NY Giants Football: Ranting & Raving In 2009, Part 2

Part No. 2 of Rant & Rave.  For those of you who maybe puzzled. A Rant is a complaint and a Rave is a compliment.

 

Rant

Who the hell is Albert Haynesworth.  The $100 million man right.  Whatever!  I did a little research…yes, I did my research comparing the Giants Defensive Tackles to this “supposed” best tackle in football.

Before we even start I do want to acknowledge that Albert is very good…but $100 million good?  He did benefit from playing on a GREAT defense in Tennessee.  Back my Rant. 

In his seven year career Fat Albert has 271 tackles, 24 sacks, and 18 knock downs.  In the same seven years Rocky Bernard, who played his entire career in Seattle, has 280 tackles, 29 sacks, and 13 knock downs.

In eight years Fred Robbins has 275 tackles, 26.5 sacks, and 11 knock downs.  So what gives?  Is Albert overrated or is the NY Giants Defensive Tackles underrated?

 

Rave

How good does Clint Sintim look?  This guy has a motor and it’s always running.  Did you know this guy had 245 tackles at Virginia, 39 behind the line of scrimmage for a loss. Throw in the 27 sacks and I think we got a football player.

Those 27 sacks are the most by any active linebacker in the NCAA ranks at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign.

Sintim will be looking over the shoulder of Danny Clark all season.  Look for Clint to make a big contribution this year and possibly start before the seasons over if Danny Clark doesn’t have an outstanding year.

 

Rant

Why is Gerris Wilkerson on this team?

In three years this guy has 51 tackles.  I don’t see what he brings to the table. The Giants could have kept TE Michael Mathews, WR David Tyree, RB Allan Patrick, or DE Maurice Evans.

Any of these three players could have contributed more than Wilkerson.  He’s either hurt, missing tackles, or getting run over.  Could there be some hidden raw talent somewhere…I just don’t see it.  

This is his 2008 recap:  He played in eight regular season games with five starts before injuring a knee that caused him to sit out the remainder of the season.  He finished with 11 tackles and two special teams tackles.  Two special teams tackles!…you got to be kidding me.

Wilkerson started at weak side linebacker in the season opener against Washington and finished with only four tackles.  Against Cleveland he mustered up another two tackles before leaving the game with a knee injury.

He was inactive for six games before returning to the field against Washington where he had his two special teams tackles.  On the opening kickoff of the Dallas game he injured his knee and was inactive for the rest of the season.  Oh Boy!

 

Rave

Can some one please call Kevin Boss’s number and throw the kid the ball.  This guy actually hurdled Eagles Strong Safety No. 27 Quintin Mikell on Nov. 10, 2008, with the ball in his hands! 

Anytime a 6’6″ 255lb guy jumps over a Strong Safety…I say he’s an athlete! 

Mr. Gilbride…please throw him the ball.  We didn’t throw to Shockey because everyone said he had a big mouth, or he dropped too many balls, or he made Eli nervous. 

Now we have a big dude who runs good routes and keep his mouth shut. Throw him the rock and lets put the seem pass that Simms made famous back into the playbook.  Did someone forget he is wearing No. 89. 

 

Rant

Anyone love a kick return for a Touchdown?  What if I told you that there was an active player on the Giants roster who had returned 23 kickoffs for Giants resulting in 675 yards and a touchdown?

What if I told you that there is an active player on the roster who holds the Giants all-time post-season return record with 290 kick off yards in four games?

For the love of all that is red, white, and blue…Can we please put Domenik Hixon back in center field and let him shag flies? The guy is a stud with the ball in his hand and our return game has not been the same since. 

There has been plenty of starting running backs and wide receivers that returned kicks for their teams.  Maybe you’ve heard of Tim Brown, Eric Metcalf, Dave Megget, Devin Hester, or Brian Westbrook.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Eagles Star Players Sheldon Brown & Quintin Mikell Hang With The People

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Eagles fans call him “The Hit Man” from the damage he puts on opposing team ball carriers…just ask Saints running back Reggie Bush or Rams running back, Steven Jackson. 

They both know the wrath of Eagles star corner back No. 24 Sheldon Brown. In fact …Sheldon’s tremendous collision with Reggie Bush in 2006 made “Hit of Year” and was captured on the front cover of Sports Illustrated.

And how about his partner in crime No. 27 Quintin Mikell?  Quintin has emerged from the shadows of Brain Dawkins to grab his first all-pro selection and led the team in tackles in 2008. 

Sheldon and Quintin both are going to be heavily relied on this season to step up and be leaders, not just on the defense but with the entire team.  With Jon Runyon, Tre Thomas and Brian Dawkins now gone in Free Agency, Sheldon & Quintin become senior members of this team.

Like all other Eagles fans…you love defense.  You grew up on Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Wes Hopkins, Eric Allen, Seth Joyner, Andre Waters, Troy Vincent, Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Dawkins. 

Sheldon and Quintin are the new generation of big time Eagles players.  As these two star players share the spotlight…the questions will become more prevalent.  Who are these guys?  What are they about?

Sure you root for them every week, wait for them to make a big play and wear their jersey religiously but according to sports radio 610WIP you now have a chance to actually hang with these two guys for two hours every Monday throughout the 2009 football season.

Over the years player shows have become immensely popular allowing the average guy a chance to get up and personal with some of their favorite players and get a “snap shot” of what it is like to be a professional football player on and off the field. 

