Die Hard Giants Fan

I’m sure all of you Giants fans know that the Cowboys got Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones from the Titans already.  Ed Werner of ESPN.com reported that,

Sources tell Werder that Dallas will send its fourth-round pick (the 126th overall) in Saturday’s draft to the Titans for Jones. There are also conditions attached to the trade related to Jones being reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and how much he plays for the Cowboys. If he plays a significant amount of time in 2008, the Titans will get an additional pick from the Cowboys in 2009. If he doesn’t get reinstated by the NFL, sources said the Cowboys get the Titans’ fourth-round pick in 2009.

The big issue here is whether or not Commissioner Roger Goodell will reinstate Pacman.  Prior to Goodell, these players never even got suspended for any wrong doing.  I don’t know what the Commissioner is going to do here because there isn’t a track record yet.  He has two options: 1) Reinstate a player that has been suspended. 2) Don’t reinstate a player that has been suspended.  We know that Goodell will suspend players, but we don’t know what will happen after the suspension is over yet.  My gut tells me that the Commissioner will reinstate Jones, but I believe that this guy should never play football again.  Another rumor surfaced this week.  According to ESPN.com, “Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones paid “extortion” money to a 29-year-old man arrested for a Las Vegas strip club shooting that left a club employee paralyzed, police said.”  We’ll have to see how all of this plays out.  It all sound very Ray Lewis-ish and Kobe Bryant-ish to me, and they all still play.

According to Clare Farnsworth of Seattlepi.com, the Seattle Seahawks have no interest in Shockey.

Newsday:

Giants’ first pick must bled in with champions - Tom Rock dissuses the concept of drafting a player that is going to gel with a Championship team.  That is the pressure that lies on Jerry Reese this weekend.

New York Daily News:

Giants get picky over Jeremy Shockey - Ralph Vacchiano summarized the overall Jeremy Shocky situation.

Prediction: Giants will select Miami’s Kenny Phillips in NFL Draft - Ralph Vacciano predicted that Big Blue will select Miami Safety Kenny Phillips with the 31st pick.  Pat Kirwan of NFL.com had the G-MEN picking Phillips in his Mock Draft that I wrote about on Monday.  If you missed that post and want to check out Phillips’ Draft Player Profile then check it out on ‘Monday’s Giants News: More Mock Drafts’.

New York Post:

TURNING THE CORNER - Paul Schwartz wrote up an article about Corey Webster’s status on the Jints.  Schwarts believes that if the Giants draft a cornerback in the first round then it’s a bad sign for Webster.

New York Times:

Cowboys Get Jones in Trade, Not Knowing if He Can Return - Judy Battista reported that the Cowboys traded for Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones.  Battista did not included the trade details so I will get them from another website.

The Star-Ledger:

A few late-round/undrafted guesses - Mike Garafolo provided a list of players that could be drafted by the Giants in the later rounds.

Eli Manning honeymoon sighting

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The New York Football Giants waived DT Manny Wright yesterday.  Wright only played one season wearing blue.  The team didn’t provide a reason for Manny’s release.  We all know that Wright has been struggling with weight issues since being drafted in 2005.  It seems like he’s lazy when it comes to staying in shape.  Manny was determined to trim down and made the final roster in 2007.  He played in six Regular Season games and was listed as inactive during the Playoffs.  He must’ve gone back to his old ways again if he was cut.

 The Next Chapter - Michael Eisen found out that Eli Manning is preparing harder then ever for the 2008 season.

Ready for more - Michael Eisen says that Amani Toomer is looking forward to the 2008 season.  At the very bottom of the article, Eisen reported that the Jints waived Manny Wright yesterday.

New York Post:

GIANTS CUT D-TACKLE - Paul Schwartz also covered how Big Blue cut Wright.

The Star-Ledger:

Draft visits and other tidbits - Mike Garafolo stated that the Giants will be bringing in a lot more draft hopefuls to work out next week.  Here’s some of the players coming in, according to Garafolo, “Among the other players who will be coming in, according to various sources and reports, are: Auburn DE Quentin Groves, Michigan WR Mario Manningham, Arkansas State S Tyrell Johnson, Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams and Utah DT Gabe Long. There will be plenty more names that will leak out next week. (Of course, don’t forget this one disclaimer: The Giants brought in a bunch of first-round hopefuls last year; none of them was CB Aaron Ross, whom they eventually drafted.)”  Mike also noted that:

• Brandon Jacobs and the Giants are not even close on preliminary contract terms.
• David Diehl was moved from right tackle to left tackle, and is looking for some cheddar.
• Corey Webster is going into the final year of his contract so he will be looking for an extension.
• Regarding today’s workouts, Big Blue also brought in some veterans.

Eli still wants Shockey around - Mike Garafolo got Eli’s thoughts on whether or not he wants Jeremy Shockey around in ‘08.

Giants waive DT Wright

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I just came across a very interesting article over at the Giants Blog on LoHud.com.  Ernie Palladino is trying to figure out who is going to play Safety for the Giants in ‘08.  Palladino expects Sammy Knight to play in the place of Gibril Wilson.  However, Ernie doesn’t know about the other side.  Palladino stated that he read a lot of theories about what could take place, but he didn’t provide his sources.  Here’s some of what he said could happen:

• Aaron Ross drops back to Safety.
• Move David Tyree to Safety.
• Corey Webster drops back to Safety.
• R.W. McQuarters drops back to Safety.

