News and Notes Out Of Big Blue’s OTAs

This past Monday, The New York Giants held their third organized team activity, or OTA.

 

To the delight of Tom Coughlin, the only missing member of the 80-plus man roster was kicker Lawrence Tynes, who was attending his charity golf outing.

 

Outside of the spectacular attendance, there was much to be excited about surrounding Big Blue.

 

–    Osi Umenyiora is back and better than ever. Even more eye-popping than simply seeing Osi back on the field for New York was his massive new physique. Hopefully Osi can continue to follow in the steps of Michael Strahan, who returned from a season of injury in 2006 to have one of his best seasons as a pro in 2007.

 

–    Eli Manning, one of the most reserved men in professional sports, was happy about the full attendance at camp.

 

–    During an interview, Manning may have taken a shot at Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey by stating “Everybody’s the same, no one’s getting special treatment, special attention. I think we have a great group of guys here. They come in and work. No one has an ego about anything. We’re here to practice hard and have some fun also.”

 

In the past, Shockey and Burress would work out on their own in Miami rather than with the team at OTAs.

 

–    Mario Manningham looked impressive in the passing game.

 

–    Despite not having suited up during the loss to Philadelphia, Umenyiora can’t wait to get his shot at the Eagles. He stated:  “I was on the field, but I wasn’t playing and I saw the way it ended. It was a team we should have beat and it was a team that, if the opportunity arises again, I think we will beat.”

 

–    Manning is comfortable with his young receivers.

2009 Giants Draw Comparisons to 2000 Baltimore Ravens

Most modern-day New York Giants fans are familiar with the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.

 

After winning the 2000 NFC Championship under the hot hand of Kerry Collins and the play-making abilities of Tiki Barber, Ike Hilliard, and Amani Toomer, The New York Football Giants were utterly dismantled by the aforementioned Ravens squad in Superbowl XXXV.

 

After such a humiliating loss, many Giant fans cared not to examine what made the 2000 Ravens such a great team. Years later, though, with the pain of loss a distant memory, it becomes more and more evident how much the 2000 Ravens can be likened to the Giants of 2009.

 

 

Defense, Defense, Defense

 

It’s no mystery that the success of the Baltimore Ravens as a team was predicated on a stifling defense. Led by the fiery Ray Lewis, The Ravens stopped opponents dead in their tracks both on the ground and in the air.

 

After hanging 41 points on The Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game, New York couldn’t muster but a single offensive point against Baltimore’s defense.

 

Though the Ravens were led by Lewis, their defense sported players like Tony Siragusa, Rod Woodson, Duane Starks, and Peter Boulware. There was also a lot of young talent on the roster to complement the veterans, such as Chris McAllister and Adalius Thomas.

 

The Giants of 2009 currently possess a ton of veteran leadership in the form of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Antonio Pierce, Corey Webster, and Fred Robbins. Younger players such as Kenny Phillips, Clint Sintim, Michael Johnson, and Terrell Thomas will form the young nucleus of playmakers which can be invaluable (as proven by the 2000 Ravens) to a defense.

 

Though Umenyiora and Tuck may not have the same level of passion as Ray Lewis vocally, the level of personal pride they possess is as high as anyone’s in the league, if their Superbowl XLII performance is any indication. If the veterans play with pride, and the young players step up, the 2009 Giants’ defense can be just as dangerous as the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.

 

 

Weapons

 

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens did not have a “No. 1″ wide receiver on their roster, but then again neither do The 2009 Giants (as it stands).

 

What both teams possess, though, are playmakers.

 

In 2000, Brandon Stokley was one of the better slot receivers in the game, as is current New York receiver Steve Smith.

 

Furthermore, Jermaine Lewis was a fantastic kick returner, something that Domenik Hixon has proven that he can be given the opportunity.

 

Both The Ravens and The Giants sport a bull of a running back which can wear defenses down (Brandon Jacobs and Jamal Lewis), and use that to lead a stable of backs, all of whom make plays in the running game.

 

Baltimore did an excellent job in the stretch run of the 2000 season to get the ball in the hands of players like Stokley, Lewis, and Shannon Sharpe.

