to outside runs, as he has enough acceleration to close (will get a bit reckless and out-run plays at times)…Displays good effort on both long and short pursuit, as well as good acceleration to get to the ball…Not used often as a blitzer, but will attack the backfield and use a quick arm-over to defeat the block…Shows good urgency and effort when rushing the quarterback...Is more of a hit-&-wrap-up tackler that a physical one, but has the functional strength on contact to take down the ball carrier…Although not always smooth, he gets to his spots in pass drops/ coverage and shows awareness and the ability to quickly react and adjust with speed and quickness…Shows route and receiver awareness while in zone coverage and is able to extend and catch the ball with ease…Very capable gunner on special teams, doing a nice job of flying down field to break up the wedge.

Next up, we look at the Giants fifth round pick, linebacker Jonathon Goff from  Vanderbilt.

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New York Giants player profiles, Mario Manningham

Perhaps the most controversial draft pick by the New York Giants in a while was this years third round pick, Mario Manningham out of Michigan. Manningham was considered by many to be the top receiving prospect in the 2008 NFL draft. Then his stock dropped big time for a variety or reasons; poor showing at the combines, lying about drug use and the score of 6 on the Wonderlic test..(by the way, the max score is 50 and I believe you get five points for spelling your name correctly).

That aside, the Giants believe in Manningham and used the last pick in round three to snag him. It is a somewhat risky move, but with the players surrounding Manningham, I am not too concerned. The Giants have never been an organization to select a player without vetting him, and if Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin are comfortable with the kid, then so am I.

No NFL scout denies his talent. If the "other" issues aren't a problem, I am very excited to see what he and Eli can accomplish together..maybe we can call the combo "Eli Manningham" if they click??? 

Anyhow, here is the scouting report:

Has adequate shoulder width and room on his frame to add more bulk, but only if it won’t impact his quickness…Has exceptional speed and acceleration to suddenly burst off the snap and get into his routes (will struggle vs. a press)…Shows good sideline awareness and the ability to make the touch catch with his back to the quarterback…Has a set of head fakes to fool the defender and can also surprise a second level defender with his suddenness coming out of his breaks…Sharp pitter-patter pattern runner with a fluid change of direction...Plants and drives well on his routes and is alert to the stationing of deep coverage...Runs with very good agility and balance (fluid, natural motion) and is able to get to top speed instantly, when he is not facing a strong jam…Has the body control to get in and out of his routes and is very elusive after the catch…Not the type that will go over the middle for the ball, but he is slippery trying to avoid tacklers…Very quick to see and adjust to the secondary’s moves and has big play ability after the catch…His straight-line burst allows him to consistently stretch the field…Creates a lot of separation on his own, scheming to find space in the zone seams...Has that deep separation burst and side-line body control to make acrobatic catches seem routine...Has a sudden burst out of his cuts and is known for making the off-balance grabs near the sidelines...Has the quickness to consistently beat the defender on deep routes...Makes most of his yardage after the catch, easily turning the defensive back on his routes while kicking into second gear to run away from his man...While he lacks the strength to escape the jam, he has the speed to elude…Able to drop his weight and show good body control in his short area patterns and can get open deep due to his quickness coming out of the break…Has quick plant-&-cut ability and loves when the defenders give him even the tiniest of cushions...Shows smooth and fluid body adjustments while tracking the ball in flight...A liability when used on inside routes, but has the speed and suddenness to separate on the perimeter…Has good body flexibility to adjust to the ball in flight and when he maintains concentration, he does a good job of looking the ball in and catching it with hands extended away from his frame…Has gazelle-like moves in the open field and while he lacks bulk to break tackles, he has the vision and elusiveness to make big plays…Shows good hip wiggle, shake and burst to take a defensive back out of his backpedal earlier than desired and has that game-breaking ability to stretch the field.

Next up, we look at the New York Giants fourth round selection of the 2008 NFL Draft, Bryan Kehl.

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Ny Giant player profiles, Terrill Thomas

With their second round pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the New York Giants selected Terrill Thomas, corner back  of USC.Thomas is considered one of the nations top shut down coverage men.  He is a  hard hitting, play making corner with outstanding athletic ability who will compete for playing time with the Giants immediately, either as a nickel back, starter, or, at a minimum, a special teams player.The only knocks on him are a history of injury and lack of blazing speed, however the Giants medical staff are comfortable that injury is of no concern.