Ernie does not believe that Ross will play Safety because he’s only going into his second year and why mess around with a good thing.  Palladino thinks that Tyree would play the position if asked because Tyree is a team guy and plays on Special Teams and Wide Receiver, but Tyree would be like a rookie back there as a Safety.  Ernie doesn’t feel comfortable with Sammy Knight and James Butler back there, and he doesn’t really like the other suggestions that he read about so he says that the Giants should just draft a Safety and develop him “ala Michael Johnson”.

For the most part, I agree with Palladino’s perspective.  I would leave Ross where he is because he’s young and played his position really well as a Rookie.  After watching Tyree play so well on the Special Teams unit, I always thought he would’ve been a better receiver than he has been.  In Super Bowl XLII, Tyree was so effective because of the ‘element of surprise’ rather than his receiver skills.  I’m sure that the Patriots were not studying film about Tyree catching a touch down in the Super Bowl or making the greatest catch in Super Bowl history even though Tyree is listed as a Wide Receiver.  I would want to know if Tyree can tackle if he was going to play defense.  As far as moving the other Corners to Safeties, that doesn’t sound like such a bad idea to me as long as the Giants have depth at both positions.  Drafting a Safety also doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me if the Giants signed somebody high in the first or second round like they did with Ross last year.  Ross was able to make a big impact in his first year, after getting Star Struck in Big D in Week 1.

On the road to Super Bowl XLII, it was very evident that the old dogs like Madison and McQuarters were able to teach the young guys in the secondary how to stop guys like Galloway, Owens, Driver, and Moss.  Madison and McQuarters were injured in some of those games, but their knowledge of the game cannot be overlooked.  Hopefully Knight and McQuarters can do the same thing in ‘08, especially if the Giants are drafting a rookie or are going to drop a corner back to safety.

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The Giants were supposed to announce Tom Coughlin’s contract extension today, but I haven’t heard about it yet.  William Joseph is supposed to meet with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.  Joseph was a first round pick in ‘03, and never lived up to his potential.

 Giants react to Favre decision

An inside look - John Schmeelk created a bio about safety Sammy Knight.

Family Bond - Michael Eisen wrote a piece about Kevin Gilbride who had kidney disease infiltrate his family about 50 years ago.

New York Post:

FAVRE’S FINALE A GIANT FIT - Paul Schwartz covered Brett Favre’s final game.

OFFICER HAS LAST PASS - According to Tom Canavan, the interception that Brett Favre threw to Corey Webster is now in the hands of Lt. Col. Greg Gadson.

New York Times:

Packers’ Quarterback Favre to Retire From N.F.L.

Last Pass by Favre: A Special Gift

The Star-Ledger:

Favre, the ultimate gunslinger, retires

Giant thoughts on Favre

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It is now Super Bowl Weekend.   We have 48 hours until kickoff.  I keep saying this, but my anticipation has gone away already.  I’m getting bored of the wait.  There is just too much coverage about the Super Bowl.  Tom Coughlin needs to send those ‘Talk is Cheap, Play the Game” t-shirts to member of the media.  Stop talking about the Super Bowl, and let the Giants upset the Patriots already.

 XLII Facts On Super Bowl XLII

Coughlin’s Corner - Michael Eisen asked Tom Coughlin questions regarding the preparation that went into Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick - Bill Belichick answers questions regarding the Patriots franchise and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Head Coach Tom Coughlin - Tom Coughlin answers questions about his career, the Giants organization, and Super Bowl XLII.

Defensive State of Mind - Michael Eisen believes that the Giants’ defense faces the most daunting challenge in Super Bowl history on Sunday.

Through the years - Michael Eisen says no one at Super Bowl XLII has a confluence of connections like Zak DeOssie.

Super Bowl Profile: CB Corey Webster - Keith Karlsson took a look into Corey Webster’s perspective on the road to Arizona.

Newsday:

Four who covered all 42 Super Bowls in Phoenix this week

Pioli recalls first meeting with Belichick

Coughlin displays more humor in final news conference

East Islip father and son on Super Bowl high in Phoenix

Brady plans to stay low-key before Super Bowl

Patriots’ Neal grapples for success

Sore left knee latest problem for Burress

Belichick and Brady: A pair of aces

E-MAIL FROM ARIZONA - Neil Best wrote a quick blurb about the performer of the half time show, Tom Petty.

THE RANT - Rob Thorsen included his quote of the day provided by Randy Moss.

NY media shows heavy presence at Super Bowl - The media capital of the world should be there to cover a New York team in the Super Bowl.

Patriots’ Brady insists ankle is no problem

Patriots are masters of the two-minute drill - That’s for sure…even when the Patriots won their Super Bowls.

Are the Giants better without Shockey? No way - Bob Glauber included all of the reasons the media believes that the Giants are better off without Jeremy Shockey, but he doesn’t go into an explanation about why the team would be better with him.

Chiefs’ Turley a lifeline for retired NFL players

Osi Umenyiora sorry for calling Light dirty player

BIG BLUE ZONE - Newsday wrote about their favorite Tom Coughlin quote of the day.

Getting carried away on the Goodyear blimp - Jim Baubach tells his story about a ride in the Goodyear blimp over the city of Phoenix.

