Die Hard Giants Fan

It took a few months for Eli Manning to get to Disneyland.  Usually, the Super Bowl MVP goes there immediately.  However, there was some bad weather between Glendale and Los Angeles after the Super Bowl so the trip was postponed.  Then, Eli toured the national TV circuit.  Then, Eli got married and went on their honeymoon.  Finally, Abby and Eli made it to Disneyland yesterday.

 Eli goes to Disneyland - Fans cheered and confetti flew on Main Street USA yesterday as Disneyland hosted newlyweds Abby and Eli Manning.  This tradition of Super Bowl MVP’s going to Disneyland is already 22 years-old already when Phil Simms said, “I’m going to Disneyland” after winning Super Bowl XXI.

New York Daily News:

Eli Manning floats in for Disney parade

New York Times:

Four Players Who Came Out of Africa Return to Help - John Branch explained how four NFL players from Nigeria went back there to meet with the President, establish college scholarships, distribute HIV testing kits, dig water wells, establish soccer leagues, make connections, and spread ideas.  Osi Umenyiora was one of the four NFL players who made the trip.  Branch captured the thoughts of Osi and the other three football players in the article if you would like to check it out.

The Star-Ledger:

Phillips takes Tiki’s number - Mike Garafolo believes that Kenny Phillips is wearing No. 21 as a tribute to the late Sean Taylor because he showed up at The U when Taylor went pro.  Phillips wore No. 1 at Miami.

Eli finally makes it to Disneyland

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The good news is that I’m flying down to Charleston, SC for a wedding this weekend.  The bad news is that I won’t be able to cover the NFL Draft to the extent that I would’ve otherwise.  I’m a Mets fan and a Rangers fan too so I’m going to miss a Braves-Mets series and Games 1 & 2 of the Rangers-Penguins series.  I set my DVR to record all of that except for Game 1 of the Rangers-Penguins series because it’s on Versus, and I don’t have it.  Also, MrJokah has to attend his brother’s Baby Shower tomorrow and Phessional is turning 30 this weekend.  So it’s a busy weekend for all of us.  We should be able to get a few posts out per day, but nothing like if I was home.  I would watch the entire Draft live, and let you know about each pick.

By the end of the weekend, we will know who’s going to be on our team and what the Giants will do with Shockey.  It’s definitely going to be interesting.

Go Jerry Reese!

Newsday:

Umenyiora unhappy with contract, but won’t hold out

Giants should only trade Shockey for real value

Giants listening to offers for Jeremy Shockey

Bob Glauber’s 2008 NFL mock draft - Here’s who Bob Glauber thinks Big Blue will pick:

31. Giants. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee. Giants also like Phillips, but if he’s off the board, Mayo is a terrific get at this spot. Can be impact weakside ‘backer from the get-go.

New York Daily News:

Osi Umenyiora scraps idea of holdout

Mock NFL Draft: Jets have sights set on Darren McFadden - Gary Meyers has the Jints picking:

31. GIANTS: Kenny Phillips (S, Miami)
Jerry Reese’s phone could be red-hot if Ryan is the only QB off the board. The Falcons, Chiefs and Ravens could all want to move up a few spots to jump ahead of Miami to get Brian Brohm, Joe Flacco or Chad Henne. Tough call for Reese between Phillips and Tennesse LB Jerod Mayo. Can’t go wrong with Miami safeties.

New York Post:

MAKING A MOVE - Paul Schwartz believes that Gerris Wilkinson must take charge at his position or he may get passed over.

JINTS’ OSI: I WON’T HOLD OUT

The Star-Ledger:

Shockey could be part of draft-day blockbuster

The mid-round possibilites - Mike Garafolo added more names that the Giants may select in the later rounds this weekend.

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The decriptions and the images of the ring have been released.  The Giants worked together to come up with something that they liked.  They liked white gold and diamonds.  The 3 Lombardi Trophies represent the amount of Super Bowls the Giants have won.  It always confuses me when the NFL disregards the accomplishments prior to the Super Bowl era because it doesn’t happen in MLB, NBA, or NHL.  I would definitely like to walk around rocking that.

