Eli Spreads The Ball As the Redskins Fall

“Manning throws to the corner…Touchdown!, Derek Hagan…the former Dolphin, who never caught on in Miami, responds to the Washington touchdown.”

That was the call, for the 23 yard touchdown to Hagan, last night on ESPN.

The touchdown, Eli’s third of the game, and Hagan’s first as a Giant, is a testimate to Eli’s stellar performance last night.

Not that he threw for an amazing amount of yards, but more that the team came together and put the final nail in the, “oh no we lost Plaxico and Toomer, what are we going to do”, coffin.

I’ll say this again as I’ve said it many times; the Giants are going to be fine with-out them.

Now, they have finally proved it.

Eli spread the ball well, throwing for three touchdowns for the second straight game. In fact, he hit 10 receivers in his 19 completions.

He hooked up with; Smith, Nicks, Manningham, Hixon, Boss, Bradshaw, Jacobs, Beckum, Pascoe, and Hagan.

Pascoe?

Yup, Bear Pascoe—tight end. He is and un-drafted free agent out of Fresno State, making his second game appearance with the G-Men. He started one of those games.

So technically three tight ends caught passes in this game; Beckum counts.

Bottom line, Eli and his gang of no-bodies have been tearing it up quietly all season, and now we can finally bury the notion that they won’t make it.

Steve Smith has the most receptions in the entire NFC. That’s right, even more than Larry Fitzgerald. He also has broken the single season franchise record for receptions, over who other than, Amani Toomer.

On top of that, Hakeem Nicks leads all rookie wide receivers in yards, with 751. Not to mention he leads in plays of 40 yards or more, with 5, which shows his big play ability. He is second in touchdowns with 6.

Manningham has also been productive as a number three pass catcher.

In the end, the Giants have always been able to find someone to throw to this season.

They don’t need gun-toting, trouble-making, club-going, touchdown-catching, Super Bowl winning, Eagles destroying, Plaxico.

And they don’t—as much as we may miss him in general—need a sturdy handed, perfect route running, reliable, and all around stand up guy in Amani Toomer.

The Giant have finally replaced them and are all the better for it. 

Now can we please stop talking about Plaxico? And only talk about Amani in nostalgic ways?

Please and thank you! 

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Mr. August, Sinorice Moss, Taking an Early Summer Break

I was recently looking back at a few articles from training camp, I couldn’t help but notice how wrong everyone of them was. Sinorice Moss, Mr. August, has been a bust and then some.

So far this season he has one catch for 18 yards and a touchdown. It was much earlier this season I can assure you. Hakeem Nicks has emerged as Eli’s big play guy, and Smith and Manningham have been extremely active too.

Smith now leads the all time Giant’s recievrs list with most single season franchise receptions. Apparently Amani, in big brother fashion, gave a pair of hand-me-down shoes to Steve and what do you know…they fit perfectly.

Boss has also had an increased roll in the passing game, but where is this hot shot Mr. August? Everyone raved, including me, all off-season about the type of work he was doing.

It was finally his break out season, and he got cold feet. He hasn’t had a catch since the third game of the season, and he hasn’t seen the Field since the first Eagles-Giants game. This fourth year player out of Miami has nearly as many career fumbles (two) as he does touchdowns (three).

I suppose the really disappointing thing is we all saw a hero emerging, but maybe while changing into his costume the telephone both door got jammed. (I always wondered if that ever happened to Super Man, but he would probably just smash through it.)

So we move on to Nicks and Smith who seem to be the future, Moss is the past.

I would not be surprised if he was cut to make some roster room at the end of the season. Remember the Giants already have, Smith, Nicks, Hixon, Barden, Hagen, and Manningham. All of which have significantly higher numbers then Moss.

Not to mention Boss, Beckum, Bradshaw, Darcy Johnson, Hedgecock, and Jacobs all have better receiving stats. The only person with worse stats then Moss? Danny (D.J.) Ware with one reception and negative four yards.

