Die Hard Giants Fan

NFL.com put together a list of the ‘Top 10 pass rushers in NFL history’.  Before I opened it, I thought about how many Giants were on the list.  Obviously, I thought of LT and Michael Strahan.  I wasn’t sure of how many there could be before my time, which isn’t long ago.  When I opened up the list, there weren’t any more Jints than the two I assumed.  Taylor was 3rd which doesn’t make sense to me, and Strahan was 7th.  They have Deacon Jones 1st, but I’ve never seen him play.  The late Reggie White is 2nd, and I always though LT was better than White.  Plus, LT has 2 rings and White has 1.  At the same time, I’m comparing a LB to a DE.  The article contains three videos for each member of the Top 10 list if you want to check them out.

 Mailbag for June 4 - Michael Eisen fields questions posed by Giants‘ fans.  Here’s a good question because the last thing I want to watch this year is the Super Bowl hangover:

Michael,

Tom Coughlin was on the staff  the last time the Giants won the Super Bowl. They didn’t make the playoffs after the 1991 season. What will he do, and how will keep the team focused, and not have the team letdown during this upcoming season?

 

Dear Russell:

The Coach is well aware of the pitfalls that claim the repeat aspirations of most recent Super Bowl champions. He has reminded the players that the hard work they put in last offseason led to their championship and the importance of not letting up this year. In fact, as he handed each player his Super Bowl ring last week, Coughlin said, “Let’s get back to work so we can do this again.” The coach is not letting up one inch or ounce. He is demanding the same dedication to effort and detail that proved so successful last season. The ring ceremony was the last event of the 2007 season. Everyone’s energy is now committed to making 2008 a successful year.

Fan’s Take - A Giants fan wrote their perspective on the improbable 2007 season.

OTA Report: O-Line (Video) - Giants.com takes a closer look at the Giants O-Line during the OTA workouts.

OTA Report: D-Line (Video) - Giants.com takes a closer look at the Giants D-Line during the OTA workouts.

DE Renaldo Wynn (Video) - Giants.com interviews their newest player Renaldo Wynn.

DT Jay Alford (Video) - Giants.com interviews Jay Alford about the OTAs and about his rookie season.  Part of his rookie season included sacking Tom Brady in the Super Bowl so they touch on that as well.

New York Daily News:

After Super Bowl grab, David Tyree is hoping to hang on with Giants - Ralph Vacciano believes that the “Giants are overloaded at receiver, which could put Tyree’s roster spot in jeopardy if he suffers any setbacks.”

Giants to see Jeremy Shockey soon - Ralph Vacchiano stated that Jeremy Shockey is actually supposed to make it up to New York next week.

The enigmatic tight end is expected to participate in the Giants’ mandatory mini-camp next week, according to a team source. He is due in the New York area later this week for a promotional appearance on Saturday afternoon.

According to an advertisement on the Internet, Shockey is scheduled to appear at the Powerade Pro Challenge at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, although his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, could not be reached to confirm his client’s plans. If Shockey shows up, it will be his first public appearance since he was stuck watching Super Bowl XLII from a luxury box because of his broken leg.

New York Post:

SHOCKEY MAY SHOW ON RADAR

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NFL.com had a poll where over 200,000 fans ranked all 32 teams for the 2008 season.  Here are the results:

1. Patriots - Core of team returns to avenge Super Bowl loss after perfect regular season.
2. Colts - Core of Super Bowl XLI team is still intact. Dwight Freeney should be ready for season.
3. Cowboys - Talented squad only got better during offseason with Pacman Jones, Zach Thomas.
4. Giants - Competition in NFC East should be tough as Super Bowl champs look to go back-to-back.

Who knows how this stuff works?  Big Blue is obviously the team to beat.  If you want your team to be No. 1 then beat the Champs.

According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, ”Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones has received permission from the NFL to participate in offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason.  However, he has not yet been reinstated to participate in regular-season games.”  It seems like Pacman may make it back into the NFL which is a shame.

Florio also reported that Terrell Owens will remain as a Cowboy because, “Owens, we’re told, will receive a signing bonus of nearly $13 million.  In all, he’s under contract for four years, and he’ll earn $34 million.”  Now we have to face this moron twice a year for four more years.