 Giants unveil Super Bowl Ring - Michael Eisen wrote that the Giants unveiled the design of their Super Bowl ring today.  The ring will be made by Tiffany & Co. and will feature white gold, diamonds and three Super Bowl trophies, one for each of the Giants’ victories in the title game.  Eisen went on to explain the rings, and there is a photo if you would like to check out the bling.

Giants to host Redskins - Giants.com pointed out that the Giants will begin their 2008 season vs. the Redskins on Thursday, September 4th.

New York Daily News:

Lorenzen signs one-year tender offer - Ralph Vacchiano reported that Jared Lorenzen re-signed with the Giants yesterday, when he signed the one-year tender offer worth $927,000 they gave him in February.

First look at Giants’ new ring - The NY Daily News got 3 pictures of the Super Bowl ring.

Osi Umenyiora holds out hope for raise from Giants

New York Post:

GIANTS RETURN TO WORK

The Star-Ledger:

Giants’ SB ring revealed

NY Giants pick up another draft pick - Mike Garafolo reported that the Giants received an additional pick in the 6th round of the draft.

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Ralph Vacchiano is a sports reporter for the NY Daily News, but he also writes for the Giants Blog on the NY Daily News website called The Blue Screen.  According to Vacchiano, people close to Osi Umenyiora are convinced that he is going to holdout from training camp this summer if he does not get a new contract.  Ralph points out that skipping training camp is a much bigger deal than pre-camp voluntary workouts.  One source even told Vacchiano, “I guarantee you he’s not coming to camp,”.  Umenyiora is due $1.7 million this year while his backup Justin Tuck is averaging over $6 million a season.

This is all speculation, but I hope that Osi doesn’t holdout from anything.  Umenyiora’s only two years into a six-year contract and should honor the contract he signed with the organization.  If you remove that 6-Sack game against the Eagles, Osi would only have had 7 sacks last season.  Six Sacks in a game is a fluke and he was up against a backup.  This is his career sack numbers:

• 2003 - 1
• 2004 - 7
• 2005 - 15
• 2006 - 6
• 2007 - 13

Giants opponents say that Osi is really fast and can get to the Quarterback, but they say he lacks the other aspects of being a great Defensive End.  Giants opponents still believe that Michael Strahan is still the best Defensive Lineman on the Giants.  Justin Tuck got a bigger deal than Osi Umenyiora because it’s two years later and he is a better all-around Defensive Lineman.  Once Strahan retires, we’ll see how good Umenyiora and Tuck really are.

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In the Pregame, Osi Umenyiora was asked if it soaked in yet that he is a World Champion, and of course he said yes.  Umenyiora said he didn’t go to the parade because the travel would have been ridiculous.  Osi said he shed some tears from a far, but he was with his team.

1st Quarter

The AFC struck first by scoring a TD.  The NFC tied it up with a TD of their own.  When it was 7-7, Osi Umenyiora was called for an Offsides penalty on a drive which ultimately led to an AFC TD.  At 14-7, the AFC recovered the Kickoff on a DeMarcus Ware fumble.  The AFC capped the drive with a FG and lead the NFC 17-7.

2nd Quarter

Tony Romo threw an INT to give the ball back to the AFC.  The AFC quickly put up another TD to go up 24-7.  The NFC marched down the field to put up their own TD to make it 24-14.  The AFC kicked a FG to make it 27-14.  The NFC scored a TD to make it 27-21 right before the half.

3rd Quarter

The NFC scored a TD to make it 27-28.  The AFC took the lead with a FG to make it 30-28.  Jeff Garcia threw an INT to give the AFC the ball.  The AFC went 3-and-out and had to punt it away.