The Giants have many more concerns than Moss, expect him to be let go.

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Eli Manning Bruises Heel Before Touchdown to Former Tar Heel

On a play early in the fourth quarter in week four against the Chiefs, Eli Manning has been pulled from the game after sustaining an injury to what appears to be his heel.

Initial reports from the Giants sideline stat that it is a “bruise;” however, judging by the replay, it is possibly an Achilles tendon issue.

Eli Manning was in the process of planting his right foot when the injury occurred, and he came down on it in a very awkward manner, causing the injury. Manning was not touched nor rushed on the play, and it appears to be self-inflicted.

Eli had thrown two touchdowns, both to WR Steve Smith, prior to this play and the  next play did result in a touchdown by Hakeem Nicks, the first of his career.

It will be catastrophic if Eli cannot play for any amount of time; even though the Giants have an awful Raiders team at home next week. If Eli ever needed a week off this season, that would be the best week available.

Eli is backed up by former first-round draft choice of the Houston Texans, David Carr. Despite his beating throughout his career with Houston, he does have a lot of skill and is one of the better back ups around the league.

Unfortunately, some of the Giants fans who laughed this off-season when Carr signed an extension may be abruptly shut up.

If Eli, who has not missed a start since receiving the starting job, cannot go, Rhett Bomar will be called up from the practice squad. He is a rookie out of Sam Houston State who beat out Andre Woodson (now with the Redskins) for the third QB spot.

Eli is walking around on the sidelines, as I am writing this article in “real time;” I will delay the publishing of this article until after Carr’s first series and Eli’s initial post-game comments.

Carr goes three and out on his first series with two incompletions; remember he doesn’t really need to try hard in a one-sided game like this, so don’t panic yet.

Eli is standing around on the sideline with an earpiece listening to the game, while Carr takes a big sack. The significance is Eli looks okay. He hasn’t been carted off, he didn’t go for X-rays; the fact that he is still there is a good sign.

Eli has played through injury before, hurting his shoulder against Dallas last season and not missing a start.

As FOX shows the replay again, it can be seen he tweaks his heel and then heaves the ball trying not to put pressure on it.

Also, FOX may have corrected me, the play Eli got hurt on did not result in a touchdown the play after, a shotgun where Eli did not need to move much, did.

As a side note although I recognize my title may be inaccurate, but I like the ring to it and I’m not changing it; sorry.

Eli was able to walk out on the field to shake hands, he has a quick interview coming up soon.

Change of plans: FOX cut to the Dallas game, so Eli’s interview won’t be released until later.

Final Notes: Giants’ fans, DON’T PANIC! Eli looked fine standing on the sidelines and I personally think he will be okay. Eli is very tough, and despite FOX’s hype, I don’t think it is a major injury.

He may miss next week against Oakland, but Carr can handle it. We will just have to wait and follow the story throughout the week. Good luck, Eli!

 

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No Star But Still On Par; New York Giants Wide Receivers

The New York Football Giants have been able to lay some doubters to rest…for now. But it still seems that within this wonderful community there are a few isolated incidents of calling for change.

Let me be clear. The New York Giants DO NOT need anymore wide receivers.

Let me reiterate, all those wannabe T.O. guys (Marshall and Edwards)? Who needs ’em! We got rid of our loud mouth, no good, team killing fat long ago and it was for the best. Even guys like Boldin who are tough as nails really aren’t necessary. Let the G-Men create their own identity, we don’t need to copy others.

Who cares if Hakeem Nicks went down? It’s a foot sprain and he will be fine, get over it. Honestly it may be the best thing for the Giants at the moment.

It is still ridiculously early in the season, so the injury not only gives Nicks some time to really study film and learn opposing defenses, while it gives the Giants time to see what their third round pick Ramses Barden (one of my personal favorite additions) and “Mr. August”, Sinorice Moss, can do!

