Die Hard Giants Fan

In addition to signing Asante Samuel, the Eagles also signed DE Chris Clemons from the Raiders to a 5-year contract.  The Eagles have been quite busy and they are even interested in going after Randy Moss…so are the Cowboys.  So the influx of talent in the NFC East will make it even harder to repeat.  The Cowboys also have been busy, but the Redskins and the Giants have not.  We will have to keep a close eye on the NFL Draft because that’s the route the G-MEN are going to take.

 Mailbag for February 29, 2008 - Michael Eisen answers questions from Jints fans.

Did you Know? - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Rich Seubert regarding his tenure on the Giants.

Newsday:

Giants lose Mitchell, Torbor and Wilson - By the time I wrote yesterday, we already knew that Mitchell went to Buffalo and Torbor went to Miami.  Later on in the day, Gibril Wilson agreed to a 6-year deal with the Oakland Raiders worth $39 million according to Bob Glauber.  Damn…that was quick.

New York Daily News:

Giants lose three from defense - Ralph Vacchiano covered the same story as Newsday.

New York Post:

WILSON, MITCHELL, AND TORBOR LEAVE JINTS - Paul Schwartz covered the same story as Newsday.

New York Times:

Giants Lose Three Players in Free Agency - The New York Times covered the same story as Newsday.

Samuel Leaves Patriots for a 6-Year Deal With the Eagles - Judy Battista reported that the Eagles ended up signing Asante Samuel as rumored.  Samuel signed a 6-year deal estimated at $10 million per year.  I don’t want talented people in the NFC East that aren’t part of the Big Blue Wrecking Crew.  Samuel is good for a pick every other game, and now we have to face him twice a year for 6 years.

The Star-Ledger:

…but don’t rule out Wilson - Mike Garafolo stated that he believes that Sammy Knight visited the Denver Broncos and left without a contract.  He also said that Eugene Wilson is still available.

Coleman gone - Mike Garafolo pointed out that Erik Coleman of the Jets has signed with the Atlanta Falcons so cross him off the list of possible candidates.

Giants lose 3 starters

Needell: Don’t freak over losing Wilson, either

Wilson gone

Needell: Eagles sign Samuel

Afternoon tidbits - Mike Garafolo provided a few tidbits yesterday afternoon:

• The Giants are also interested in Trent Green as a backup QB.
• Yahoo! reported that the Giants are interested in CB Jason Webster and DE N.D. Kalu.
• Derrick Ward has not left the G-MEN yet.

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There are a whole bunch of rumors out there.  The Giants and the Jaguars are interested in QB Cleo Lemon who started in Miami in 2007 after Trent Green got injured.  Jerry Reese is in Tennessee to receive an award so he won’t be making any deals today.  Not only are the Eagles interested in Asante Samuel, but Samuel is expected to walk out of Philly with a big fat contract.  Bill Parcells is wheeling and dealing with everybody today.  There are rumor on top of what they have done already, but The Tuna has been very busy.  Parcells is also looking to add former Cowboys to the Dolphins like Julius Jones and Jason Fabini.  The Saints want Shockey.  They called up Jerry Reese to make a trade, and he declined.

I am very upset about losing 2 out of 4 free agents half way through the first day of Free Agency.  Mitchell signed with the Bills and Torbor agreed to terms with the Dolphins.  Hopefully JR will impress us like he did last season.

Newsday:

Raiders eyeing Giants safety Gibril Wilson - Bob Glauber hinted that the Raiders may offer Gibril Wilson a contract worth between $6 million and $6.5 million per year.  The Giants won’t offer anything close to that.

New York Post:

GIANTS PREPARE FOR WILSON’S DEPARTURE

The Star-Ledger:

Needell: Don’t freak - Paul Needell tells us why we Jints fans shouldn’t freak out about losing these players in Free Agency.

Safety updates - Mike Garafolo pointed out that Big Blue is interested Sammy Knight and Eugene Wilson, and Mike asks us which one we like better.

Bye, bye LBs - Mike Garafolo reported that Kawika Mitchell signed a 5-year deal with the Buffalo Bills for an estimated $17.5 million and a $3.5 million signing bonus.  Also, Reggie Torbor agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins.

A thought about Shockey - Rumors are circling about Jeremy Shockey being traded to the Saints, but Mike Garafolo doesn’t think it will happen.

