NY Giants—Big Blue and The Empire State in 2009

Halfway through the first half of the New York Giants preseason schedule and I, like most rational people, worry not about how the G-Men are looking. Playing scrubs and third-stringers in two preseason games is nothing to worry about or get in a tizzy about any time soon.

Of course, who said that Giants fans were rational?

With the departure of Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator to head up the St. Louis Rams (may God have mercy on him) and a lack of Plaxico Burress to throw to, many assumptions have been made of the boys in blue early in the preseason for no apparent reason.

Maybe it’s because I live in Albany, NY, home to the (former?) training camp of the New York Giants. Maybe it’s because preseason games are hyped up more than usual this year across the board, and even maybe—just maybe—it’s because Giants fans don’t want to jinx themselves because the Monster from the Meadowlands is shaping up to be a Grade-A team this time around.

With a newly franchised Eli Manning making more money than his older and wiser brother, a first-round draft-pick that could re-ignite the receivers this season, and a mediocre regular season schedule it could be very easy to expect the Giants to run right through the competition like a toddler on a sugar high.

To even state that the Giants could make the playoffs by the end of October causes fans to shake and convulse like voodoo witch doctors to get rid of any bad ju-jube that might have been created.

Nevertheless, the New York Giants are shaping up in the preseason and look to have their hardest game against the New England Patriots. Even with a loss to the Chicago Bears, the Giants will get the rust out before a regular season run that would even make an aged Brett Favre salivate at the possibilities.

Key games in the season include a September start against the Washington Redskins with the Dallas Cowboys following a week later. After trips to the West for games against Kansas City, a bye week at Oakland, New Orleans and Arizona; the Giants play the Eagles at Philly, fight San Diego at home, with a dogfight against the Atlanta Falcons right after the bye week in mid November.

If the G-Men can keep their cool, most of these games should go like clockwork. While Arizona is hot off a run to the Superbowl, and Philadelphia is looking to mess up any postseason appearances, most of these games should barely test Eli and the offense. Most of the judgments will come from Bill Sheridan’s boys on the other side of the ball.

With the departure of the aforementioned Spagnuolo, the defensive prowess of the 2008 Giants could be in jeopardy. The Giants may not be the steel curtain of Pittsburgh, but much like other Eastern Division teams (in both conferences), Giants football is won on defense just as often as offense. If teams are looking for any cracks in the Giants plans, it begins with a D.

But not all is lost. If the defense can stand up for themselves this year, Eli will be able to quickly and efficiently pay off any debts they create. $97.3 million is not so much a payment plan as an insurance premium this time around for New York, as Eli is now a veteran of the NFL in all its facets.

No one can blame him for being a green-jean rookie anymore, and Manning is now the franchise of the Giants. With Kevin Boss at tight end, Domenik Hixon, David Tyree returning at wide receiver, and first-round draft-pick Hakeem Knicks, the Giants’ offense is stacked this year and Eli will be sitting pretty behind the O-Line, unleashing shots to his receivers all season long.

As the Giants leave their dorms at the University at Albany, and their third preseason game against the Jets looms on Aug. 29, Giants fans need not worry. The preseason means nothing, and the rust will be out soon enough. Just rest easy knowing that Fred Robbins might get the chance to hit Micheal Vick twice this year.

Chargers vs. Everyone: A 2009 Regular Season in San Diego

Sadly, for the Superchargers, 8-8 won’t cut it this year.

Last year, to the disappointment of many, San Diego aimed for the lowest common denominator when it came to getting into the playoffs.

Simple mistakes and early season injuries crippled the team with losses to the Panthers, Bills, Saints (ala Drew Brees), Dolphins, and Falcons.

San Diego served up more heartbreak for its fans than an army of geeks on prom night will ever experience.

With the return of a healthy Shawne Merriman at outside linebacker, an increasingly effective running game with LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, and new recruits like Larry English, we can only hope to see at least a 10-6 record this year from the boys in powder blue. But it won’t come easy.

The AFC West is quickly turning into a powder keg of excitement. Kyle Orton will be taking the starting spot for the Denver Broncos and Matt Cassel, formerly of the “noble” New England Patriots, will be leading the offensive attack for the Kansas City Chiefs, while Tom Cable will be taking over at the head coaching position of the rival Oakland Raiders.