Patriots will win Super Bowl, but Giants cover - Ed McNamara broke down the Super Bowl, and the Newsday staff all picked the Patriots to win the game.

New York Daily News:

Ohm’s Super Bowl Blog: Day 5

Patriots: Go on and blitz us, Giants

Exit can wait as Michael Strahan tries for Super Bowl ring

Giants GM Jerry Reese rewriting history for NFL and for himself

Grey Ruegamer is all guts and gory

‘Nice guy’ Tom Coughlin to hit paydirt - Gary Meyers discusses how you can earn a few million bucks by being a little nicer like Tom Coughlin.

Tim Hasselbeck’s analysis refreshing - Bob Raissman is referring to the analysis of Jeremy Shockey.

What if Giants didn’t pass on Brady? - Filip Bondy is being hypothetical.

Diary: Not exactly model guests

Super special: Revitalized Randy Moss is new man in New England

New knee woes for Plaxico Burress

Better off without Jeremy Shockey? Giants say no way!

A double-Super Tuesday? - Tina Moore and Kathleen Lucadamo pointed out that the parade (if the Giants win the Super Bowl) would fall on the political ‘Super Tuesday’.

Plaxico Burress-Tom Brady rivalry launched in 1998 - That was when they used to face each other in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.

Asante Samuel set to pick next spot - Rich Cimini describes Asante Samuel as a “Manning killer”.

Daily News reporter takes a bruisin’ - Mentally, not physically of coarse.

Don Maynard rips Tom Coughlin - Don Maynard wis displeased with the look on Tom Coughlin’s face after Lawrence Tynes missed a field goal attempt in Green Bay.

Eli Manning’s coaches not shocked by quarterback’s progress

Gene Upshaw threatens strike

Jordin Sparks having Super time

Kyle Brady has come far from 1-15

NFL retirees rip union again

New York Post:

ELI’S BURNING TO BRING HOME TITLE

HONDO IS G-MEN-DOUS! - Hondo made his Super Bowl XLII pick.

5 QUESTIONS FOR JIMMY JOHNSON

MATCHUP OF THE DAY - George Willis breaks down the matchup between Corey Webster and Randy Moss.

IN THE GIANTS’ GRILL - Kevin Kernan wrote about tailgaters.

KNEE PULLS PLAX FROM PRACTICE

GET THE DROPS ON THE PROPS - Tim Sullivan explains plenty of ways to bet on the Super Bowl.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR BIG BLUE ROOKIES

KICKING IT ‘ROUND

BILL’S EVERETT LIKES UNDERDOG GIANTS - I was happy to hear that Kevin Everett has made the remarkable recovery which he has made.  He was on Oprah yesterday, and I heard that he was in pretty good shape.

THIS ONE’S OVER WHEN IT’S OVER - The Wildcat picks the over at 54 points.

ELI CAN PEY OFF IN BROTHER BATTLE - Mike Battaglino talks about this from a Vegas point of view.

TRENDSETTERS - Tim Sullivan provides his pick for Super Bowl XLII.

PAT HAND - Emmitt Smith believes that experience has the upper hand.

THE UNBEATEN & THE UNFAZED - That’s how Mark Cannizzaro sizes these two teams up.

‘WE ARE GIANTS’ IS GREAT THEATRE - Says Actress Kate Mara who is the granddaughter of Wellington Mara and the great granddaughter of Art Rooney.

ROUT OF THE BLUE - Dave Blezow believes that the Patriots will conclude their perfect season on Sunday.

ARM-ED & READY - Jessie Armstead is all pumped up about Super Bowl XLII.

BIG BLUE, BIG THOUGHTS

THE PARTY IS OVER - Phil Mushnick provides the evolution of the Super Bowl Party.

UNITED WE STAND - Mike Vacarro says that Jets fans have united with Giants fans to stop the Pats from going undefeated.

EASY DOES IT - Paul Schwartz is not referring to Eli but to Tom Coughlin.

JINTS INSIST THEY MISS SHOCKEY - Do you really think Giants will say they don’t?  Shockey is still on the team.

New York Times:

N.F.L. Commissioner Defends Destruction of Tapes - I don’t buy it.

Giants Make Statements of Fashion and Confidence

Gambling Money Is in the Minutiae

Petty Already Rocking Long Before Halftime

For His Super Bowl Wager, One Mayor Keeps It Real

The Star-Ledger:

Site says it has Coach Tom Coughlin’s pregame speech

Awasom arrested on suspicion of DUI

Burress listed as questionable

A Ledger Fantasy MVP Draft

Plax day-to-day

When Gilbride listened, NY Giants offense clicked

NY Giants’ Jacobs awaits the call - …of Ottis Anderson.

NY Giants win the game? Don’t bet on it - Jerry Izenberg selected his Super Bowl XLII pick.

Pats kept line open for Neal

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Super Bowl Weekend is creeping up on us.  It reality, these two weeks have seemed like forever and it isn’t even over yet.  I’d rather the NFL went back to playing one week after the Conference Championship game.  So much of nothing has occured.

People have continued to bet on the Jints, so the Giants are a 12 point underdog again rather than a 12 1/2 point underdog.  I still don’t see this game getting out of hand.  In Week 17, it was a shut out.  Neither team played good defense so I do think both teams will play better defense.  In the Playoffs, the Giants did not allow an excessive amount of points in any game.  Tampa Bay wasn’t a potent offense anyway so that doesn’t count.  Dallas was the 2nd most prolific offense this season and they did nothing.  Green Bay was a pretty high scoring team that put up 20 points.  So I do believe that both the Patriots and the Giants will play better defense than Week 17 because it’s the Super Bowl. 