NY Giants won’t spend freely in free agency

All’s quiet - Last night, Mike Garafolo said everything was quiet on the eve of free agency.

Needell: Another lesson…. - Paul Needell reported that the Cowboys resigned Flozell Adams.  Adams can continue to commit the false start penalties.

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Hopefully you guys are keeping up with all of this Free Agent stuff around the NFL.  Teams are dumping players to get ready for Free Agency which begins at midnight as well as the Draft which is in April.  We aren’t going to cover every team, but there is some intersting things taking place.  I will let you know about the NFC East to an extent, and I will let you know about former Giants.  First, the Eagles supposedly cut Jevon ‘The Freak’ Kearse because he suffered a knee injury in 2006 and didn’t get many minutes in 2007.  Maybe Brian Dawkins will retire soon too…  We’ve heard the rumors that the Dolphins are interested in Reggie Torbor.  Bill Parcells is steering that ship, and may be able to sign Torbor as soon as tomorrow.  The Tuna always has something funny to say, and he was quoted as saying that he doesn’t want any “thugs and hoodlums” on his team.  Can he say that?

 Free Agency 101 - Giants.com provided a glossary of NFL Free Agency terms.

Newsday:

Giants GM Reese unlikely to chase free agents - Bob Glauber reminded us that the only Free Agent that the Giants signed last year was Kawika Mitchell, and it seems like Jerry Reese is only interested in DeAngelo Hall this year.  Glauber said that Hall is asking for close to $10 million so Reese might not go after him.  Bob wrote this about the players on the Giants that are about to become unrestricted free agents,

The Giants have only three unrestricted free agents, safety Gibril Wilson and linebackers Reggie Torbor and Mitchell, and they had hoped to keep them from reaching the open market. A person familiar with the Giants’ situation said it was virtually inconceivable that they would retain Wilson, and that it was “doubtful” they would keep Torbor and Mitchell.

That can come back and bite us in the rear if  we lose one safety and two linebackers.  If Mathias Kiwanuka has a healthy return then that will help fill one of these slots.  It seems like Reese is going to fill the holes with rookies if he doesn’t sign Hall.  The defense is what made that amazing run possible.  I hope that there is a smooth transition heading into ‘08.

Bob Glauber’s top 5 FAs - This is the top 5 Free Agents on Bob Glauber’s list, and he included a brief description about each of them in his article.

• Asante Samuel
• Randy Moss
• Alan Faneca
• Lance Briggs
• Justin Smith

New York Daily News:

Tom Coughlin to get 4 years, $21M - Gary Myers noted that this is the only thing left in Coach Coughlin’s contract, “There are only minor details and contract language to be completed, and the deal could be announced as early as next week.”

Jerry Reese’s way fine by John Mara - Ralph Vacchiano stated that John Mara is very confident in the way that Reese is assembling the roster.  At the bottom of the article, Vacchiano covered three other points as well:

Safety James Butler, a restricted free agent, got a one-year, second-round qualifying offer of $1.47 million from the Giants, who can match any offer he receives, and would get a second-round pick from any team that signs him.

QB Jared Lorenzen got a one-year, $927,000 tender. The Giants can match any offer he gets, but would get no compensation.

DE Adrian Awasom, who was arrested in Phoenix on “suspicion of extreme DUI” a few days before the Super Bowl, was not tendered and will become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow.

New York Post:

BIG BLUE MAY TURN ‘CORNER’ - Paul Schwartz reported that the Giants may or may not go after Hall because of Hall’s baggage.

New York Times:

Tyree Talks the Talk, and Also Wears the Helmet - Nate Schweber described when ”David Tyree spoke to students from Montclair High at the Yogi Berra Museum Wednesday night.”

The Star-Ledger:

Agent: Gibril to test market

Ward on his way out? - Mike Garafolo reported that it is unlikely that the Giants will resign Derrick Ward.  I’m very upset about that.  Ward was solid, and he was the best receiving RB on the Giants this year.  He added to the depth of the position.

NY Giants in search of a safety net

Coughlin to get $21M contract extension, NY Daily News reports

Giants not confident on Gibril - Mike Garafolo lets us know where the Giants and Gibril Wilson stand right now.  Garafolo also stated that Wilson is looking for $5 million per year, and how the Giants might go about replacing Gibril if he ends up leaving.  In my opinion, the Giants still have 22 hours to resign Wilson.  I believe that Wilson knows deep down that he isn’t worth $5 million per year.  Even if the Giants let him go, would the Jags or the Eagles pay that much?  So maybe he will realize that and stay with Big Blue for a little less.