4th Quarter

The NFC scored another TD to take a 35-30 lead.  The AFC went for it on 4th down, but turned it over.  The NFC scored another TD to make the score 42-30.  Just before the 2:00 Warning, Osi Umenyiora Sacked Derek Anderson and forced a fumble, but it was recovered by Jeff Saturday.  Derek Anderson threw an INT with 0:20 remaining.

Final Score: AFC Pro Bowl Team 30 vs. NFC Pro Bowl Team 42.  The NFL.com Post Game is attached.

Pro Bowl MVP: Adrian Peterson

As I watched the game, Osi Umenyiora didn’t do anything really.  He had the penalty early on, and that was it until he got the sack and forced fumble on the final drive by the AFC.  It was all on one play.

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NFL.com released the 2008 Pro Bowl Roster.  Again, Osi Umenyiora is the only Giant on the NFC team.  Umenyiora is a reserve at Defensive End.  So we will have to see if he gets any minutes, and how well he plays.

At the Quarterback position for the NFC, Brett Favre was named the starter but will not play.  The reserves are Matt Hasslebeck, Tony Romo, and Jeff Garcia.  Jeff Garcia was replaced due to an injury.  So what do 3 of these Quarterbacks have in common?  Right…they lost to the Giants.

To see the 2008 Pro Bowl Roster, click here.

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The Pro Bowl is tomorrow and Osi is still sick, but he’s feeling good enough to play in it.  I’m not a fan of the Pro Bowl because I believe the selection process stinks, the game is held after the season, and it is meaningless.  I’ve been trying to think of ways to improve upon the game, but I haven’t had much success.  The NFL can change the schedule and give everybody a bye week in Week 9 and have the Pro Bowl then.  That would make the game more interesting because it’s in the middle of the season just like the other 3 major sports, but it would still serve no purpose.  I complained about the MLB All-Star game not serving a purpose so they changed it so the winner is the league that gets home-field advantage in the World Series.  That decision made the All-Star game and the World Series so much worse.  So it’s hard to make the Pro Bowl mean anything, yet not screw up other things.  But what do I know?

 GM Reese looks back - Michael Eisen sits down with GM Jerry Reese to recap the 2007 season.

New York Daily News:

Giants to open wallet for Tom Coughlin

Man turns City Hall pass into golden ticket to locker room, field festivities - Leo Standora stated that a Giants fan was able to get himself onto the floats with the players during the victory parade, and he took a seat on the stage with the team at City Hall Park while millions of Giants fans cheered for them.  The Giants fan simply said that nobody stopped him.  Fans were asking for his autograph.

Osi Umenyiora plans to play in Pro Bowl - Ralph Vacchiano reported that Osi Umenyiora was able to get through practice yesterday, and he will be able to play in the Pro Bowl tomorrow.

New York Post:

A GIANT SUCCESS - Paul Schwartz also wrote about first-year GM Jerry Reese.

The Star-Ledger:

Sign of the times: NY Giants are one hot ticket - Matthew Futterman covered the amount of Giants merchandise flying off the shelves.

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Osi Umenyiora has been relaxing on the beach in Hawaii sipping on some beverages, and he got sick.  So Osi might get sent home and Michael Strahan would replace him if that was to occur.  So, the Giants would still only have one player in the Pro Bowl.  I heard that Osi went to Hawaii straight from Arizona because he has a fear of flying.  I never knew that.  That’s why Osi didn’t come home for the parade before flying to Hawaii. 

 DC Steve Spagnuolo to stay with Giants

Newsday:

Giants reward Spagnuolo after he rejects Redskins

Spagnuolo’s decision makes Giants even stronger - Of course it does.  That’s why I’m so excited Spag’s is coming back.

Super Bowl win could mean big payoff for new Giants stadium

New York Daily News:

Steve Spagnuolo sticking around

Opponents had five chances to derail Giants’ Super fortunes

Michael Strahan may replace ailing Osi Umenyiora - According to Ralph Vacchiano, Osi Umenyiora has “a bad, bad case of the flu” so the Pro Bowl officials might send him home and Michael Strahan may replace him.

