Giants Articles

August 20th, 2007

“Directa Your Feetzah, to Daddy Green’s Pizza”-While not exactly the Sho-Gun of Harlem the little brother’s feet were moving and so was the Giant offense. For the record, Eli’s stat line read 10/13 for 114 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT in just under a half. Not exactly what many expected based on this maddening pre-game quote from Brian Billick as he tried to rally his thugs.

“Take a look at that other sideline, they’re not ready for what we’re bringing”

“OK-Show of hands- who is NOT ready?”

Terrell Suggs with his Drac like mouth was supposed to terrorize Eli and take away the passing game. A tenacious Rex Ryan defense led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed was supposed to stifle the running game at home, on national television in their oh so frightening black uniforms. So what in the name of Jim Fassel happened here?

“Earthman, your Mickey Mouse is one big stupid dope! “

Simple really, if you can block you can win and whodathunkit – the Giants can block. After holding the Eagles to 23 yards rushing last week, the Ravens “D” watched the Giants unsung line spring it’s runners for 182 yards and Eli Manning finally got his feet under him. It’s those very feet that I’ve implored you to watch as the true barometer of our young, mercurial quarterback. Why is he so erratic; brilliant sometimes and maddening others? To the delight of podiatrists everywhere, you must focus on the feet.

Last night, Eli’s footwork was excellent and because of it, so was his play, and it should be clear now that the two absolutely go hand in hand. Trying to pick out one thing mechanically that makes a QB on target is as easy as simply re-watching the positive plays he makes. In watching Eli in two pre-season games and at one practice, it’s very evident that QB coach Chris Palmer has emphasized footwork and that emphasis paid off last night in Baltimore.

Where did my recent foot fetish come from you ask? (for the record feet sicken me and should be covered at all times; two words-toe jam) The whole foot thing didn’t really dawn on me until I re-watched some of the Super Bowl and AFC Championship game recently (yes I’m a loser) because I wanted to watch Peyton’s throwing mechanics. Though at first glance it looks a little frenzied, it’s his feet constantly moving that enables the elder Manning to scan the whole field quickly and set up and deliver a strike no matter where he throws. By keeping on his toes and holding the ball high, Peyton is almost always ready to throw to any spot.

When he decides to throw, his quick feet enable him to turn his body quickly, set and fire. By keeping his feet under him, Peyton displays good balance and is able to use his whole body and not rely solely on his arm. Arm strength is wonderful, it got Kyle Boller drafted in the first round, but without a good mechanical base it’s as useless as well..Kyle Boller’s right arm. As a bonus this movement helps Peyton disguise where he is going with the football. By keeping mobile, Peyton doesn’t allow DBs to sit on routes and read his body to determine where he’s going.

When Eli is playing poorly he has had a tendency to play a little flat footed and rely solely on his arm, which has led to poor passes, wild overthrows and many damaged remotes. Too often he has to contort his body to throw because his feet are planted and he’s not keeping himself ready to throw to different areas. He has made some dramatic throws off balance, (think the comebacks vs. Denver and Philly) but if last night is any indication of his improved mechanical approach, those last minute charges may not be necessary.

Eli was dare I say very Peyton like with his footwork last night, and it produced a surprising performance against a talented and aggressive defense that sought to smother the young signal caller. As long as he keeps his feet moving, Eli will be the type of QB who can carry our offense. He has the smarts, work ethic, size and arm, he just has to put it all together consistently. As long as he stays on his toes, he’ll keep defenses on theirs.

That’S AMore’- Ok lame tag line, but see how I capitalized S AM so you can spell out SAM and good defensive play is like..a big pizza pie? (In case you were wondering, yes I’m as good looking as I am clever) Last week, new SAM Mathias Kiwanuka was more speed bump than road block and it was, as it often is at this level, a matter of technique and recognition. Against the big bad Ravens, Kiwi played his role as edge run stuffer beautifully, keeping his shoulders square, staying low and stringing the plays out wide so his teammates could corral the play.

“Mathias Kiwanuka, rush chairman, damn glad to meet ya”

That’s My Line- is not something Mike Waufle would have admitted to against the Panthers. The respected defensive line coach can come out of hiding this week as his front four rotation for the most part dominated the Ravens running attack. With the exception of two Mike Anderson runs that saw defenders fly by him in the backfield, the defensive line righted the ship and played smarter than they did a week ago.

All that talk of being aggressive may have given our big fellas the idea that this defense is about reckless abandon when in fact it’s about controlled mayhem. Flying into gaps is fine, but knowing what awaits you and moving the right way once you’re there is what will make this scheme work. Giant defenders spent a lot of time in the Ravens backfield, holding Billick’s little jerk brigade to a paltry 75 yards rushing.

 

“TICKLE FIGHT”

Quick Hitters- LT Guy Whimper again looked like a quality prospect, a far cry from what I saw in person just weeks ago.   Whimper moves downfield as well as any lineman the Giants have, and his aggressiveness is evident.  While far from perfect and guilty of technique lapses, Whimper seems to be coming around.  It’s flashes like these that must be maddening to the Giants coaches.

Rookie RB Ahmad Bradshaw showed nifty running ability en route to 70 yards, albeit against lesser competition.  Bradshaw looked like a natural on the draw plays he was asked to run, but will struggle picking up any blitzers so don’t expect him to see regular duty until that improves.

Newly signed DT Manny Wright, he of the hyperactive tearducts, stopped blubbering long enough to throw a perfect clothesline at 5-7′ RB Cory Ross .  Nikita Koloff would have been proud.  Wright flashed some serious quickness in knifing through the line but given his numerous failures expect him to be jettisoned by the time the season starts.  One thing I’ve learned from great talents that bork off and get in trouble-the same great talent will again bork off and get in trouble before too long.

