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| AUGUST 2007 LTTE |
August 31
It really depends on what the Giants did regarding the remaining signing bonus. If they attempt to reclaim the prorated part of the signing bonus for the remaining two years (which comes to $5.971M), that will affect the numbers significantly. However, I don’t thin k the organization would do that to Strahan – as I recall, they didn’t do it to Barber.
Anyway, to answer your question, if Strahan retires and is allowed to keep his signing bonus, by my calculations, the team will save $2.485M this year. I show he has a 2007 cap figure of $6.485M (which includes the $500K roster bonus he got on March).
I can also tell you that the fines he’s accrued don’t factor into this equation. Now what I don’t know is if he retires, if he’s still on the hook to pay the fines – my guess is no. But if he does come back to play, the Giants don’t’ get a credit against their salary cap for the total dollar value of the fines.
Dom M. Didn’t say that Mix, Toomer and Smith was the equivalent of our regular starters he just said they wouldn’t be that bad!!!! As FANS we tend to look at all the negatives about our team but when we look at things on a positive note we are labeled “homers” or “ looking at things thru rose colored glasses” Why is it that? – Carlos R.
Carlos, I’m all for being optimistic. I would love to think that the sun is going to come out every day and that the weather will be a comfortable 75 degrees with no humidity. But realistically I know that’s not going to happen..
Remember how last year we had a contributor who kept chanting “Super Bowl Baby!”? Remember what happened when there was no giants Super Bowl? All I’m saying is I personally take the “cautiously optimistic approach” and I’m not going to endorse an opinion I disagree with.
Mike Strahan. Ugh! At this point are there any REAL Giants' fans who really care? Regardless of what anyone says, it's all about money and don't believe for one second this crap about him being disrespected. My guess is that MS will report to collect his millions but I will lose a ton of respect for Jerry Reese if he forgives a single penny of the fines which MS certainly deserves. In point of fact, the Giants really no longer need the relatively meager contributions that he will make to the team even assuming he will be able to escape injury which, I admit, may be a naive assumption.
I'm biased of course because I believe that while MS has been a good player over the years for the Giants I will NEVER put him in the category of great player. If, in fact, he were a great player, he would have refused the so-called "sack" that was clearly "GIVEN" to him by Brett Favre.
However, way beyond that is the fact that this latest episode has shown him to be exactly what he is - a non-team player who is only concerned with himself. If Jerry Reese has any "balls" he will release Strahan the moment he "decides" to report which I guarantee you he most certainly will. – Bill S.
Yes but Bill then that would be doing what Strahan no doubts wants. Release him and he is free to negotiate with some team that will over pay him. Keep his rights, let him honor his contract, and hope to heaven that his return doesn’t crate a season-long distraction.
I have a comment or two on your final 53 man roster. First the # of QBs. I could see the Giants going with two. The reason? I believe if a need arose, Tim Hasselbeck would be available. Second, the DBs. If Dockery were kept over Underwood, wouldn't Underwood have to go on IR? He was injured during a game. – Donald P.
Don’t be so sure Don. Atlanta is said to have an interest in one o the Giants backups that is expected to be cut. Would Underwood have to go on IR? Not necessar8ily. It all depends on how they stack the numbers. August 29 Though it's not as bad as people think. If need be we can open the season with Droughns at fullback which would give Eli an extra option out of the backfield and give Bradshaw and Ward more exposure on 3rd downs. Also if need be I don't see why we couldn’t start Toomer, Mix and Smith. It would be a nice look on offense. Who knows maybe Mix could be our Marques Colsten. On defense it's not as bad either. At the LB position it wouldnt be crazy to see Torbor,Pierce and Kiwinauka starting with Osi,Cofield,Robbins and Tuck up front. Now if Strahan comes back than thats fine as well. I personally dont think he would start till week 2-3 anyway being that he needs to get back into football shape anyway. I mean really, you don't think Strahan's gonna walk in the door and there gonna roll out the red carpet for him all the way out to the field do you!!! I think were gonna be fine, there really isnt that much of a serious injury lingering out there besides Tyree. -- Dom M. Dom, my man, you really need to take off the rose colored glasses and look at things more objectively. You’re really telling me that a starting trio of Toomer, Mix and Smith is the equivalent of say, Toomer, Burress and Shockey? Hey, I’m all for being upbeat and positive, but let’s keep it real here.
Haven't posted in a while but a few things have come to my attention that I'd like to bring up. I listened to an interview Eli did after the Ravens game in which he explained some of the problems he had last year. When Toomer went down with injury Eli was forced to key on Burress and Shockey because they were the only players Eli trusted to make a play. In turn, our QB was not making his reads and throwing to the proper receiver, he was trying to force plays that weren't there in order to get the ball into trusted hands. Now, with 5 or 6 capable receivers Eli is able to make proper reads and put the ball where it needs to be, regardless of his target. This is why I am not worried about the health status of Burress and Moss, etc for the moment (but I do think they will be fine for the majority of the season). As for Shockey, the guy plays with more intensity each game than most guys play for a whole season. So he's a little reckless with his body which leads him to get banged up during the season. He made a few catches early in the preseason, looked like he was in mid-season form, and now he gets to rest up a little bit so he has fresh legs for the start of the regular season. Sounds good to me. Final point, while I do have some concerns about the secondary my personal hope is that our aggressive defense and lean mean front seven will stifle the opposition 95% of the game. If the defense gives up big plays here and there but cleans up the mess afterward Big Blue will be in a position to win every game this season. That's all you can ask of your team, to be in it to win it at the start of the fourth quarter. – Michael M. Thanks Michael. Not sure I agree with all of your points, but I appreciate the well-thought out arguments.