Fan-tastic! Keep flinging names for David Tyree’s catch our way! - The Daily News wants you to keep offering names for the amazing play from Eli to Tyree.

In a Giant blunder, Foxwoods bet on Patriots - Phil Roura reports that Foxwoods had a 19-0 bash all set up for the Patriots.  Even though the Pats lost, the party is still on but to a lesser extent for the Giants.

New York Post:

STEVE TO ‘SKINS: FUHGEDDABOUDIT

DECISION MEANS BIG BLUE SKY IS LIMIT - Steve Serby is referring to Spags.

GET READY TO LOSE SLEEP, GIANTS FANS - Phil Mushnik keeps on whinning.

PLAYERS ECSTATIC SPAGNUOLO IS STAYING

COUGHLIN GETS ‘FACE’ TIME ON HBO - Paul Schwartz wrote about the final ‘Inside the NFL’ of the season.  On the show, they recapped Super Bowl XLII.  Schwartz pointed out a conversation that took place between Referee Mike Carey and Tom Coughlin.  The article made it G rated because I remember what T.C. said on the show.  When I watched ‘Inside the NFL’ on Wednesday night, Bob Costas announced that HBO discontinued the show after 31 years.  I was heartbroken by the news.  They didn’t say if there was going to be something similar in the near future.  I hope HBO puts the show back on.

New York Times:

Spagnuolo’s Decision to Stay With Giants Is Rewarded

The Star-Ledger:

Spagnuolo picks Giants over Redskins - Who wouldn’t?  Just look at their fans…

Needell: Spags is righteous

Bravo, Spags

Spags is likely #3 highest-paid DC - After what he just accomplished, Spags deserves it.

Mara: Coughlin will get his $ - That’s a given…Coach just won a Super Bowl…Cha Ching.

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We are coming up to the Pro Bowl, and only Osi Umenyiora will be representing the Big Blue Wrecking Crew.  I’ve heard several Giants complain about that.  Do I think that the Giants had more than one Pro Bowler?  Of course I do.  I wrote about that when it was released.  The Cowboys had 11 or 12 of them, but they lost in the first round.  Every team that the Giants faced in the Playoffs had more than the Giants.  But let me ask this question.  Do you think that the Cowboys would trade in 12 Pro Bowlers for 1 Super Bowl Championship?  I believe they would.  So the Giants shouldn’t concern themselves with that.

 DE Umenyiora attends Pro Bowl - Vic Carruci tells you what Osi Umenyiora is doing out in Hawaii as he gets ready for the Pro Bowl.

SBXLII Turning Point - Giants.com included 5 plays in this article, and they want you to pick which one was the turning point of Super Bowl XLII.

SBXLII Records and Notes - Michael Eisen compiled a list of records and notes about Super Bowl XLII, and here’s a look at a few:

Most significantly, the Giants were only the second team in Super Bowl history to win after trailing in the final minute of the fourth quarter. Plaxico Burress scored the game-winning touchdown on a 13-yard pass from Most Valuable Player Eli Manning with 35 seconds remaining in the game. 

It was the second-latest game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl history. In Super Bowl XXIII, Joe Montana threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left to give the San Francisco 49ers a 20-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

As previously reported, punter Jeff Feagles is the oldest player to ever play in a Super Bowl. He was 41 years and 33 days old on Sunday. The previous oldest player in a Super Bowl was former Giants punter Mike Horan, who was 39 years, 363 days old when he played for St. Louis in Super Bowl XXXIV.

SuperFan on Super Win! - Blue-Blooded expresses his thoughts on Super Bowl XLII.

Newsday:

As Spagnuolo, ‘Skins talk, Giants sweeten pot - Arthur Staple and Bob Glauber provided some rumors that exist regarding what happened with Steve Spagnuolo in Washington.