Besides the rustling in the bushes of the AFC West, the Chargers have some significant hurdles to surpass in the regular season. Raiders games aside, its gonna be an uphill fight this year for tough-talkin’ Norv Turner and Co.

In September, games against the Ravens and Dolphins will be warm-up matches for an away game against the Steelers, the very team that put away the Chargers hopes for playoff success last season.

After a trip to Pittsburgh, games against the Broncos and the Chiefs, with revamped and renewed offensive lines, will stand to fend off San Diego’s hope of repeated success from last year.

San Diego lost their first fight to the Broncos last season only to overwhelm them in an AFC race-to-the-finish in December. 

Games against the Chiefs were closer than recent seasons and there is no doubt with Mr. Cassel at quarterback that Kansas City will be any easier to take down this season.

Mid-season bouts against the Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles will send the Chargers to the east coast. San Diego is quick to prove itself among the top teams in the AFC (sans atrocious last season stats), but there is one caveat.

Past October, California teams have traditionally fallen to pieces to the powerhouse teams of the east thanks to the unnaturally cold weather and stone cold defenses.

If the Chargers are to make an impact this season, at least one of these three in the east will have to go down in November and December.

Last season, the Chargers fell apart and lost games in the fourth quarter. Even John Madden can tell us that if you give up in the fourth, you won’t win football games.

Norv has to remember to play the full four quarters this year or expect heartbreaking losses at the hands of the Broncos, Chiefs, or Giants.

The Chargers have talent, we know this for a fact as we watched Darren Sproles run circles around the Colts in post-season play last year. All Norv has to do is play the game for the intended 60-minutes of regulation time.

The Chargers will have to take easy fights against teams like the Browns, Raiders,  Ravens, and Bengals as litmus tests for battles against teams like the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins at the end of the season.

If San Diego comes out fighting in one-sided conflicts, it will help them in the long run as they fight against powerhouses in the NFC.

With pre-season games looming, only time will tell if the Chargers will be able to stand up against competition, or a winning record, at the top of the AFC West this year.

Chargers vs. Everyone: A 2009 Regular Season in San Diego

Sadly, for the Superchargers, 8-8 won’t cut it this year.

Last year, to the disappointment of many, San Diego aimed for the lowest common denominator when it came to getting into the playoffs.

Simple mistakes and early season injuries crippled the team with losses to the Panthers, Bills, Saints (ala Drew Brees), Dolphins, and Falcons.

San Diego served up more heartbreak for its fans than an army of geeks on prom night will ever experience.

With the return of a healthy Shawne Merriman at outside linebacker, an increasingly effective running game with LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, and new recruits like Larry English, we can only hope to see at least a 10-6 record this year from the boys in powder blue. But it won’t come easy.

The AFC West is quickly turning into a powder keg of excitement. Kyle Orton will be taking the starting spot for the Denver Broncos and Matt Cassel, formerly of the “noble” New England Patriots, will be leading the offensive attack for the Kansas City Chiefs, while Tom Cable will be taking over at the head coaching position of the rival Oakland Raiders.

Besides the rustling in the bushes of the AFC West, the Chargers have some significant hurdles to surpass in the regular season. Raiders games aside, its gonna be an uphill fight this year for tough-talkin’ Norv Turner and Co.

In September, games against the Ravens and Dolphins will be warm-up matches for an away game against the Steelers, the very team that put away the Chargers hopes for playoff success last season.

After a trip to Pittsburgh, games against the Broncos and the Chiefs, with revamped and renewed offensive lines, will stand to fend off San Diego’s hope of repeated success from last year.

San Diego lost their first fight to the Broncos last season only to overwhelm them in an AFC race-to-the-finish in December. 

Games against the Chiefs were closer than recent seasons and there is no doubt with Mr. Cassel at quarterback that Kansas City will be any easier to take down this season.

Mid-season bouts against the Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles will send the Chargers to the east coast. San Diego is quick to prove itself among the top teams in the AFC (sans atrocious last season stats), but there is one caveat.

Past October, California teams have traditionally fallen to pieces to the powerhouse teams of the east thanks to the unnaturally cold weather and stone cold defenses.