 

New York’s 2009 mission is to find was to maximize the skill sets of Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Kevin Boss, Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss, Hakeem Nicks, and Travis Beckum.

 

Though not one among the aforementioned group currently stands out as a playmaking talent, each may only need to make one or two plays a game to grab New York a lead and let the defense go into attack mode.

 

 

Fiery Leader

 

The leadership abilities of Ray Lewis are well documented, as he is one of the most vocal players in the game today, but the Giants may have a passionate leader of their own: Brandon Jacobs.

 

Jacobs is just as much a force at his position as Lewis is at his, and though they play different sides of the ball, their ability to motivate is an asset to every player on their respective rosters.

 

 

What About The Quarterback?

 

It may be a stretch to say that the Giants of 2009 are comparable to the 2000 Ravens on every level, but what the Giants lack in some areas, they make up in others, mainly the quarterback position.

 

Trent Dilfer was the definition of a caretaker, something that many have referred to Eli Manning as.

 

Manning is far better than a caretaker, as he has lead his team to the playoffs in four straight seasons in the limelight of New York amidst a ton of locker room turmoil.

 

If The Giants fail to match Baltimore in the play-maker category offensively, they trump Baltimore in the quarterback category.

 

If Eli can connect with any number of his young targets, New York will be a team to be reckoned with in 2009.

 

For Big Blue’s Offense, Change Is “In the Air”

In 2008, The New York Football Giants didn’t pull any punches offensively; they ran the football directly at their opponents en route to sporting the NFL’s best running game.

 

Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw each did their part, and both Jacobs and Ward finished with over 1,000 yards rushing.

 

In terms of the passing game, Eli Manning was as good a field general as there is, as he led Big Blue to a 12-4 record while having his best statistical season as a pro (12 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 3,238 yards, and a rating of 86.4).

 

The passing game was largely predicated on the talents of Plaxico Burress, as he would frequently, if not always, draw double teams.

The manner in which opponents went about defending Plaxico Burress often dictated the Giants approach to the passing game, and New York utilized the sneaky Steve Smith, Kevin Boss, as well as Amani Toomer in order to move the chains.

 

Due only to his detrimental actions, Plaxico Burress is no longer with the team, nor are Amani Toomer and Derrick Ward.

 

The absence of these players, particularly Plaxico Burress, begs the question of how New York will move the ball in 2009. In order to move it effectively, there will have to be changes within New York’s playbook.

 

In the NFL, opposing teams respect balance: the ability to either run or pass effectively at any given time. In order for The 2009 Giants to achieve that balance (a balance which had them ranked as the number one offense in the league for the better part of 2008), they will need to make some key changes to the passing game.

 

Two among Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, and Domenik Hixon will be the starting wide-outs. In examining these players, none possess the same skill-set as Plaxico Burress, but together they are all Plaxico was and more.

 

Plaxico Burress demanded double teams because he was big, fast, had route running savvy, could run after the catch, and could win any jump ball (particularly in the red zone).

 

Allow me to examine which of the aforementioned skills the current Big Blue receivers possess, and how a new look passing game can best take advantage of them.

 

 

Steve Smith—Route Running savvy, fast

 

The speedy Steve Smith has become Eli Manning’s favorite target over the past two seasons, and in 2008, Smith accounted for 22 first down receptions.

 

The reason for Manning’s affinity for Smith as a target is simple: he gets to where Eli expects him to be.

 

Both Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress struggled mightily with the ability to consistently be where Eli expected them to be, leading to a number of interceptions on the part of Manning.

 

At this point, Smith is nearly a lock to be in the top two on the depth chart, and Manning should be able to take advantage of Smith’s great instincts more consistently in 2009.

 

 

Mario Manningham—Fast, Run after the catch

 

Mario Manningham has the potential to be one of the most dynamic receivers New York has ever had. In college he averaged over 17 yards per reception, and made spectacular play after spectacular play.

 

Super Mario may just be the deep threat New York has been searching for, and with a strong camp, may be able to win a starting job.