Butler, Lorenzen tendered

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Last night, I watched Super Bowl XLII for like the 20th time, and then I turned on the NFC Championship game for like the 20th time.  I fell asleep around halftime or the beginning of the 3rd Quarter.  I have watched the Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots games so many times since there is nothing else on television right now.  I am fortunate enough to have DVR through my cable company so I saved all of the Playoff games permantly.  I was wondering if any of you have done the same thing through DVR or TIVO.  I can’t get enough of those Road Warriors…  I just tried to track down some Giants pictures by looking for ‘Road Warrios’ and check out what I got…The original Road Warriors.  Hawk and Animal baby.  Google rocks!

 Fans Take - Fans talk about their emotions throughout the 2007 Giants season.

New York Times:

Reese Enjoys the Fruits of His Role in Scouting

The Star-Ledger:

RU’s Rice fulfills need for speed - Mike Garafolo covered how Ray Rice, of Rutgers, performed at the Scouting Combine.  Garafolo provided the latest on Gibril Wilson which is that the Giants still haven’t resigned him.  Previously, there were reports that the Eagles were interested in Wilson.  Yesterday, there was a report that the Jaguars were interested in Gibril.  Garafolo reminded us that both of those teams expressed interest in Wilson.  Mike also pointed out that Reggie Torbor will become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, and the Dolphins are interested in Torbor.  Garafolo also stated that Kawika Mitchell will become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, but the rumors are that Giants will sign Mitchell to a three-year deal.

Giants have Plan B if Hall slips by - Mike Garafolo revealed Plan B.  If the Giants are unable to get DeAngelo Hall, then they will look into drafting another corner.  Garafolo included some names in his article like Antoine Cason of Arizona, Leodis McKelvin of Troy, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State, and Aqib Talib of Kansas.  Mike also provided some details about each of these players.

 Rotoworld.com - “NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports those close to Michael Strahan expect him to play football again in 2008.”

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Yesterday, I was wrong about why Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese were holding those press conferences.  They were holding them to discuss the Combine, not Tom Coughlin’s contract extension.  There is plenty of Giants news today which is surprising because it’s the offseason.  Most of it is revolving around the ongoing rumors about New England videotaping opposing defenses.  Now a story was written about the Giants being videotaped during a Preseason game in 2006, and another story was written on how the Patriots have been doing it since 2000.  Also, there is a rumor that the Giants are interested in trading for DeAngelo Hall of the Falcons.

Newsday:

WFAN’s Boomer, Carton ‘having a blast’ - The G-MEN are not mentioned in this article, but Newsday categorized it as a Giants article. 

New York Daily News:

Giants: We’re open to new Strahan deal - Ralph Vacchiano provided us with a few notes about Big Blue.

• The Giants announced that they might be open to redoing Micheal Strahan’s one-year deal which is currently $4 million.
• John Mara stated that all of the Giants’ Assistant Coaches were given 2-year or 3-year contracts with raises.
• Last, rookie S Craig Dahl had a torn ACL which led to him failing his physical so he was cut by the Giants.

New York Post:

GIANTS TAKING CARE OF THEIR OWN - Paul Schwartz lets us know how the Giants are taking care of their own:

• The Giants and Tom Coughlin are still working on the contract extension.
• Tom Coughlin will speak at the Combine today, and Jerry Reese will speak at the Combine tomorrow.
• Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell are set to become unrestricted free agents so the Giants want to re-sign them before they hit the open market.
• The Giants already re-signed Jeff Feagles and Lawrence Tynes, but they want to bring back Reggie Torbor and Derrick Ward.
• “For the second consecutive offseason, the Giants do not figure to be huge players in free agency. However, according to a published report, they are exploring the possibility of trading their first-round draft pick (31st overall) to the Falcons in exchange for cornerback DeAngelo Hall.”

REPORT: PATRIOTS* TAPED GIANTS IN 2006 - The NY Post continues to use an asterisk next to anything related to the Patriots.  The Post Staff Report wrote this “The Patriots were caught videotaping Giants assistant defensive coaches in the final preseason game of 2006, according to a new report.”  Nowhere does it say ‘allegedly’.  But seriously, nobody cares about the Preseason.  Following that, the Post Staff Report went on to say “The incident led the NFL to send out a letter to teams detailing interpretations of the rule against taping an opposing team’s signals, the New York Times reported today.”  It’s funny though.  You never heard of any of this stuff until the Jets allegedly tipped off the NFL about the Patriots stealing signals in Week 1.  Since then, other teams keep adding their two cents.

