Inside Football: Letters to the Editor

Updated: August 3, 2007 9:32 PM

July 2007 "LTTE" Archive

JULY 3, 2007
30 more days, and our lives return to us. The Giants' training camp will be in full swing. Enough with hockey, the NBA, and the baseball irritant that this year's Yankee team is presenting ( Ok. The Mets are great, and I hope they beat Boston in the WS ).

But I wanted to respond to a few issues on the table.

1 I agree with you that six guys changing positions does not bode well. I think it will take a year.

2. The London game, in my view, represents the closest this team or Coughlin will get to a super-bowl -like environment. It will be a distraction, but it will be their distraction.

3. I think this team is heading, at best, to an 8-8 year. It is a good sign that the media, the players and the coaches are not identifying this year's Giants as " super bowl bound," as was the case early last year.

4. With hard work and good luck, this team will begin to show real signs of development toward the second half of the season. But they could easily be 2-6 or 3-5 during the first half.

5. The team will be nothing if Manning does not noticeably improve or, alternatively, should he be injured for any period of time.

6. I wish that new tight end ( Boss ) was not writing a column on his rookie experiences. These usually deliver content along the lines of meaningless drivel, and often jynx the player writing them. Let's leave the jynxing to the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Tick tock. Rest up and then let's get it started again. – Ted M.

Ted, Ted., Ted… please let’s not rush this month through. Right now I look at it as my life returned to me and I'm really in no hurry to expedite these last few weeks. It will get here when it gets here. As for our planned summer coverage, if you have another suggestion which will help draw new readers in during a time when the internet is going to be innudated with training camp reports by everyone and their uncles, by all means please share.

Well like many of us who are salivating waiting for the football season to start, I was watching NFL replay yesterday all day or as I like to call it studying film. The main games I wanted to focus in on were the Titans/Bills and the Chargers/Seahawks. As I watched the Young/Losman showdown I noticed that both QB’s had very difficult times trying to pass the ball due to the high amount of wind that was there in Buffalo.

There receivers were making tremendous catch after tremendous catch. It almost seemed that every pass was too high or behind there receivers. One thing that was funny was all the excuses the announcers made for every throw, blaming the wind etc…etc… Then I turned on the Rivers/Hasselbeck showdown. Hasselbeck was on point pretty much the whole game but Rivers started to fall behind very quickly. He had a few good passes here and there but was off the majority of the game only to have his defense and L.T carry him to the 4th qtr in which they won the game because of a WIDE OPEN receiver that got behind the safety and corner and was practically waiting in the endzone for the ball. The winning QB’s that day (Young and Rivers) won by the skin of there teeth and I mean skin.

Yet were all so quick to label Eli a bust and say things to that effect. I think across the board we have a good QB compared to the rest. There’s something about this season that has New York Giants written all over it. Jump on the bandwagon now folks! With Brandon Jacobs in the backfield and solid receiving corp to support Eli followed by an even more aggressive defense. Writing is on the wall guys, we should be having a good season this year. -- Dom M.

Only time will tell!

I am always intrigued by the Tiki bashing. In the HISTORY of the NFL, there are only TWO RB's with over 10,000 yards that averaged more yards per carry than Tiki; Jim Brown and Barry Sanders. TWO!!He put together 3 of the greatest seasons for a RB in NFL HISTORY, and set records for total yards rushing and receiving in a season. And before we start relying on Keith Hamilton for character references, let's remember, it was Keith, not Tiki who ran afoul of the law. Right, let's check out what the Hammer thinks. Look at what Tiki's accomplished through hard work and determination. All he should get from Giants fans is their admiration and thanks! Keith Hamilton? Sheesh! -- Stu H.

Stu, I don't think people are unappreciative of what Tiki did on the field. I think it's his off-the-field crap that has a lot of people up in arms and which is probably tainting the judgemnet of some people.

JULY 31, 2007
I've been reading several reports on the first 2 days of training camp, and it sounds like Jared Lorenzen is tearing it up. I know things are early, but if Coughlin is so big on competition as a means of motivating players maybe he should give Lorenzen some 1st team snaps. -Jeff J.

Problem is Jeff that Eli Manning is the franchise quarterback. They have a lot invested in him so they’re married to him for better or for worse. If this were any other quarterback, I think Lorenzen would get a chance, but I don’t see it happening.

Did Anthony D. actually pose the Strahan for Larry Johnson trade? I got quite the chuckle out of that proposal. I can it see it now. "Hey Carl Peterson, it's Jerry Reese. How bout Strahan, a box of 1997 Fleer semi-mint baseball cards and a half a piece of bubble gum for one of the best backs in football." "For you Jerry, sure thing. I'll even throw in Arrowhead stadium if I can get Hasselbeck too."

Now, on to a new subject. We always hear the term PUP (physical unable to perform, I believe) list this time of year. What is the significance of placing someone on the PUP list during training camp? Just curious. Thanks Pat. – Jason V.