 

Domenik Hixon—Fast, Run after the catch

 

In six starts in 2008, Hixon showed both the ability to be a spectacular playmaker, and how little experience he had.

 

The better performer in camp between he and Manningham should emerge with a starting job.

 

 

Hakeem Nicks—Big, Run after the catch, Route running savvy

 

Hakeem Nicks is a better addition to New York’s lineup than most think. Nicks possesses a presence in the underneath passing game and down the seams, which can be a tremendous asset to Eli Manning in the windy Giants’ Stadium.

Maybe Nicks’ best asset though, is his reliable hands. Eli Manning needs receivers who know where to be and have good hands. Hakeem Nicks fits the bill.

 

 

The Wild Cards

 

 

Ramses Barden—Big, Can win any jump ball

 

The monstrous Barden (6’6”) out of Cal-Poly may or may not crack the top four on the depth chart, but he will be an asset in the red zone. Any attempt to defend him in the red zone while he was at Cal-Poly was comical.

 

Defensive backs are marginally better in The NFL, so if defending Barden goes from comical to pretty difficult, the Giants have an incredible weapon at their disposal.

 

 

Travis Beckum—Big, Route running savvy, Run after the catch

 

The addition of Travis Beckum as an H-back may have been the primary indicator that a change was imminent in terms of the offensive playbook.

 

Beckum has the ability to play any down, and lineup anywhere. That’s what an H-back does.

 

The key with Beckum is that he begins the play in the backfield then moves around. This will force the defense to keep an eye on him with a safety, or if they dare, a linebacker.

 

Beckum is essentially the “eighth man mover”, as he will keep safeties away from the line of scrimmage.

 

 

What does it all mean?

 

In terms of play calling, it would seem as if by adding players who have a presence underneath, down the seams, and down the field, that Big Blue will be adopting a very “West \Coast-like” offense.

 

The West Coast offense has a slogan: We throw check downs and touchdowns.

 

The reliability of players like Steve Smith (and possibly Nicks and Beckum) will enable Manning to fire the ball out very quickly (the check downs) , while the speed of Manningham and Hixon will stretch defenses on a consistent basis (the touchdowns).

 

The skills of the current Giant receivers can be deadly, as they spread defenses out. If rookies such as Beckum, Nicks, and Barden step up, the sheer number of options Eli has at his disposal will generate a balance which teams will respect.

 

The key to achieving the balance will be utilizing quick passes over the middle as well as long bombs down field at the right moments.

 

As one can see, Big Blue is more than equipped to absorb the loss of Plaxico Burress, especially if the right changes are made within the playbook.

Braylon to Broadway a Done Deal?

After months of speculation, the NFL Draft is only days away. The speculation surrounding how the New York Giants will address the wide receiver position has been full-fledged, and even ridiculous at times.

 

The Giants are looking to invest $10 million per season in franchise quarterback Eli Manning, and they also have drafted a number of receivers in the past few seasons. Great teams are built upon a suffocating defense and a power running game.

 

At this junction in their franchise history, it would be wise for The New York Giants to continue build upon those aspects of their team, rather than send a boatload of draft picks to another team for a receiver.

 

That said, I currently believe that a deal for Braylon Edwards is done.

 

Don’t panic, it not the same “done” your thinking of.

 

I am under the impression that there are multiple deals on the table which send Edwards to the Giants based on what Cleveland does with the fifth overall pick.

 

If Cleveland can’t acquire Crabtree, they will need the 29th selection to acquire either Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks (who they coincidentally brought in for visits recently).

 

If they get Crabtree, Cleveland will accept another deal worth approximately the same as the other which allows New York to keep their first round selection.

 

Allow me to clarify; either New York will ship a first, fifth, and a conditional draft pick to Cleveland (if they don’t acquire Crabtree) or a second, a third, and a conditional selection (should Cleveland acquire Crabtree).

 

If either of these scenarios, Jerry Reese will once again prove how savvy of a general manager he is, as he will have acquired a blossoming No. 1 receiver in this league for his franchise quarterback to lean on, but he will have done it at a very reasonable price.

 

With Braylon Edwards in the fray, New York’s 2009 season finally begins to come into focus.

