Friday’s Giants News: Big Blue re-signed Ward
I’m thrilled that the Giants re-signed Derrick Ward to a one-year deal. However, I felt like he should have gotten more than a one-year contract. From what I saw on the field, I thought Ward was the best all around back that the Giants had in 2007. We know that Jacobs is a powerful back that wears out defenses, but he is unable to catch the ball whether it’s on a screen or a check down dump off that Eli has to make. We also learned that Brandon gets hurt often for being too physical. We know Bradshaw is the speedy back, but had some fumbling issues. We haven’t seen Bradshaw play an entire game yet either. Ward is a back who’s size is in the middle of Jacobs and Bradshaw, who can run up the gut, who can run to either side, and can catch the ball. Since Ward has all of the tools to be a lead back, I don’t understand why the Giants didn’t go after Ward more aggresively. The Giants allowed Derrick to go into free agency, and nobody picked him up which led to the Giants giving him a one-year deal.
A Closer Look - John Schmeelk takes a closer look at the signing of free agent LB Danny Clark and QB David Carr.
Giants, Jets announce CEO for New Meadowland Stadium - Michael Eisen pointed out that the Giants and the Jets announced that Mark Lamping, who is the current President of the St. Louis Cardinals, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the new state-of-the-art stadium in the Meadowlands. I was unaware that a stadium needed a CEO. I guess the CEO of the Giants and the CEO of the Jets did not have the necessary qualifications.
Newsday:
Giants sign free-agent linebacker Clark
New York Daily News:
Giants sign linebacker Danny Clark
New York Post:
CLARK THRILLED TO BE JINT HIT MAN - Paul Schwartz found out how Clark feels about becoming a Giant, “I just want to be a part of this defense that is just tearing people apart.” I love that answer and look forward to seeing Danny tear people apart too.
New York Times:
Lamping to Oversee Meadowlands Stadium Construction and Operations
The Star-Ledger:
Ward re-signs - Mike Garafolo reported that the Giants re-signed Derrick Ward to what ESPN is reporting is a one-year deal worth $1.1 million and the opportunity to earn another million.
Giants, Jets hire exec for Meadowlands stadium
March 14th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Not to be argumentative, but Derrick Ward is by far our third string back, and one year is a great signing. He’s injury prone and easily replaced.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we drafted a back and he ended up a late cut.
March 14th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Appreciate the comment JakeGint! I felt like Jacobs had one purpose which was to run up the gut until he wore out the defense. I felt like Bradshaw came in to blow by tired defenders. Jacobs is what he is. Bradshaw was a rookie and has more of an upside than Jacobs.
Ward and Droughns started the games when Brandon was injured (which was often). In 2008, would Bradshaw be able to hold it down for an entire game successfully if Jacobs got hurt? We saw Dallas try that with Barber and it failed. Out of all of our backs, Ward was more like Tiki (an all around back) than the others.
As far as injury prone, I remember Big Blue needing all 4 backs to get through the season. So they should use multiple backs unless they can find another back like Tiki who doesn’t miss games.