Jason, the PUP list is physically unable to perform. It basically means that a player can’t pass the team’s physical, but they want to retain his rights, so they put him on PUP where he doesn’t count against the roster limit. Once he’s healthy, he can come off PUP. I believe if he’s still on PUP by the start of the season, he has six weeks to come off the list or else go on season-ending IR.

He should come in because it is team first not me first. Every generation of professional players think they are getting screwed because salaries have gone up. He is 35...he has been injured...the old players thought they got screwed when he signed his original contract. – Shawn L.

I agree Shawn. But apparently Michael and his handlers don’t see it that way, though methinks now that he’s getting hit in the pocket book, MAYBE he’ll realize this little holdout was ill-advised.

JULY 30, 2007
It is bad enough that Strahan picked the worse time to mull retirement, but if he's at all interested in this franchises' success why don't he hurry his rear end up and make the decision! He's messing with our depth at DE. He's messing with our LB situation (Kiwanuka). He's making it unclear whether we should go after Rice. He may cause a complete meltdown on front 7 that could be a pleasant suprise this year. That would trickle down to the secondary as well. He's being a complete headache to our esteemed franchise. I'd also like to add that I hope this has nothing to do with what he thinks of our roster. Although a lot of chips have to fall in the right place, I think we have a bit more talent than popular belief would suggest. – Jeff H.

Jeff, Strahan isn’t messing with anything. Trust me on this. Everyone and their uncle knows where this is going. Think of it as though Strahan were injured. They got by without him last year and they will as well. No one knows for sure what he’s thinking, but given past comments, suffice to say he’s not a fan of training camp and if he can come in for one or two weeks instead of the 5, then why not?

JULY 29, 2007
We may be overlooking the obvious here about Strahan's "holdout." He may not be fully healed from his injury and will use the holdout time to more fully recover. That will give him the "See, I told you I didn't need surgery." excuse when he eventually reports to camp, probably in a couple of weeks. He ain't retiring so fans should get the dreams of big cap room out of your heads. – Burt D.

Burt, you couldn’t be more wrong about the injury being a factor. Even if it weret, Coach Coughlin was prepared to bend over backwards to allow Strahan extra time to heal by limiting him to one a day and with limited snaps at that. Besides, if that were the case, Strahan would have most likely been excused by the team rather than have to result in a holdout (there’s more to camp than just the practices and I’d think at the very least even if Strahan was allowed to skip the practices, they’d still want him in the meetings, especially with a new defensive scheme being installed). Trust me on this…Strahan’s foot is not the problem here.

I know trades are very hard to do in the NFL, but could the Giants trade Strahan to either the Chiefs for Larry Johnson, who is holding out or to the Bears for Lance Briggs? Strahan only makes 4 million this year and 4 million next year. Is Simeon Rice a possibility for Giants? – Anthony D.

Anthony, why on earth would you trade a defensive end for a running back or a linebacker? Further, who in their right mind is going to trade for a 35 year old player on the back nine of his career, coming off a foot injury, and with $4 million in salary. So no, Strahan will not be traded. As for Rice, I’m sure he’s crossed their mind, but again, let’s put ourselves in the other man’s shoes here. If you’re Rice, would you sign for the veteran minimum knowing that Strahan is almost certain to show up one of these days?

JULY 28, 2007
I like everything Reese has done this off-season except releasing Pettitgout (I thought they could have traded him for a draft pick). I like his approach to building through the draft and that he didn't reach that much on any of his picks.

That being said, he needs to learn how to speak to the media. He is TERRIBLE at it.

First, he said he would explore trading for McGahee, which is tampering even though the NFL doesn't enfore it. Then he said Ross wasn't his first choice at CB, which while its true, you just don't say as now he is open to future questions about Hall and Revis.

Third he called Strahan's potential hold out silly (which it is), but you don't say these things. Fourth, he seems to be pushing Whimper to everyone as a possibility to LT after Tom said Deihl is pretty much the guy. Jerry shut up and let Tom coach the team please.

Fifth, you don't say what he said about Pettitgout being a marginal player for a long time. Thats a personal shot, and GMs and coaches should be above that. Even if thats true you don't say it.

I just listed 5 things he's done wrong (all of which were honest answers by the way) but they should not have been said. He hasn't even been on the job for a year yet. Don't misunderstand my point. I like Reese as a GM so far, but he really needs to work on what he says. – Brian B.

Brian, I think you’re misconstruing what Reese said regarding McGahee. He said he would explore all avenues back then, and when asked if that included McGahee, he confirmed. Nothing wrong with what he said. That being said, I for one appreciate his candor. Parcells used to say crap all the time to get in the players’ heads and it worked. Who’s to say this isn’t Reese’s strategy?

Reese what a professional, he really can take the heat off Tom Coughlin. Taking cheap shots at Petitgout, a player he released, what a great human being that Mr. Reese is. Saying that Ross and Smith were not his first choices. You think Coughlin has a problem when he gets in front of the press. This GM may be directed not to talk to the press without a two legged mouth guard standing beside him. Another great orator – Rob L.

Rob, see my response to Brian.

What is your opinion of GM Reese's comments about Luke P? Any reaction from the players? Although those are his true feelings, he needs to learn how to relate to the media. I think his comments were unprofessionsl and not necessary. Your thoughts?-- Joe M.