 

In 2008, New York’s trademark was a powerful running game, which accounted for over 2,300 yards of total offense. That said, New York’s passing game was an essential cog to their well-oiled offense.

 

Eli Manning was one of the league’s best field generals, distributing the ball to a myriad of receivers while throwing only 10 interceptions.

 

After the devastating loss of Plaxico Burress, Eli’s confidence looked utterly deflated, and the running game was also stymied due to the extra defenders that opponents brought down to defend Brandon Jacobs. It began to seem like The Giants’ entire offense was predicated on the presence of Plaxico Burress.

 

Hands off the panic button New York fans, as Braylon Edwards along with Steve Smith and Mario Manningham will make any defense that stacks the line of scrimmage pay for their strategic blunder.

 

In Edwards, Eli has a reliable and potentially explosive receiver from any point on the field. He can also demand double coverages at times, yielding spectacular results in the running game.

 

As for the other perks of the deal, New York can use their first round selection to assess other issues on their team.  Let’s examine some of the possibilities for New York in the first round which can truly propel them to the next level.

 

Michael Oher, LT, Ole Miss or Eben Britton, LT, Arizona: In Oher and Britton, the Giants can obtain a blue chip left tackle who can protect Eli Manning’s blindside more consistently than David Diehl.

 

In the meantime, Diehl can move back to left guard where is a bulldozer- type player. By inserting Oher into the lineup, New York can gain better run blocking, pass blocking, as well as depth on the line, as current left guard Rich Sueburt can become a stud depth player.

 

In my opinion, offensive line depth is one of New York’s biggest roster issues right now. Britton or Oher would be a great selection in round one, as they would not only be prospective Pro Bowlers, but address three separate needs.

 

Clay Matthews, OLB, USC: Matthews walked on at USC and was considered too small to ever play at the collegiate level. But in his senior year, Matthews started ten games while recording 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

 

Head coach Pete Carroll stated that had he started Matthews sooner, USC would have won a National Championship. At this point, Matthews is one of the biggest feel good stories in the 2009 Draft.

 

His father Clay senior was an All-American at USC and played in the NFL from 1978-1996. His uncle Bruce played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans for 19 seasons, earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

As I mentioned, Clay Jr. was only a 200 pound scrawny walk on his freshman year, and would become a key cog in whether USC would bid for a National Championship by his senior year, he worked his way up by playing outstanding special teams, earning USC’s Special Teams Player of The Year three times in his career.

 

Needless to say, Clay had his work cut out for him in order to make it to where he is now, and his best days are still in front of him.

 

Heading into several drafts, the Giants have had a need at linebacker, and with some creative usage of their picks, they could land Matthews. Matthews would be the perfect fit for the Giants on the strong side.

 

Matthews may not last until Big Blue’s first-second round pick, but there are plenty of ways to grab him, even a possible first round selection.

 

With Matthews’ pedigree, work ethic, versatility, and ability to rush the passer, he is surely someone The Giants would love to grab to fill their sole position of need on defense. Look for New York to strongly consider Brain Cushing as well should he be on the board.

 

Max Unger, C, Oregon: Following the same philosophy as the tackles, Unger can play any position on the interior part of the line, providing the Giants with a much needed security blanket.

 

New York could also trade down, targeting such players as Patrick Chung (best safety in this draft by far), Larry English, Clint Sintim,  or Conner Barwin.

 

With all of these possibilities lined up, New York is primed to bring home The Lombardi Trophy yet again.

 

Beyond the first round, there are a number of names that New York will surely be looking at:

 

Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio State

Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama

Joe Burnett, CB/KR, Central Florida (he took two kicks back in 2008. If New York brought a dangerous kick return game to the table, look out)

A.Q. Shipley, C, Penn State

Trevor Canfield, G, Cincinnati

Jasper Brinkley, LB, South Carolina

Tyrone McKenzie, LB, South Florida

Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida

Mohammed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia

Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

 

Of all of the pieces I have done on the Giants draft, this is the most comprehensive and contains the names I fully believe will be associated with the Giants in the near future.

 

From: blognyg.com

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