August 28
We shall see…
I'm almost afraid that Burress and Strahan may start on week one. Not so much that they don't deserve it (maybe they don't), but we have some other guys out there playing well and why mess with the groove? Instead, I would have them compliment our team during the meantime. Offensively, we've been very talented for the last several years, but our major problem has been rhythm and consistency. Manning needs a smooth start to the season and I think he will be better off beginning the season by throwing to Toomer/Smith or Toomer/Mix with an occasional big-play or goal-line package for Burress. When Burress shows that he and Manning are in rhythm, whenever that is, then he should start. I'd say the same for Shockey, but he is so much better than Boss that he must be in there...I'd also like to see Tuck and Strahan (pending "retirement") split snaps. Tuck is too explosive not to be out there often. Strahan should replace him for breathers and short yardage situations. But, I absolutely enjoy seeing Tuck and Kiwanuka side to side. – Jeff H.
I agree Jeff. It should be interesting to see how this all shakes out.
Good news from a transplanted life-long Giants fan here in Dallas. I'm happy to report that the Cowgirls are nowhere near as good as the so-called experts are saying. Their first string (both sides of the ball) were dominated by Houston this past week. On offense, Leonard Davis was his old ineffective self (at guard!!). Houston also shut down their run game and flustered Romo with a good pass rush. If we can duplicate the pass rush that we had at Romo's coming out MNF party, a big "W" goes in the books.
Other Observations:
1. Get Butler out of there. I'll take my chances with Reed. Need to get him a bunch of playing time this Thurs. I'm not really blown away with Gibril's play so far, either.
2. I agree with Brian B's LTE. Matthews should be the #2 TE. When Boss is in, the chances of a pass play being called are higher as he's certainly not a very good pass or run blocker. This is like when Jacobs came in last year on 3rd down (hmm, pass or run?). Why make it easier for the opposing de-fenses to predict our tendencies? I'll take The Dan Campbell clone.
3.Tuck (if he stays healthy)is going to seriously hinder Strahan's bargaining power in trying to get a contract extension from the G-men. -- Bob G2
Bob G the 2nd, right now there are too many unanswered questions for my tastes. Maybe it all gets sorted out after the NE game, but there are numerous areas that are up in the air, the safeties being one of them.
Was at the game Saturday, and had a few thoughts, and a question. Scanned the sidelines quite a few times, and never saw Shockey, was he there, or maybe in Florida taking care of the under-prepared leg. Also concentrated on William Joseph during the second half - he was manhandled on every play by one person. I believe there was one double-team, but one of the opponents just used a brush block and left him for the other guy. He has to have picture of the coach - there is no other explanation for a roster spot for maybe one play a game.We are never going to improve third down efficiency when you constantly throw a pass that is less than half the distance reqauired. and it thrown in such a manner as the receiver has to be facing the QB. My friend calls them the "Masters of the two yard pass".The most exciting part of the evening came during half-time. There was more noise for the pee-wees than the pros. I know only Toomer played, of the top three, so there is that excuse, but if any one thinks that Plax, Shockey, and Moss will make it through the season without missing time, I have a bridge to sell them. Pocket presence - neither of the two QB's in the second half seemed to have any. Everybody in the stands could see the blitz coming for Wright's first sack, except him. Hasselbeck resembled a statue back there at times.
Kick returns, whenever McQuarters, or Droughns was back, also Ward when he plays, the other team kicks more or less to them, not really afraid. Once Bradshaw was in, all the kicks were deep into the end zone, or out of bounds - like they were avoiding him.
Sorry, there was a need to vent. – Bob G.
Bob, not sure what your question was, but your other observations are pretty much spot on.
It is just amazing how the Giants can't get through a game, a scrimmage, or a workout without more players coming up injured. Now, David Tyree has a broken wrist?
We will start the season with about 43 active players, and 10 waiting in the wings to recover. Guys like Tyree, Wilkerson, Ruegamer, Moss, Ward, Mitchell, etc.
Here are my votes for guys who have been playing decently under the radar:
1. Ryan Grant 2. Michael Matthews 3. Michael Johnson
You have alrady mentioned Mix ( he would have made the team hands down had he caught that pass from Wright ), Wright ( the DT ) and Dunn.
Hope TC plays no starters on either side of the ball Thursday night. – Ted M.
Ted, there are more players banged up that the team is letting on. I don’t agree much with what Shockey says, but the one thing I totally agree with him on was his statement that “if you’re not injured, that means you haven’t played the game.” Now the question of course is which guys are going to baby themselves vs. who’s going to push himself forward? That to me tells me more about a guy’s character than anything else.
You sang the praises of Manny Wright, but what about Tui? He appeared to move well in the few snaps he took against the Jets. I can't wait to see Manny and Tui side by side. Let's see if some offensive line can move nearly 700 lbs. – Lew A.
I agree Lew, though I’m not sure that Tui is going to take many snaps away from Robbins.
If Spags can take this rag-tag bunch of corners and safeties and keep ANY opponent from passing for under 350 yards, I will nominate him for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. – John K.
Now, now… be nice, John. :)
I've been very pleased with Eli's performance so far in the preseason (although I haven't watched the Jets game yet to see the intangibles). As you know there has been a ton of discussion on this topic over in the Tailgate Club (shameless plug) so I thought I'd looks at the stats so far in what amounts to about 1 complete game against starters by Eli;
c/a yds TD Int
1) 3/5 27 1 0 2) 10/13 114 1 0 3) 17/25 146 1 0
Total 30/43 287 3 0
69.77% comp ratio 111.29 passer rating
Not too shabby!!!!!
Of course the question will come up as to whether he can keep this up for 16 regular season games and 3 or 4 post season games.
I think the depth we now have at receiver will prove to be the key to his success here. Remember he racked up the above numbers without Plax, mostly without Shockey, and Toomer was very limited. – Joe K.
Just a few quick observations from the preseason so far.
1. Mix should make the team. He showed me enough last night to keep him on as the 6th WR. He did drop a pass but the potential is there, and he will not be able to be hidden on the practice squad this year.