Please see my response to Brian.

With all the surrounding questions of Jacobs durability, I think he’s gonna be just fine. Its funny when you hear “Will Jacobs be able to handle 20-25 carries a game all year long” Umm no and as a matter of fact no running back can handle 20-25 carries all year long. Except for 1 (LT). That’s over 400 carries in a season. Larry Johnson just did it and couldn’t handle it. Look teams with 2 back systems have no problem with the number of carries because the starting back gets the majority and the back-up gets the rest. Lets look around the league on similar situations. I’ll start in our own division.

Westbrook = 240 (carries last year) % 16 = 15 carries a game

Buckhalter = 83 (carries last year) % 16 = 5 carries a game
Jones = 267 (carries last year) % 16 = 16 carries a game
Barber = 135 (carries last year) % 16 = 8 carries a game
Thomas Jones = 296 (carries last year) % 16 = 18 carries a game
Cedric Benson = 157 (carries last year) % 16 = 10 carries a game
Fred Taylor = 231(carries last year) % 16 = 14 carries a game
Maurice Jones Drew = 166 (carries last year) % 16 = 10 carries a game.

Ladanian Tomlinson is the only RB to consistently average 21 carries per game a season. He averages 341 carries per season mainly because he’s the Chargers main offensive weapon and has been his whole career.
I think Jacobs will be a top 5 RB in the NFL starting this season. -- - Dom M.

I hope you’re right Dom. I’ve been on that kid’s bandwagon since Day 1 and would love nothing more than to see him evolve into one of the game’s finest rushers.

I'm sure you'll be thrilled to rehash an old, boring topic in the middle of the thousand "oh no, Strahan's retiring, end of the world!" letters you'll be getting, but please indulge me:

I'm really scared about them not having a legitimate fullback. I'm basically wondering if you could clarify this comment about the fullback being "phased out" in general. How can a team have an effective power running game without a solid blocking TE and no fullback? -- Matt R.

We will find out Matt. Right now I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

I have a strong feeling on this breaking Strahan story....

Part I: Strahan did not have surgery on his foot as he should have in the offseason. He said and I paraphrase "If I had to have surgery I would have retired". You will recall that he went shopping around a number of different physicians until he found one who told him what he wanted to hear that is he did not need surgery. CONCLUSION: Strahan no longer had the commitment to do the work necessary to keep on playing.

Part II: Right before training camp we start hearing about a holdout for more money. Unfortunately for Strahan his wife took him for a lot of money so his big signing bonus that still impacts Giants cap room is in his wife's pocket not his. He is left with the base salary which doesn't seem like a lot of money to him anymore. CONCLUSION: Strahan feels he is not being paid commensurate with his talent, especially as he has "lost" a lot of his signing bonus.

Part III: Giants (rightly) are not willing to pony up more money for a player with little time left coming off an injury he has not healed from. CONCLUSION: So you combine lack of heart to really do the work necessary, not enough money to motivate him to kill himself football, and an imagined slight from the team and he figures what the heck, it is just not worth it.

I think he is really retiring, the only question is does he quickly realize that he misses being out there and does he quickly realize that the $4mm is the last big paycheck he will ever get and he better take it while he can.

The big winner in all this is his wife, she got out at the peak in his earnings. The Giants are stuck weak at DE, Strahan fades away with Tiki as not having won the big game, and all the skeptics (myself included) get to complain about another potentially lost season! – Jeff S.

Jeff, the feedback I’ve been getting from numerous sources, this is all a smokescreen. I can’t see Strahan retiring. He won’t get $4M a year anywhere else, even if he goes into broadcasting. If it’s all about money with him, as it apparently is, why would he walk away from $8M over two years? Personally I think he’ll be in camp as soon as Monday, unless he’s got a trick up his sleeve (very possible) to back the Giants into a corner…

tiki gone...now strahan..shockey to stupid to have any kind of agenda..tom c must be dancing behind closed doors..unable to belive his own luck..2 locker room cancers down.. 1 to go (you listening jeremy) maybe now the ny giants can get back to playing football...and give coach killing a break.. – Steve C.

Amen Steve, though Shockey isn’t as big of a cancer as you seem to think he is. If Coughlin gets this team to carry on and do well, he gets my vote for coach of the year.

JULY 27, 2007
I was wondering what you had thought of Jason Bell going into this season, and your thoughts now that he has been put on the IR. I personally liked him and thought he could have contributed. – Lance Z.

Honestly Lance, I didn’t think Bell was going to make the final 53-man roster.

I was wondering if you have ever entered into a Giants Training camp with so many questions as far as personnel, coaching, etc. The fun part is that it can go either way so it will make for a very interesting season. Keep up the great work. – Scott R.

Scott, I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but I don’t think there are as many question marks as many people seem to believe. I thought there were more question marks Coughlin’s first year, to be honest.