Why on Earth was staring CB R.W. McQuarters returning punts in the second half when fellow starter Sam Madison was down with a bad hammy, Demps had dislocated his elbow and our secondary is a big question mark to begin with?

Next up, those pesky Jets…

 

 

 

 

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August 17th, 2007

Preseason Week 2 Preview

New York Giants (0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Sunday, August 19^th 8:00PM

On Air: Television: NBC National Broadcast,

On Air: Radio: Sirius Satellite Radio Channels 123, 124

 

 

 

Nevermore- Quoth the Reeser, “Nevermore”…after being gashed repeatedly by a mediocre Panthers running game, restless GM Jerry Reese signed nearly 700lbs of beef to shore up his suddenly suspect defensive line. Defensive Tackles Tui Alailefaleula and Manny Wright tip the scales at about 345lbs each and will be looked upon to provide some stout run stopping support.

 

From where I sat however, the Giants LBs were guiltier than anyone, so I’m not sure how two Gastric bypass candidates are the answer to the defensive woes. The more pressing need this week, is for the LB trio of Pierce, Mitchell and Kiwanuka to pay closer attention to their keys, and not jump at the first sign of movement from the offense. Too often last week, each LB was guilty of over pursuing when presented with a dive fake or counter only to get themselves blocked out of the play. With a one gap defensive tackle alignment and ends that race up field, the linebackers MUST MUST MUST be a bit more patient and attack the right gaps.

OFFENSE

Eli Will be…- Tested by a Raven defense that eschews preseason etiquette and throws the kitchen sink at every offense it faces. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and company harassed the Eagles to the tune of 5 sacks and only 160 net passing yards. Against a dangerous front seven and perhaps the NFL’s best secondary Eli will have to make plays for the Giants to have any chance to compete. Giant starters should be playing for most if not all of the first half, and Eli will be tested. All eyes should be on the youngest Manning this week, because as goes Eli, so goes the Giants’ hopes of competing this season. I must echo my suggestion from last week; watch Eli’s feet and you’ll know how well he’s passing.

 

“Adalius Thomas plays smeer the…Eli”

Tim Hasselbeck will reportedly play this week, and I reportedly don’t care. While Tim appears to have trimmed down, he also appears to be borrowing his hairdo from Ben Franklin, his arm is still suspect and unless he’s facing the Giants he just isn’t an NFL caliber quarterback. Timmy, when you discover electricity and get put on the $100.00, then and only then can you sport that balding mullet.

3 Yards and a cloud of dust – Was all Brandon Jacobs could muster last week, save for a nifty 7 yard run on the Giants lone scoring drive. The big fella will have a big bull’s eye on his back this week with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed lurking. Already in mid season form, the Ravens defense stuffed the Eagles to the tune of a paltry 23 yards rushing last week. While it’s not exactly strategic, I’m rooting for a Jacobs/Lewis collision, so we can put to bed the notion that Ray Ray is still a MLB without peer.

FB Robert Douglas cost #27 a potential big play on the Giants first drive when he incorrectly chose to help Chris Snee double inside on LB James Anderson, when his read should have been to kick out the first defender in the running lane. The play was blocked beautifully, but only netted 3 yards because of Douglas’ poor read. Douglas did redeem himself on Jacobs’s biggest gainer of the day by violently sealing his man off as Jacobs cut inside for a 7 yard run. Against the Ravens’ attacking defense, Douglas is in for a huge test against a very talented LB corps and some very confusing fronts. Much like Eli, Douglas has a chance to prove his mettle this week against an outstanding opponent.

Ryan Grant and Derrick Ward will continue to do battle to see who makes the team. Both had some impressive runs last week but the numbers crunch will claim one if not both of them by the time the regular season arrives. Give Ward the edge for his kickoff return ability.

It’s not a Toomer!!- Oh wait, actually it is. Amani Toomer’s long awaited return from an ACL injury is at hand. Eli’s little blankey returns just in time to take on Samari Rolle and Chris McCallister. Toomer will see limited action, but expect Eli to look his way often when he’s in the game. Still no Plaxico Burress, so expect to see plenty of the youngsters at WR this week. Sinorice Moss may benefit from Toomer’s return as well should Kevin Gilbride attempt the end around against the Ravens. Last week, Moss was stopped after only 4 yards because of Michael Jennings’ pathetic block attempt of CB Ken Lucas. Again, the Giants had the play blocked beautifully, only to see an edge block improperly executed. Vets like Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress make that block and spring Moss for a big gain.

Blocking TE- is a position that Darcy Johnson was growing into until his trip to the IR ended his season this week. Rookie Kevin Boss will have to grow as a blocker to man the position as a rugged edge blocker, which leaves Charles Davis and Mike Matthews to battle it out. In limited action Matthews was fairly impressive last week blocking. He has the bulk needed to get the job done; now it’s up to old hand Mike Pope to get the youngster ready for regular action.

Not so Whimpy- Backup LT and Jerry Reese favorite Guy Whimper played with the same fire he displayed last pre-season and had a few eye popping blocks in the running game. What Whimper still struggled with was the basics when he came out of his stance too high, got bullrushed and beaten for a sack. David Diehl will again be on the watch list as he gets to tangle with a dizzying array of front seven talent and gifted pass rushers. Keeping Terrell Suggs at bay will be Diehl’s challenge on Sunday Night, and should he fail, the loss of Darcy Johnson will have bigger ramifications than anyone ever dreamed. Diehl must be ready to go, or this offense will go nowhere through the air.

Center Shaun O’Hara and guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee are in for a slugfest when they face off against the powerful Kelly Gregg and the mammoth Haloti Ngata. Those two tackles are the key to the Ravens’ run defense, and neutralizing them will be a key to a successful ground game this week. It should be a fun match up to watch given the high energy Snee, Seubert and Gregg all play with.