Moss had an absolutely phenomenal camp this year, as he does most. The difference is he left camp healthy. He did fall back under the radar as Manningham has really started to shine; however, I think he can be an integral part of the Giants this season.

Don’t complain about the Giants not having enough hands. Let’s review: Hixon, Smith, Manningham (penciled in starters), Nicks (out 2-3 weeks), Moss, Barden, and Hagan. Not to mention Bradshaw who has good hands out of the backfield, Boss who has really developed his receiving game (and given a few years may be one of the top all around tight ends in the league), and Travis Beckum who has thus far not been used, but has some of the best hands of this past draft class.

The Giants shouldn’t be worrying about hands in the least. In fact if I was really honest I would say we could option Hixon to the return game, which he was primarily brought in for and excels at, make Smith and Manningham the starters, and Moss the third guy.

Heck the G-Men have so many receivers maybe some should switch to secondary while the Men in Blue wait to get some of their banged up guys back.

I like to end a lot of my articles with bold predictions because it creates better discussion.

So here it goes, Giants wide receiver outlook next few years: If Moss doesn’t produce this year he may be gone. The Giants can’t afford to waste anymore roster spots. Derek Hagan could easily be optioned to the practice squad or free agency if the need arises.

My projected starters over the next few years would be Smith, Manningham, and Nicks in the three spot. Barden grabs up the fourth (I don’t want to predict any deeper because that is next to impossible).

If Manningham, by some twist of unfortunate events, left in free agency in the next few years the Giants could be looking at a very Plax-Toomer like team once again. Nicks and Barden fit the mold and Smith is a ridiculous slot player. Either way the Giants are set at wide receiver for the next five years at least (knock on wood). We have our men set.

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Preseason More Puzzuling Then Proving for the New York Giants

The New York Football Giants have raised a few eyebrows lately especially after a poor performance in a meaningless game against the Chicago Bears.

I think the picture for this article says it all, they are trying really hard and just can’t seem to get where they want.

So I am throwing together a short little article of my reflections of the mid-way point of the preseason.

Not everything the Giants have done has been bad. In the first game against Carolina Osi walked away with a sack after only a few series. The Defense looked unbelievably fast, and put up strong pressure throughout the night. Danny Ware also had a solid night, along with all the other backs.

Including Allen Patrick, a rookie out of Oklahoma, he’s a long shot to make the roster but he did have a solid first game, (he did not play against the Bears) and with Brown out for the season could pull of an upset in camp.

Carr also had a very solid night although it is essentially meaningless barring an unforeseen injury…knock on wood.

A quick note about the O-Line, they looked great. Down two starters in the Carolina game they completely dominated. Through both games they showed food form and have made some really nice holes for the backs to slip through.

Some negatives I’ve noticed include Lawrence Tynes. I have truthfully never been a fan of him. He didn’t win me over in the NFC Championship game against Green Bay and he isn’t doing a better job now. I wanted him gone two years ago when he had a position battle in camp with Josh Huston, and I thought after an old geezer in Carney showed him up he would be gone for sure. Obviously, that is not the case and he is still around and still missing crucial kicks.

The Giants have a habit of being unlucky with kickers, I think it would be wise to focus on that position in the near future.

Another concern would be Andre Woodson, he threw a pick in his first game. He better be careful or he will be cut. Bomar is doing a ton in camp to impress the coaches and even he may be practice squad guy. As much as I like Woodson I have to believe his days are numbered. Then again he did significantly pick up his game when he faced the Bears.

David Tyree is a similar story. His one-hit wonder Super Bowl performance has faded a bit and his lack of playing time suggests the obvious, he should keep his bags packed because it is any day situation for him now.

One of my biggest concerns has been the receivers. No one particularly stood out against Carolina, however they picked it up a bit while facing the Bears. Individually no one was spectacular but as a unit they had eleven catches for then or more yards. Also, Nicks showed his deep play capability with a fifty-five yard reception. Unfortunately, Moss and Manningham were absent from any of this success against the Bears.