 Transcript: RB Brandon Jacobs - Brandon Jacobs answers questions about the running game and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Michael Strahan - Michael Strahan answers questions about Steve Spagnuolo’s first year as the Defensive Coordinator and about how historical this game is no matter who the winner is.

Transcript: WR David Tyree - David Tyree answers questions about the special teams unit and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: QB Eli Manning - Eli Manning answers questions about his performance in the Playoffs and about Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Michael Strahan - Michael Strahan answers questions regarding the defensive game plan for Super Bowl XLII, the 2000 Giants team, and the 1986 Giants team.

Transcript: S Gibril Wilson - Gibril Wilson answers questions about the defense during the 2007 season and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: CB R.W. McQuarters - R.W. McQuarters answers questions about the secondary and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots Coach Bill Belichick - Bill Belichick answers questions extensively about NFL history and Super Bowl XLII.  Extensive answers are a rarity from Bill.

Transcript: WR Plaxico Burress - Plaxico Burress answers questions about his ankle, and his prediction, and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: WR Steve Smith - Steve Smith answers questions about his career.

Transcript: WR Amani Toomer - Amani Toomer answers questions about the changes Tom Coughlin has made and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: FB Madison Hedgecock - Madison Hedgecock answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DT Fred Robbins - Fred Robbins answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: S James Butler - James Butler answers questions about his performance in the 2007 season.

Transcript: LB Antonio Pierce - Antonio Pierce answers questions about the 2007 season.

Transcript: GM Jerry Reese - Jerry Reese answers questions about his impact as a GM.

Transcript: DT Barry Cofield - Barry Cofield answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: C Shaun O’ Hara - Shaun O’ Hara answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Osi Umenyiora - Osi Umenyiora answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.  Apparently, Tom Coughlin handed out more shirts with the motto “Talk is Cheap, Play the Game” because things were getting out of hand down there.  This is Osi’s response:

I think so.  I got mine and I’m wearing mine and this is my motto from here on out.  As a matter of fact, I want to apologize to (Patriots OT) Matt Light for calling him a dirty player.  He’s really not a dirty player at all, I apologize, that’s my fault.  I’m sorry Matt Light, I didn’t mean anything by that.  I didn’t mean to cause a whole hoopla or ruckus, it was between me and you and we’ll see each other on Sunday.  I love you man.

Osi said he’s going to shut up, he apologized, and said he loved Matt Light.  What is that about?  Osi punked out.  This story is the reason why you should just say nothing.  Osi said Light was dirty, and now has to mend the issue.  It looks stupid so if you never say anything then you won’t look like a punk.

Transcript: CB Aaron Ross - Aaron Ross answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots LB Mike Vrabel - Mike Vrabel answers questions regarding his versatility, Andre Tippett being voted in the Hall of Fame, and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots LB Junior Seau - Junior Seau answers questions about Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots QB Tom Brady - Tom Brady answers questions about his journey to this point and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots S Rodney Harrison - Rodney Harrison answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Tom Coughlin answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots WR Randy Moss - Randy Moss answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots G Logan Mankins - Logan Mankins answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Patriots Scouting Report - Michael Eisen breaks down the New England Patriots.

Duel Role - Michael Eisen goes in depth about the on-the-field and off-the-field relationship between Chris Snee and Tom Coughlin.

A New Look - Michael Eisen described the new look of Tom Coughlin.

Transcript: K Lawrence Tynes - Lawrence Tynes answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: CB Corey Webster - Corey Webster answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: LT David Diehl - David Diehl answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Michael Strahan - Michael Strahan answers questions on whether he’s contemplating retirement and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: LB Kawika Mitchell - Kawika Mitchell answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: RB Brandon Jacobs - Brandon Jacobs answers questions regarding the Playoffs and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Osi Umenyiora - Osi Umenyiora answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: LB Antonio Pierce - Antonio Pierce answers questions regarding his leadership role on the Giants and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi - Tedy Bruschi answers questions about his stroke recovery and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: OC Kevin Gilbride - Kevin Gilbride answers questions about the success of the 2007 season and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Justin Tuck - Justin Tuck answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: WR Amani Toomer - Amani Toomer answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Head Coach Tom Coughlin - Tom Coughlin answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: QB Eli Manning - Eli Manning answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: RT Kareem McKenzie - Kareem McKenzie answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots TE Ben Watson - Ben Watson answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick - Bill Belichick answer questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots RT Nick Kaczur - Nick Kaczur answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Newsday:

Focused Giants say they’ll be ready for Sunday

Strahan enjoys 2nd Super Bowl

Burress doesn’t back down from prediction

Bradshaw has given Giants an unexpected lift

Super Bowl surprises - Jim Baubach discusses how surprised he is by all of the Super Bowl hype.

Pats anything but blase about Super Bowl

How to beat the Patriots - Bob Glauber provides 5 ways that the Giants can use to try to beat the Patriots.