Here is the scouting report on Thomas:

Has an athletic, tall frame with thick upper body muscle tone, especially in his shoulders, tight waist, long arms, good bubble and defined calves…Plays with good field vision and alertness, as his ability to keep plays in front of him and handle zone switch-offs could see him shift to free safety at the next level…Runs with a normal stride and shows steady acceleration, but could be more explosive coming out of his breaks…Has quick feet and good hip flexibility (just lacks natural explosion)…Shows enough range to cover the field for a potential shift to safety…Makes adequate game adjustments on the field and puts in extra hours studying tapes (well-prepared for his upcoming opponent)…

Has very good strength and shows good counter moves to play off blocks and slip into the Backfield on the blitz (see 2007 California and 2006 Arizona and Stanford games)…Team-first player who takes well to hard coaching…Plays with good intensity and will not hesitate to “jaw” with his opponent, accepting any challenge…In addition to possibly playing safety at the next level, he has also excelled on the punt coverage unit and shows good urgency getting down field to cover on kicks…Quick to see the play develop and takes good angles to adjust on the move…Reads run plays quickly and is a solid run-force defender…His key-&-diagnose skills are steadily improving (just needs to play the man tighter rather than try to make the big play by going for the ball)…Shows good body control and hand usage to jam and reroute the receiver and works hard to keep the wide-out in front of his (knows he lacks the burst to recover when the receiver gets behind him)…Smooth in his backpedal and makes crisp breaks when he keeps his pads down (will tend to get too high at times and the result is poor plant-&-drive skills when he does that)…His hip turn is good for safety, but he needs to generate a better second gear (will also take some wasted motion at times out of his breaks)…Gets good depth in his pass drops playing in the zone and when he does not allow big cushion, he can mirror the receiver and react quickly to the ball in flight (when he allows too much cushion and the receiver gets behind him, he struggles to recover)…Needs to play with more consistent urgency (goes through the motions at times when the play is away from him), but he has the functional range to get over the top…Has the foot quickness and body control to deliver a jam and run with receivers, showing quickness to open and run…Has good leaping ability, but must work on his timing…Can catch with his hands, but needs to do it with better consistency…Has good hand usage playing off the block in run force, doing a better job of exploding behind his hits in tight areas than in the open…More of a drag-down tackler, as he will get high on contact, but he generates good pop on contact.

Compares To…DWIGHT SMITH-Minnesota…Like Smith, Thomas is a hard-hitting corner-back, but his lack of blazing speed will see him struggle when isolated on deep routes vs. speedy NFL receivers. Smith was the same way, but he made a smooth transition to safety and was productive there because of his tackling skills. Thomas has experience at free safety and has shown good playing skills inside the box. With his strong hand jolt, he will not have any problems rerouting tight ends and backs in the short area passing game. He does a nice job of mirroring the receivers, until they eat up his cushion on deep routes. Without possessing that explosive burst to close, along with durability concerns, teams might shy away from him in the early rounds when looking for a cornerback, but his draft stock could be higher if he shows that he might be capable of making the move to free safety at the next level.

 

     Next up, third round pick for the Giants, Mario Manningham.

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New York Giants OTA report

The New York Giants...I am sorry, Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, wrapped up the third of six OTA's yesterday.

Amani Toomer looked like he was in his prime flying around the field and making several outstanding catches. Toomer didn't participate in OTA's last season as he was in rehab.

No surprise, Jeremy Shockey didn't participate. I love Shockey, but he is really starting to get on my nerves.

Mathias Kiwanuka fully participated and his leg felt fine....great sign for the Giants.

Check back later for any updates as well as our player profiles. Next up will be the Giants second round pick, terrill Thomas.

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Ny Giant player profiles, Kenny Phillips

In the first of our series of New York Giant player profiles, starting with the 2008 NFL draft class, we profile  first round pick; safety Kenny Phillips from the University of Miami. You might ask why we are doing this...good question, because there is NO REAL NEWS right now. So, here we go;

(Actually, Giants GM Jerry Reese did a great job in terms of not panicking and jumping up to get Phillips who was their man all along. The Giants did not need to sacrifice another pick to get Phillips. Was it luck? Who gives a sh**, it worked)!

Kenny Phillips is a 6'2", 213 lb safety who has speed, athletic ability, strength and smarts. He should add a lot  of athletic ability and be a play maker for the Giants for years to come.