DEFENSE

Too Aggressive? – The defense must rebound from an embarrassing showing last week. It was predicted right here that the defense would be the talk of the town after last week and indeed it was, for stinking something awful. Cutback runs were all the rage last week, expect the Ravens to be ready with a steady dose of the same until the Giants prove that they have the discipline to maintain their gaps and shut down running lanes. Baltimore brings a methodical short passing game, and a physical running game that wears defenses down and honestly is a bad bad match up for a gambling, blitzing defense that seeks to force turnovers. Steve McNair is careful with the ball and will not force what is not there, and he has a big sturdy offensive line to protect him.

Walk the Line- And you’ll see plenty of athleticism, but maybe not enough bulk to consistently stack up opponents’ running backs. The addition of Justin Tuck at LDE in place of Slow Willie Jo should help greatly as Tuck has the power to anchor and redirect versus the run. The ability to string plays out wide in the running game is what made Michael… (Whoops, I will not name him until he poops or gets off the pot) I mean Gappy Tootherson so effective as a run defender.

Keep your eyes on Osi’s ability to play the run, which seems to be improving but still needs work. As he showed last week, if his outside arm gets hooked, he’s toast. It’s imperative that he, Tuck and Kiwanuka keep their outside arm free to prevent being turned inside on outside running plays. By staying low, keeping their bodies square to the line and “staying home” on the edge, our ends can help slow down the counters and cutbacks that the Ravens like to employ in the run game. Too often last week, Giant edge defenders were caught up in the wash and left the edges open for some embarrassingly long runs by a bunch of average backs.

Fred Robbins returns to action to replace the totally ineffective Marcus Bell. Serves us right for signing someone the Lions and Cardinals didn’t think too highly of.

Crow, it’s what’s for dinner…after my scud like accuracy when I babbled the following: “Proceed With Caution if you plan to cross the line of scrimmage Panther skill players. “ What I must have deleted was the second half of that line…”So you don’t trample our cornerbacks too badly on your way to paydirt”. If Jeff Spicoli was paying attention to our linebackers, he surely would have had the same opinion he had of Mark “Cutback” Davis and Bob “Jungle Death” Gerrard. Our LBs played like it was their first pee-wee game, running and chasing everything BUT the ball carrier.

Simple answer fellas, play the ball not the man. Find ball carrier, tackle ball carrier. Too often our LBs were suckered by play action, dive fakes and counters. I’m surprised DeShaun Foster didn’t try the “I got your nose” trick, I’m sure they would have bought that too.

Mathias Kiwanuka had his rough spots as predicted, but the good news is it’s a technique/recognition issue that should improve with more reps. Nick Goings shot past Kiwi’s gap en route to a 21 yard gain simply due to Kiwi not maintaining proper leverage and position on the end of the line. Even the heady Antonio Pierce and Kawika Mitchell were sucked inside, negating their ability to make plays. Keep your eyes on that trio this week, they will be a big barometer of our success and if they are as reckless and ineffective as they were last week, this could get ugly.

Secondary Considerations- Kevin Dockery and Corey Webster were atrocious last week; both need to play better if they want to see the field this year. Webster is running out of chances to make a statement, and Dockery will have competition from EJ Underwood and Gerrick McPhearson. Aaron Ross will make his Giants debut as the nickel CB, so he can effectively just go out and play his man and not get overwhelmed in his first NFL action. It will be interesting to see if he has the speed to keep up in the slot.

What might be most troubling is that Ravens starting WRs, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason are both smallish, quick wideouts-exactly the type that gives our bigger match up CBs trouble. Ross, Madison and McQuarters will have their hands full chasing those two all over the field.

James Butler and Gibril Wilson were relatively quiet which was a disappointment after all of Wilson’s talk of rededicating himself and the coaches’ lavish praise of Butler this off-season. Perhaps Wilson’s flashes as a rookie were nothing but dumb luck coupled with low expectations from fans. He’s in a defense that features the FS, it’s now or never for Gibril to show he’s worth re-signing. Ex Raven Will Demps took his demotion and used it as motivation to play a solid game last week. Demps is not the most popular Giant, but he seems to be playing at a higher level than he did a year ago, though the sample size is not large. Look for Demps to reclaim his spot at SS if Butler continues to do nothing.

Special Teams- Sorry, I don’t care about the kicking competition yet. I know the kicking game is vital, but there’s far too much else going on for me to give a darn.

Derrick Ward looked impressive on kick returns, but this team has to find a punt returner.

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August 11th, 2007

Carolina at New York, 8pm

Eli Will be…- The starting QB, we know that for a fact but in his first year without Tiki Barber to take over games, more pressure than ever may rest on the easy going former Rebel. Manning is only expected to only play a series or two, so keep your eyes not just on Eli’s passes but on his feet, balance, and demeanor. When he is able to keep his feet moving and scan the field, Eli is as good as they come. His main issue when he starts playing sporadically has been his inability to turn his body toward his target and instead he’s relied solely on his arm. Much like a golf shot, where your feet point after the shot, the ball will have a tendency to follow, so if new QB coach Chris Palmer can keep Eli conscious of his feet, the accuracy will follow. Here’ something fun to try tonight (or 2pm tomorrow on the NFLN); if you focus on his feet, and see that he’s shuffling them, planting, squaring up his shoulders and letting it rip you don’t even need to watch were the ball goes, assume it will be on target.

Jared Lorenzen (#13) and Anthony Wright (#2) will share snaps after Eli departs. Word out of Albany is that Lorenzen has improved greatly, tonight is his first chance to really show it. Wright is a solid, dependable vet with a powerful arm who should be fun to watch against the Panthers end of the roster guys and some of the Giants speedy young WRs.

