Young Blood and Old Blood

Jason Pierre-Paul

The New York Giants have played one preseason game and the expected has occurred.  The team looked rusty and they loss the game 20-10 to the Carolina Panthers.  It was a gloomy game for both teams playing in the rain.  Though the sky was dark and cloudy with rain pouring there were a few bright spots on the field.  These are the things that need the most attention during the pre-season.

The Brightest of all was wearing blue and the number 90.  Jason Pierre-Paul seemed more than ready to play that first pre-season game against Carolina.  He had 2 sacks in 1 quarter of play for the Giants.  He looked every bit as good as the coaches have said so far during training camp. The Defensive Line doesn’t seem like it’s going to be an area of concern for the team.  Osi Umenyiora is practicing this week which makes the Giants even stronger.  Just think Umenyiora, Chris Canty, Justin Tuck, and Pierre-Paul rushing the quarterback.  There will be plenty of sleep deprivation going on in the hotel rooms of quarterbacks before the game.  Who knows maybe the D-Line will get a few cheap sacks just on fatigue.  One thing we know for sure though is there will be plenty of quarterbacks being slammed to the ground.

Another area of concern before the game seemed to be wide receiver. The team knew someone needed to step up after the departure of Steve Smith and failed acquisition of Plaxico Burress.  It turns out there was one amongst the few that  was ready to do so. That one person was 7 year veteran, Dominik Hixon, who had been out the entire season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee.  He looked sharp in his first game back since his injury occured during last years training camp.  He caught 5 passes for 86 yards. His route-running was superb and his hands looked as good as ever.  Though it’s still early it looks as if he could wind up as the slot receiver.  His main competitor for the position Victor Cruz caught one pass for 10 yards.  This is a healthy competition amongst teammates that will only make them better.

An area of concern which still remains is the tight-end position.  Travis Beckum is currently out with a hamstring injury and what remains on the roster is a group of unproven players trying to make the team. Someone has to step up or the team may need to search the waver wire once teams start to cut players.

Special teams play was sporadic.  The team alternated between punters Steve Weatherford and Matt Dodge.  They both punted pretty well but the punt coverage was horrible.  Also, Lawrence Tynes was injured during a field goal try as Carolina’s Sean Ware ran into his leg and caused a thigh bruise. Me personally,  I don’t care to have Lawrrence Tynes on the team.  He doesn’t have superior leg strength and he isn’t that accurate. So maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

The Panicking Giant Fan

Giants Fans are the Best in the World!!!

The season hasn’t started and I’ve noticed how the Giants fans are in a state of panic. Never fear I am here to try to ease the stress that our team has caused plenty of our fans.  Right now I will break down each issue that many fans are dealing with. If after I explain each issue you still feel the same way, all i can say is I hope your love for the team allows you to show your support to the fullest.  After all, we could all be worse off.  You could be cheering for the Jets who by the way have gone to no Super Bowls in since 1969.

Here are a few issues:

“Oh my gosh Kevin Boss is gone.”

Kevin Boss was a key contributor to the New York Giants his first four years with the team.  No one can deny the impact that he had on the team. He was a good blocker and a nice big target for Eli Manning to throw to.  Last year he caught 35 passes for 531 yards.  Those were some great numbers for a tight end.  Though great,  It’s not  like they can’t be attained by the current group of Tight ends on the roster.  I think when Jerry Reese drafted Travis Beckum in his mind he believed beckum’s time would come.  In 2007,   Beckum shattered the Wisconsin Badgers tight end record, catching 75 passes for 982 yards and six touchdowns. He’s not the blocker that Boss is but he is an extra receiver who’s faster, has better hands, and his agility makes him less likely to endure all those brutal hits that Kevin Boss was taking.  As far as blocking goes the Giants have a group of tight ends that include Bear Pascoe, Daniel Coats, and other tight ends trying to make the team that can fill that void.