 Tuesday’s OTA Report - Michael Eisen pointed out that Amani Toomer was one of the more visible players on the field today.

Giants Bolster D-Line - Michael Eisen announced that the Giants signed DE Renaldo Wynn which other media outlets reported yesterday.  Eisen included a whole bunch of information about Wynn.

• Michael also reported that the Giants placed linebacker Keith O’Neil on their reserve/retired list.

New York Daily News:

Eli & Amani rekindle their chemistry - Ralph Vacchiano also covered the Giants OTAs.  Vacchiano also noted that:

• Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress, Osi Umenyiora, Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan did not attend.  AP is still on his honeymoon, and who knows where the rest of them were…
• David Tyree did not participate, though he was inside Giants Stadium doing rehab work for his knee.  “Tyree said his knee feels good and his rehab is right on schedule.  He expects to be ready for the start of training camp.”
• Derrick Ward “said he’s 90-95% healed from his broken fibula and isn’t limited at all in what he can do on the field.”
• Mathias Kiwanuka “said he’s getting closer to 100% too and didn’t seem limited on the field.”

New York Post:

WYNN LANDS WITH GIANTS

The Star-Ledger:

A few practice tidbits

Taking attendance at OTAs

Giants announce Wynn signing - Mike Garafolo included Jerry Reese’s and Tom Coughlin’s thoughts on the signing of Renaldo.

More on the Wynn signing - Mike Garafolo explains why the Giants didn’t sign Wynn until June 1 when Wynn first visited the Giants in mid-May.  Garafolo’s conclusion is, “Wynn’s signing on June 1 means he won’t impact the Giants’ chances for compensatory picks in next year’s draft.”

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After a celebration at Tiffany & Co. last night, the G-MEN had to show up for OTAs today.  I look forward to hearing how things pan out in the OTAs in the days and weeks to come.

 Players return to field - The Giants today held the first of their six OTAs (organized team activities).

Newsday:

Giants receive Super Bowl rings at Tiffany’s celebration - Tom Rock wrote, “just under four months after their victory in Super Bowl XLII, the Giants received their championship rings in a private ceremony at Tiffany & Co. last night.”  Then, “one by one they would stand in front of the wood-paneled wall, holding the silver Lombardi Trophy in one grip and wearing a freshly minted Super Bowl ring on the other.”  That must weigh a ton, huh?  Antonio Pierce was unable to make it because he’s on his honeymoon.  Jeremy Shockey was unable to make it because if he can’t practice with the team then how can he make it to pick up his ring?

New York Daily News:

Giants get Super Bowl rings

New York Post:

‘RINGING’ QUESTIONS

New York Times:

The Giants Receive Their Super Bowl Rings - The New York Times doesn’t write articles when news about the Jints occur, but they do when when the Champs pick up rings at Tiffany & Co.

The Star-Ledger:

A few glimpses at the rings - Mike Garafolo included some pictures of the Super Bowl XLII rings.

Giants’ finger of fate rings true at Tiffany’s - Mike Garafolo described, “the rings, which were produced at a discounted price of about $5,500 each, feature three Lombardi trophies on the top — one for each of the franchise’s Super Bowl titles — as well as the words “Eleven Straight on the Road” on the shank. The Super Bowl XLII logo, the final score (17-14) and the date of the game adorn the opposite shank.”

Live from the red, er, Big Blue carpet - Mike Garafolo takes us through the event last night live at Tiffany & Co.

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Most of the news this week has been about the OTA’s.  We got to hear from the entire coaching staff, and they provided us with some foresight as they head into the 2008 season.

 Offensive Coaches Speak - Michael Eisen pointed out that the Offensive Staff met with the media today.  Eisen provided the entire transcript.

Transcript: Tight End Coach Mike Pope - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Mike Pope.

Newsday:

Giants expect reluctant Shockey to attend camp - “Pope said yesterday that he expects his star pupil to be in attendance at the team’s mandatory minicamp next month and when training camp begins in Albany in late July.”

New York Daily News:

Giant coach says Jeremy Shockey’s in Super Bowl shock - “Pope, the Giants’ tight ends coach, believes that’s the primary source of Shockey’s unhappiness - that he had to watch the Giants win Super Bowl XLII because his broken leg kept him off the field.”