No Tiki, No Problem? – The post Tiki-Barber era begins tonight, though not fully since it’s only preseason. Only pre-season??? Tell that to those of us who buy draft magazines, drive to training camp, watch the combine, and actually have a strong opinion about the 3-cone drill. We’re the guys who debate the vital issues of our day; who wins in Todd McShay vs. Mel Kiper vs. Mike Mayock (McShay by a mousse covered hair)?. I like Mike Mayock more than the other two honestly but he had nothing good to say about Brandon Jacobs during the NFL Networks’ combine coverage 3 years ago and I gotta stick by my boy.

So Brandon Jacobs gets to suit up at the opening bell for the first time in the NFL. Expect him to come out Clubber Lang style (in the first fight of course, Rocky got lucky in the re-match) and start raining blows on the Panthers. What I’d really like to see out of the big fella, is to get the big bad Panther defense geared up for the collision, and use his improved quickness to leave them behind.

Reuben Droughns (#22) is a solid NFL running back, no need to pay special attention there, but keep your eyes on rookie RB Ahmad Bradshaw (#44) who could have a Kevin Faulk like impact on this offense as a safety valve on 3rd downs and a nice draw option as well when the field is spread out. While it’s not the norm for a 7th rounder to get many touches, the coaches willingness to test Bradshaw over the next four exhibition games will likely give fans a glimpse of whether or not AB will asked to contribute as a rookie.

Also vying for a roster spot will be 2nd year pro Ryan Grant (#39), and perennial tease Derrick Ward (#34). FB Robert Douglas (#24) will have his first chance to show Giants’ brass if he indeed can a viable replacement for the steady Jim Finn. Douglas certainly looked the part in Albany, and has a thick lower body, which is ideal for generating the explosion necessary to be a lead blocker with some pop.

Youth will be served- at WR tonight with veteran starters Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer taking the night off. Starters will be 2nd year pro Sinorice Moss (#83) and highly touted rookie Steve Smith (#12) out of Southern Cal. Expect Panther CBs Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas to give the youngsters all they can handle tonight. If Eli starts off shaky, don’t immediately call for his head, it might just be that his training camp wonders aren’t quite ready for prime time. Tonight’s test should be a good indication of whether the pair are ready to contribute in ‘07 or if the search for the competent 3rd WR will continue. We will be watching closely fellas, don’t disappoint us…or else.

The $18 Million Dollar Man has departed for Minnesota and we know what Jeremy Shockey can do. Tonight, focus on rookie TE Kevin Boss (#89) and backups Darcy Johnson (#84), Charles Davis (#49) and BIG rookie Mike Matthews (#88) who checks in at 6-4 270 but looks bigger. If you haven’t seen Boss yet, get ready to impressed with his athleticism. He can really move and looks fluid doing so at nearly 6-7 and over 250lbs. Johnson has the edge to be the blocking TE for now, but the pre-season should sort that all out. Keep your eyes on the TEs in the running game, it will make or break their chances to be wearing Blue on September 9th.

Luke, it’s not that bad, really- David Diehl (#66) will be on display tonight against a fast, blitzing front seven and talented front four. As with Eli, keep your eyes on Dave’s feet, and how well he’s able to shuffle out on pass protection, while staying low enough to change direction should his man counter and go inside. It’s all about the feet in the NFL, and if Dave’s don’t move, Eli will be on the run.

Most of the OL is returning intact, with the exception of Rich Seubert (#69) sliding in at LG to replace Diehl. I have absolutely no concern at LG, Seubert is, in technical terms, a bloodthirsty savage.

Backups Guy Whimper (#79), Adam Koets (#61), Jon Dunn(#71) and Zach Piller (#63) are the ones to watch with the backups. Whimper has a chance to show that the game means something to him as practice clearly does not. Dunn has the size to compete, Koets has the technique, both will get a chance to show that live tonight.

On My signal..Unleash Hell - Rookie Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense will finally be unveiled tonight. If you look 10 yards downfield and are wondering where the CBs are, you won’t be alone; Tim Lewis will be confused by that development more than anyone. Spag’s style is to attack with his fire zone approach that seeks to overload blocking schemes, rush QBs and confuse the entire offense. Expect to see a rejuvenated group of defenders tonight, and if I had to guess the defense will be the talk tomorrow.

Blue People Eaters- Osi Umenyiora should see limited action, as will starters Barry Cofield, Fred Robbins. If Gappy doesn’t return to man LDE, Justin Tuck (#91) and William Joseph (#94) will slug it out to see who starts. Round one is tonight, expect to see Tuck come out hungry after missing almost all of 2006 with a foot injury.

Backing up the starters will be DTs Jonas Seawright (#75), Marcus Bell (#99) and Jay Alford (#73). Seawright has been more myth than man on the field, so if he doesn’t start to show something his days are numbered. Bell is a steady dependable vet who won’t wow you but will ok you. Alford is one of new favorites, and he should have some fun with slow footed rookie FAs on the OL. I guarantee a sack from Alford and it will be one that if you blink, you might miss how he got there. Don’t prove me wrong Jay.

Proceed With Caution if you plan to cross the line of scrimmage Panther skill players. You may be reading the preview rags and thinking this is the same group you gashed to the tune of 23-0 two years ago. You would be woefully mistaken. Leading a a rejuvenated Giants LB corps is fiery MLB Antonio Pierce who now runs along side WLB Kawika Mitchell (#55) and SLB Mathias Kiwanuka (#97). Mitchell’s debut should go a long way in calming any fears about the position that has been a revolving door since Jessie Armstead departed. Mitchell can play folks, and is no free agent after thought as many publications have claimed.

Big Kiwi should see more action than the other starters since he’s new to the spot and expect a rough play or two early. Don’t lose hope should #97 look shaky at first, it’s his first real action at the spot and he will make the transition by September. If practice is any indication, keep your eye on Kiwi on 3rd down he just might be playing the Elephant backer spot and coming from literally anywhere. The man is a weapon and he will be unleashed.