I cannot stop raving about the running backs, they are doing a phenomenal job and each have great potential. They all pick up each others slack and it is like a well oiled machine.

It should be interesting watching the rest of the preseason. Look for the D to continue its domination, they just look strong. The receivers need to pick it up and establish themselves as a unit. Two or more need to emerge as the leaders and they need to do it fast. If the Giants are going to live up to the hype then as a team they need to start playing like it. They have only had a few speed bumps thus far but it would be nice to see those ironed out as soon as possible.

There will be a lot to look for in the rest of the preseason, hopefully by the time cuts are made the coaches will have a good feel for who needs to go and everything will be set for the season start.

Michael Vick Signs With The Eagles; A Giants Fan’s Perspective

Well folks, it’s official.  Michael Vick has re-entered the NFL in signing a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The first year of the deal is worth $1.5 million with an option for the second year at $5.2 million. Not surprisingly there is no guaranteed money.

So what does this all mean?

Can Vick really make the Eagles more dangerous?

Are the Eagles now a bigger threat in the division?

Are they the team to beat in the NFC?

Don’t start getting worried just yet. The power rankings are safe…for now.

I personally believe Vick can still be a great NFL player. Also, I truly believe his debt to society has been paid and I believed his apology in the press conference that took place earlier today. He did not get off easy, his fame did not help him. But he has worked hard and he deserves a chance to show he has changed.

It may even be possible that within the next two years we will be talking about how he legitimized the wild cat offense. He has the potential to mainstream the system in the NFL.

But for now we will just have to wait. Remember folks, we do not even know where his playing ability is currently. He still has yet to work out with a team, let alone the media.

Vick will have plenty of time to shake off the rust while serving his six-game suspension…meaning he won’t even make an impact for nearly half the year. By the time Vick is available the Eagles will either have a rhythm and won’t want to use him or they will be plummeting and will be forced to use him.

It’s pretty much a lose-lose situation for Michael.

I do think eventually teams will need to once again game plan around Vick, and the Eagles want to be there when it happens. The Eagles are a fine organization and may do a great job establishing him back into the NFL, I just question the choice in cities on Vick’s part.

If he had as many offers as his agent claim (which may not be true), then it might have been in his best interest to go where trouble doesn’t brew every time the sun goes down.

Overall the Giants need not worry, they are still the powerhouse of the NFC and maybe the NFL. Vick may be an asset to the Eagles down the road, but he won’t make a splash this season. The unfortunate fact of the matter is the G-Men will have to see him twice this year.

Welcome back to the NFL, Michael, hope your ready for it…

 

Should Domenik Hixon Be Worried About His Starting Job?

Domenik Hixon is currently penciled in as the starting No. 1 receiver on the Giants roster. But does he deserve it, and will it last?

He has shown a lot of talent. He has good size, decent speed, reliable hands, and runs solid routes. However, when he needed to step up late last season, he barely made an impact.

Now it is true that he had very little practice time with the first team offense, which contributed to his sharp learning curve.

Hixon was originally brought in from Denver back in 2007, very late in the season, to be primarily used as a return specialist. Poor showings from other receivers and a mix of injuries pushed him to the forefront, but he did not impress.

He has, however, been a very successful return man. I think it may be time to go back to the role that suits him best.

With Sinorice Moss having an outstanding offseason, should Hixon be worried his starting job is in jeopardy? Absolutely.

The Giants know Hixon is not the answer for the future. That’s why they went out and drafted future starter Hakeem Nicks. In fact, my crystal ball tells me one day it will be Nicks and Ramses Barden as the starters and Steve Smith doing what he does best, playing the slot.

Moss has not been successful in his first few seasons due to a rash of injuries, but finally healthy and performing well, I think he is poised to have a breakout year. The Giants have so much undervalued talent at the position that it will be a month-long battle royal. Who knows who will come out on top?