Here is what the scouts had to say:

Well-built athlete with very good muscle definition, long arms, good bubble and thick thighs and calves…His upper body features a tight abdomen, broad shoulders and good chest thickness…Makes plays all over the field due to his above average speed, ball reaction skills and size to come up and generate good pop on contact when playing in the box…Plays on all the special teams and gives total effort until the whistle…Reacts quickly in run support and has a punishing hand punch, using his arms properly to keep blockers off his feet...Decisive diagnostician who accelerates quickly to the run alleys and is very instinctive closing on the ball, displaying loose hips in his plant-&-drive motion...Skilled deep coverage defender who has very quick feet and when he stays low in his backpedal, he shows fluid motions turning and running in transition…Has outstanding agility and balance closing on plays along the perimeter…Might get a bit wild and reckless attacking the ball, but he never slows down trying to close on the ball carrier and is very effective at impeding the runner’s forward progress by attacking the outside leg with consistency…

Good team player who sets the tempo for the defense with his aggressive style of play… Has very nice short area quickness to mirrors receivers moves and refuses to allow any underneath cushion...Anticipates the pass well, showing proper timing and leaping ability tracking the ball in flight...Self-starter type that pushes others in the training room…Will compete throughout the play and has good strength to make the tackle in the box, using his arms well to get off blocks quickly to squeeze the rush lanes…Decisive in his ball recognition skills and though he eyeballed the backfield at times, he is not the type that will get suckered out of position easily…Makes quick decisions, showing very good route recognition and feel staying with the receiver on long routes…Flexible athlete with the feet and explosion to stay stride-for-stride in man coverage, but is best when making plays in the open field…Can sink his hips and bend his knees to turn easily on the ball and often keeps a hand on his man through route progression…Settles in nicely dropping off in the zone, handling the switch-off with ease...Very decisive covering underneath and when he gets a good read on the quarterback, he can jump the play…Can cover a lot of ground chasing the ball in flight and has the second gear to recover when he falls behind…Will springs into his tackles and is very active staying in the receiver’s face...Solid wrap-up tackler who shows good adjustment agility to break down and fit in the open…Has the hip snap to explode behind his tackles …Extremely active in run support, especially when he uses his hands to play off blocks, as he is developing into an exceptional force-&-strike type…Quick to react and come downhill, as he has the size to take on and play off blocks (has improved his angles when making plays in traffic)…Even when he runs around blocks, he has the burst to close…Goes low in his stance and extends his arms to secure and wrap the ball carrier…Very comfortable working in the short area, doing a nice job of preventing the hooks and crossing patterns from developing…Turns his hips easily and gets his head around quickly on deep routes...Disruptive blitzer who gets aggressive when flushing the quarterback out of the pocket and shows consistency when closing.

Like the late Sean Taylor, Taylor, Phillips is a very efficient tackler working inside the box, sort of like a linebacker with the way he squares his shoulders and sticks his hat into the action. He has good pass coverage skills, but can be fooled by the receiver’s head fakes or by the play action in the backfield. He has great confidence in his timed speed and has seen action at cornerback because of it. His body is well-built, but there is still room for additional growth without having the added weight impact his overall quickness. If he is not the first safety taken in the 2008 NFL Draft, it would be a major surprise. He could be a very nice replacement for the late Sean Taylor in Washington’s attacking defensive scheme.

The scouting report sounds good to me. I am hopeful, as  are  all  Giants  fans, that Reese  has struck gold again. Time will tell, but Phillips sounds like a good start.

Check  back as we next look at the  Giants  second round pick of the  2008 NFL draft, corner back, Terrill Thomas. of USC.

 

   

Giants sign Reynoldo Wynn

The New York Giants agreed to terms with defensive end Reynoldo Wynn. Wynn, a former first round pick by Tom Coughlin in 1997, spent five years with Jacksonville before moving to Washington then New Orleans.

Does this move mean the Giants are preparing for life after Michael Strahan or just adding veteran depth to a critical position?? Time will tell. I still remain optimistic that Strahan will return. I believe, from his recent interviews, that he just had too much fun last season, still believes he can play, and believes the Giants are good enough to repeat. My guess is right near the end of training camp Strahan will have a sudden realization that he needs to return.

In other, sort of Giant news, Patriots chief dirty player Rodney Harrison called the remarkable Manning to Tyree connection a "once in a million years" type of play. We all know that Harrison lacks the class to simply congratulate the Giants. Of course it had to be luck...if that helps you deal Rodney. so be it.