Stop the Press- will likely be what Tim Lewis shrieks to himself as he watches the Giants CBs play man to man coverage and not 12 yards off the ball, afraid for their lives. After the starters leave, expect long looks for enigmatic Corey Webster (#23), diminutive Kevin Dockery (#35) and the impressive Gerrick McPhearson (#38). At some point, one of the three will have to step up and prove he can play in this league or this secondary will be in trouble. The debut of rookie Aaron Ross will be on hold for at least one more week as his tushy seems to be sore.

Safety Dance- They can dance if they want to, they can leave their friends behind but for goodness sake HIT SOMEONE. Pay special attention to new FS Gibril Wilson (#28) and new SS James Butler (#37). The new defensive scheme should maximize their talents and allow the speedy Wilson and heady Butler to really make an impact this year. Wilson is playing for a contract and seems very determined to reclaim his rookie form. Deposed starter Will Demps will either lie down or come out swinging in defiance of his demotion. I have faith that pretty Willie makes a few thunderous stops tonight, the dude can flat out hit.

Kickers- I loathe kickers. Josh Huston is one, Lawrence Tynes is another. One will kick gooder and one will kick badder and I don’t care who it is. I still miss Ali Haji Shiekh and always will.

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Training Camp Blues

August 9th, 2007

During my stint in the boutonnière of New York, I managed to sober up long enough to catch an evening practice and glimpses of a certain Right Wing Survivor Winning Rosie O’Donnell Hating Pregnant Girl who shall remain nameless. Dying for a hint huh? Her name starts with an E, ends in a -beth and has a liza in the middle. Ok no more clues Inspectors…go go Gadget keyboard…

My observations were not of the flow of any one play, completions, interceptions, crowd oohing plays or violent collisions. Being a complete football nerd I of course focused on the things that make a good athlete a good football player; hand placement, punch, footwork, power base, body lean, field awareness etc. The focus was solely on a few players I have my doubts about, guys in new positions, and returning injured players.

I Have My Doubts-and still do….

Corey Webster, CB #23 – Generally speaking, I despise Corey Webster. Now I’m sure he’s a great guy and helps out in NYC Soup Kitchens, rescues kittens and helps old ladies cross busy intersections, but he just doesn’t pass the eyeball test. I know what you’re thinking and yes, he does have eyeballs but Webster just never seems to stay quiet on the field. A good CB is like a good boxing referee, he controls the action and you barely notice him. Webster stood out noticeably with some obvious pass interference, a couple of nice breakups and some very bad completions on his watch.

Webster is fairly fluid in his backpedal, seems comfortable jamming at the line of scrimmage (LOS) and is a physical tackler but he really struggled in my time there with Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith and even Mike Jennings. Webster’s ‘06 season was marred by a hip injury and numerous stern words from deposed defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, who by all accounts is the Triumph the Insult Comic Dog of football coaches. Overheard on the practice field last year….

“So Webster you’re acting now huh, you should be in a vampire movie, yes? That’s good. Finally, a role that would require you to suck.” -(bastardized from Triumph’s callout of Jon Bon Jovi)

So after hip surgery and some home made cookies to heal his feelings, Webster is hoping to show the form that had Giants’ brass drooling when his name was still on the board at #43 in the 2005 draft. The guess here is that he shows as much to excite as a burka clad Saudi woman. Ok if I was a prosecutor, I realize I’m on par with Mike Nifong with my speculative evidence-less Webster bashing, but unless he’s still gimpy I just don’t see him becoming the player the Giants so desperately need him to be. He lacks the suddenness, change of direction and hip swivel a CB needs to play the tight press coverage that Steve Spagnuolo hopes to employ.

Guy Whimper, LT #79- He will gladly pay you Tuesday for a Hamburger today. I had high hopes for Whimper based on his physical play in the pre-season last year that had me genuinely excited about his potential. Unfortunately, Guy seems to have gone the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen route and just gotten progressively suckier and more difficult to stomach. What’s been discussed is his exceptional footwork and how light he seems to be on his feet. That’s a wonderful trait if you’re hoping to make it to Grease on Broadway, but in the NFL you need more than two feet, you need all of your limbs, good vision and probably some hot chick groupies to really make it. Competition for Dave Diehl at LT???? That only happens if Whimper pulls a Carl Spackler and slices Diehl’s hamstrings so he pushes everything off to the right…”Cannonball, cannonball comin’!”

Technically, it’s pretty easy to see why Whimper struggles because winning in the trenches is pretty simple. Get lower than your man, and beat him to the punch. On the plays I watched Whimper, he repeatedly came out his stance far too high, and instantly sacrificed leveraged, being driven backwards time and again by Tommy Davis…who? I don’t know but he’s better than Whimper. At the snap, Whimper stands straight up then lunges forward bending at his waist. Ideally, any OL fires out from his stance and maintains good balance, power and leverage moving forward. From that position you can still apply a good hand punch in run or pass blocking but, once you extend out you give up a good bit of that power. Stand up at the snap and you’re as good as beaten, no matter who is across from you. Also evident is Whimper’s tendency to waist bend and lunge when blocking thereby giving up his power base and playing with poor balance and leverage. Until he cleans up these basic technique flaws, Whimper has no shot to start.

Perhaps most disheartening when watching Whimper play, is that he seems to be going through the motions. He has an opportunity to play Left Tackle for the New York Giants, he has the backing of our general manager, and has had every chance to shine but has done nothing close to it. Two weeks into camp, Tom Coughlin declared the competition over, and David Diehl has won the job. Maybe it was silly of me or anyone to expect a 4th round project from a middling D-1A school to come in and play at a high level but the opportunity was handed to him and Whimper just never rose to the occasion. Is he hopeless? Again, anything can happen but from where I sit, Whimper lacks the drive to match his physical ability and to this point has yet to master even basic techniques.

Same Faces, New Places..