2. Ward should not make the team. I've been very impressed with his runs and returns this preseason, but he is already hurt. With this as a consideration, he should not make it as a 4th back. He is talented enough, but not durable enough.
3. I really like what I've seen from Michael Matthews and he should be the No.2 TE ahead of Boss.
4. Eli Manning looks much improved. I've long been critical of him, but I am very encouraged by what I've seen.
5. Can we please call running plays inside the green zone. We seem to once again get pass happy and I hope this does not continue.
6. The secondary is a very big concern to me. Our safeties stink. Butler doesn't look impressive and Wilson looks very ordinary and misses far too many tackles. Ross has not looked impressive, and in fact has looked bad, as I've seen him get beat repeatedly by backup TEs and backup WRs who probably won't be in the NFL. I am not encouraged by what I've seen so far from him. I feel we will be using lots of draft picks in the next few years on defensive backs. On a positive note, I will say that Webster looks much improved and like he is the player many thought he was when we drafted him.
August 25, 2007 KR Eddie Drummond was released. The Giants are pretty thin at that position too. Do you think they will bring him in for a look. –Mike M.
No.
Pat, you don't have to say “you-know-who.” It's OK to say “Voldemort.” :) Keep smiling. – Jack M.
Thanks for the letter Jack!
On a random note, any notice on if the Giants are going to continue the "ballin" celebration on defense? I think Seawright pulled one against the Panthers. I know most people disliked it, but I happened to find it funny and enjoyed it. Thanks again Pat. – Vick S.
Vick, I don’t think there is a limit on how many guys you can put on IR. AS for the ballin’ celebration, I hope to high heaven that we’ve seen the last of it.
Dear Eli: You know we love you in Mississippi, but this business with Tiki Barber is frankly beneath you. Tiki was a great football player, and a great guy on and off the field. Now his job is an analyst. You're not in junior high anymore, and you don't need to defend yourself to him or anyone. He has the right to state his opinions as an analyst. We all know you are a great quarterback - don't blow it by being so touchy. – Barbara O.
Barbara, you might want to send your letter directly to Manning as I doubt he reads this or any other forum for that matter.
My last word on Tiki, actually it is about Phil Simms. Hopefully, Benedict Barber will realize he made a rookie mistake and learn by watching some tape of one of the best in the business. Phil Simms is an excellent analyst who prevents the FACTS in an objective and CLASSY manner that is fair to teams he is covering and still interesting and entertaining to the viewer.
I miss old school lunch pail guys like Simms, Carson, McConkey and Burt. I realize now what a privilege it was to watch those guys play on Sunday because you knew they would give their best because they understood how lucky they were to be in their position.
Simms has more class and loyalty in his pinky than Tiki does in his whole body. I think you hit it on the head with Tiki's book coming out...nothing sells like controversy. – Jim F.
Why are we still talking about a player who is no longer on the roster? Seriously. Can we follow Eli’s lead and bury this topic already?
Tiki was a good player, but certainly not a great one. He doesn't like the coach? If it weren't for Coughlin, Tiki's fumbling would have cost him his career, and his best years. If he would like to take credit for Washington win, then he should also take credit for the 49er loss in the playoffs. Fact is, Tiki was never there in the fourth quarter, and we could never count on running out the clock. Give me Rodney Hampton or Otis Anderson any day of the week, and definitely twice on Sunday! Tiki is the football version of "Mr. May", IMHO, and now he should shut up and go away. – Tony M.
See my response to Jim F. I appreciate the letters, but by continuing to discuss you-know-who, we’re giving him what he wants: publicity.
Pat, you mentioned Tiki's book coming out in mid September....well, Strahan has a book coming out too in early October. Oh, well...so much for Coach Coughlin's wish for a year without distractions!!!!! – Phil G.
I didn’t know that Phil. Guess it will be another book I’ll have to review this year… August 22, 2007 So Sinorice Moss is out, yet again. This time, an ankle. It seems as though he plays about 4 downs, does little, and then leaves injured. Maybe guys who are 5'6" and weigh 140 pounds are really not suited for the NFL, despite their speed, quickness, and " water-bug" like moves. I, for one, am getting real tired of this guy's lack of availability, and lack of productivity, on the field. I'd rather go with the " wild card" kid from Western Illinois (oops, I think he is injured also). – Ted M.
Ted, I trust you saw my column in the last issue, so you know how I feel about this very topic. J
Forgive me for piling on, but kudos to Eli for putting it to Barber, and defending his coach. Something Barber would never do. Lets face it Barber had a great year last year, but, his premature retirement announcement in my opinion had a great deal to do with the Giants crash and burn. I now only hope Strahan does the right thing and retires too. That will be another burden off of Tom Coughlin. -- Phil G.
We’ll see Phil. All signs are pointing to Strahan coming in this weekend or at the latest, early next week.
Tiki is coming off as a cheap shot artist. I’m wondering know if the only reason NBC suits hired him was for so called inside info on giants. He fell into same old stuff category with rest of the yappers on that half time show. Most of use realize that most of these guys get paid a lot of money to come up with this boring stuff. If Tiki was speaking tongue in cheek then that’s ok, but its a two way street when a so called friend or team mate speaks about a persons physical or speech demeanor, that’s not news worthy to me. Tiki never ever won a game by himself. He had teammates. No one needs friends like Tiki. Archie F.
I agree. When Tiki implied on his latest radio show that he won the Washington game by himself, I got to wondering what the offensive linemen who blocked for him might have to say to that. Thankfully though they’re smart guys who wouldn’t resort to such bullcrap.