Check back as we will begin a series of Giants player profiles beginning with the 2008 draft class. First up will be Safety Kenny Phillips who already looks better in #21 then the last guy....you know, the one from that TV show.

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Giants commence OTA'a

The New York Giants, fresh off their Championship ring ceremony the night before, had their first Organized Team Activity yesterday. Most Giants attended, notable exceptions of course being Michael Strahan and Jeremy Shockey.

Coach Coughlin was thrilled to be back; “That, for me, is what it is all about,” Coughlin said after the workout, “having the players on the field with the coaches, working on the game that everybody loves and again keeping your eye on the prize.”

The Giants will do it again on Monday.

Back to Shockey, he is looking more and more like a player planning to hold out. I hope I am wrong, but the signs are three; missing all team functions, not returning phone calls, etc. Jeremy better wake up and realize he has absolutely zero leverage. If he sits out, he misses paychecks and incurs fines. The Giants on the other hand have Kevin Boss as a substitute who proved himself to be effective last season.It is clearly in Shockey's interest to get his *** back to camp, work hard and prove to the Giants that he is one of the  games premier tight ends. His alternative is to prove himself a prima dona.

Choose wisely Jeremy, it is a good time to be a New York Giant!

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Giants get their rings!

The New York Giants received their Super Bowl Championship rings last night at a private ceremony at Tiffany's.

The ring feature three Vince Lombardi Trophies symbolizing the Giants three titles in the Super Bowl era, the words "eleven straight on the road" along with the final score and the date and title, Super Bowl XLII. Several Giants had a hand in designing the ring including Michael Strahan, Sean O'Hara and MVP Eli Manning; 

“It is great. It is very special,” Manning said. “Obviously, to win the game and to go through those emotions and kind of relive it today with all your teammates and coaches and owners and everybody here – it is just great to finally get it. We had a few weeks of meeting to go over the ring. I was privileged to be a part of that committee and it came out just like we thought it would, perfect.”

Perfect...unlike the Patriots season...sorry, had to throw that in.

The only negative, to me , was the fact that Jeremy Shockey didn't join his teammates for the ceremony. As long as Shockey is a New York Giant he should act like part of the team. I have always supported him, but grow up jeremy!

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New York Giants to receive Super Bowl rings tonight!

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The New York Giants receive their Super Bowl Championship rings tonight at a private ceremony at Tiffany's on 5th ave. Most Giants players, other then Jeremy Shockey, are expected to attend.

The Giants have of late been insisting on looking forward to the 2008 season as opposed to last year, I think tonight the Champs will relax that rule.

Congratulations to all the Giants players and coaches, they earned this and I hope they enjoy it. I just wish I could be there.

Lets hope the New York Giants make this an annual occurence!

Who will emerge as the Giants feature running back in 2008?

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Well, I'll be honest. I am writing this post because there seems to be absolutely no news about the New York Giants at the moment. But I also feel that the prediction I am going to make, (that Ahmed Bradshaw will be the Giants feature back this season) will happen.

After pass rush, the Giants strenght is clearly their running game. With an outstanding offensive line and an abundance of talented backs (Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Rueben Droughns and of course Ahmed Bradshaw), the Giants are in great shape at this position.

The thought is that in 2008, the New York Giants will employ a "running back by committee" approach. That would make sense, but I don't think it will happen.The reason I say that is the fact that Ahmed Bradshaw will prove to be way too valuable a player to keep him on the sidelines.

We all saw during last season's remarkable Super Bowl run how talented Bradshaw is. He is strong, quick, has break away speed and is good coming out of the back field. He is a playmaker.

I just feel Ahmed will make it very difficult for the Giants not to get him as many touches a game as possible...and I can't wait to watch it happen.

What do you think?

NFL owners opt out of labor deal

The NFL owners voted 30-2, with the New York Giants being in the majority, to opt out of the current labor deal two years early.

This means the 2010 season will be played with no salary cap and there could potentially be a lock out after the 2010 season.

The move didn't sit well with Gene Upshaw;

"If nothing is done by then and we go through an uncapped year, I'm not going to try and sell the players on a cap again," Upshaw said on a conference call Tuesday. "I don't know who will, but it won't be me. Once we go through the cap, why would we agree to it again?"

While it is a long ways off the hope is that they will come together prior to 2010. Experience tells me that nothing will happen until the last minute however.