JULY 26, 2007
My main point is that if it comes to seriously overpaying for Snee in a bidding war, we could be alright by not giving in. If Derrick Dockery got 7 mil a year, I’m scared of what Snee can get. Plus, as you have mentioned many times, we all know Diehl appears to be a stopgap situation at LT. So what happens next year if we can sign a serious LT? Then Diehl could fill in for Snee and wouldn’t miss a beat. After all, Tiki’s biggest runs came off the left side.

Now don’t get me wrong, I think Snee is a very good player, but the way free agency is getting(and Reese's hesitancy towards overpaying) if we have to lose Snee I am not so worried. Sorry for the confusion. – Vick S.

Vick, thanks for checking back in with a clarification. The one problem that remains in your logic is that unlike Derrick Dockery, who received big bucks for his run-of-the-mill play, Snee has been a Pro Bowl alterante and is on the verge of being named a starter if he continues to raise his level of play every year.

JULY 25, 2007
I don't understand Vick S, reasoning in wanting to let Snee go if the price is a little high(by the way, compared to what?) You are ready to give up a guy who is getting comfortable with his teammates and has the best ingredients for an OL...nastiness and aggressiveness. And you would give this up to plug in someone new in a line that is starting to gel as a unit. Get real! I could go on and on but that’s it. — Frank A.

Frank, I’d be curious to hear more of Vick’s reasoning because I agree – it doesn’t make sense on the surface. And it’s possible that maybe his point needs clarification.

What day do you think Vegas should set as the over/under regarding the date Tim Carter will pull his hamstring and nurse a lingering injury for three weeks before going on the IR or PUP list? I say he'll do it by August 15th? Your thoughts?

Here's to a new season! Hope springs eternal . . . and traditionally (over the past five seasons at least) that hope is generally crushed by week nine with the Giants managing to lose a series of games in some never-before-seen way that makes one's eyes want to spontaneously bleed.

Lets just hope the D-Coordinator told the defensive personnel that new league rules permit them to actually defend against the pass this season. As you and others have argued, the problem with last year's defense was NOT due to a lack of talent, but rather was due to the system they played under with Tim Lewis.

I make no predictions myself . . . other than we will soon (by week six I'd say) have answers as to whether that theory is proven true or false. If it is proven false, then buh-bye Tom and hello Bill Cowher! — Derek P.

Um Derek… Tim Carter isn’t with this team anymore. My focus in on the Giants players.

JULY 24, 2007
Now that you guys brought up the Snee issue, I don’t think we should worry too much. If we can’t work out an extension for a reasonable price, we should let him go instead of paying an OG 7-8 million dollars. We have suitable options to replace him with Piller and maybe Ruegamer.

Also, if Whimper develops or we sign a LT next off-season, we could move Diehl back to RG where he played his rookie year. Granted Snee is a very good guard, he has yet to make a Pro Bowl so I think we could find a suitable replacement. Instead making a monster deal for Snee, Id rather us spend it on an impact player like Briggs next year. Thanks for listening – Vick S.

Vick, your logic makes no sense. You’re saying the Giants should let a young guard who’s just entering the prime of his career go and spend the money on a linebacker who has already peaked? So who do you get to replace the quality lost if you let Snee go, some veteran who signs on a year at a time? Please tell me what I’m missing here.

Those who live in the past do not advance to the future. If I had bought that house or this land I'd be rich. If this, if that if,if, if, a small word that lives in the past. Let dead issues R.I.P.. Go GIANTS...—Joe D.

Like I always say Joe: “Woulda, coulda, shoulda…didn’t.” We all make choices I’m sure we’d like to have back, but the bottom line is we don’t have that luxury so we have to learn to deal with things.

JULY 23, 2007
With the Giants signing yet another offensive lineman, could it be that Jerry Reese is looking into the future and the real possibility that he will not be able to sign Chris Snee to a long term contract, especially if they do not renew Tom Coughlin’s contract?

What I see in Coughlin is somebody who will not be able to adapt to change that easily and didn’t realize until it was too late that some of his assistant coaches were inept and were in the mold of Coughlin “my way or the highway”. I think Jerry Reese realizes this and feels there is more than a 80% chance that Coughlin will be gone after this year.

In thinking about Coughlin, it seems he was so interested in details that he couldn’t see that Hufnagel was living vicariously through Eli and was not really a good offensive strategist. Therefore I think Eli with the proper coaching and game planning will be a much improved QB and if he isn’t the Giants better load up on defense the next few years and the Ernie Accorsi years of stressing offense and reaching for offensive draft choices will have proven to be a failure. – Charles C.

Charles, that’s certainly an interesting theory about Snee, but the way I see it is if Coughlin does get canned after this season, I don’t see him getting another job, so it won’t be as though Snee will follow him to where ever he goes (unless Snee were to get a contract offer from a Flroida team, as Coughlin will most likely settle once he retires).

I think the Giants will try to get Snee locked up this year; certainly it will be in their best interest to do so if they can before more obscene contracts are thrown at mediocre players (and this is why I think they might have a hard time getting Snee locked up given the ridiculous deals middle of the road types like Eric Steinbach and Derrick Dockery got).