Gooo Eli it’s your birthday, Gooo Eli it’s your birthday!!!! Nice I like that, calm, collective and smacking Tiki right back in the kisser. Very good to see the guy step up for himself for once and he did it like a professional to. Eli played a great game against the best defense the NFL had to offer. The Ravens defense went out on a mission and that mission was to punk the Giants into submission. I went back and watched the game again. I mainly just focused on THE BRUISER. His first run wasn’t that great. When he runs to the right due to the inexperience of Diehl he's doesn’t seem to get very far but when given the rock to the right he’s very dangerous. It’s just the chemistry between O'hara, Snee and McKenzie, there’s a whole waiting for him. Anyhow I watched his 2nd run of the game (to the left) he gained about 6 yards, hitting Ray Lewis head on and sending him back 3 yards (Lewis literally goes airborne) only to be gang tackled by 2 more defenders. Then a couple of plays later he gets about 8 yards running to the left (but there’s was a defensive penalty that gave us the first down so the run didn’t count.)Anyhow on his last run (to the left) Eli steps back hands off to THE BRUISER and he takes it 5 yards straight into Terrell Suggs and sends him back 3 yards (Suggs also gets airborne) into Ray Lewis & I believe Snee who were both tangled up. If those 2 weren’t tangled up (Snee & Lewis) Suggs would’ve been a speed bump as he was going down regardless. People I've never seen a RB run over that Raven defense like I did Sunday night. We might be looking at the best Giants RB to ever play the position. I know it’s really early to make a comment like that but the proof is in the pudding folks. On his second to last run he made not 1 but to 2 juke moves, one in the backfield to fake a DL and then 1 at the line of scrimmage to fake a LB and still got 9/10 yards. We definitely don’t have to worry about the RB position this year folks. -- Dom M.
P.S. Pat, I already know your response. "Dom please take off the Rose colored glasses". Sorry Pat there permanent.
Actually Dom, I was going to ask you to put some paragraph breaks in your letters… do you have any idea how hard it is to read one lengthy block like what you’ve written? I’m starting to get really busy to where I don’t have time to clean up the letters I receive, so please, if you want a reply to what you write, don’t’ write lengthy single block letters because if I can’t read them, they’re not going into the column… I don’t care who it is.
I think Tiki is the one who is comical. He's gone and STILL has to take shots at the Giants and on national TV no less. I was a big Tiki fan, but now... I can't stand the dude. I could care less about what he did on the field at this point. I'd like to just forget about him and focus on this upcoming season.
I think you were right, Pat, saying Tiki's leaving would be a catalyst for Manning's growth. I was very proud and excited to hear him lash back at Tiki. For a grown man in his position to be called comical, I'd be really ticked off too. For all you "Easy Eli" haters out there, the guy has a pulse and a heart! Let him be himself (isn't that what we try to teach our kids?) and hopefully we can look forward to more performances like what we saw against the Ravens (A number 1 defense, mind you!). – Kyle L.
Amen Kyle.
Coughlin praises Michael Jennings. Than Giants place him on waivers/injured subjecting him to being claimed by another team instead of placing him on injured reserved status. You indicate if he clears waivers, Giants may place him on injured reserved. If the Giants thought highly of him, why didn't they place him on injured reserve status? -- Joe M.
In order to use Jennings’ roster spot, a player needs to be waived if it’s training camp. If he clears waivers, then he can be reclaimed by his old team and added to the injured reserve list. I think the system was put in place to discourage teams from stashing talent.
I like the fact that Eli came back at Tiki's comments.. About time the Eli showed something.. Is Tiki a drama queen or what? – Ryan C.
Tiki is not using sound judgment, in my opinion. In fact, he’s showing that he’s a rookie journalist in the worst way. Kind of makes me ill that a guy gets paid that kind of money to speak his mind when his only credential, if you want to call it that, is he played the game. But unfortunately that’s what the world has come to.
Will we keep 4 tailbacks? We've got to keep Bradshaw. I saw a comment somewhere saying he might be on the practice squad. The G-Men are dreaming if they think no one else will pick him up. When you watch him on TV he just pops out at you. His vision, quickness & cutting ability are exciting. If we keep 3 do they drop Droughns? Ward looks like a lock.
Like every team we have areas of strength/depth and areas of weakness. Might the Giants trade an RB for a future draft pick? – Steve C.
Just a hunch, but I don’t’ think you have to worry about Bradshaw making the roster.
I, like most of you, was incredibly disappointed with Tiki's commentary on TV Sunday night. Coupled with his prior disruptive comments about Coach Coughlin (both before and after Tiki's departure), whatever goodwill he ever earned from me via his yardage is now lost via his total lack of a team ethos.
I realize that his job now is to be controversial. Given that, the very best thing we as Giants fans can do is simply ignore him. With the largest media market in the nation not caring what he says, his tenure as an NFL commentator may be mercifully short, and the reward for his self-centered behavior will be just. – Tom A.
Tom, Tiki’s job is not to be controversial. That is NOT what a journalist is paid to do. He wants to be a serious journalist so his job is to present FACTS, not stir the pot. It’s to ask the tough questions that need to be asked, not taint the stories with his opinions which may or may not be 100% accurate. Already several things he’s said have been disputed or proven to be untrue by others, such as his claim that Coughlin ALWAYS had them practicing in full pads (which not only Coughlin disputed, but which is something I could dispute as well having seen with my own eyes what they practiced in on any given day).
What Tiki is doing, in my opinion, is hurting his journalistic credibility and is giving journalists who take their job seriously and who do things the right way a black eye. As a journalist who works hard to present a balance presentation every time I write something or go on the radio, I personally find that offensive, and mind you, I don’t like criticizing one of my own.
Pat...in your opinion why does Tiki Barber persist in calling out teammates and coaches??? I can't tell you how disappointing it is that one of the greatest Giants of all time is conducting himself like this. Phil Simms, Frank Gifford and Pat Summerall never bad mouthed the Giants. Tiki needs to take a page out their book...especially Simms. – Phil G.