Eli and Peyton: Ultimate brothers in arms - Shaun Powell wrote an article, with a bit of humor, about Eli and Peyton Manning.

Eli gets some laughs with Letterman - According to Arthur Staple, Eli Manning showed up on “The Late Show with David Letterman”, and he even had some jokes.

New York Daily News:

Referee: I almost sacked Eli Manning

Steve Spagnuolo withdraws name from Redskins’ coaching search - According to Ralph Vacchiano, “Steve Spagnuolo withdrew his name from consideration from the Washington Redskins coaching search before owner Dan Snyder could offer him the job because “His heart was in New York City,” according to Spagnuolo’s agent, Bob Lamonte.”

Eli Manning, Giants have Super night on the town - George Rush and Dave Goldiner also cover Eli Manning’s appearance on Letterman.

Giants plot to keep Steve Spagnuolo - Ralph Vacchiano wrote what the G-MEN were thinking about Spags, but the Giants already got him back.

NFL wants ex-Pat video aide’s info

Ringless Tiki Barber staying mum - Larry McShane reported that Tiki Barber has not spoken publicly about the Giants winning Super Bowl XLII.  Also, McShane stated that a phone call and an e-mail were made to Tiki’s agent and not returned.

Joy now reigns where tears once fell - Mike Lupica points out how the Giants’ victory parade took place downtown, and it was the first time that a celebration took place downtown since 9/11.

New York Post:

SPAGNUOLO TO STAY

BIG BLUE BRINGS SOME CHEER TO GLOOMY GARDEN - The thing that bothers me most about MSG is that James Dolan never had any intention on bringing some cheer to MSG.  That lack of desire to win begins at the top.  I would consider myself as a Knicks hater, and it was always easy to rip on the Knicks because they sucked in the 90’s.  In hindsight, at least they tried to compete in the 90’s because they would make the Playoffs and quickly lose to the Heat, the Pacers, and the Bulls.  Now, they don’t even try to win a game.  I don’t even try to rip on the Knicks because they are so bad that it isn’t even worth it.  I am a Rangers fan, but I barely pay attention to them because of who the owner is.  I won’t spend a dime on the Rangers until he sells the team.

MIRACLE MAN ELI VISITS DAVE

The Star-Ledger:

Spags’ “heart” was with Giants

Spags to remain with Giants

Spags, wife huddle

Steve Spagnuolo, ‘Skins have long talk

Eli pays visit to Letterman’s ‘Late Show’

What could they be talking about? - Mike Garafalo asks this question about Dan Snyder and Steve Spagnuolo.

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What a parade New York City put on for our boys in blue.  Millions of Giants fans showed up downtown for the victory parade.  I’m still amazed over what took place during this run.  It’s been a long 17 years.  There’s been plenty of good Giants teams since then, but not good enough.  Now, this group figured out how to pull it off.

I heard several radio voices compare this Giants run to the Steelers run 2005.  The difference was the Giants had to face one of the best teams ever and the Steelers had to face the Seahawks.  It’s completely different.  Ours was so much better, and New York showed their appreciation for Big Blue by coming out to cheer them on yesterday.  The Giants and the fans all deserved it. 

 Fans Greet Giants - Michael Eisen tells you all about the two victory parades held for Big Blue.

SBXLII sets record - Michael Eisen pointed out that the Giants vs. Patriots became the most watched Super Bowl in history.

Newsday:

Giants get parade fit for champions

Strahan nearly strayed from history

Tyree is a fitting Super Bowl hero for Giants

City restaurant renames chowder to honor Giants

Giants savor afterglow while pondering future

Fans, players lobby Giants’ Spagnuolo to stay - Just as I brought up Spags, this says it all.  According to the article, Jerry Reese intends to keep him as a Giant because they realize what an asset he is.