Giants see edge in having faced Patriots

Plaxico’s prediction draws mixed reviews

FOX’s pregame show will mix celebs with football - FOX continues to show us why they suck.  There is no reason for celebrities to be any part of a pregame show.  There is no reason for anybody to have to suffer by having to listen to Joe Buck broadcast a football or baseball game.

McQuarters, Madison mentors for Giants D-backs

McDaniels keeps Patriots’ offense running smoothly

Patriots’ Samuel could give Eli Manning fits - I’m very concerned about Asanti Samuel lurking in the secondary.  Samuel had a pick in Week 17, and he’s always getting interceptions in big spots.

Pepper Johnson not optimistic about race in NFL

Kinder, gentler Coughlin has boosted Giants’ morale

Patriots star wideout Moss has become team player - I was interested in knowing if Randy Moss would fit into the Patriots organization in September, but I guess Tom Rock wanted to reiterate that point.

Patriots love Belichick, and see softer side - Various Patriots admit that they are in love with Bill Belichick.

Giants, Patriots make this Super Bowl special

Giants are thrilled Feagles is still kicking - So am I.

Blog bite: Brady says Giants’ black suits ‘looked terrible’

Patriots coy about Brady’s ankle on injury report - The Patriots did not include Tom Brady’s ankle injury on the injury report, but they continued to leave him on the injury for his supposed shoulder injury.

Ex-Giant Bahr knows pressure, has faith in Tynes

New York Daily News:

Giants look to rush, rattle Tom Brady

Ohm’s Super Bowl Blog: Day 4

Scaling Mount Brady will be Giant task

Eli Manning will need to play like Phil Simms did on Super stage

Pats’ assistant Josh McDaniels likely to be candidate for head coaching jobs

Diary: Surrounded by cookie monsters

Fashion statement: Randy Moss fires back at dark-suited Giants

Plaxico Burress’ mouth runs late

Old Jets feel Super about Giants - That would be the 1968 Jets.

Jessica Simpson or Gisele Bundchen? Giants make their selections

Ben Roethlisberger high on Eli Manning

Don’t bother planning Patsies parade! Big Blue’s going to win it, faithful say

Giants’ Ruegamer honors Pat Tillman - Ohm Youngmisuk pointed out that Grey Ruegamer also went to Arizona State with Pat Tillman.  This is what Ruegamer throught about Tillman, “It’s kind of surreal to come back to Arizona.  It’s Super Bowl 42, that was Pat’s number in college. We are playing in (Arizona) where he played for the Cardinals and they have a memorial for him outside. So it is kind of weird.”

Madison Hedgecock a Giant blessing

Pepper Johnson gives Patriots’ defense a healthy dash of Big Blue history

Tom Coughlin, Chris Snee share professional, family bond

Risk for fans cheering too heart-ily - The AP reported that New York Doctors want New Yorkers to “take their meds and get plenty of sleep before the big game after a new report revealed fans are more likely to have a heart attack while watching a big sporting event.”  What?  What about Bostonians?

Tom Brady, Joe Montana pass each other compliments

New York Post:

BRADY MUST FEEL GIANT RUSH HOUR - That’s what I’m talking about.

BRADY & CO. BLOW OFF BURRESS PREDICTION

AS TUCK WOULD HAVE IT, JUSTIN DREAMS MVP - If Justin Tuck plays like it then he can win it.

ELI CAN COUNT ON O-LINE GENERALS

PLAX IS TARDY TO EVENT

IT’S BOOT-IFUL - Mike Vaccaro relives the Championship game when Tom Coughlin led Boston College to a huge upset over Notre Dame.

MARONEY PROVES CRITICS WRONG

SHOCK WAVE - Tim Hasselbeck had some not so nice things to say about Jeremy Shockey.

MATCHUP OF THE DAY - Steve Serby examines the matchup between Michael Strahan and Laurence Maroney.  Serby explains why Strahan has the edge.

STOPPING MR. VERSATILITY A GIANT TASK - So says Bart Hubbuch about Kevin Faulk.

SECRET WEAPON - That’s what Mark Cannizzaro thinks of Kevin Faulk.

GIANTS JOURNEY

New York Times:

Undersized Patriots Are Shedding Their Anonymity

Blue-Collar Giants Revel in Unity and Obscurity

Absent With Leave: Missing the Big Game - John Branch wrote a story about Jeremy Shockey.

The Star-Ledger:

Plax out again - Plaxico Burress didn’t practice yesterday or today because he now has a knee injury to add to his season long ankle injury.

Plax’s knee the issue

A promise is a promise

Seau: Bradshaw will be “great”

Nice guy Tom Coughlin inspiring NY Giants

A sad reminder of Pat Tillman

NY Giants’ Plaxico Burress just sits and talks

Stepping up for Gridiron Greats

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One week has passed already, and we have to wait one more week till Super Bowl XLII.  How annoying is that?  Well, the Big Blue Wrecking Crew will be flying out to Arizona tomorrow.  Much more will be going on this week than went on last week.  They have to deal with all of the reporters and practice for the big game all week.  Nothing really happens on Saturday, and Sunday will come eventually.  The game will be at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

 Comeback Kid - Michael Eisen wrote a piece on Corey Webster season of ups and downs.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen discusses the status of the Giants with Tom Coughlin.