New York Times:

New Claim of Taping Emerges Against Patriots - When you open up the article, the picture is of Bill Belichick and Drew Bledsoe so you know it’s old.  John Branch and Greg Bishop wrote that this videotaping of opposing teams supposedly began in the preseason of 2000 (which is when Belichick became the Head Coach of the Pats), and those are the words of a “former Patriots player”.  I find that interesting because in 2007, supposedly none of the players knew what the coaches were doing…hmmm, makes me wonder.  Belichick told Commissioner Goodell that he misinterpreted the rules.  Many people have been questioning how much of an advantage this gives the Pats, so Branch and Bishop included on-the-field examples of how the Patriots would execute play calling by recognizing the formation of the defense.  I wrote it when the New York Football Giants won Super Bowl XLII, and I’ll write it again…God set things straight in the Super Bowl because the Patriots cheated.  The same thing happened in the World Series when the Tigers cheated and lost to the underdog Cardinals.

Giants Set to Reward Coughlin With Multiyear Deal

The Star-Ledger:

Coughlin’s press conference - Mike Garafolo provided the transcript of Tom Coughlin’s press conference.

DeAngelo is in Indy - Mike Garafolo lets you know the rumors why Hall is in Indianapolis.

NY Giants pursuing Falcons’ CB Hall - I already included the rumor about DeAngelo Hall, but he went on to discuss the topic more in depth.  The Giants originally were interested in Marcus Trufant (Seattle) and N’namdi Asomugha (Raiders), but both of them were franchised by their respective team.  Good thing we didn’t end up with Trufant because he was part of that Seattle team that quit once it started snowing in the Divisional Playoffs in Green Bay.  Trufant looked soft and did nothing.  Another player that the Giants were interested in was Asante Samuel (Patriots), but the Giants believe that most of his success has been due to the scheme rather than his individual talent.  Now back to Hall, he’s the real deal as far as Cornerbacks are concerned.  With that said, Hall comes with a whole lot of baggage.  He was fined $100 thousand last season for shouting at the Coach of the Falcons, Bobby Petrino.  Personally, I don’t want any part of DeAngelo Hall.  I don’t want the clowns of the NFL on the Giants.  We have Strahan and that is more than enough for me to handle.  The Giants are expected to cut R.W. McQuarters very soon, and they would cut Sam Madison as well if they work out this deal with Hall.

Coughlin’s deal a matter of time - We already covered the status of Coach Coughlin, but here’s a sidenote at the bottom of the article that I found interesting, “The Giants coaches and scouts had dinner last night at Shula’s Steakhouse in the Westin Hotel that’s connected to the RCA Dome. The irony of dining in a restaurant owned by the coach of the 1972 Dolphins a few weeks after preserving their spot as the only perfect Super Bowl champ in history wasn’t lost on Mara.  “I was a little disappointed to find out Coach Shula wasn’t picking up the tab,” Mara joked.”

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Tom Coughlin will hold a press conference on Friday and Jerry Reese on Saturday.  It will most likely deal with Coach Coughlin’s contract.

Giants fans believe that Gibril Wilson should be franchised.  I’m not sold on that idea, but he obviously should be resigned and paid fairly.

The Star-Ledger:

Mara on Coughlin and more - Mike Garafolo pointed out where the Giants are in giving Tom Coughlin his contract extension.

No tag for Wilson - Mike Garafolo wrote this about the status of Gibril Wilson:

The Giants will not place the franchise tag on safety Gibril Wilson today, according to a team official who requested anonymity because the deadline hasn’t arrived yet. That means, if they can’t reach a deal with Wilson before the start of free agency next Friday, he can leave for another team (the Eagles?) without compensation. The Giants are hopeful something will get done, though

Let the combine begin - Mike Garafolo lets us know that he is in Indianapolis for the Combine.

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The rumors have surfaced…The Giants and Tom Coughlin are close to finalizing a contract extension.  We all knew that that was coming.  It was just a matter of how long and how much, but that hasn’t been fully disclosed yet.  Below, Bob Glauber included some guestimates that sources provided him.  The rumors are a 4-year deal equal to or greater than $20 million.  One of the things that bothers me most about Coach Coughlin is the way is always jumping and screaming on the sidelines.  My problem with that is more out of concern than anything.  He looks like he is going to have a heart attack on every down.  I don’t want to turn on the TV one Sunday and see T.C. drop to the ground.  So I have every right to be concerned, and somebody should tell him to retire, reside on a tropical island, and relax.