“Just Keep Osi Happy”

Umenyiora isn’t happy with his current contract situation.  This is an unfortunate circumstance that our best defensive player of last season has to deal with.  I won’t argue and say he doesn’t deserve it. Umenyiora deserves to be paid as a top defensive End in the NFL.  I think the main reason that he hasn’t been paid the money he deserves is because of the depth that the team has.  Believe it or not Jason Pierre-Paul is a 6′ 5″ 270 lb  “BEAST” or even a “Freak of Nature”.  The Giants aren’t interested in investing 5 more years of top money to a player who’s successor is waiting in the wings.   “He’s a very unique player. I’ve been around the league 12 years and I have not coached one that he compares to. He’s kind of his own guy – how strong he is and how talented and how much range he has” said Defensive Line coach Robert Nunn of Pierre-Paul.  Life isn’t fair so everyone can’t be happy.  If he doesn’t play the “Beast” is unleashed. If he does Osi goes to the Pro Bowl again and the line rotation is totally ridiculous and unfair.

“We haven’t signed anyone and the Eagles are getting better. Oh My gosh, they took Steve Smith.”

Were we really that bad that we needed to make drastic changes? As i remember we went 10-6 last season and barely missed the playoffs.  I know what you’re saying “but the Eagles beat us both games” In the first game Hakeem Nicks was hurt and that really affected the game from that point on.  The second game we played with a group of receivers that was just a flat out odd trio.  Derek Hagan,  Michael Clayton and Mario Manningham.  Not to take anything away from Manningham but that isn’t exactly the trio of receivers you want going against the Eagles. Even with that dilemma we commanded the majority of the game. If not for a hiccup by then rookie Punter Matt Dodge we would have won. The Eagles were the ones who needed to get better.  Don’t forget Chemistry people.  They have all these new players that have to learn a new system. If you thought Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dewayne Wade had a hard time with the Miami Heat in a 5 on 5 sport, try 11 on 11.  You’re gonna have players out of position all over the place. Meanwhile,  our players who’ve been in the same system they’ve always been in will have the edge.  Even, our very own Steve Smith is gone to the Eagles. Yes, Even  I can admit that it hurts to say that but look at the bright side. He missed 7 games last year and is coming off of an injury that will force him to sit the beginning of the season.  His last good season was 2 seasons ago when he had 107 catches for 1220 yards and 7 tds.  He had a total of 11 TD’s in his career.  How many did  Hakeem Nicks have last year? If you couldn’t remember, it’s 11 in an injury shortened season.  I think Hakeem is underrated by even our own fans and that’s just crazy.  Can someone please tell me where all the Victor Cruz fan’s who were screaming for him to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after last years sensational pre-season performance went. Where are you? Has your belief in the almighty Victor Cruz dwindled? “BLASPHEMY!!!!”. In other words give him a shot and in essence you will be giving us a shot. -JM

Giants Beat Super Bowl Champion Steelers

This was an article that I wrote when I first intended to begin writing the blog but never released it. I just thought I should put it up now to remind people that we didn’t just beat them, we punished the Super Bowl Champion Steelers this past season. So here it goes:

Should Pierce Be Released or Traded?

Should Antonio Pierce be released or traded? Is that even a valid question? Today while searching for Giant information over the internet I stumbled across an article from Giants Insider. The Headline immediately caught my attention as it read “Reese must release Pierce”. I am in total disagreement with their opinion. I’ve read how Pierce is too fat, too slow, and how he doesn’t get any sacks. My reply to all these comments are Zach Thomas has always been in great shape and is a Speed Demon at Linebacker. Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis is a sack Machine especially during his MVP season. That season when they beat the Giants in the Super Bowl he had a whopping 3 ½ sacks. Can you believe that?

DeOssie Headed to Pro Bowl

Zac Deossie headed to Pro Bowl

It has been nearly two weeks since the New York Giants have been eliminated from the NFL Playoffs.  Many people including myself are still recovering from a Giant hangover.  I was sick. Like the time i got so drunk and woke up in the morning next to vomit and thought my dog did it. The vomit smelled like Hennessy. It was me.

Since their last game a few different things have occured, good and bad.  First the bad news Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo left the team to become Head Coach of the St. Louis Rams. The good news is the Giants have hired an In-house candidate to take over as Defensive Coordinator. That person is Linebackers Coach Bill Sheridan. He has already said he will run the same defensive system that the team had run under Spagnuolo.