If the Chargers are to make an impact this season, at least one of these three in the east will have to go down in November and December.

Last season, the Chargers fell apart and lost games in the fourth quarter. Even John Madden can tell us that if you give up in the fourth, you won’t win football games.

Norv has to remember to play the full four quarters this year or expect heartbreaking losses at the hands of the Broncos, Chiefs, or Giants.

The Chargers have talent, we know this for a fact as we watched Darren Sproles run circles around the Colts in post-season play last year. All Norv has to do is play the game for the intended 60-minutes of regulation time.

The Chargers will have to take easy fights against teams like the Browns, Raiders,  Ravens, and Bengals as litmus tests for battles against teams like the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins at the end of the season.

If San Diego comes out fighting in one-sided conflicts, it will help them in the long run as they fight against powerhouses in the NFC.

With pre-season games looming, only time will tell if the Chargers will be able to stand up against competition, or a winning record, at the top of the AFC West this year.

Karlos Dansby and His Future with the Arizona Cardinals

Since his introduction to the Cardinals in 2004, Karlos Dansby has been the go-to linebacker for the team. With 444 tackles, 24.5 sacks and 9 interceptions, Dansby has become a key, if not integral, part of the Arizona defense.

But with the date to sign franchise players looming on July 15, neither Dansby nor the Cardinals’ franchise has come to a agreement on whether or not to extend the defensive linebacker’s contract.

With a reported $9.7 million salary guaranteed for the 2009 season, Dansby will become a unsigned free agent in 2010 unless the Cardinals again franchise him as they did in 2008 and 2009.

Without a deal in place by July 15, he will be unable to sign a long-term contract with the team until the end of the regular season.

In April, amidst changing agents, Dansby stated to the media that, “I am trying to maximize what I am worth, and I’m not sure I’m going to have another opportunity like this[…] It’s the ideal position to be in the position I am in right now. I want to make the most of it.”

Since acquiring a new agent, Dansby has declined to talk about the contract negotiations and only recently spoke about the contract agreements as, “as business deal for both sides that a deal would not be reached.”

“My understanding is they have already made their business decision,” Dansby said during a radio interview on XTRA 910 AM on Monday. “I’ve already made my business decision. We’re not going to get anything done right now. […] I wish we could have gotten something done.”

Both sides of the deal are dealing with the situation with money signs in their eyes. Dansby wants to stay on a Superbowl-caliber team while hoping that the NFL will play without a salary cap in 2010.

The Arizona Cardinals website reports that the chances of coming to a contract agreement by the Wednesday deadline is unlikely. General Manager Rod Graves that Dansby, “is one of the most talented linebackers,” and that, “Karlos is one of our core players […] Our efforts will remain trying to reach a long-term contract resolution with him.”

With Dansby and the Cardinals unable to reach a decision on future contract agreements, the only other contracts that need to be resolved are the unsigned draft picks from the 2009 draft- first-round running back Beanie Wells and second-round linebacker Cody Brown.

 

Sean Ahern Writes for SportInformant.com

Rashad Johnson: the Next Adrian Wilson?

Rookie safety Rashad Johnson, yanked from the third round of the NFL Draft, could be the next Adrian Wilson if all goes according to plan.

Darnell Dockett made a “major announcement” in the Twitter universe on July 6, proclaiming that the Cardinals would again be at the top of the NFC West this coming year.

He could be right—the addition of Johnson alongside newcomers Will Davis, Trevor Canfield, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Herman Johnson help to round out an already-promising team for next year. The only issue is finding a place to put them in the lineup this coming year, and that includes Johnson.

The University of Alabama alum has big dreams, and would like to become a franchise player like Wilson, telling the media that, “Just like getting to the NFL was a goal, now that I am sitting here, I want to achieve more.”

Johnson has high hopes, like many rookies in the NFL this year, but will have to climb the depth chart to get playing time. Like Wilson, Johnson will play a big role in special teams his first year in the big leagues, and will have to work to get a starting job on defense next year. 

The Cardinals are not without capable players at the safety position. Of course, there’s Mr. Wilson at the forefront, but there’s also Matt Ware, Antrel Rolle, and the newly-signed Keith Lewis. If Johnson wants playing time (and the attention of defensive coordinator Bill Davis or secondary coach Teryl Austin), he’ll have to show his strengths in the line of duty on special teams first.