 Fans Take - Niraj Prasad gathered the thoughts of Giants fans throughout the 2007 season.

Did you Know? - Michael Eisen sat down with Shaun O’Hara and discussed his NFL career.

Newsday:

Giants ready to reward Coughlin with extension - Bob Glauber reported that “Two league sources familiar with the Giants’ situation told Newsday yesterday that there are few hurdles left in negotiations, and that a deal could be completed sometime this week. One source said the contract will be a four-year extension through the 2011 season. No financial terms were disclosed, but the deal likely will average about $5 million - or perhaps slightly higher - per season.”  The sources also expects the deal to be complete in a few days, and then the Giants will make the announcement.  I’m not a huge fan of Coach Coughlin.  I can’t put my finger on a reason, but I never felt like I can relate to him.  I have no complaints about this extension though.  He just became the only Giants Coach not named Bill Parcells to win a Super Bowl.  So mums the word.

The Star-Ledger:

A few tidbits (so you know I’m breathing) - Mike Garafolo pointed out that:

• Tom Coughlin is close to getting his contract extension.
• Gibril Wilson is a free agent.  The Giants have not given Wilson a new deal yet.  The Giants need to lock Gibril up so he does not end up in the hands of the enemy.
• Kawika Mitchell is a free agent, and Big Blue may offer Mitchell a 3-year extension.
• The Giants are trying to re-sign Derrick Ward.
• The Giants will be looking for a DB in the first round of the draft.
• The Giants may make some cuts in February.

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Since the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII, New York City held a Ticker Tape for them up the Canyon of Heroes at 11:00 a.m. on February 5, 2008.  It officially began at 11:10 a.m.

The Giants began walking through the Canyon of Heroes with the George Halas Trophy and the Lombardi Trophy.  Various floats full of Giants went through the Canyon of Heroes as 50 tons of confetti came falling down from the sky.  Giants players had their video cameras and were filming it.  The Giants donned their Super Bowl Champion hooded sweatshirts.  Mayor Bloomberg jumped up onto a float with Eli Manning and Michael Strahan who were holding the Lombardi Trophy.  Marching bands came up Broadway.  Governor Spitzer and Senator Schumer came up Broadway in a car.  John Tisch was on a Gray Line bus.  The Giants fans were screaming and chanting the whole time.  One of the chants was “18-1″.  A float came up Broadway with Steve Spagnuolo and Kevin Gilbride.  David Diehl came off the float and said “it was an unbelievable experience”.  Kareem McKenzie also came off the float and said that Giants fans are the “greatest fans in the world, they cheer for you”.  Other chants were “Defense, Defense, Defense” as floats came out with defensive players.  Justin Tuck said “This is crazy, I never heard of anything like this, the fans scream your name, and it’s amazing.  It’s amazing, I’m lost for words, I’ve been doing this for miles, and this is ridiculous”.  Antonio Pierce said “It’s amazing, we need to do this Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, every day of the year.  We didn’t do the impossible.  It’s beautiful that everybody came out so early in the morning.  Don’t stop celebrating.  Tell your boss we’re going to party all week.”  Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins got off the float and hi-fived the fans.  Barry Cofield said “it’s unbelievable.  I never expected anything close to this”.  The fans started chanting “Boston Sucks”.  Antonio Pierce said “It’s the best thing in the world.  All these people came to support us.  This is for the fans of New York.”  Plaxico Burress got up on a float with Gibril Wilson.  Gibril Wilson said ‘It’s crazy right now.  It’s great to see all these people out here”.  R.W. McQuarters said “It gets no better than this.  This is the best thing I’ve ever seen.”  Jeff Feagles and Lawrence Tynes came out on the next float.  Lawrence Tynes said “It is beyond his expectations.  It’s unbelievable.  I was a piece of the puzzle, and it feels good to contribute.”  John Tisch said “I’m a life long New Yorker.  One of the greatest things is seeing New York embrace this team.  And the fans all came here to say thank you.  This is a team of the people.  It’s fabulous, just fabulous.”  Harry Carson by phone said “I really agreed with John Mara.  It was the most historical franchise win for the Giants.  They came through.  They did New York and New Jersey fans well.  I’m watching the parade.  I’m currently in Hawaii.  I’m really impressed with who’s there.  It’s so appropriate that they have a ticker tape parade in New York.”