I disagree about Coughlin being resistant to change. I’ve seen little subtle signs that he has changed, but what I don’t want to see him do is stray too far from doing what it takes to win. Did he surround himself with the best coordinators in his first few seasons here? No, but hopefully that’s been rectified with his new set of coordinators and hopefully this squad will stay healthy.

Michael, pretty long winded reasoning. Sounds good, but the bottom line is that we could have had Ben and our 3rd and 1st round pick. If you think having Eli minus those picks is a better alternative than Ben with those picks, then you're not quite as astute as you sound. And it's amazing how you could relegate a guy like Merriman to also-ran status. Absolutely amazing! – Stu H.

“Coulda, woulda, shoulda.” Come on Stu. Why deal with what coulda been? I can’t stress this enough. What’s done is done. Let’s deal with it and hope for the best; if Eli turns out to be colossal bust, I can’t see Reese letting him continue to embarrass himself and the franchise indefinitely.

JULY 19, 2007
I just wanted to comment on the statement in your response to Jeff H.'s LTTE on July 15 "I think given what it took to get Eli, I can see why many big city fans have such high expectations this soon”. I’m not trying to argue with you here and I know you’re just trying to highlight the opinions of many Giants fans but this is an all-to-familiar claim made by so many. Yes the trade with San Diego was fairly involved and is exacerbated by the fact that the California squad has seen some success in recent seasons but I have to contend that we would be facing a similar situation had Eli not come to NY. Here is my personal analysis:

First and foremost in the 2004 draft we needed a quarterback. Kerry Collins had deteriorated to the status of a very solid backup and we had no youth of notable interest. The three high profile quarterbacks in that draft were of course Eli, Big Ben Roethlisberger, and Philip Rivers. Now assuming Eli is off the board at pick 4 we must choose between Ben and Phil. Ben did a great job on a Pittsburgh team that was poised for success. The Steeler QB was asked to do very little in an offense that relied on a heavy rushing attack. I’m not saying that Ben does not throw an accurate, catchable ball (which he absolutely does).

I’m just saying his role was not all that complicated. Now, would he have won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2005? Probably not seeing as we still would have lost our entire LB corps and would have folded even if the eldest Manning brother was at the helm. Furthermore, prior to the 2006 season Big Ben still would have had a Big Fall on his motorcycle sparking a cascade of events rendering him useless for a year. I’m sure NY fans would have accepted that as a youthful mistake and welcomed him home from the hospital with open arms.

Turning to Rivers, there isn’t much bad I can say about him only that compared to Eli, he was not ready to step into a starting role until this past season. Chances are, had we drafted Rivers, we would have let Kurt Warner sack and fumble his way to two or three more losses in 2004, Rivers would have come in, got crushed and suffered from a lack of confidence rendering him as imposing as Dave Brown. At least Eli was able to come in ready to go in 2005.

Now, on to the cost of the trade. Everyone says that the trade for Eli cost too much. Well, what did we lose? A third round pick in 2004 and a first in 2005. The Chargers used our 3rd rounder to take Nate Kaeding, a skilled kicker. A little high to be drafting a kicker but he is good. The Giants employed Steve Christie in 2004 who scored 99 points, not bad enough to force big blue to take a kicker.

Now, I know what you’re all thinking: “If the giants still had that 3rd round pick they could have taken Stuart Schweigert, the FS out of Purdue and all our problems would be solved!!”. Exactly, there was no one of value with that pick so who cares.

Now onto the player everyone wants now, Shawne Merriman taken with our 2005 first rounder. Here’s the deal: Merriman is a great player. I went to Maryland where he was a stud at DE and knew he would be a solid pro. The problem is that “Lights Out” is only effective as a 3-4 OLB and is decent at best as a 4-3 DE. We would not have taken him with that pick.

I don’t know if most fans actually watch the games but for the past decade we have played a base 4-3 defense in which the OLB’s are not permitted to constantly rush the QB with not a care in the world for coverage and trust me, the lights are certainly out when Merriman is stuck chasing a stud TE. So, no Merriman for NY no matter who our QB is. We probably could have take Jammal Brown with the 2005 pick and that would have worked out nicely but then again, we had Mighty Luke Pettigout so who knows? All I’m saying is that, if you put it in perspective, Eli did not cost the Giants too much and I’ll take the guy who throws 24 TD passes in each of his first two seasons any day of the week, especially on Sunday. – Michael M.

Bravo Michael. An outstanding, well-reasoned letter – and I’m not saying it because I agree with your points but rather I respect your reasoning and your arguments. Please write again.

Well the only thing I can say about the FB situation since its the buzz all of a sudden is this, it really doesn't matter who's in the backfield blocking for Jacobs. Brandon is gonna make plays regardless, he's that talented of a back and we'll all see that soon to come. I really think this is our best team that were putting on the field since we drafted Eli. First off we have a revamped defense being run by a coordinator who actually knows what defense means.

Next our offense coordinator was our QB's coach last season so he knows more than we know about Eli, his pro's and con's and furthermore doesnt sugarcoat situations like our old OC. Also we have a more powerful and explosive back in Jacobs than we did Barber(If you think Barber had big runs wait to you see BJ break em). Than what I consider our best ever recieving corps in years, I mean Burress, Toomer, Shockey, Smith and Moss. Defenses are going to have there hands full. I'm really not worried about the upcoming season, I'm actually looking forward to us smashing other teams. -Dom M.