David Diehl, LT from LG #66- After manning LT in the final 2 games of ’06, David Diehl is now cemented as the full time LT after the release of the declining Luke Petitgout. Most “experts” and by experts I mean numbskulls, are predicting doom for the Giants now that Luke is gone and Diehl is sliding out to man the most crucial spot on the line. In the running game, Diehl is already there, as evidenced by helping Tiki Barber to 234 and 115 yards in his final two games in blue. As for pass blocking, Diehl is sound, but not great yet and may never be. What Diehl is though, is athletic, powerful, durable and incredibly driven to succeed. He might not have all the foot quicks that his predecessor possessed, and his transition will take time but from what I’ve seen Diehl will be able to handle the spot and by week 5 we’ll all be wondering what the fuss was about.

Mathias Kiwanuka, OLB from DE #97- As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog update those worrying about Kiwi having trouble covering people, fear not, if Steve Spagnuolo follows his mentor’s blue print and all indications are that he will be, Kiwi won’t be down the field covering too many people. The SAM in this defense acts as another DL in a sense, and you’re left w/ two LBs almost playing the middle which is why Kawika Mitchell lining up next to Antonio Pierce makes so much sense. Kiwi will be a run stopping force on the edge, a difficult obstacle to throw over, and a pass rushing weapon on obvious passing downs. His ability to be moved around and have his talent maximized is achieved best at this spot. Now that’s simply MY opinion and from what I gather the opinion of the Giants brain trust but for all of you computer jockeys who are smarter than they are, keep thinking it’s a bad idea. Me and Kiwi will prove you wrong, or I’ll just have Smash pay you a visit.

Technically, Kiwi looked smooth in his drops and had very little wasted motion. The only issue at this point seems to be timing and recognition. On a handful of plays in 7 on 7s, MK appeared to hesitate a bit before breaking on the ball, but his speed and height will help mitigate the negative impact of his learning curve. I’m not naïve enough to think he will be perfect by the opener, but a Summer of tussling with Jeremy Shockey should go a long way in helping Kiwi be ready for the challenge of Jason Witten. On Kiwi’s side is the same makeup that makes good athletes good players, a drive to succeed and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Throw in a rare combination of size, speed and natural athleticism and we WILL be looking a defensive weapon for a long time. Also mentioned in yesterday’s blog update was the fact that Kiwi shouldn’t be leaving the field, even on 3^rd down as he was roaming the front 7 in the Elephant backer position.

Back from the Dead and the New Kids- Just a few quick hitters on some of our injured returnees and eye opening rookies.

Sinorice Moss, WR #83- After being on the shelf for most of ’06, Moss appears to have hit the ground running this year. Moss displayed outstanding quickness, and the same full speed cutting ability that earned him acclaim in the Senior Bowl and led the Giants to trade up to nab him last year. Most encouraging to me was that Moss was extending his stubby little arms to snatch passes and bring them in, there was no ball fighting at all. I realize how painful that sounds, and I hope no one ever experiences a full on ball fight. Moss may very well prove to be a weapon for Eli this year, assuming he can shake the injuries that derailed him early on.

Justin Tuck, DE #91- Old Bullet Head was up to his old tricks in Albany, showing the same explosion off the ball, ability to flatten and chase and general kick assedness that led many to believe he could be the heir apparent to He Who Shall Not Be Named. No not Voldemort…crap I didn’t just say or type that name…but well let’s just call him Gappy Divorcerson. Should Justin’s lis franc fracture not give him any trouble, expect some big plays and an eventually a pretty damn good replacement for old #92 when that day arrives.

 

 

Jay Alford, DT #73 – Mr. Alford was mentioned in my season preview simply based on what I saw from him at Penn State, but after the 5 on 1s in Albany, I’m more convinced than ever that this Alford will make us all forget Brian. Alford’s first step is as quick as they come and his ability to make himself skinny when attacking gaps will undoubtedly result in a few game changing plays from the DT position this year. Look out folks, while he may only be a role player initially, Alford has the ability to be a big time game changing player on passing downs.

Adam Koets, OT # 61- Koets stood out to me during the run blocking drills with his polished play and tenacity. Adam showed outstanding explosion off the snap, played low and with outstanding leverage and was able to get into the defender very quickly. Koets will need time in the weight room and may lack the size to play tackle, but based on his technique and athleticism alone, we may have a diamond in the rough on the OL.

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2007 Training Camp and Season Preview

2007 Training Camp and Season Preview

The Disease

Officially my birth certificate reads 1974 at Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, NJ. Little did I know my life wouldn’t truly begin until December 19, 1981 in the crowded basement of a Giant fans’ house. Most 7 year old sons in Giant households know about football, play football, and can spot a football in a toy box, but until they catch the disease, they have no idea what football means. To steal a line from a good friend of mine, “Being a Giant fan is an inherited disease”. Almost twenty six years later, the disease has a grip on my life, and I’m afraid there’s no stopping it.

There I was playing with my Star Wars toys, only slightly aware of grown men jumping up and down cursing someone I would come to hate far more than Darth Vader, the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants were in a 10-7 hole and fighting for their playoff lives. It was then I felt a big hand on my puny shoulders, and heard “Sit down, Danelo’s about to blow it”. Danelo? Who’s Danelo? Why do I care if he blows it? None of that mattered now, because lining up from 40 yards out, this Danelo guy kicked the Giants into overtime and my old man lifted me dangerously close to a ceiling fan.

Suddenly, it was my job to ensure victory by watching the game. It was me, I was lucky because that Danelo guy helped the Giants to an overtime victory that ended an 18 year playoff drought. I, a seven year old, had lifted the curse! It was love at first sight. I knew my life had meaning, I knew I was good luck, I KNEW the Giants were going to make my life great.

The Cure?