If all goes according to plan, Johnson could become a vital part of the defense for the Cardinals in the coming years, both on special teams and as a free safety. He has the resume and the work ethic to back up his abilities—starting as a walk on for the Crimson Tide, he was a 2007 Coaches first team All-SEC selection, and earned the starting spot at safety in 2007 after working on special teams.

He’s shown before that he has the drive to be a great player; only time will tell if he will be able to deliver in Glendale.

“To be like [Wilson], to be a franchise player and a leader, I will work for that day in and day out.”

Home Opponents VS. Arizona Cardinals: How Will It Stack Up?

The 2009 home opponents were recently announced for the Arizona Cardinals, the only question left is how the reining NFC Champions will deal with each of them.

Starting Sept. 13 with a home-opener against the San Fransisco 49ers, the Cardinals will face off at the University of Phoenix Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, and Green Bay Packers.

So, what can we expect?

Of course there will be obvious challenges for the Cards when facing the Colts and Panthers, but teams like the Seahawks and the Packers should not be counted out. Coming off of hard seasons last year, both the Seahawks and the Packers could jam a steel rod in the finely tuned offensive heavy Cardinals.

Away games of note include the Giants in week seven, the Chicago Bears in week nine, and the Tennessee Titans in week 12.

The Seahawks were able to grab No. 4 overall pick Aaron Curry from Wake Forest and the Packers grabbed Defensive Tackle B.J. Raji from BC at No. 10 overall. Both were strong players in college and could wreak havoc on the Cardinals if given the chance.

This, of course, is not to count out the Cardinals. With rookies like running back Chris Wells and offensive lineman Herman Johnson, the boys from the desert have gained top players to build their team upon in the coming years.

Center Lyle Sendlein came off of his second year in the NFL with a run to the Super Bowl and should also come back, stronger than ever, to help strengthen the Arizona offense.

The Carolina Panthers, as long as the choking is kept to a minimum, could prove to be a worthy adversary again for the Cardinals, especially towards the end of the season when the playoffs begin to loom nearer and nearer.

The Colts, lead by Mr. Manning, will be a tough opponent. But much like the fans in the late RCA Dome, the heat and the pressure in Glendale might help to stir the pot enough to lead the Cardinals to an early season victory.

And that’s what the Cardinals are going to need: early season victories. The 49ers, Texans and the away contest against the Bears will have to help balance out games against the Giants, Colts, Panthers and Titans.

The final four games of the season might turn out to be key also to a playoff berth for the Cardinals if the early season competitions return mixed reviews. A fight in Candlestick Park with the 49ers, a battle on the road against Detroit, and two home games against the Rams and the Packers will help them get back to the top of the NFC come December. 

If all goes according to plan, the Cardinals will be sitting pretty on top of the NFC West and left to pick off playoff teams like berries from a tree.

 

Check out Sean’s blog- Single/White/Geek

11 Things Quarterbacks Can Teach About Life

Life is a painful, harsh reality that we all must partake in some way or another. Many of us are spat from the womb of our parent’s homes without any warning and left to fend for ourselves.

Like many of you on this website, I too have had to face this cold, dark reality down; stare in it’s face and begin to cry like a kindergartner who is being left by their parents for the first time. But fear not! If there is one thing that can help us through this thing we call “life” its sports!

Here are 10 things that NFL Quarterbacks have taught me about life. Take these lessons seriously and you too can become successful and rich.

Well, maybe not the last part.

That Bird: A Tribute to The Arizona Cardinals

Last year was a great season for the Arizona Cardinals, there’s no denying that. The stars aligned, passes were made, interceptions were kept to a minimum and somehow the ‘Cards got all the way to the big game and, well, lost to the Steelers.

The loss at the Super Bowl aside, the Cardinals did some damage last year and really turned some heads in the NFC West as well as the whole NFL.

My favorite part by far was the reaction on some websites, on the tongues of my friends and in emails sent by angry family members.

That. Bird.

Yes, that bird. As in, “that bird just beat up on the Panthers,” or “that bird is ACTUALLY doing something in the playoffs! Screw me sideways and call me Bessie!”