Phil, I don’t’ really like speaking for another person, but I’ve thought about this and there’s either one of two things going on. The first is that Tiki is trying to light a fire under Manning (heaven knows someone has to do it and Barber seems to have figured out how).
Perhaps in his own twisted way, this is how he is trying to help Manning develop, though given Barber’s past indiscretions about his coach and team and what I know of the locker room chemistry, I think I’m probably being too generous with giving him the benefit of the doubt.
The other scenario could be that Barber’s book is due out in a couple of weeks so maybe this is to create interest ion the book (as a team beat writer, I’m on the comp list so yes, I’ll be reading and reviewing it as one of my upcoming assignments).
But as I keep saying, regardless of any motives he might have, Tiki is damaging his credibility as a member of the press. Who out there can honestly say that he’s been reporting objectively when it comes to the Giants? and if he can’t be objective about the Giants, what else is he going to skew with his rather strong opinions?
Let’s just hope the buzz about Strahan coming in this weekend is true as that will knock this rather ugly story out of the headlines.
I have tried to stay out of the mix with the all the Tiki Barber mudslinging, but "I've had all I can take and I can't stands no more!
"Who'd have thunk it? Tiki Barber has shown a side of himself that I would have never thought existed. His comments about his former coach and, now, his former QB appear petty, ill willed and severely lacking in the class department. This is not the person we came to revere as one of the greatest Giants of all time. It almost seems as though he is listening to his publicist, trying to create a buzz which in turn will elevate his career. It is worth noting that his "celebrity" status has waned since he retired. There is nobody singing his praise for on field heroics and there appears to be alot less, if any, in the way of commercial endorsements as well as TV commercials featuring Benedict, oops, I mean, Barber.
Let us all remember what kind of player Tiki was before Coughlin. His level of play was elevating from his early years but he was a fumble happy, smallish back who would never have earned the accolades to which he must have become accustomed to if TC hadn't taught him how to secure the rock. How about a smidge of gratitude or maybe a hint of loyalty. It would appear that without Coughlin, Tiki would have never made the Pro Bowl and his current career wouldn't have materialized. It is apparent to me that at this point Barber will stoop to any depth to promote his own career at the expense of anyone who has helped him develop into the star he became, including his former team mates, coaches and even his integrity as a human being. What a disappointment, our former, favorite son has become. Shame on him. – Jimi D.
I agree Jimi. I’ve pretty much exhausted my opinion on the matter.
Just read a very interesting article here http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/nwsltr/sports/fromthe50/stories/082207dnspofromthe50.52c5fda6.html showing some comparisons that might be surprising. The author even states that Eli isn't Peyton...yet. At 26 he is still very young for a qb. The problem isn't his ability, it is his consistency. So give him some time. – Michael A.
You’re preaching to the choir on this Michael.
August 21 Carlos, I’m an Eli supporter, but really, is the gloating over a meaningless preseason game necessary? You do realize that the next bad game Eli has, the naysayers will be right back in your face, so let’s be cool moving forward.
I was wondering if you think "Field Turf" is playing any role in what seems to be an increase in Achilles tendon injuries? – Drew Q.
I don’t know to be honest Drew. Achilles injuries can happen in a blink of an eye, but to answer your question, I haven’t done any studies on it to even render an educated guess.
The Michael Jennings injury is heartbreaking. Part of being a fan is cheering for the underdog. We all relate to the guy with perhaps an ounce less of talent but a bucket or more of drive and heart. Jennings seemed (based on what we've read) to be a good honest hard-working guy with an abiding faith and a chance to beat the odds. He earned our respect, admiration, and support.
Counterbalance that with Tiki on Sunday, trying to step up by stepping on others, and by Michael's holdout (whatever his motives are). As a fan, sad to see a good guy like Jennings (a potential hero) go down for the season. It was easy to cheer for him.
Pat, in your years covering the team, do you have a favorite guy who beat long odds to make the team - someone who had admirable qualities and less talent who simply outworked the others? I have fond memories of Spider Lockhart as a winning over-achiever. You?
Great work as always. - Chris K.
Chris, I agree with you about Jennings. As I said in the past, I really didn’t think he had a shot at sticking, but he’s the type of guy you can’t help but root for. As far as guys who one guy who comes immediately to mind during my years in covering the team is Frank Ferrara comes to mind as he might not have been the most talented, but he was always the most conscientious when to came to improving himself. Before that, I always pulled for Phil McConkey, but that was before I started covering the team. I’m sure I’ll think of others, but those two come to mind.
I missed the Baltimore game. I know you addressed this subject in the post game Inside Football edition (great edition by the way. Wanted more specificity if possible. Did Robert Douglas have any plays that required him to pick up a blitz? If so, how did he do with it? I realize teams don't blitz much in pre-season but perhaps Balt did in this case. – Jon S.
Jon, I really don’t remember, to be honest. Once we wrap up an issue, we move onto the next one. That being said, I’ll make a note to myself to watch for that moving forward.
Jeremiah Trotter was waived by the Iggles. Do you think Spags will want to bring him in? I realize he is 29 and has lost a step, but he knows the system, has a big heart and could add veteran depth at LB. If Strahan does the opposite of what everyone seems to think and does retire, could Kiwanuka go back to end and Trotter play outside?
On another note, Tiki Barber has turned out to be a real jerk!!! Kudos for Eli's uncharacteristic response to his uncalled for remarks. I rooted for him hard every Sunday for years and he delivered, but I honestly think the locker room knew the guy fans are just getting to know now for a long time and they are glad he is gone. From what I read here about the Bruiser he will be a true leader and not a talented loudmouth. Tiki should remember he was considered nothing more than a third down back for his first several seasons before he got on track. Not to mention the season and a half when the football might as well have been a greased pig!!!! Coughlin solved the problem for him and he never passed up an opportunity to criticize him.