Nicks is a long shot this season, but Moss definitely has a fair chance. Mario Manningham could be the dark horse to take the third or fourth slot if Hixon is moved to the return game (with the removal of the four-man wall from the playbook, every team will need a solid returner if they hope to have any field position).

Don’t forget, David Tyree is still available. Also, don’t count out Derek Hagan to make the 53-man roster this season; he has been impressive thus far in camp.

If I had to look ahead to the final roster this season, I would say when the dust settles, it will look like this: 1. Moss 2. Smith 3. Nicks 4. Hixon 5. Hixon 6. Barden (I want to put Barden higher. I really like his potential, but he is just too raw. Give him a few years to develop).

I truly believe the coaching staff will benefit from such fierce competition this year in camp. With so many different toys to play with, there might be different starters depending on the opponent of the week.

The Giants have a lot of depth, and with no clear-cut starters, every player has a chance to make an impact this season. No one’s job is safe.

Breaking News: Eli Manning Is Not The Only Player On The Giants!?

T-E-A-M. Hard concept right? So then why is it Eli Manning is the only Giant making headlines.

Sure he just signed a new deal worth an outrageous amount of money. I personally think he will prove he is worth every penny, but for now we have to wait and see.

So if the deal is done us talking about it or debating it won’t change it. So lets talk about real news. Like training camp. You guys remember that thing? Yea, that’s going on right now in case you missed the news flash.

I don’t mean to sound sarcastic but lets be honest whether Eli succeeds of fails remains to be seen. The team as a whole will determine what’s marked down in the win-loss column come season opening.

The Giants have generally had a team first mentality. They have cut a lot of loud mouth fat and worked very hard to create a unified locker room. In fact I wrote an article on it recently that goes in to great detail. If your interested look up Lo Yisa Goy.

So Giants writers out there, I beg you talk about something new. Moss has had one spectacular offseason, Danny Ware is making a strong push for the second back spot, Pierce is raring to go. With so many topics to choose from there is no reason to talk about Manning 24/7.

I love Bleacher Report. I have enjoyed reading all of your articles and Manning is a great topic but with so many talented writers out there I know we as a community can move on to big and better topics.

I apologize if this article seems very condescending, but I feel as though someone needed to say it and why not have it be me.

Lastly, If your wondering why I don’t take one of those many topics and run with it, well plain and simple I don’t have that kind of inside scoop. Some of you lucky writers do, and all the more power to you. Happy writing!

A Rival’s Influence: Jim Johnson 1941-2009

The NFL world has lost one of it’s greats today. Late in the afternoon on July 28th it was announced that Jim Johnson, the Eagles defensive coordinators, had passed away.

He fought a more then six-month battle with melanoma, and finally succumb to the disease as it spread to his spine.

He will be greatly missed.

Johnson is best known for his time with the Eagles, however he did spend time with three other NFL teams. He is widely renowned as one of the greatest defensive coordinators in the NFL. He is best known for architecting the modern blitz scheme; particularly his methods of disguising his defenses and keeping the opposing offense off-balance.

Typically when a person passes away in the sports world many articles come out. The writers do a wonderful job and paint beautiful images of the deceased. These articles are typically done in the fashion of a eulogy, however I choose to be different.

Rather then praises his career, which he does undoubtedly deserve, I would like to praise his great influence on other coaches. Steve Spagnuolo, more specifically. Steve is one of two former assistants to Johnson who went on to be the head coach of another franchise.

Steve has not actually stood on the sidelines as the big man yet, however he has had great success as a defensive coordinator for the Giants. He brought Johnson’s scheme to New York and with the help of a stellar group of linemen he implemented it perfectly, even acquiring twelve sacks in one game against Johnson’s Eagles.

Being a avid Giants fan, I don’t remember Johnson for his many accomplishments with the Eagles; I remember him as the man who passed his gift on.

Johnson will never be forgotten in the NFL. His schemes and influence live on in his predecessors who continue to make headway on Johnson’s innovations.