New York Post:

SNEE AWAITS GIANT REWARD

New York Times:

Giants Face Questions About Two Key Players - “Many people in the Giants’ organization have had to parry questions about the futures of Jeremy Shockey and Michael Strahan.”

The Star-Ledger:

Pope says Shockey rift fixable - Mike Pope had this to say about Jeremy Shockey at this week’s OTA:

I don’t think you can individualize this. Any player who’s a big part of the team and gets out of the roster for a period of time, it’s a terrific shock because that’s what they do. … I know he was very, very upset about not being able to finish what we collectively started. I’m sure there was a lot of disappointment.

I don’t think he’s any different than other players. Once the team gets back together and they get involved together, those things — whatever they have been — tend to become less of a factor and they eventually disappear. You start playing together, you start winning and the upside of the game is what you’re looking at, then things usually run fairly smoothly.

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According to NFL.com, the Dallas Cowboys have reached agreements with RB Marion Barber and CB Terence Newman to long-term extensions today.

• “Barber agreed to a seven-year deal worth $45 million, with $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. The deal will total $21 million over the first three years, all of which puts him in the salary range of LaDainian Tomlinson, Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson — heady stuff for a guy whose only career start came in his last game.”
• “Newman’s deal is a six-year extension. Since he had one year left on his original contract, that means he’s also locked up through 2014, just like Barber. His contract is worth $50.2 million, including $22.5 million guaranteed.”

So now we gotta face the Barbarian for the next 7 years.  Newman doesn’t bother me because he’s so wrapped up in talking smack that he forgets to play the game.

 Defensive Coaches Speak - Michael Eisen pointed out that the Defensive Staff met with the media today.  Eisen provided the entire transcript.

Transcript: Safeties Coach David Merritt - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with David Merritt.

Transcript: Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Steve Spagnuolo.

New York Post:

ELI READY TO ‘SHOCK’ - Dan Martin tells us that Eli Manning is looking forward to playing with Jeremy Shockey in ‘08.

The Star-Ledger:

A late vote for SB MVP - David Merritt believes that James Butler was the MVP of Super Bowl XLII.

TE coach Pope on Shockey - Mike Garafolo lets us know that Mike Pope was asked a bunch of questions from the media about Shockey, and Pope has not spoken to Shockey.

Snee not worried about his contract

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The NorthJersey.com Giants Blog called True Blue found out that New Orleans Saints are no longer in pursuit of Jeremy Shockey, and the Saints GM Mickey Loomis told Sirius NFL Radio:

It’s no secret we had some discussions with them and we just couldn’t come to a conclusion on the right compensation. I understand that. He’s a very good player and the Giants don’t want to just give him away - unless they feel like they’re getting really good value.
But for the most part that’s dead … I don’t anticipate that being rekindled.

Newsday:

NBC to broadcast preseason Giants games - The AP also covered this story that Giants.com released yesterday, ”The New York Giants and WNBC-TV have reached a multiyear agreement for the network to broadcast preseason games for the Super Bowl champions.”

New York Daily News:

Michael Strahan: $8M or goodbye - Ralph Vacchiano wrote an article about how Michael Strahan wants $8 million to come back in 2008.  You know that I don’t want him back for $1 million, but it’s not my decision.  With that said, Vacchiano rarely includes any quotes from the actual player or source so I don’t always know how credible his sources are.  If you read the article then you won’t come across a threat of an $8 million contract.  What you will read is that Strahan says that money isn’t an issue so I don’t understand the title.

New York Post:

WYNN VISITS WITH BIG BLUE - Paul Schwartz also covered this story about Renaldo Wynn visiting the Giants which The Star-Ledger reported yesterday.

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I am one of the many who do not want see Jeremy Shockey go but regardless we still have a team. Big Blue has not stood out because of one player really, it is about the whole squad.

There’s no speculation about Shockey wanting to leave the team. He has mentioned where he would like to play and that’s the man’s decision. I will look past that and focus on who we could get that will be a good fit to our team. Over the weekend I heard something on ESPN radio about trading Shockey to Baltimore for Ray Lewis. I know Lewis is above age but he’s not washed up. He can also be a great locker room influence and with the heart these Giants are known to play with it could be a positive experiment.

