Keith Kidd of Scouts Inc. ranked the Wide Receiving Corps for all NFL teams. The New York Football Giants ended up being No. 11 on the list. Here’s Kidd’s analysis…
Plaxico Burress was dominant last season despite struggling with injuries. Burress is a huge, athletic receiver with long arms and physical play strength. He has good hands, can out-jump defenders downfield and is valuable in the red zone. Amani Toomer is a solid possession receiver with outstanding experience. He is a good route-runner with good catching skills and can be effective in the short and intermediate areas. Steve Smith displayed good receiving skills late in 2007 after dealing with injuries throughout his rookie season. Sinorice Moss has been disappointing in his development but David Tyree was amazing in the Super Bowl. Tyree is a solid No. 4/5 receiver with tremendous value on special teams coverage units. Incoming rookie Mario Manningham could be a steal as a third-round pick, depending on how he matures and learns the Giants’ complicated offense.
I consider that to be one of the most accurate analyses that I’ve read in a while.
So the Giants have concluded their final day of Mini Camp. The next 40 days or so are going to be much quieter since not much will be going on until they go up to Albany for training camp. I’m sure we’ll continue to hear about Burress and Shockey until it’s resolved. For now, Justin Tuck is expected to replace Strahan at left defensive end rather than moving Mathias Kiwanuka back up to the D-Line.
NFL.com is running a video called ‘Top 10 comebacks’. Big Blue made the list twice, once on the winning end and once on the losing end.
No. 9: Giants 17-point comeback over the Eagles in 2006.
No. 3: 49ers 24-point comeback over the Giants on Wild Card Weekend in 2002. This game just broke my heart. I was up at Mohegan Sun watching the game in one of the bars, and I had to drive back to Long Island so depressed.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com believes that Michael Strahan may come back if the Jints call him and say that they need him back when the season is about to begin.
Giants.com:
Born to lead - Michael Eisen expects Antonio Pierce to take a bigger role as a leader for this team now that Strahan retired. Pierce said,
I don’t feel that respect amongst the league. Talking to other guys throughout the league a lot of them said, ‘You guys played a hell of a game.’ A hell of a game - so the other 16 games in the regular season and the three playoff games really didn’t do anything for us. You hear that amongst players. We played a good game at the right time. Your quarterback got hot at the right time, your defense started playing ball at the right time. All those things are being said and heard, and that is fine and dandy. We have to do it again and the only thing we are shooting for is to win our division and get to the playoffs.
We are the underdogs again. We are not even picked to win our division, so there is nothing that has changed. The only thing that we have is the title of having the Super Bowl championship, of being the most recent Super Bowl champion. We are still the underdogs, and I think going into it we will probably be underdogs even at home again.
I know what they are saying, but I don’t worry about that. I am going to go about my business the same way I did last year. When Strahan wasn’t here for the whole OTAs, mini-camp, and training camp it was already starting to go that way last year. He came back and he picked up right where he left off. Obviously, he is not going to be here this year. But I am just going to do what I normally do, go about my business the same way. Obviously, I am going to be a little more vocal and I am going to have to be the guy to get after the guys a little bit more if need be.
I know AP loves to use the ‘underdog’ and the ‘us against the world’ mentality to prove everybody wrong. I think that the media is retarded for saying that the Road Warriors are not the team to beat, but maybe it will benefit the team in a positive way this year just like it did last year. Also, AP was the biggest leader on the team last season anyway. Not just on the field, but he represented the team off the field as well (i.e., his weekly spot on WFAN). He did a great job doing it also. He does need to increase his role as a leader now that Strahan is gone. It is funny how a guy like Pierce can become a leader because he was an undrafted free agent signed by the Redskins. The Giants got him and he’s already been one of the leaders of the defense. There are others guys who have been around much longer, but where are they?
Mini Camp Report Day Three (Video) - John Schmeelk and Michael Eisen discussed day three of this week’s Mini Camp.
Fierce Pierce Report (Video) - John Schmeelk had a Q&A Session with Antonio Pierce.