After twenty-five years, two Super Bowl wins, one Super Bowl loss, a Ray H*ndley and countless TUMS later; I now have the disease. I no longer bend field goals with my presence, and now I’ve volunteered to share my sickness with the fine people at NY-FootballGiants.com.

Beginning July 27^th at the University of Albany, the Giants are also seeking a cure; for the locker-room troubles that plagued the team down the stretch and nearly cost head coach Tom Coughlin his job. Coughlin’s regime will be overturned should the Giants do what most observers expect, and struggle to replace the franchise’s most prolific offensive talent in NBC newsman Tiki Barber. Questions at numerous positions have most media pundits burying your beloved Giants before they haze their first rookie. Let’s take a look at the damage.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Key Losses: HB Tiki Barber, LTs Luke Petitgout, Bob Whitfield, K Jay Feely, OLBs Carlos Emmons, LaVar Arrington, Brandon Short, KR/PR Chad Morton, TE Vishante Shiancoe, FB Jim Finn (IR), WR Tim Carter (HA!-just making sure you’re all still awake).

Key Additions: HB Reuben Droughns, LB Kawika Mitchell, K Lawrence Tynes, OG Zach Piller, DT Marcus Bell, Rookies: CB Aaron Ross, WR Steve Smith, TE Kevin Boss, DT Jay Alford.

New Starters- 8 Total Including Special Teams::

OLB Mathias Kiwanuka replaces OLB LaVar Arrington

OLB Kawika Mitchell replaces OLB Carlos Emmons

OL David Diehl replaces LT Luke Petitgout

LGs Rich Seubert, Zach Piller replaces LG David Diehl

HB Brandon Jacobs replaces HB Tiki Barber

FB Robert Douglas replaces FB Jim Finn (maybe)

K Lawrence Tynes replaces K Jay Feely

KR/PR Anyone with limbs replaces KR/PR Chad Morton

Coaching Changes: Defensive Coordinator- Steve Spagnuolo replaces Tim Lewis; Special Teams-Tom Quinn replaces Mike Sweatman, Offensive Coordinator-Kevin Gilbride replaces John Hufnagel, Quarterbacks Coach-Chris Palmer replaces Kevin Gilbride.

Taking a Look at 2007: How it could all go wrong.

Offensive Troubles - Losing the franchise’s best weapon and allegedly biggest distraction in Tiki Barber is a situation that everyone is watching as the Giants head to Albany. His replacements, HBs Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns are capable backs, but can they account for the 2,204 yards per season Barber produced over the past 3 years? Jacobs and Droughns biggest challenge may be their ability to pick up the blitz. Barber became one of the finest blitz pickup artists in the league and though often overlooked, it’s a critical part of manning the position, especially with questions on the left side of the OL, FB and blocking TE. Keeping Eli Manning upright will be as crucial to this offense as providing a credible ground threat.

Also gone is Barber’s escort, FB Jim Finn who was placed on season ending injured reserve. Underappreciated, Finn was not the sledgehammer lead blocker every Giant fan craves, but since arriving in 2003, he led Barber to an average of 1,564 rushing yards per season. Left behind is the unknown FB Robert Douglas, who I won’t comment on because I don’t know who he is. Seriously, who is this guy?

Old reliable LT Luke Petitgout is no longer protecting QB Eli Manning’s blindside and with a make or break year for the young QB and his head coach, dismissing the leader of your OL at it’s most critical position could be a recipe for disaster.

QB Eli Manning has been maddeningly inconsistent, sprinkling in amazing performances with some downright awful throws and games in which he seems lost. Losing his best offensive weapon, and his blindside bodyguard does not bode well for the lesser Manning. The production and on the field leadership Barber provided must be replaced, so it’s now or never for Eli to elevate his play and his stature in the locker-room.

WR Depth was an issue last year when Amani Toomer tore his ACL, and Tim 4.28 Carter was unable to do much other than look really cool in a uniform. Sinorice Moss never contributed and David Tyree is not a difference maker at WR. Without that second threat, Manning struggled and with Toomer’s age and injury status, there is no telling how that will impact the passing game until he hits the field.

Defensive Woes- The way the Giants defenders talk about outgoing defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, you’d think he stole their prom dates and keyed their cars on his way out. After falling to a pathetic 28^th against the pass, Lewis’ uber-soft coverage schemes, and demeaning ways had to go.

The problem? All 4 starters in a secondary that was too slow, and often out of position are back. CB Sam Madison is declining quickly and CB Corey Webster has shown nothing in his time as a Giant. Injuries and Tim Lewis hurting his little feelings were blamed last year, so let’s see what Webster does with some Stuart Smalley like support and two good hips. The guess here is that he or Madison is replaced mid season by rookie CB Aaron Ross.

Defensive anchor and garage sale victim DE Michael Strahan is coming off of a Lis-Franc sprain turns thirty-six in November and has missed half of 2 of the past 3 seasons with injuries. The other Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora missed 5 games last year and only collected one sack in 5 games after returning to the lineup. A once feared duo, Mike and Osi have to stay injury free for the Giants defense to have any shot at improving. Not even their backup, DE Justin Tuck was able to stay healthy, suffering a more serious version of Strahan’s injury.

Conventional wisdom holds that moving a lanky 6’6” defensive end to strong side (SAM) linebacker will backfire, and should the aforementioned ends get hurt, Mathias Kiwanuka may be shifted back to the DL. An unsettled weak side linebacker (WILL) slot has ex-Chief Kawika Mitchell and 2^nd year pro Gerris Wilkinson set to do battle at camp. Barring injury or a major upset, Mitchell will emerge as the starter.

…How it could all go right.

Offensive Changes- Mind you this is wild speculation and it puts faith in…GAH! Kevin Gilbride…, but the belief here is that Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns straight ahead styles will alter how this offense plays and how defenses react to it. Barber was a nifty cut back runner, able to wait patiently for holes to open or for a defender to overshoot or miss a gap assignment. Barber’s change of direction and sudden burst to top speed enabled him to exploit those holes for some jaw dropping games.