In general, I will miss Shockey if he decides to leave but I won’t be sad about it. I’m focused on the team as a whole and I’m tired of the commentators still giving the Giants no props. We are still being categorized under the Cowboys and can’t wait to turn these knuckleheads’s brains around.

We are the Superbowl champs and can make the impossible happen. We are the real thing baby…bring it!

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Die Hard Giants Fan would like to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!  Most of today’s news is a continuation of what’s been written the past couple of days.  Mostly it’s about Kenny Phillips wearing Tiki’s No. 21 in tribute to the late Sean Taylor and what Kevin Gilbride thinks about Jeremy Shockey’s future with Big Blue.  There are a few new topics mixed in below.

 Rookie Mini-Camp Concludes - Michael Eisen provided a report on the Giants‘ Rookie Mini-Camp.

Transcript: Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Steve Spagnuolo.

Transcript: Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Kevin Gilbride.

New York Daily News:

Giants’ first-rounder Kenny Phillips embraces Sean Taylor’s number, spirit

Kevin Gilbride says Jeremy Shockey’s future up for grabs - Ralph Vacchiano also covered the story that The Star-Ledger covered yesterday about Kevin Gilbride being uncertain about Jeremy Shockey’s future.

New York Post:

ONE GIANT PLAYMAKER - According to Paul Schwartz, Kenny Phillips believes he can live up to performing like a first-round draft pick should.

SHOCKEY STATUS VEXING GILBRIDE

New York Times:

If N.F.L. Doesn’t Call, the Army Will - Joshua Robinson pointed out that Owen Tolson, who signed with the Giants as a free agent, will end up serving in the Army if he doesn’t make the team.

The Star-Ledger:

For Giants rookie, mom is judge and jury - Mike Garafolo wrote up a long article about Jonathan Goff.

Gilbride supports Shockey

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Michael David Smith at ProFootballTalk.com also assembled a Giants Minicamp Report.  For the most part, it is the same as what is below.  The other day, Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger stated that Kenny Phillips might be wearing No. 21 as a tribute to the late Sean Taylor.  According to multiple articles below, it turns out that he was correct.

 Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin.

Rookie Mini-Camp Report - Michael Eisen reported on the first day of practices that the Giants held with 2008 rookies.

Transcript: LB Bryan Kehl - Giants.com had Q&A Session with Bryan Kehl.

Transcript: QB Andre’ Woodson - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Andre’ Woodson.

Newsday:

Rookie Phillips grabs No. 21 in homage to Taylor - Tom Rock informs us as to why Kenny Phillips wants to wear No. 21.

New York Daily News:

Mario Manningham is a test case - Ralph Vacchiano lets us know why Mario Manningham is on a “short leash”.

New York Post:

TALK TO STRANGERS - Paul Schwartz stated that Coach Coughlin plans on having a chat with the rookies about his expectations.

MARIO LOOKS SUPER AT GIANTS MINICAMP

New York Times:

Safety Set to Blaze Path With Familiar Number

The Star-Ledger:

Even Gilbride’s unsure about Shockey - Mike Garafolo captured Kevin Gilbride’s thoughts on the Jeremy Shockey situation.

Woodson and Manningham hurt

Giants can invest long-term in Woodson - Jenny Vrentas discusses Andre’ Woodson’s role on the team.

Phillips’ 21 is a tribute

Afternoon practice report

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According to The Times-Picayune, “League sources indicate the Saints’ pursuit of Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey did not end when a draft-day deal between the clubs could not be reached. Coach Sean Payton believes Shockey is a perfect fit for the Saints’ offense, and he still desperately wants the player to be wearing a black-and-gold uniform this season. Shockey has informed the Giants of his unhappiness, and apparently unwillingness, to play again in New York. Don’t be surprised if the trade is finalized in the coming weeks. According to New York’s Newsday, Shockey has four years remaining on his five-year, $26.3 million contract extension, including $1.9 million due this season. . . .”  Even after the Draft, the New Orleans press still thinks a trade could be made.  If the Saints’ offer was good enough then the trade would’ve been done.  We’ll find out how serious the Saints are when they make an offer that Jerry Reese is fond of.

 Fans Take - A Giants‘ fan expresses his thoughts about the 2007 season.

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