6.13 DC Steve Spagnuolo (Video) - The media asked Steve Spagnuolo about moving forward without Strahan.
OC Kevin Gilbride (Video) - The media asked Kevin Gilbride about Shockey and Burress not being out there on the field.
WR Amani Toomer (Video) - The media asked Amani Toomer if he thinks it makes a difference that he was the only one out there for Eli Manning to throw to.
I thought it was quite humorous that all these intellectuals with pens and recorders could totally miss the point that was made yesterday I was frustrated with the media. I never once criticized anybody or any teammates. So you guys missed the point on that one. I was asked a general question about players in general. It had no relevance whatsoever to anybody. (It was) a general question about players wanting more money and new contracts. I’m always going to side with the players when they want more money. You have to handle your business. But what I said was that in my opinion that there was a right way to do things. I’m not talking about those guys (Shockey and Burress). I never was talking about those guys. I was speaking in general terms, my belief about the way I would handle it.
Ralph Vacchiano stated that O’Hara, ” has been a consummate professional with the media ever since he joined the Giants. He has earned our trust and the benefit of the doubt, so I’ll believe him that his intent was not to specifically attack two teammates. Only he knows for sure and I’m not going to try to interpret what was in his head.” With that said, Vacchiano included the transript of the interview and O’Hara did respond to the question specifically about Burress. I don’t think O’Hara should back down from what he said. He is the captain because he says the right things about the team.
The Star-Ledger:
Coughlin: Shockey an ‘issue’ - Mike Garafolo pointed out that Coughlin said that, “There is an issue.” when asked about Shockey’s mental state after practice, “but it’s not something that would prevent him from working.”
Rosenhaus cryptic about 80, 17 - Mike Garafolo provided the transcript from Drew Rosenhaus. As usual, Rosenhaus didn’t have much to say about his clients.
Your Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants are at the White House today. How cool is that? According to Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger, the NJ.com website is going to have live video coverage of the ceremony which begins at 3:20 p.m. A link will be added to the NJ.com home page prior to the start of the event. This can be hysterical so don’t miss it.
Shock the World - According to Michael Eisen, Sinorice Moss will try to prove critics wrong in ‘08.
Champion Giants to be honored at White House - Tom Rock informed us that, “The Super Bowl champions will be honored by President Bush in a ceremony on the South Lawn this afternoon. While many of the players spent yesterday gearing up for their first encounter with the commander in chief and a behind-the-scenes look at the building in which he lives and works, Manning spoke about sitting down with him in the Oval Office two months ago for a chat.” The Giants are at the White House. I can’t wait to hear what stupid things Mr. Strahan and others say to President Bush. I’m sure it will be in the papers tomorrow.
NOT A GIANT CONCERN - Paul Schwartz says that the veterans are not concerned about the draftees.
The Star-Ledger:
Giants at the White House today - live video - Mike Garafolo wrote, “NJ.com will feature live video coverage of the event, scheduled for aproximately 3:20 p.m. Go to the NJ.com homepage for a link that will go up in plenty of time to catch the ceremony.”
Moss welcomes Manningham - Mike Garafolo explains why Sinorice Moss was so excited when the Giants drafted Mario Manningham.
At the end of the NFL Draft, here’s the list of the players that the New York Giants selected (click on the player’s name to view the NFL.com Draft Player Profile):
Round 6, Pick 33 (199) (Compensatory selection): Southern Miss DE Robert Henderson
According to Bob Brookover of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Eagles are suing Terrell Owens “in an attempt to recover the bonus money Owens never paid after being suspended for the final seven games of the 2005 season.” The Eagles and their fans have never given up messing around with T.O. It keeps going on and on.
I think Mario is a good person and he’s made some choices that he has apologized for. I believe him. I’m confident that he’s going to have a very good career.
He went to the combine without much preparation because he had a problem with his agent. He’s made some mistakes. Yet I think he’s with an organization that will give him good support. I think the biggest thing is, I’m sure and I’m confident that he’s learned some things in this process. He’s a young guy.