The City Hall Ceremony began around 1:00 p.m.  Whoopi Goldberg came out first because Mayor Bloomberg invited her there.  She gave an introduction.  The radio voice of the New York Giants, Bob Papa, came up next.  He gave a short speech, and introduced Mayor Bloomberg and other NYC officials and Meadowlands officials, Senator Schumer, Elliot Spitzer, Shelly Silver.  Then he introduced the World Champion New York Football Giants.  Speakers included Bob Papa, Governor Spitzer, Senator Schumer, Coach Coughlin, Speaker Silver, John Mara, Steve Tisch, Michael Strahan, and Eli Manning.

Every Giant received a key to the city.  New York City did a wonderful job with the Victory Parade and the City Hall Ceremony.  Hundreds of thousands of Giants fans were going crazy.  It was great to see all of that.

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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 more day until the big game begins.  I’m hoping that Tom Coughlin is smart enough to come up with a really successful game plan that will almost certainly guarantee a Playoff berth this week.  If he manages to do that then he can rest everybody like Plaxico, Eli, Jacobs, Wilson, and all of the others that are playing sub-par or are banged up and need a break.  If T.C. cannot figure out how to do that then he will have to figure out how to beat the undefeated Patriots to clinch the Playoffs while defending poor play calling which will cost him his job.  So, even though the pressure in on the Giants tomorrow, I expect big things from them just as they have delivered the past 2 seasons.  The only difference is no Tiki.  So our 2-Headed Monster needs to be that force.  Eli must continue to hand the ball off a ton of times.  The defense must not give up a lead where Coughlin believes that he needs to alter the game plan.  Just go out and win. 

 TE Michael Matthews’s Season Journal

Familiar Territory - Michael Eisen put together a piece about how the Jints have been in this situation before, meaning how they need to get one win to clinch a Playoff berth.

So I guess there is no reason why we should expect anything less, right?

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin about the health of the G-MEN.

Newsday:

Giants’ Wilson excited about return vs. Bills - Roderick Boone points out that Gibril Wilson missed the last three games, and he just wants come out and hit somebody.

New York Daily News:

Giants need someone to catch on to fill void left by Jeremy Shockey

New York Post:

JINTS LOOKING TO REIGN IN WEATHER - Paul Schwartz raises this question, and Tom Coughlin answers it:

Why not practice in simulated rain if there’s a good chance you might play in real rain?

“I think we are OK when the weather is bad,” coach Tom Coughlin countered.

After the way Coughlin defended his playcalling last week, I don’t know that I can believe what he’s saying.  It has become hard to buy into it.  So he will need this team to get into the Playoffs for me to believe again.  Whether it’s against the eliminated Bills in crappy conditions or against the mighty Patriots in the swamp, I need to see it to believe it.  Show me that Eli can throw effectively in those conditions.  Eli hasn’t played well in more than a month.  With the Playoffs on the line, run the ball.

JACOBS CAN BE A GIANT WATER BUFFALO - Steve Serby had this to say about the Big Man, and how Brandon Jacobs can help out the Giants offense:

A 264-pound water buffalo like this can help in these ways: He can help silence the crowd so Manning can hear himself think; and even better, he can punish, wear down and demoralize the Bills defense by the fourth quarter.

I agree with Serby 100%, but don’t forget about Droughns.  We still have a 2-Headed Monster.  Since T.C. threw 55 times last week, he should be running 55 times this week.  Split 55 by 2 and you have a lot of carries by our 2-Headed Monster.  The weather is calling for this type of attack.  Obviously, Coach Coughlin will need to throw in some passes and play action to keep the defense honest, but Jacobs and Droughns just need to keep running like Forrest Gump.

NO SHOCK: SMITH WANTS TO STEP UP - Paul Schwartz got this quote from Steve Smith:

“I was telling myself that today, I want to be the guy to make the play,” Smith said yesterday. “These guys have been out here working hard, practicing every day. I’m a rookie, I’m just sitting here getting checks and watching them from the sideline. I want to show ‘em my worth, show I can be a playmaker for this team.”

Now that Smith is talking the talk, I hope he goes out on the field tomorrow and walks the walk.

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