I always want Big Blue to do well, but I would love to see them do real well this year without Tiki and see what he has to say. Good Riddance!!!! – Jim F.
Jim, please repeat after me: “Younger. Cheaper. Faster.”
I do agree with you about Tiki Barber. I’m extremely disappointed in his consistent need to pick fights with his former teammates. I just hope to heaven this doesn’t continue to be another season-long distraction.
Update/Corrections In yesterday’s LTTE, I was asked about the fluorescent green dot on the back of the quarterbacks’ helmets. Adding to my response that the green dot represents the helmets that have been outfitted with a radio receiver, the official from “Ask the Official” informed me that, “The green dot is checked by the Umpire before each game and its purpose is to ensure that no player other than the QB has the radio receiver in his helmet.”
Also, for those who have read the issue, I wondered why the officials didn’t call an unsportsmanlike penalty against the Ravens player who came flying into the scrum that was trying to wrestle down Brandon Jacobs. According to the ref, Rule 12-2-1 states: "All players prohibited from: (c) striking, swinging or clubbing to the head, neck or face with the heel, back or side of the hand, wrist, arm, elbow or clasped hands."
It goes on to say that: "The entire action must be observed by the official."
The ref further clarifies that, “Given the situation and the fact that it was impossible to see whether contact was made, with who, and/or where the contact was made, as long as it was considered to be an attempt to get the ball carrier down, there was not much that could be called.” August 20 I agree Scott. The Giants are very good about helping their own; last year I know they reached out to Bobby Johnson of “4th and 17” fame to help him get back on his feet. I would think they’ll attempt to do the same with Ingram.
In anticipation of this week’s game against Baltimore, the Washington Post ran a big piece on Jared Gaither. He seems to be developing nicely at LT for the RAVENS. I read in your blog that the Giants had an interest in him but never got off the dime because of ... whatever.
He seems like a world of potential (big, strong and athletic) and will most likely either start for the Ravens or be a serious backup at LT!!! It just kills me that our free agent signings always seem to be "projects," while Baltimore and others seem to get production from the get-go. And this guy was a LT - not like we're loaded at that position. I'm waiting for the OT we just cut (I think his name was Patrick) to become a horse in NE.
I know it's early and I'm antsy, but we always seem to look the gift horses in the mouth. Hope the load of beef they just signed works out on the defensive line. Deep Blue in a Sea of Burgundy and Gold and Purple and Black. – Gary H.
Gary, when was the last time a supplemental draft pick worked out for a team to where the player became an All-Pro and was considered among the best at his position? Personally speaking, if a player is in the Supplemental Draft, you have to wonder what it is about his case that he’s not in the regular draft that scares teams away.
Please advise our tight end draft pick (Boss?) to stop writing his daily column and focus on playing the game. Despite the kudos you have been giving him from observations in practice, he looks lost in the games and is not showing (yet) good hands at all. In fact, the FA tight end from Georgia looks much better.
I am sorry to see Jennings go down; he was really fighting for a spot and, with his speed, was an exciting player.
The running back from Marshall does look like a steal (pardon the expression). He could break one every time he squares up his shoulders. Why didn't I see Moss in the game? And Jeremy is already hurt again? Yikes. – Ted M.
Ted, I understated your disappointment, but let’s be fair. Yes Boss had a bit of a rough patch this week, but let’s not push the panic button yet. He’s still trying make the transition from a smaller program to the pros.
Moss has been dealing with an ankle injury since last week and did not make the trip to Baltimore.
Agree with you 100% about Bradshaw. I’ve liked him from the get-go.
This is my first letter. After watching the game I’d like to express my concern over what they teach in Baltimore. The elbow to Steve Smith's head is a recurring theme with Ed Reed and I’m sick of it. Fine him and suspend him to teach him a lesson. Will he be happy when he kills someone? Even madden pointed out the "elbow to the head." Madden also called the hit on Snee a cheap shot by Bannon on the offside. No penalty on either. Baltimore got all their penalties trying to intimidate by jumping offside to beat the count or lining up offside. They also love to pile on after a play is over. Just venting but this kind of dirty football is taught by coaches, which is wrong. – Robert G.
Robert, I checked with the ref who does “Ask the Official,” and he felt that Reed’s hit might have been interpreted as incidental contact (though he also acknowledged that Reed doesn’t have a choir boy reputation). As for the rest of the things you cited, yeah, Baltimore goes a little over the top – I still can’t figure out why the guy who came flying in with the karate chop didn’t draw a flag, regardless of who it was intended for.
What is with Tiki Barber? What is your take on why he finds it necessary to bash the Giants at every opportunity? He comes off as a conniving piece of garbage. For a person of his obvious intelligence and communication skills, this routine is pathetic. It is very possible that when the next "new face" comes along, he will lose his marquee status since he inspires neither personal loyalty nor trust. – Frank C.
Frank, you can look at Barber in two ways. The first is that he doesn’t shy away from a question and will give you an answer regardless of whether it’s politically correct. That is generally the quality of a good journalist.
The second is you can view him as bitter over how his career came to an end (which I don’t think is the case since it was he who chose to end his career). I tend to view Barber in the first view but at the same time, I don’t put much stock in what he says because knowing what I know, I understand that his opinions are slanted and sometimes exaggerated. That being said, it’s a free country and as a member of the press, he’s entitled to his opinion, even if it’s distorted.
Watching the Giant/Ravens game last night instilled some optimism concerning the competitiveness of the Giants; if they can just get rid of the stupid penalties. What I didn’t appreciate was the time they spent rehashing the Strahan situation and detracting from the game. It was as bad as hearing about Paris Hilton.
Also putting Jerry Reese on the spot about Strahan and hearing the political correct answers added no value. “After all is said and done allot is said and a little is done” Tiki Barber’s demeaning comments about Eli and he and Chris Collingsworth getting together to decide who is rated above Eli bordered on the arrogant and elitist attitude. Let’s just play football and get away from the soaps!