You may have noticed that in the photo for this article Johnson is obviously wearing an Eagles hat. I purposefully cut off the label to the hat to remind the reader that he should not be remembered merely for the Eagles.

He should be remembered by every fan of every team. So many teams have felt his influence over the years whether in competition or in adaptation of his many wonderful innovations.

Jim Johnson will live on in my memory as a rival coach who molded coach Spags into the man he is today. Spagnuolo played a crucial role in the Giants acquiring a Super Bowl ring, but then again he did learn from the best.

Jim was a great man and the NFL, and the world, are very lucky that he passed his many wonderful gifts on to other people like Steve, his children, and his grandchildren.  

“The idea was don’t let these people dictate to you,” Johnson once said. “You have to put more pressure [on the quarterback], and every year we tried to figure out how to do that.”

Johnson was talking about football when he said that, but now I think it can be applied to life. You can’t let people tell you how to live, you have to keep working hard and figure out how to succeed everyday.

The world has lost a brilliant man today and should be deeply saddened.

R.I.P Jim Johnson; 1941-2009

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.

Be Aware of Danny Ware

Any real Giants fan knows about the long and illustrious history the New York Football Giants have of great running backs.

No, they may not be the best or most well-known, but looking back at Ottis, Hampton, Barber, Gifford, or Thorpe (just to name a few), it is clear the Giants have been quite successful in staffing talent in that position.

In more recent years, the team has had a smashmouth group of runners nicknaming them selves “Earth, wind, and fire.” With so much great talent, including two thousand-yard rushers, one player in particular was overlooked.

Danny Ware has the talent to be a starter anywhere in the National Football League. Period.

While “EWF” was ripping up the field, Danny Ware, self proclaimed “water,” was sitting back taking notes and getting hungry.

Without a doubt he is ready to prove him self in upcoming training camp (Aug. 2). Ward has been shipped of to Tampa and the three-headed monster needs a new head.

Everyone knows Brandon Jacobs is a bruiser, and we all saw what Bradshaw could do back in the 2007 playoffs. Now I know preseason doesn’t count for jack squat but lets be honest, Ware’s nine carries for 97 yards last year was pretty impressive.

I truly think this guy is just waiting to burst on the scene. Bradshaw seems to be a great fourth quarter guy; it is yet to be determined how he can handle carrying the ball on a regular bases like Ward did.

That’s where Ware comes in; if he splits time with Jacobs and Bradshaw stays as a late game threat, then we all will know Resse made the right choice not pursuing
Ward.

Danny Ware recently posted on his blog that, “I got a ring when the Giants won the Super Bowl, but I gotta earn one on the field.”

This guy wants nothing more to show he can be a winner and I believe this is his breakout year.

Even more recently he spoke about the offseason saying, “I’m not doing much lately except trying to get into the best shape of my life. Even though we have four weeks until we report for training camp on August 2 it’s all about football right now for me. There’s never a day off.”

Danny is a hard worker and has the right skill sets to be successful in a run-first Giants offense. And just a quick tidbit to think on; Jacobs notoriously can’t catch the screen pass, but Ware has great hands. Especially out of the backfield.

I have contacted Danny in hopes of getting an interview with him or at least a very quote-able snip-it for this article, however I have received no reply at this time. I plan to write a follow-up article (hopefully with his comments) in the foreseeable future, maybe after he has a few games under his belt.

Well, it’s time for my bold prediction. I truly believe that as much of a legitimate threat Bradshaw is, he will remain in the third spot and Ware will surprise the world by grabbing the second. He will rush for close to 750 yards this season and seven touchdowns (Jacobs will have over 1200 yards).

How do I know this?

Well in the words of Ware, “I transform whenever my environment changes. When it’s hot, I’m in my liquid form and can move through any boundary. When it’s cold, I freeze and turn to ice. And once I get rolling, nothing can stop me.”

Plain and simple the kid can play.

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