How do you defend that? Your DL control gaps, your LBs flow to the play and your DBs lay back to prevent the cut back Keeping an 8^th man in the box isn’t necessary because of how slowly some of the runs develop. Against Jacobs, a pure power back, the best defense is to attack the line of scrimmage, which means a safety in the box and a lot of single coverage in the secondary. Jacobs is a more explosive yet more straight ahead runner and should get to the second level quicker than his predecessor, in part because he lacks Barber’s vision and cutback ability.

That running style should lend itself to more single coverage, as teams try to slow down the big speedy back. Put one man on WR Plaxico Burress, TE Jeremy Shockey or a healthy Toomer and you have to like those odds. I might be the only man in the free world not worried about losing Barber, but count me in among those who cannot wait to see Brandon Jacobs get the job.

Impressive rookie WR Steve Smith, late of USC apparently has impressed the coaches to the point that the #3 WR job is his. He could be the elusive 3^rd WR this team has lacked during Manning’s tenure. WR Sinorice Moss is reportedly healthy and while diminutive at 5-8 provides a speedy weapon to Manning’s arsenal.

LT David Diehl will hold off LT Guy Whimper and prove to be a steady performer at LT. Too many cite Andre Carter blowing by Diehl during his first start in Washington, but Barber’s 234 yard outburst was in no small part to the holes blasted open on the left side. Diehl may lack Petitgout’s nimble feet, but with good size, durability, experience and a full off-season to get acclimated to stepping to his left and not his right in Pass-Pro Diehl will get the job done.

OG Zach Piller, a steady veteran from Tennessee, or holdover LG Richie Seubert can capably replace Diehl’s vacated LG slot.

Attacking Defense- Keep your eyes on Steve Spagnuolo (Spags for short-I’m lazy), who was brought in to revamp the defense. Defenders are already buzzing about his aggressive schemes. Spags’ personality alone will be an improvement over his predecessor, and his pedigree certainly instills excitement.

In 2006, injuries forced 5 different players to start at OLB. That many combinations made it impossible for the line backing corps to gel and play with the continuity that successful defenses require. Enter LB Kawika Mitchell who has played in 47 straight games and brings much needed durability and quickness to the WILL spot. New SAM Mathias Kiwanuka was shifted from DE, and while questions remain, Kiwi showed the change of direction, lateral quickness, hustle and play recognition skills needed to play OLB. After two years of musical chairs at the spot, the trio of MLB Antonio Pierce, Kiwanuka and Mitchell should form an impact group.

A healthy DL rotation is one of the keys to success in the Jim Johnson defense and assuming Spags adopts its tenets the Giants should be in good shape along the front four. Strahan and Umenyiora appear to be on the mend as does 3^rd DE Justin Tuck. Holdover DTs Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins should benefit from the gap shooting scheme which won’t tie up either over center for too long. Both are big but nimble players who should excel in an attacking front. Holdover DT William Joseph isn’t great but he’s solid depth as is newly signed DT Marcus Bell. Rookie 3^rd rounder Jay Alford was a sack machine at DT for the Nittany Lions and Giant fans will instantly love his incredible quickness off the ball and the speed at which he plays. Even as a rookie, expect Alford to make some impact plays on 3^rd down rushing from the DT spot.

Rookie CB Aaron Ross injects a much needed dose of speed and ball skills to a beleaguered secondary. A healthier Will Demps, a rejuvenated Corey Webster and emerging young vets Kevin Dockery and James Butler might just be enough to form a solid secondary.

…and why it may not matter.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin is striving to improve, recently creating a Leadership Council, playing nice with the media and actually seeming more human to those on the outside. His “Shut up and Play” edict is one that must not be abandoned. Galvanizing this team under his leadership is job number one and with his most outspoken critic gone, Coughlin has a great chance to do just that during the time in Albany. Great teams are assembled in the off-season, forged in camp and galvanized on the field. The Giants don’t lack for talent, leadership or youthful exuberance, what they lack is a sense of team. How well the revamped coaching staff forges that team over the next month will tell plenty about what to expect from your 2007 New York Giants.

TECHNIQUE TIDBIT

Each week in this spot, we will examine an overlooked term, technique or football related thingy that fans have heard and can recite but may not fully understand or even care about. While watching camp videos on Giants.com or watching practice live, pay attention to the battles between WRs and DBs on the line of scrimmage and you’ll understand Jerry Reese’s unnatural obsession with long arms.

Long Arm of the Law?- Back in April GM Jerry Reese couldn’t stop talking about Aaron Ross’ long arms.

“He fits our scheme – a big guy with long arms who can battle big receivers. He can play that press coverage that our coordinator thinks that we are probably are going to play more of this year….Will he cover Terrell Owens better than he will cover Santana Moss? Absolutely he will because he is a big guy, he is long-armed.”

So who cares if he has long arms aside from his tailor? In Press coverage, the CB gives little to no cushion outside of the neutral zone, and uses his arms to jolt the WR off his route in an effort to disrupt timing of the route and give blitzers time to get to the QB. WRs often use a swim, swat or rip technique to free themselves so they can get into their routes, make sight adjustments and give the QB a good target. The longer a WR is tied up, the less chance he’s going to see the ball.

A DB with longer arms hinders the swim, swat or rip move because the WR will have trouble getting under his pads to generate the lift he needs to throw the DB off balance. A WR will typically hook under the arm or shoulder pads of the DB on the side he wishes to run to, and use his other arm to swim or rip around him and continue on his way. Very simply, the longer the DBs arms are, the harder it becomes for the WR to get into his body and run unimpeded. It’s similar to why OTs with long arms can be more successful than their more T-Rex like counterparts.