Coughlin will cash in on Super Bowl - Tom Coughlin certainly will get his huge contract.  When you take a step back from it all tough, it was all because they let go of Tim Lewis and brought in Steve Spagnuolo.  It was the defense that stopped all of the great quarterbacks and their teams.  I wish that the Giants would make Spags an Assistant Coach and hand him a blank check.  I’m not going to take anything away from Coughlin, but I know that more credit goes to Spags than Coughlin.

Osi watches parade from Hawaii - Since Osi Umenyiora was the only player from the Jints to be selected to the Pro Bowl, he had to watch the victory parade on television.  The AP included some of his thoughts about what he saw.

Arrests for vandalism made during Giants parade

LIers late but loud

You can’t stop a Giants fan - from showing up to the Victory Parade.

Fans say they couldn’t miss this party

Giants living the dream after Super Bowl upset - Bob Glauber reveals how various G-MEN felt after winning Super Bowl XLII.

Jersey fans get their chance to laud Giants

New York Daily News:

Super Giants stir millions into frenzy

Eli Manning’s fame won’t change QB

Giants still reliving David Tyree play

Eli Manning has perfect day

Ailing Plaxico Burress misses parade - Ian Begley pointed out that Plaxico missed the victory parade in New York City, but showed up to the rally at Giants Stadium.

Eli Manning misses out on Disneyland, but thrilled to be at parade

Ground game after Giants go home - Stephanie Gaskell pointed out the experiences of the sanition department after they had to clean up after the parade.

Archie Manning, NFL’s most famous dad, has smile … and a tear

Giants take party to The Swamp

Bill Belichick: I Didn’t know (care?) how much time was left

Steve Spagnuolo meets with Redskins

A Patriots defensive back needs defense lawyer - According to Bill Hutchinson, backup DB Willie Andrews “was busted on suspicion of possessing marijuana after he was stopped in Lowell, Mass., and cops found “pot hidden in his groin area.”

Boston pub makes good on wager

Canyon of Heroes also became a Valley of Voters on Super Tuesday

City’s workers score a win in Giants Super Bowl parade overtime

It’ll cost you XLIII dollars for Super Bowl XLII license plates - According to Joe Mahoney, Governor Spitzer is trying to bring New York state some cash by offering Super Bowl Champions XLII license plates for $43.  Mahoney includes more information in the article as well as a link to the DMV website so you can go buy those.

School kids did an end run from classes to Giants parade

New York Post:

OUR TOWN, OUR TIME

‘THERE’S NO GREATER STAGE’ THAN NEW YORK - That is what David Tyree said about getting a Victory Parade in New York.

PLAXICO BURRESS MISSES GIANTS PARADE

GIANTS MUST WORK TO KEEP TEAM TOGETHER

GIANT REPORT CARD - Paul Schwartz gave the G-MEN their final grades.

STEVE SPAGNUOLO HONORED WITH PARTY - Paul Schwartz wrote this about Spags, “At the celebratory and joyous rally for the Super Bowl champion Giants yesterday afternoon at Giants Stadium, one of the loudest and longest ovations was given to Steve Spagnuolo. The display of appreciation and admiration was not only a byproduct of the way his defense in Super Bowl XLII abused Tom Brady and held the Patriots record-breaking offense to a mere 14 points.”

BELICHICK NOT LOOKING BACK YET

NO REST FOR BEST FOR ELI MANNING

New York Times:

Loud Cheers and Jumps for Joy for Giants

Two Days After the Game, Patriots’ Belichick Is Still Being Belichick

The Star-Ledger:

A look back to NYG-NE in SB42

Giants also win the Chowder Bowl at NYC eatery

NY Giants get a heroes’ welcome

NY Giants’ Eli Manning soaking it all in

NY Giants are a good reason for playing hooky

No place like home for NY Giants

NY Giants’ Derek Ward’s agent negotiating with team - According to Mike Garafalo and Colin Stephenson, the Giants are interested in keeping Derek Ward around next season.  Ward is a free agent so anything can happen.

Meadowlands hosts NY Giants Super Bowl celebration in N.J.

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