Newsday:

SUPER BOWL XLII/GIANTS VS. PATRIOTS: BLOG BITE / From “What About Bob?” - Bob Glauber wrote an article about the gap in Michael Strahan’s teeth.

Giants packed and focused on winning Super Bowl -According to the AP, the G-MEN have their bags packed and are ready to fly to Arizona tomorrow.

This time, Strahan hopes to be a Super savor

Still Super for Hostetler

Super Bowl hype has feel of national holiday

Ex-Giant McConkey still believes in his team

Giants’ Tynes knows about dealing with adversity - Barbara Barker revealed all of the adversity Lawrence Tynes had to deal with growing up.

SUPER BOWL XLII: GIANTS VS. PATRIOTS: No guarantee - Shaun Powell pointed out that there were no guarantees made yet, but he included a quote from Joe Namath who had something to say “Eli and the Giants can do it, I’m telling you,”. 

Jaws has good, bad news - Ron Jaworski complemented the D-Line of Big Blue but questioned the secondary.

Defense leader Bruschi has become image Patriots - According to Tom Rock, Patriot players believe that Tedy Bruschi’s face is part of the logo on the helmet.

Snyder driving Redskins’ bus off the road again - Bob Glauber reported that Dan Snyder fired his Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Coordinator yesterday.  On top of the firings, the Redskins promoted Greg Blache to Defensive Coordinator and hired Jim Zorn as Offensive Coordinator.  I heard it on the radio and it made no sense to me because the Redskins still haven’t hired a Head Coach.  Earlier in the week, it seemed like Jim Fassel was going to be named the Coach, but now Dan Snyder said he is still looking for the right guy.  The strange thing is the Head Coach will have no say on who his DC and OC are because Washington already hired them.  This also means that if the Redskins do not have a Coach by next week then they can interview Steve Spagnuolo.

New York Daily News:

Hollywood script couldn’t top Tom Brady-Eli Manning storyline

Giant upset over Pats has familiar ring to New England’s shocker over Rams - If Big Blue pulls off the upset then maybe they will also win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years too.

News pits Bill Belichick’s best offense against his best defense - Hank Gola created an interesting scenario in this article where he raises this question: Would Bill Belichick’s best defense (’86 Giants) beat Bill Belichick’s best offense (’07 Patriots)?  Gola asked a number of players on the ‘86 Giants team and included a bunch of quotes.  The only issue was he didn’t include any quotes from Belichick or the ‘07 Pats.  Regardless, this was one of the most well thought out articles I’ve read in years.  Definitely check it out.

Tom Coughlin, Giants roll with changes

After missing ‘72 Dolphins, Patriot perfection would be somethin’ to see - I just wish it wasn’t my boys in blue in the way.  The Giants were the last team to try to ruin perfection in the Regular Season and in the Postseason.

Giants’ reality show a Super thrill

Playing through ankle injury, Plaxico Burress shows toughness

Giants secondary coming together in time to solve Tom Brady

Memo to Giants: Shut your Big Blue mouths before the Super Bowl! - I have a big problem with Bob Raissman writing this article.  You can tell what it’s about by the header.  Raissman included a list of five things that the Giants shouldn’t say.  I said that the Giants shouldn’t talk because the media spun things out of control and will give Boston bulletin board material.  Things weren’t even said though.  But, the same newspapers that fabricated stories should not turn around and say don’t talk.

Giants fan designed stadium holding big game against Patriots

Jay Alford says keeping cool under pressure now a snap

Jeff Feagles still kicking at 43

Revisiting Plaxico Burress’ year in black and Big Blue

Rich Seubert, Kevin Dockery on mend - Both Seubert and Dockery practiced yesterday, and they may be able to play in Super Bowl XLII.

Tedy Bruschi back, feeling Super - Rich Cimini wrote an article about how excited Tedy Bruschi is to go to the Super Bowl again after suffering a stroke.

As Super Bowl approaches, experts say NFL needs to tackle HGH issue - While baseball is finally fixing the long overdue issue, the other 3 major sports are doing nothing to fix the problem.  It’s a shame, and I’m glad that they are being called out on it.

New York Post:

THIS IS OUR COUNTRY - Steve Serby believes that the 2007 Giants are the same as the 2001 Patriots.

MATCHUP OF THE DAY - Steve Serby stated that the best matchup will be between Osi Umenyiora and Matt Light, and he believes that the Giants have the edge in that matchup.

COREY TURNS CORNER AT THE RIGHT TIME

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… Lawrence Tynes.

DESERT BLOOM

COUGHLIN: WIN OR ELSE IT WON’T MATTER - Nationally, that sums it up.  But Giants fans will remember how the team exceeded all expectations and is playing in the Super Bowl.

NO DOUBTING THOMAS - Mark Cannizzaro ensures us that Adalius Thomas is the real deal.

BRADY STILL LIMPIN’

DOCKERY: OUR GOAL TO BEAT UP PATRIOTS’ WRS

HE’S MINI-MOSS - Brandon London had to play the roll of Joey Galloway, Terrell Owens, and Randy Moss in practice.

V IS FOR VICTORY - Bobby Valentine, former Mets GM, wrote an article about why he is a Giants fan.

NO REAL SHOCK - The New York Post assembled some thoughts from the fans regarding Jeremy Shockey.