I like your enthusiasm Dom, even if it’s viewed through rose-colored glasses.

This is the worst time of the year for football news. The main stories we've been hearing lately are about the criminal element in the NFL and that is depressing.

Soon though, amateur and professional prognosticators alike will begin to see the truth or fallacy of those predictions. I, for one, have a good feeling about this season (Unless the players start predicting how great they're gonna be. That will certainly not bode well for the team). Here are my predictions:

Eli will have a breakout season.
Brandon Jacobs will spread fear in opposing defenses in a way Tiki never could.
The defense will return to prominence under Coach Spagnuolo. Steve Smith will be in contention for Rookie of the Year.
The Giants will make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Coach Coughlin will receive a contract extension.

I know a lot of this goes against the trend of the pundits but I think the Giants have the best overall talent in the division after a fine off-season by GM Jerry Reese. (I'm not as concerned about LT as most). Time will tell us soon enough.

Everyone have a great rest of the summer, especially you, Pat. You, in particular, are going to need your rest for a whirlwind season! – Richard L.

Thanks Richard. Enjoy these last few days of peace and quiet. I know I will.

JULY 15, 2007
Read this piece from Pat Kirwan of NFL.com. Makes you kind of wonder... "Here's an example of how perception and reality can conflict, especially in a big market versus a smaller one. In their first 16-game season, Peyton Manning and younger brother Eli Manning both threw exactly the same number of passes (557) -- Peyton completed more, 336, compared to Eli's 294. But the younger Manning threw for more yards, more passes over 20 yards and had a much better touchdown to interception ratio than the elder sibling. Peyton Manning had 26 touchdowns to 28 interceptions and Eli Manning had 24 touchdowns to just 17 interceptions. Yet most Giants fans can't see a bright future for Eli. Big city fans want instant success and they define that as a Super Bowl ring." – Jeff H.

I think given what it took to get Eli, I can see why many big city fans have such high expectations this soon.

I’ve been saying it all along that passing up on FB Brian Leonard in this years draft was going to haunt them.. Before the draft, G-Men try to sign that FB from the Texans, V. Leach and that did not work out. So what does that tell you? They are concerned about there FB situation. They have a chance to draft Leonard in the 2nd Round and pass up for a WR.. Now J. Finn is on IR, I’m not surprised one bit that the giants are screwed now with no FB.. Brian Leonard is going to be a superstar in this league and would have been a huge asset to our Giants team.. He is going to be the most versatile FB in the league years to come.. As a Giants fan for years it bothers the heck out of me the way we draft and sign free agents.. We are absolutely lousy at it.. I can definitely name more bums then decent players over the past years. What we need to do is watch how other teams do business!!! IE: The New England Patriots.. They can definitely teach us a thing or two.. – Ryan C.

Ryan, the Giants aren’t as concerned about the fullback situation as you think. Yes, they tried to upgrade Finn with Leach, but they also have a plan B in place if they can’t get an experienced veteran. Personally I don’t get the love affair with Brian Leonard – and I’m a Rutgers alumnus, mind you. I think you’re putting WAY too much emphasis on the role of a fullback, which is slowly being phased out in some offenses. I know you’re entitled to your opinion, but my gosh, let's get a grip here on reality.

In response to Jeff H., I couldn't agree with our esteemed editor more. First off, Steve Smith may very well see more action THIS year than whoever our starting fullback ends up being. Never mind the fact that Smith may well end up being a solid #2 receiver for years to come. Leonard was a really nice college player, but let's see what he does in the pros...I'm guessing not much. As far as the draft and FA situation goes, I urge you to take a closer look around the league. The a ton of draft picks don't even make a roster, much less last more than a couple years. ESPN did an analysis of teams' picks and where they were (in the league, not, etc) a couple months back and the G-men were pretty much middle of the road. A lot of FAs don't earn their money either, not just for us but for most teams. And yes, NE gets it's share of busts from the draft and FA market, we just don't read about it. – Mike B.

Very true Mike. But you know the old adage… the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Unfortunately, some fans tend to magnify the failures of the team they root for while glorifying some of the middle of the road moves that the other teams make.

JULY 10, 2007
I'm thinking that if this Full Back situation doesn't work out, we might be able to work it to our advantage. If we were to often stick Smith or Moss in the slot (3 WR sets) to go along with Burress, Toomer and Shockey, a defense has its work cut out. Add the fact that Jacobs would be dealing with one less defender in the box, and now the defense has issues. Jacobs might be the type who doesn't need a FB in his way anyways. We'll see. I'm also interested in seeing Jacobs run behind our style of linemen. I'm starting to think it might a good fit, because Jacobs has the speed to follow those cuts, pulls and traps, and if he gets past the D-linemen using speed rather than power, it's going to be a car wreck for opposing LB's. – Jeff H.

I hope you’re right Jeff. I am definitely interested in seeing what new wrinkles they put in place to fully utilize the talent they have.