What my family/friends/enemies were referring to of course was not the team themselves but the logo of the Arizona Cardinals that they saw on Sports Center or newscasts after the game.  As we all know, before this season who the heck cared about the Cardinals?

You know the logo I’m talking about—the glorious red cardinal head, its eyes slightly inferring anger upon the masses of enemies before it. That was the face of anger and death the nation saw after the Cardinals picked off team after team in the playoffs like berries off of a small tree.

The crimson crow of death that was Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner. How they fought their way up the ladder to glory in the NFC West to become NFC Champs.

That. Bird.

Yes, yes! That bird was mine. Just as strong as Cinnicnati’s “Who Dey?” or Stone Cold’s “WHAT?” That Bird had become the international sign for anger among anti-Cardinal fans. On websites across the land I saw those two words posted among anger and resentment as teams bit the dust left and right to the ‘Cards.

“That bird is the biggest fluke in the game, NFL IS RIGGED,” said one passer by.

“THAT BIRD MAKES ME WANT TO KILL EVERYONE IN ARIZONA,” a crazed Panthers fan said.

Oh how it was sweet music to my ears to hear anger and resentment at the fall of the Cardinals! After years of torment for defending the NFC West as a whole I could watch the boys from ‘Zona fight their way to the top and make a mockery of everyone else.

Every dog has its day. And some days it’s that bird.

But now we must hope that they will go somewhere this year, for we must remember that even though the Cardinals did well last season, this season is always ripe for fail. We must hope for the best.

Or we might just be saying “That Bird.”

 

Sean Ahern is a contributing writer for SportInformant.com and keeps a blog at Single/White/Geek

Herman Johnson Signs with Arizona Cardinals

It’s official: Former LSU offensive lineman Herman Johnson has signed a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

The 382-pound, 6’7″ Johnson was picked 167th overall in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Cardinals. Last year’s 167th overall pick, Dan Walden, was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys out of Middle Tennessee State University.

While the team is quick to disclose the details of Johnson’s contract, Albert Elias, Johnson’s agent, stated that the middle linebacker did get an increase from what the pay would have been for the same draft number last year, the aforementioned Walden.

“We set a good precedent,” said Elias to the media on Wednesday.

Johnson was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection and was also a first-team All-American in his senior year. Johnson started the last 38 games of his college career at left and right guard for the LSU Tigers and is the first member of Arizona’s eight player 2009 NFL draft selections to agree to contract terms.

Johnson was one of the largest players to ever put on an LSU uniform. At 6’7″, his height and power was recognized throughout the SEC.

What does this mean for the Cardinals? In a time where the team is having disputes with its major offensive players like Anquan Boldin, it’s good to see that they are able to strike a deal with the big guy from LSU. As the first to sign with the ‘Cards as a member of the 2009 NFL Draft class, he can also set an example for the other rookies that have just entered the big league.

Big hopes from this offensive linebacker out of LSU, hopefully he will help to build upon an already solid Cardinals team.

Arizona Cardinals President Backs Solar Energy Initiative

Arizona Cardinals president and chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Michael Bidwill, is backing business tax breaks to attract solar energy suppliers to the state in an effort to help the state’s damaged economy.

As reported by Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal, Bidwill is pushing the Arizona Legislature and Governor Jan Brewer for tax breaks that will attract solar investments and jobs to the state.

Supporters of the tax incentive say that there are billions of dollars in potential foreign and U.S. energy firms that Arizona could miss out on. States such as Oregon, New Mexico, and Texas already have such incentives in place.

The state of Arizona is also dealing with a $3 billion deficit for the coming year and is already dealing with a $2 billion deficit this year—prompting cuts in state-run universities, K-12 schools, and social security services.

Gov. Brewer is also promoting a $1 billion temporary sales tax before voters to help with the deficit the state is faced with.

The backing of this solar energy tax break by Bidwill not only comes after a Cardinals run to the Super Bowl, but also at a time when the state wants to see a winner on the field and in the offices of power.

The Bidwill family has kept a low-profile in Arizona ever since the 1988 move of the Cardinals from St. Louis to Arizona. The endorsement by the family might not only persuade voters to vote for the tax break to bring jobs to the state, but also show the desire for the Bidwill family to be a part of the state-wide community that is now backing a winning football team.

 

 

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