BELICHICK: THE GIANT YEARS - Brian Costello wrote also wrote a great article about Bill Belichick.  It isn’t as good as the one before, but still really good.  I’ve heard a ton of Giants fans call up radio stations this week bashing Belichick.  I don’t understand how you can do that to a man that was a huge part of winning two Super Bowls with Big Blue.  Belichick is in the AFC, so who cares?

RE-WRITING WRONGS - Mike Vaccaro went into his archives and located articles where he bashed the NY Giants.

HOLLYWOOD ENDING - Steve Tisch believes that the Jints will upset the Patriots.

New York Times:

Linked by Blood and Roots - John Branch covered the family ties between Justin Tuck and Adalius Thomas.

Redskins Get New Assistants but Await Decision on Coach

The Star-Ledger:

Is Tom Brady hurt or what?

Spagnuolo’s wife snips at Brady

Iraq War hero awoke the NY Giants

Dockery ready for Super Bowl duty

Pats vow no Week 17 repeat in Super Bowl - The Patriots said that they didn’t play good defense that night because they gave up 35 points which is true.  I say that the Giants defense didn’t play good because they gave up 38 points.  We’ll see what happens next week.  I expect a lot less points in the Super Bowl.

NY Giants Webster validates his pick

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Back-to-back, the Divisional Playoff game between the Giants and the Cowboys and the NFC Championship game between the Giants and the Packers were two of the greatest games I have ever seen.  Both of them went right down to the final play.  We’ll see how our boys in blue do in the Super Bowl.  I believe it will be a close game, we just need a few things to bounce our way so we can come out of the desert victorious.  I prefer those 41-0 games so there is no chance of losing.  Save the excitement of the nail bitters for years when the Giants are not in the Super Bowl.

Also, the line dropped another 1/2 of a point today.  So, it opened with the Giants being 14 point underdogs.  It was 12 1/2 yesterday.  Now it’s 12.  It’s still too big so expect that gap to keep shrinking. 

 Giants Stats Review - Based on the history of the NFL, Michael Eisen lets us know that the Giants have a pretty good shot at winning the Super Bowl.

Newsday:

Webster has made biggest turnaround for Giants - That’s for sure.  Arthur Staple put together a great article about the turnaround of Corey Webster.

Brady’s foot injury not serious - Tom Rock stated that “The cast-like boot on his right foot was there to help what has been reported as a minor high ankle sprain. Brady will have two weeks of rest before playing again in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3.
“  This is the same injury that T.O. was recovering from at the end of the season.  Nobody know for sure if the injury reported is accurate.

Boston must be stopped

Ex-Giant Anderson sees Giants upsetting Patriots - I hope Otis is good at making predictions.

Giants-Packers title game ratings winner for Fox - Neil Best stated:

Eli Manning got the last laugh on that Green Bay TV station manager who last week tried to distract him by pre-empting “Seinfeld,” his favorite show, before the NFC title game.

Last night, Fox announced that the Giants’ upset of the Packers averaged 53.9 million viewers - making it the most-watched non-Super Bowl TV show of any kind since 1998, when 76.3 million watched the finale of … yup, “Seinfeld.”

Good for Eli.  It’s funny how things come full circle.  And it’s good news for the Giants because they have been involved in some games that had everybody wanted to watch.  In Week 17, when the Giants had the opportunity to upset the 15-0 Patriots, the game set a record for being the most watched television show besides the Superbowl.  In the NFC Championship Game, it was the most watched Conference Championship game in 13 years.  And in the Superbowl, when the Giants have another shot at upsetting the 18-0 Patriots, it has to be one of the most viewed Superbowls in NFL history.

Plumber’s game-day hardhat reveals his Giants soft spot

For this fan, cheering Giants to a win is no game

New York Daily News:

Giants expect Tom Brady will be Super

Eli Manning turns critics into converts

Five things the Giants learned about the Patriots in Week 17’s 38-35 loss - Ralph Vacchiano wrote 5 things that the Giants learned from playing the Patriots.

Tiki Barber ‘ecstatic’ for Giants - Tiki continues to lie, but I don’t care anymore about Tiki.  After all he said publically about the team, I was happy he retired.

Tom Brady will play in Super Bowl

Jinxed! S.I. puts Eli Manning on cover

While Giants study film from Week 17 loss, so can Bill Belichick - Hank Gola made a bunch of great points about how Belichick could prepare for the Super Bowl.

Giant backup LB and punt snapper Zak DeOssie has Super fan: his dad

Ex-Giant calls timeout on 9/11 walk - The New York Daily News stated that George Martin is taking a detour from his Cross Country charity walk to catch the Giants play in the Super Bowl.

Jim Fassel could coach Redskins

Patriots-Giants Super Bowl drives Jets fans nuts - I don’t know why.  This is news to me.  I’ve never heard any Jets fan dislike Giants fans and vice versa.  I root for the Jets all the time.  Even when they were 4-12.  If you are a Jets fan that hates Giants fans, or a Giants fan that hates Jets fans then please comment about the actual reason.  I know it exists between the Mets and the Yankees.  But I never heard of any hatred between the Jets and the Giants.

The New York Post:

THEY WON’T STAND PAT

GIANTS’ TV RATINGS SOAR

ERNIE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN ELI

ELI WON’T RUN FOR COVER

ARCHIE ‘NEVER ENVISIONED’ BACK-TO-BACK SUPER SONS - What parent would?  What are the odds of that happening?