Pat, the following is a quote from your comments to Michael M's. post on 07 02 07:

"I have a much different perspective and knowledge of what’s been developing and I have absolutely no reason to put a positive spin on anything the team does"?

Does this mean, that in your opinion, that the Giant's will struggle thru out the 2007/2008 season. If yes, based on your experience of covering the Giants, what position due you see as the Giant's greatest weakness. -- Vin K.

Vin, all that quote means is I have no reason to sugar coat anything the Giants have done or will do. Do I think the Giants will struggle this year? Too soon to say – I say this every year. The reason is sometimes people who you don’t’ expect much from come out of no where to surprise and vice versa. Injuries also factor into the equation, so I would much rather wait until I see them in training camp before I say for sure if they’re headed for 8-8 or 11-5. And that also goes for what I see as their greatest weakness. You can’t tell as much without the pads on

JULY 5, 2007
I am surprised that with all this talk about Brandon Jacobs not being able to hold up with 25+ carries a game that no one has bought up the fact that he was training with Joe Carini. You know, the guy that turned diminutive Tiki Barber into a power house (at least for his size) and a durable one at that. The guy has even dropped a few pounds to increase speed and, if anyone noticed, Tiki seemed to gain an explosive burst after training with this expert on targeted strength. I, for one, am excited to see what "The Beast"(I know you don't like this nickname, Pat) can do with the rock full time. – Jimi D.

Jimi, Brandon was training with Joe Carini last year as well, yet he still got nicked up. It’s just a result of how he plays the game. Hopefully he’ll incorporate some finesse into his game. And yeah, I know you guys like to call him the beast, but if you knew him, you would see he’s far from bring a beast off the field.

What are your feelings about Jared Gaither?Is he worth a second round pick in the supplemental draft. – Mitch B.

To be perfectly honest, I know very little about Gaither. That being said, I'd be reluctant to spend ANY draft picks, let alone a first day pick, on a supplemental pick – bad memories of Dave Brown, I guess. And I doubt the Giants will spend a first day pick in the supplemental draft either.

JULY 2, 2007
Wow, all this talk about Eli and Coughlin...and not NEARLY enough talk about the Giant's latest championship?

Oh, your not aware? In March, Phillipe Sparks's doughter Jordin won American Idol!

As far as I'm concerned....no fan of the Cowboys, Redskins, and Eagles can say THAT....(dancing with the Stars doesn't count)

And maybe if superstition comes into play....five years from now...Tito Wooten's kid will win "So you think you can Dance?"

AT ANY RATE...I'm going to chime in on the "Eli Debate"...and hopefully I can play the role of 'memory' for some of the readers

Tiki Barber wasn't ALWAYS Tiki Barber. He was a fumbler, a catch droper, and a loud mouth (ask Keith Hamilton). All of a sudden, the coach everyone hates comes in...teaches him something new...and all of a sudden he's TIKI BARBER

Barry Sanders was always BARRY SANDERS, Marshall Faulk was always MARSHALL FAULK, and Marcus Allen was always MARCUS ALLEN.

Tiki Barber became TIKI BARBER in his seventh season...

Quarterbacking in an ART...and it takes time for the artist to mature and every year, us Giants fans say "this is Eli's make or break season!" In essense saying "We want the Quarterback of today...who will fizzle out (ie Kordell Stewart, Neil O'Donnell, Stan Humphries, Heath Schuler etc) not quarterback of the future"

Like it or not...Eli Manning is the best QB the Giants have had in the last eleven years. -- -Brian T

Um, Brian, you’re talking to the American Idol connoisseur… Jordin Sparks was crowned the latest American Idol in MAY, my friend, not March. And no, I’m not ashamed to admit I cast a few votes her way (mainly because I couldn’t stand the human beat boxer she was up against.) But I dop agree with you about Manning being the best quarterback this team has had since Simms left (with all due respect to Kerry Collins, who took the team to the Super Bowl.)

Maybe its just the optimist in me, but I really believe that with the changes in coaching we will be seeing a Giants team reminiscent of the Super Bowl Champions of the late 80s. Does that mean that Matthias Kiwanuka will be the second coming of LT? No, absolutely not. But similarities exist in the coaching philosophies. The Bill Parcells era was defined by coaches who analyzed the talent and designed a scheme to maximize the potential of each individual. That is great coaching, in any sport, on any level.

Look at Bill Belichick and the perennial powerhouse New England Patriots. That Pats have seen as much or more personnel turnover as any team in the league but are consistently successful because they adapt their scheme to fit the available talent. With what I have heard in interviews thus far, I have reason to believe TC and company will finally take a cue from some coaching greats and utilize our players correctly.

The first three years of the Tom Coughlin era were marred by stubborn coaches who tried to force players to fit a particular scheme, regardless of each players’ skill set. Case in point, Corey Webster. When Webster was drafted, Tim Lewis commented that the LSU corner played his best when TIGHT TO HIS RECEIVER. However, rather than play to Webster’s strengths, Lewis’ scheme forced the young corner to play 10-15 yards off his man in zone coverage.