If Jennings recovers do you think he will have a good shot to make the team next year? Looking forward to reading your analysis of this week’s game. – Charles C.
Charles, I’ll answer your last question first: I don’t know. It all depends on how well he recovers, whether he has the same speed and what roster moves they make t that position. The penalties were a concern to me – no matter what Coughlin does, he just can’t seem to cure that team of the stupid stuff.
I agree with you about the Strahan feature that Andrea Kremer did and when I watched the tape earlier today, I winced over the approach. I just didn’t think the interview added anything new to the situation and like you, I just wish people would leave the topic alone. If Michael comes in, great. Until such time, is it really necessary to pick at that scab?
I didn’t really pay much attention to the Barber – Collingsworth exchange when I went through the tape. As I said above, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. It’s just that some people are so blinded by their convictions that they don’t fully understand how they’re coming across to the public.
Some observations after the Baltimore game...I can't see any of our top 4 RB's getting cut. We need to keep them, so I'm thinking stick with one kicker and get rid of Kuehl...Sad that Jennings went down, he was on the rise...I think Jacobs will be somewhat neutralized versus huge front sevens such as Baltimore and Dallas, but the smaller defenses will pay dearly...I think Kiwanuka is going to be a force at LB. Tight ends are no match for his strength and he'll be a headache lining up right next to Strahan (hopefully) and Tuck. Teams might as well split their tight ends out in space. Oh and I'm not worried about the misdirection plays. The Carolina game showed Kiwanuka exactly what teams are going to keep trying against him. Fool him once, but now he knows it's coming. – Jeff H.
Jeff, I’m guessing Kuehl goes on IR. That was actually a scenario I posed back in the spring but at the time, special teams coordinator Tom Quinn shot it down. I like the progress Kiwanuka has made so far. In fact, I really like him as a player – smart, hard-working and doesn’t make the same mistakes twice. He won’t become All-Pro overnight, but he’ll become a solid contributor.
I came away from this game with a few things. The defense started slow but looked better and better as the game went on holding Willis to 3 yards on 6 carries. This defense really turned things around in terms of performance from last weeks. Ross looked rusty but I'm sure he'll come around.
Eli (besides the fumble) picked apart the defense. I wish we would've seen more out of Jacobs, he seemed very slow when he had the ball as well. I don't know if it was the wet weather or what but I expected Jacobs to hit the holes harder and faster. Although I loved his first carry towards R.Lewis and sending him back 3 yards before the gang tackling came into effect and was most impressed when he had his last run and it pretty much took the whole entire Ravens #1 defense to bring THE BRUISER down.
Also looks like the injury bug came bitten as well. I can live with Jennings out for the season (I was actually surprised that he started over Smith). Demps should be back in about 3-4 weeks (looks like J. Butler will be starting for sure now) so nothing really serious there. Madison had a hammy but should be OK as well and Smith had the elbow to the head. The way he jumped up though after the TD it appeared it didn't even phase him even when he was on the sideline he looked fine so I think its safe to say we will see him at the beginning of the season.
In a nutshell we looked a lot better this game than last game, Eli's is looking consistent like people want, The defense looked better. On a last note this kid Bradshaw should do well for us he’s a workhorse, I cant see this kid not making the roster. -- Dom M.
Good observations Dom.
I'm watching the Baltimore game and I noticed that both quarterbacks for Baltimore have a florescent green dot on the back of their helmets. Do you happen to know why? – Bob S.
Bob, the fluorescent green dot (which all NFL quarterbacks have on their helmets by the way), is a sign to the officials as to which players have transmitters in their helmets. The green dot probably marks the spot where the transmitter sits. August 18
August 17 Carlos, I don’t think 4-12 is realistic. That being said, right now I still think it’s too early to call it. Look at the Eagles. They’re getting torn apart by injuries. Really you need to see how the teams are by the end of the preseason before you can predict anything, and even then, it’s a week by week type of deal because you just know a team that everyone is forecasting great things will end up sucking which another which no one thought anything of will have a strong year.
It seems to me that a position the Giants tend to put on the back burner is DT. I notice a couple guys that have become available (Warren, Simon) How come the Giants seem to have no interest? – Chris H.
I guess this is no longer a valid question now that Manny Wright and Tui (still learning the last name) have been signed? August 16
August 15 Interesting thought Shawn. But yeah, you’re right… the starting offense took 11 snaps. Anyone who’s throwing up the white flag after less than a dozen snaps is reacting prematurely in my opinion.
Right now I'm not to concerned about our 1st game so far. So the defense had some difficulty with the cut back runs, communication in the backfield and as expected the EXPERIMENT ( Thats my new nickname for Kiwi). Can anyone tell me what Spags is gonna be working on for the rest of camp. ALL OF THE ABOVE.
People need to relax, it was the first game. This is exactly what this team needed, they needed to get run over like this. They all needed a reality check. How they respond will tell us what kind of Defense Coordinator we have and what kind of players we have. I think were gonna be fine due to the fact that Spags isnt a failure; just check his resume. – Dom M.
Well Dom, while I don’t think Spags will be a failure, let’s be realistic here. I mean this is his first stint as a NFL defensive coordinator, so I think your glasses are just a little too rosy to be speaking objectively.
The current Strahan situation reminds me a little of how Bill Parcells would treat some of his players. Bill Parcells was fond of saying to this his players that he would treat them all fairly, but he would not treat them equally. During the second Super Bowl year, LT was "holding out" again and it was getting very close to the start of the season and LT still hadn't reported and Parcells was asked whether he would start LT even if LT didn't have much practice time under his belt . . Parcells responded by saying that if they signed LT during the national anthem of the first game, he'd be on the field playing.