GIANTS FACE AN ‘OFFICIAL’ REMATCH IN SUPE AS WELL - Paul Schwartz points out that the officiating crew that worked in Week 17 will also work the Super Bowl.  Many Giants players and fans complained about this crew led by Mike Carey.

REESE’S PIECES ARE A-OK

X MARKS THEIR SHOT - Steve Serby wrote up 10 reasons why the Jints can beat the Patriots.

HIS TYNES TO SHINE

New York Times:

Victorious Giants Return Home and It’s Time to Party On - Since the G-MEN came home, they have been partying in the Big Apple.  Tomorrow, they practice for the first time.

The Star-Ledger:

Are the Giants America’s Team? - Even though the Cowboys are labeled America’s Team, I don’t buy into that.  No team that wasn’t there since inception should not be labled that.

Jet LB’s hit unleashed Patriots’ Brady on the NFL

Around the Web: Following the Giants on Twitter and Facebook

A Spags reprieve

Nothing routine about Giants’ routine

Parcells, other Giants’ 1990 alums will be interested viewers of the big game

 Giants Super Bowl run could be a boon for new stadium

Around the Web: Tiki has no regrets - These Tiki articles need to stop.  Enough already.  We are where we are because he isn’t on the ‘team’.

Seubert likely to play - According to Mike Garafolo, Rich Seubert suffered a “small tear in one of his knee ligaments”.  The good news is that he should be ready for the big game.

Pick your favorite Giants Super Bowl moment

Sports Illustrated’s Dr. Z. picks … Giants!

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Look at all of this news.  Each week, the Local Press pumps out more and more and more news.  There’s plenty of good articles in here today.  Definetly check it out.  I’m so pumped up.  If you’re interested in sending us photos of you in your Giants gear, your pet in Giants gear, or if of a Giants tattoo then click on the Headers above for my contact info.  We would love to add picks of every Die Hard Giants Fan on the planet. 

 Notes, anecdotes and statistics - Here’s a look at some fun stats about the NFC Championship Game last night between the Giants and the Packers that Michael Eisen put together.  Feel free to read the article for the rest.

The Giants improved to 13-6 and advanced to Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., where they will face the AFC Champion New England Patriots. The Giants lost to the Patriots, 38-35, in their regular season finale on Dec. 29.

The Giants improved to 4-0 in NFC Championship Games, with victories in 1986, 1990, 2000 and this season. They won the 1990 game at San Francisco and Sunday’s contest on the road and on field goals on the final play of the game. In 1990, Matt Bahr kicked a 42-yarder as time expired. On Sunday, Lawrence Tynes kicked a 47-yarder 2:35 into overtime.

The No. 5 Giants are the lowest-seeded NFC team to reach the Super Bowl since the NFL began seeding teams in 1990.
Prior to their current run, only one NFC team seeded lower than No. 2 had won the conference championship - third-seeded Carolina won in 2003. In the AFC, sixth-seeded Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl two years.

The Giants are just the fourth team since the 1970 merger to reach the Super Bowl after starting the season 0-2. The 1993
Cowboys and the 1996 and 2001 Patriots were the others. The Cowboys and 2001 Patriots won the Super Bowl.

The Giants won their 10th consecutive road game, extending the single-season NFL record they set last week in Dallas. The 10 victories on the road (seven regular season, three postseason) set a single-season record. The Giants had been tied with the 2005 Steelers, who won nine road games (six regular season, three postseason). Yes – the Giants will be the road team in the Super Bowl.

The Giants improved their postseason record to 19-23, including 6-14 on the road. This is the first time in their history that the Giants have won three consecutive postseason road games.

The Giants are 2-4 against Green Bay in the postseason.

The temperature at game time was minus-one degree with winds of 12 miles-an-hour – a wind chill of minus-23. That made it the coldest game in Giants history. The previous coldest game was the 1962 NFL Championship Game – played in Yankee Stadium on Dec. 30, 1962 – when the temperature was 13 degrees with 40 mile-per-hour winds, creating a wind chill of minus-11. Dropping from second to third among the coldest games in franchise history is the 1985 Divisional Playoff in Chicago, where the temperature was 14 with 13 mile-per-hour winds. The wind chill was minus-9 degrees.

The Packers rushed for only 28 yards, the second-lowest total by a Giants opponent this season; Detroit ran for 25 yards on Nov. 18. It was the third-lowest total ever allowed by the Giants in a postseason game. Cleveland ran for 24 yards on Dec. 21, 1958 and Chicago rushed for 27 yards on Jan. 13, 1991.

Tom Coughlin won his first conference championship game on his third try. He lost the 1996 and 1999 AFC title games with Jacksonville.

Eli Manning improved to 3-2 as a starting quarterback in the postseason. He is just the third Giants quarterback to win as many as three postseason games in the Giants Stadium era (since 1976). Phil Simms won six postseason games from 1984 through 1993 and Jeff Hostetler won three in 1990.

Plaxico Burress set a Giants postseason record with 11 receptions, one more than Ike Hilliard had in the 2000 championship game against the Vikings.

McQuarters, who had no interceptions in his first four career postseason games, picked off Favre to give him one in each game this month. Corey Webster, whose pick in overtime set up Tynes’ game-winning field goal, has two.

The Giants’ honorary captains were Harry Carson, the Hall of Fame linebacker who played his entire career for the team fr