More good news is that Long Snapper Zak DeOssie (son of former Giant Steve DeOssie) has been selected by NFC Head Coach Andy Reid to perform all special team snapping duties for the NFC pro bowl squad.  Giants Kicker John Carney and Punter Jeff Feagles made the squad so Andy Reid figured why mess with the chemistry in the kicking game.  The selection of DeOssie brings the total number of Giants in this years Pro Bowl to 7. -J.M.

G-Men Need To Get Bold

Anquan Boldin could be in a Giants uniform next season

Arizona WR Anquan Boldin, who became disgruntled when the Cardinals didn’t upgrade his contract before this season and could be even more disappointed if they turn their back on him again has been linked in Giant trade talks.  People have said he can play for the Giants next year if the Giants are willing to part with a first round draft pick.  That’s not asking much for a player of his caliber.  With the looming departure of Giant WR Amani Toomer from the team, the  services of Boldin would be much needed.

We will have to wait until after Arizona’s season is over before we even have an idea of what is going to happen with Boldin.  The Arizona Cardinals are in the SuperBowl.  Boldin is surely looking forward to being with the Cardinals for at least one more game.  When the Cardinals season is over Big Blue needs to get bold and do what they need to do to get Boldin. -J.M.

Spagnuolo Gone to Rams

Steve Spagnuolo, new Head Coach of St. Louis Rams

Today is a sad day for the New York Giants as they lost their Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo so that he could take a position as Head Coach of the St. Louis Rams. For the last two seasons the New York Giants have been amongst the leaders in Sacks, Fewest points against, and  total yards against. Spags is a big reason why the Big Blue D has been so Strong.

Before the Arrival of Steve Spagnuolo the New York Giants Defense was ranked 27^th in the league. In 2007 during his first season he helped bring the defensive rank up to 7^th in the league with his aggressive blitzing style of defense. His approach to defense was enough to help the Giants bring a Super Bowl Trophy to New York that season. This past season the defense was ranked 5^th overall.

Though the Giants lost this season in the Playoffs against the Eagles they played a tough game against the Eagles. The Eagles would often start their drives in Giants territory during that game so you can’t blame the defense.

The biggest obstacle that the Giants face this off season will be to replace Spagnuolo. Giant Head Coach Tom Coughlin will have to search long and hard to find a suitable replacement for him. A loss of a mind such as Spags will be a loss to the team but he is well deserving of his new position. Good Luck Spags!! -J.M.

A Giant Loss

44 year-old Kicker John Carney is upset after missing two field goals against the Eagles

The Giants have an early exit from the Playoffs as they lose to the Philadelphia Eagles today 23-11.  They’ll have to wait till next year for a shot at winning the Super Bowl.  It was a great season for Big Blue they just came up short.  Feel free to leave comment. -J.M.

GOOD LUCK NEW YORK GIANTS!!!!!

Giants will be looking for a playoff win today against Eagles. Good Luck!!!

Eli Manning: The Easygoing Mann

When the New York Giants traded for Eli Manning in the 2004 NFL Draft many questioned his ability to lead an NFL team. He was thought of as being too passive, and many felt he was an inadequate leader lacking the ability to control his teammates. Most people failed to realize  he was only 23 years old and wasn’t ready for life in the big city.  That young man was a sheep thrown into a pack of media wolves.

Of course he was awkward. Expectations of his abilities were through the roof. Everyone wanted him to be his brother Peyton or even be as good as his father Archie. No one wanted him to be Easy Eli. Till this day when you see Eli speaking with the media he doesn’t seem comfortable with them. In fact, he looks quite agitated during interviews.

This city is filled with a huge amount of frenzy. Can you even live in this city and clear think? I’m sorry, think clear. Well you see that’s just what he was going through.

Now things have changed. His success has erased all doubt. Easy Eli, that easygoing young man evolved into an indisputable leader right in front of our eyes during last years playoffs. We all saw Eli lead the team when it mattered most. He provided the Giants with a flawless performance during that miraculous Super Bowl championship run.

Eli has learned to separate matters that occur on the field from the commotion that take place off of it. This Sunday at the Meadowlands the Eagles had better be prepared because Eli won’t be rattled. Sure he’s not Peyton and of course he’s not Archie. He doesn’t have to be, he’s Easy.
-J.M.