To be realistic, the Giants will NOT win the Super Bowl this year. IF IF IF IF the g-men can get a first round pick for Strahan, I'd deal him. But I don't see that happening so we are "stuck" with the guy (assuming he reports).
I guess this is just his little jock version of an ego trip or maybe he simply forgot the date that camp actually opened in much the same way that he forgot his wife's (now ex-wife's) b-day?
Is he dumb enough to believe that we believe he is actually sitting at home everyday engaged in deep philosophical reflection over whether to retire or not? Well, I did read his "email" statement to the fans a couple weeks back and based on that statement, he might actually be that dumb.
He won't make it as an announcer. He isn't bright enough. Not even by NFL Network standards. – Derek P.
A little down there on 92, Derek? August 14 Scott, my understanding was that they were counting on Tuck to eventually replace Strahan (this pre-Kiwi). Quite frankly, I didn’t think Tuck looked all that bad. I think the only way they switch Kiwi back to DE is if they get hit with loads of injuries AND if someone else emerges from among the young linebackers they currently have.
Preseason game one is under our belts and a few (very preliminary) observations.
(1) Last year we worried primarily about a horrible pass defense. Appears we still have that problem based on the 230 yards of passing offense and three receiving TD's and ZERO interceptions (these guys are taught they are allowed to catch the ball, no?). IF I were basing my entire analysis on this one game (and I am NOT), I would conclude that you were wrong with respect to the argument you put forth on this website attributing the last season's horrible pass defense to Tim Lewis system (and not the horrendous talent the Giants have at DB). Madison and Webster were burnt for TD's. It felt good to see that again. Kind of like coming home from college after your first semester away and seeing your dog again.
(2) The run defense was comical. The most comical event was when Madison was run over by DeShaun Foster on the first drive of the game. Madison can't run, he can't tackle, he can't figure out who is supposed to cover and he can't defend passes. How is this guy still in the NFL?
(3) For some reason it never dawned on me that a team cannot carry seven RB's. There are going to be some very tough decisions on that front -- the toughest to decide I think. One would figure that Jabobs and Droughns are definite. After that you have Ward, Bradshaw, Grant and Douglas competing for what I am guessing will be two slots. Maybe they cut Douglas and go with a third TE as the FB (like Dan Campbell) and that move allows them to carry four of the five pure RB's currently on the roster. Who knows. Tough decisions to be made there.
(4) Can someone please bring Tiki back out of hiding. he is coming back right? I refuse to accept his retirement. it never happened -- just like the move Caddy Shack II -- it just never happened.
(5) Every time I see Coughlin on the sideline I shake my head in disbelief that this guy is still the coach of the Giants after four years. Is he working for free? Is that the explanation? I'd settle for Art Shell at this point. – Derek P.
Derek, to be honest, I expected this first game to be a little rough around the edges. It’s funny, but the defense always starts out ahead of the offense in camp only to have reality hit them in the face when they take the field for the first preseason game. But anyway, specific to your points…
The biggest problem with the defense was the lack of recognition when the runner cuts back. I was thinking this was partly to do with the type of runners they face in practice. Without Tiki they really don't face that type of runner and haven't had to display lane disciple. – Johnny J.
I disagree Johnny. Bradshaw’s style is pretty close to how Tiki used to run and I’d be shocked if he’s not the new scatback. But then again, Bradshaw took his snaps with the two’s and three’s, but I suspect once they start cutting down guys, he’ll take more snaps with the one’s.
I watched the game in hi-def, and have the following comments:
1. Eli was horrid, though in limited playing time. No accuracy, and no fire in the belly. His TD pass to Shockey was a poor decision because he could have and should have run it in himself. Instead, he risked an INT by throwing (albeit nicely) to a receiver who was triple covered.
2. I thought JLoad looked pretty good, though it didn't appear he had much moral support from the team who pretty much stayed away from him on the sidelines.
3. I thought Bradshaw and Grant looked even better than Ward...and that's saying a lot because Ward did look good.
4. I agree with you about Whimper. He didn't suck.
5. The safety, Dahl, should be our very first cut.
6. Corey Webster appears to be yet another failed high draft pick. Let's hope Aaron Ross doesn't follow in his footsteps.
7. Is there such a thing as a defensive line playing a "zone" defense like in basketball? I'm sorta kidding, but somehow we need to keep our ends protecting the ends!
8. Gotta love Chase Blackburn and you gotta be rooting hard for Zak DeOssie.
9. This looks like a different team but with the same problems as last year: A mediocre QB who is not a leader, and a defense with few quality starters and no depth. – John K.
John, I had a different perspective on Manning’s touchdown pass – I thought he did a nice job of feeling the rush, buying time and then finding an open receiver. But yeah, his one pass to Jennings… that one is one he should have made and when I saw it again on tape, well, I just don't know how he misses it. As for your final assessment, the majority of the starters played what, two series, maybe 16 or 17 snaps? So how can you predict gloom and doom on just a handful of snaps?
Very good analysis of pre-season game 1. It is probably a "good thing" that the defense was so pathetic. Perhaps the reality of Saturday night's poor play will bridge the gap to all the conceptual enthusiasm ( by the players ) for the new defensive concepts.
Major progress needs to be shown this week or "Spags " is going to have to re-think what he can realistically do with this group. Osi is solid, of course. Robbins is decent and will not get pushed around like those who played his spot on Sat. Cofield is still a bit of an unknown. He looked pretty ineffective against Carolina, some cause for concern. And Tuck can be a major force, I think, at the other end. But DL depth seems a major issue at the moment.
I think it is unfortunate that the safety from North Dakota had such a terrible night....both mentally and physically. Maybe that's why he was an undrafted FA in the first place.
My real concern is, and always has been, Eli. Many have commented on the unforgivable throw behind and over Jennings head. And he did look wide open for a good pass. But no one has mentioned that Eli's TD pass to Jeremy was a helicopter. |