The biggest thing is that he has an opportunity now to go to a great organization in a very, very difficult environment, where the expectations are big, the media and scrutiny in New York certainly is as intense as it gets. But he’s got an opportunity to go in with a great young quarterback, an organization that’s coming off of a Super Bowl, so he couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. And I think we’re all confident that he’s going to take advantage of that.
New York Post:
NO GIANT SHOCK-ER - Paul Schwartz explains why he believes that keeping Jeremy Shockey in New York was the right move.
JINTS GIVE DT A SHOT - Paul Schwartz wrote an article about the undrafted free agents that the Giants are interested in. Like Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote yesterday, Paul pointed out that one of the undrafted free agents named Nate Robinson came out of Irvington, NJ. Schwartz lets us know what Robsinson has been up to since graduating from Irvington. At the bottom of the article, Paul wrote, “Some of the free agents expected to sign with the Giants or be invited to next month’s rookie mini-camp include:”
After the Giants huge win yesterday clinched the playoff spot, the Redskins victory over the Minnesota Vikings clinched the Giants the #5 seed overall. The best the Vikings or Redskins can finish is 9-7. With Tampa Bay’s loss they can do no better or worse then the 4th seed, the best record they can finish with is 10-6, but Seattle holds the Tie-Breaker.
So there it is, after many weeks of speculation and concern, the final week does not matter towards the Giants season, and man is that one helluva big relief.
The Giants will take on the Patriots in the regular season finale next Saturday night. As much as I would love to see the Giants thwart the Pats undefeated season on the last game of the season, the G-Men must treat next week like a bye. The Giants have too many banged up players and have lost too many players to injury this season, they can’t afford to lose anyone else.
If I was a betting man I would gamble on Burress and Jacobs not playing a snap. The scintillating rookie Bradshaw getting the majority of carries with Droughns spelling him. Eli, I bet, will play a series or two to continue his games started streak and Toomer will see a handful of plays. For the most part though we are going to see an offense led by Wright or Lorenzen, with Bradshaw in the backfield, Moss and Smith split wide and Boss anchoring the TE spot. Not the lineup you’d expect to knock off the Patriots….
It is also worth noting that if the Giants for some reason did play their starters all game and got waxed by the Patriots that would be an unneccesarry stomach punch leading into the playoffs. The team will be riding high after the win yesterday and will need to carry that momentum into the playoffs, which will be possible if the majority of starters sit next week.
Congrats Giants, the real season begins in two weeks down in Tampa Bay, perhaps the weakest team in the playoffs. What a great Christmas gift this was….Happy Holidays all!
The Purple People Eaters will be in New York tomorrow, and they will be handing the ball off to whichever running back is on the field. Also, former TE of the Giants, Visanthe Shiancoe, will be donning purple while he faces his former team. All Big Blue needs to do is stop the outstanding running game of the Vikings.
Newsday:
Ready, willing - Arthur Staple describes how Torbor is happy to step up and fill the void of fallen Giant Kiwanuka.
Another excellent performance turned in by the Giants against the 49ers Sunday. It is a nice thing to see the Giants rolling over opponents that they should beat. The past couple of seasons the Giants would always succumb to the teams they were playing by playing down to their level. This year? So far so good.
The Defense was relentless and made for a long day for the hapless Trent Dilfer. Six more sacks this week, its a real joy to watch this pass rush. They were in the backfield all day dictating the tempo of the game. Justin Tuck hasa been the unsung hero so far this year, he is having a monster year. He now has 7.0 sacks on the year, one behind Umenyiora’s league leading 8.0 sacks. Imagine if Tuck played every down? Time to give this guy his well deserved praise.
On the offense side of the ball, the rushing game is looking formidable. Jacobs rushed for 107 yds on the day without playing in the 4th qtr, sources are saying he tweaked the same ankle that kept him out earlier in the year, lets hope that it’s nothing serious. Eli was solid but unimpressive.
The one frustrating thing about this offense this year is they have yet to put together 4 solid quarters, always appears they take a half or a quarter off. Against the 49ers the Giants managed 49 yds of offense in the 2nd half. That needs to get better if they want to hang with the big boys.