I fully understand that defenses must play a variety of coverages to keep the opposition honest, but seriously, how many 3rd and long situations did Lewis put young Corey and the other corners in the parking lot. This is only one example of many (Cofield playing NT, Arrington sitting in a zone, Shockey either going long as a decoy or staying in to block!!???!!!). I am not saying that the former coordinators’ game plans were good or bad but the last 3 years the Giants have been plagued by a misallocation of talent.

The new coaching attitude seems to be to analyze the talent and design the scheme around the players. Spagnuolo has promised to play more man-to-man coverage, move Kiwi to LB, move Cofield out of the NT spot. All examples of a good coach trying to maximize his players’ abilities by first allowing them to do what they do best and scheming around those skills (Not to mention he will employ an attacking style of defense which has been sorely missed in NY for years). On the offensive side of the ball, Kevin Gilbride displayed improved play-calling ability when given the opportunity. I don’t care what anybody says. Eli is a good QB and will be the leader of this team. When allowed to play within his comfort zone Eli has been virtually untouchable (see 2006 week 2, Eagles 4th quarter – overtime). Gilbride has had success with talented quarterbacks before (Warren Moon) so hopefully he is able to play into Eli’s strengths and help him become the All-Pro QB he is meant to be.

Just as no player can ever replace LT, it is unrealistic to hope that TC will magically become as great a coach as Parcells. But with coaches who try to work with the players’ skills rather than force them into uncomfortable schemes fans should be excited to see how our talent matches up with the best in the league. – Michael M.

Mike, I’m optimistic. I know there are naysayers out there who think I’m smoking something but I have a much different perspective and knowledge of what’s been developing and I have absolutely o reason to put a positive spin on anything the team does. Hopefully in time people will understand that.

Just to put a different spin on things, I wanted to talk about the rest of the Giants backfield, and by that I mean Brandon Jacobs. Why is it that every talking head on TV doesn't believe in this guy? Have they ever seen his tapes? Ask anyone in the Giants organization, or any Giants fan for that matter, and I would have to think almost all of them are gonna say they really believe Jacobs is the real deal. I for one have no doubt in my mind he is gonna be a star... this year. It should be interesting to see how everyone will play us, whether they stay back to stop Eli or to come up and challenge Jacobs. Either way, I think Brandon will surprise people with his quickness, his speed, his footwork, and most of all his productivity. Lets just hope we run a lot to the right side behind our best run blockers in Snee and McKenzie. Go Big Blue! – Michael A.

Michael, people fear the unknown. It is nothing new. Last year, Jacobs was used in a limited role but there were things where he wasn’t as proficient in as he might be today. I’m all for giving him a chance and as I’ve mentioned before, I have a front seat on the Jacobs bandwagon (just behind his family, I reckon). As for the talking heads, let ‘em talk ... it’s a slow news period this time of year and people are looking for ways to fill the time.

Pat, I was going to write an answer to Dom about Peyton being the "...best damn QB to EVER put on an NFL jersey..." But, I'm not going to because we have the perfect space in the TAILGATE to discuss the history of the Giants and the NFL. Dom, hop onto the TAILGATE & we'll have it out. OK?

BTW, Pat, I think it's great that you had a Simms jersey. I've never had one. If I ever decide to do it, I'd get a "Harry Carson." (When will the Giants retire his # 53?) – Jim V.

Jim, the Tailgate Club (our free message board community, for those who don’t know what I’m talking about) is going to take time to deelop… but it will get there. Even this column, LTTE, took a few years before it caught fire. When will they retire Carson’s jersey? Ihave a feeling never – can’t say why in the open forum, but I have my theories.

Anyway, to the rest of you guys reading, Jim has a great point. Over in the Tailgate Club, you can duke it out with each other and not have to wait for me to post your letter and a reply, especially now when I’m trying to sneak in days off (gonna be a long football season, guys). Registration is free, the forum is fully moderated, and as we grow, we’ll look to add more member moderators.

I can understand the people who stick up for Eli. He is a nice guy. And he has produced some nice drives on selected occasions. But no one can say he has the physical skills of any of the elite QB past or present. And he certainly lacks leadership qualities.

Arm like a limp linguini. An Aw Shucks disposition that makes me want to shake him. Probably takes 2 months for him to finish a NY Post crossword puzzle.

This guy was a wasted pick and would have been benched or let go already if he did not have a famous last name and if he was taken in the 3rd or later rounds. Keep routing for him. And 2 years from now you all will be denying your position now. – Tony B.

Tony, take a page from my book…. Sit back and try to indulge in other things besides football and worrying about how Eli will fare. When it starts up again in 6 weeks (or however long it is now), you’ll look at things with a fresh set of objective eyes.

My compliments on the new format and improved graphics - i think the changes are dramatic in a professional dimension. Kudos to you and your staff for your continuing innovation. – Terry M.

Thanks Terry!

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JULY 2007 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

INSIDE FOOTBALL is neither sponsored by, nor affiliated with the New York Giants or the National Football League. All material © 2007, Inside Football Publications. Site-related questions? Contact the web master. | Privacy Policy