The Special Teams is still mediocre at best. Tynes missed his 2nd extra point of the year and Droughns scares no one as a kick returner, I’d rather see Sinorice Moss returning Kickoffs with his speed.
Next up for the G-Men are the desperate 0-7 Miami Dolphins. The Giants must not overlook this game. After the Fins game they have a bye and then the Cowboys for an NFC East showdown. The Giants need to concentrate on the Dolphins this week, gameplan just as they did for Atlanta and San Francisco and they should be on their way to 6-2.
Last year the Giants were 6-2 and went into a big game against the Bears (Hester’s missed field goal return anybody?). They suffered many injuries and in-house scuffling derailed the team and sent them to 2-6 the rest of the way.
Something feels different this year though, maybe its been the opponents we have played recently, banged up and inept, but I’ve been watching the Giants for years and they usually find a way to make those games interesting, not this year though, so perhaps they are finding a way to make the season interesting or should I say special?
Barber vs. Barber is over now that Tiki retired. We have a new set of brothers going head-to-head. They both went to the University of Miami, they both play Wide Receiver, and they both play in the NFC East. They are Sinorice and Santana Moss. Unfortunately, only one of them is a really good talent and he plays for the Redskins. So it will not be like Tiki vs. Rhonde, where both were Pro Bowlers at their respective positions. I hope Sinorice comes out this week and has an outstanding game.
Ok, so the New England Patriots get the win, so what. The season begins now and even though we have many of our players injured we still have a squad.
Quarterback: Eli Manning looks terrific. He has been very accurate and seems to be placing himself among some elite QBs with the way he’s playing.
Running backs: Jacobs is our main guy but it looks like the position will be shared with the runner ups since they all have potential for starting. To have Droughns at fullback could be our best offensive weapon due to his ability to run and big body to block for cover.
Receivers: Also many contestants in this field. Many talented young players, all ready to step up. The way Manning has been distributing the ball to Smith, Moss, Mix, Tyree, and London, the third spot is overbooked. Personally, I think Mix will be the best addition to the roster but playing during the real season is a big difference.
Tight End: What can I say about Shockey you don’t already know. Still think he’s an over rated tight end? Don’t think so!
Kickers: stepped up…or should I say kicked up big time. Still a big question until the real season begins.
Defense and Special Teams: Many injured but back ups are ready to play. If Strahan decides to come back we will more than likely lead in sacks. We have the players to get it done and the defensive line to put fear on the opponent. Plenty of speed from our returners but I’m yet to see an exciting runback to fully believe in this category.
Overall: Big Blue will have a strong season if the plague doesn’t hit us hard. We are already experiencing a bit of it and hope to have a healthy squad until the end of the season. Nothing is guaranteed as far as injuries but that doesn’t mean we won’t win with our backups.
Hello Die Hard Giants Fans! My name is Keith Krummel, and I am the Lead Giants Blogger on Die Hard Giants Fan. You can click on my image for my full Bio as well as the Bios of all of our Bloggers. Feel welcome to comment in response to our posts. We want to know what's on your minds. Go Giants!
Keith Kidd of Scouts Inc. ranked the Wide Receiving Corps for all NFL teams. The New York Football Giants ended up being No. 11 on the list. Here’s Kidd’s analysis…
Your Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants are at the White House today. How cool is that? According to Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger, the 
After the Giants huge win yesterday clinched the playoff spot, the Redskins victory over the Minnesota Vikings clinched the Giants the #5 seed overall. The best the Vikings or Redskins can finish is 9-7. With Tampa Bay’s loss they can do no better or worse then the 4th seed, the best record they can finish with is 10-6, but Seattle holds the Tie-Breaker.
The Purple People Eaters will be in New York tomorrow, and they will be handing the ball off to whichever running back is on the field. Also, former TE of the Giants, Visanthe Shiancoe, will be donning purple while he faces his former team. All Big Blue needs to do is stop the outstanding running game of the Vikings.
Ok, so the New England Patriots get the win, so what. The season begins now and even though we have many of our players injured we still have a squad.