Sheldon and Quintin will be making a weekly appearance on Monday nights at Kaminski’s Sports Bar and Grill located in Cherry Hill New Jersey which is centrally located for fans in the Philadelphia region or South Jersey. 

Quintin and Sheldon will be fielding questions from the fans, signing autographs and taking pictures every Monday from 6pm to 8pm.  Jason Myrtetus the 610WIP Assistant Program Director and weekend on-air talent will head up the show as Emcee.

So if you have questions that have been eating you all off season like… “Why didn’t they just give Dawkins the money? Or why didn’t they offer Runyon a contract? or maybe something simple like…

What does it feels like when you slam into something as big as Brandon Jacobs?  For more info log onto Kaminskisbarandgrill.com

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

New York Giants Football: Ranting and Raving in 2009

Rant: Aaron Ross

How does the boyfriend of a two-time Olympic gold medalist and numerous track and field records have hamstring problems? 

Yes, one of the fastest women on the planet, Sanya Richards, is engaged to Ross, who plays cornerback for the New York Giants.

Miss Richards might want to start training her fiance, for the world is still waiting for him to shine. However, his hamstrings will not allow him to showcase his talents and prove he is is better than Mark Collins, Phillipe Sparks, Will Peterson, and Will Allan.  

 

Rave: Giants Management and Coaching Staff

The Giants have a knack for signing cast-offs from the Jets and turning them into stars.  Yes, practice squad scrubs who can’t seem to make the “powerhouse” franchise that is the New York Jets seem to find a home with Big Blue. 

Last year, Derrick Ward became one of two running backs in the Giants’ backfield to rush over 1,000 yards, and he played his way into a nice contract with Tampa Bay.

In 2009, Danny Ware steps in as “wind” to complete the Earth, wind and fire trio of dominating backs. Ware has had a great preseason and continues to show why he belongs with the big boys.

 

Rant: Lawrence Tynes

Can some get Lawrence Tynes a clue? 

He’s the only kicker on the 80-man roster, and he should start kicking like it. 

His brother is in federal prison for 27 years on drug and witness intimidation charges stemming from his 2004 involvement in a plan to move 3,600 pounds of marijuana between Texas and Florida.

His dad is a former Navy SEAL, and his brother Jason Tynes served in the United States Army in Iraq and Kuwait. 

I get it—this guy might have a pretty warped home life. But being a kicker isn’t overly demanding. 

Training camp isn’t demanding for kickers, and neither is practice. The Giant fans aren’t asking for much. They only need the guy to do two things: Kick the freaking ball in the end zone and through the uprights.  

Why is ever year, every game, and every kick an adventure?

 

Rave:  Fred Robbins

Fred Robbins has been one of the best defensive tthe Giants have had since Keith “Hammer” Hamilton, and he probably makes the short list of top five in the last 35 years behind Rosey Grier, Jim Burt, Erik Howard and Keith Hamilton.  

When’s the last time you went to work with two broken hands? When’s the last time you heard of a defensive tackle in this era of rich, speciality, down lineman who played part-time perform with two broken hands. 

How about never. 

In 2009, Robbins had microfracture surgery, which in the real world can sideline an athlete for more than a year.

But this isn’t the real world, and Robbins is officially a super human. 

No. 98 took 10 snaps in last week’s preseason game, and he played a few series against the Jets. 

This can only be deemed as an impressive comeback by the big dog.

 

Rant: Receivers

Memo to the New York Giants wide receivers: Catch the ball.

As the Giants went head-to-head with their roommates in the New York Jets, both Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon dropped passes that should have been caught.  \

These opportunities are not missed by No. 1 receivers.

In the first quarter, Steve Smith dropped a huge pass from Eli Manning. And in the very same series after a pass interference penalty, Manning went to work with Hixon. However, the ball goes through his fingertips for an interception. 

Just this past week, as the Giants were wrapping up camp, first-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks caught the ire of Coach Coughlin by dropping a ball that should have been caught. However, he redeemed himself tonight with 144 receiving yards on six receptions with scores of 71 and 22 yards. 

These receivers are going to have some growing pains, and it’s starting to show.

 

Rave:  Defense Depth

The Giant linebackers and defensive line kept the Jets to 3.4 yards per carry and under 100 yards. Blackburn led the linebackers with six tackles, and defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka led the team with four tackles and one sack.

Once this unit is fully healthy, it will make a huge impact on any game. And despite what people are saying about the injury to Canty, players like Bernard, Tollefson, and Cofield are better than most teams back ups or situational players. 

 

Rant: Antonio Pierce

Why isn’t this guy playing? Why does Antonio Pierce look soft? 

Shouldn’t the middle linebacker for the Giants’ defense look like he could take your head off? 

It’s possible that Pierce spends hours in the gym every day, but I don’t think it’s working. That leads me to wonder if his lack of power or upper-body strength is hurting the defense. Get this guy a “cycle” or something.

I look at Kehl and Sintim and these guys look diesel. They are big, and it’s obvious they are strong. 

Can they play? Only time will tell, but they sure don’t look like they need personal trainer. 

New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Exposed

Two preseason games in the books on the 2009 season and the fans are circling the wagons about the lack of offensive talent and fire power from the receiving unit. 

Should the Giants trade for Brandon Marshall?   Should the Giants have kept Amani Toomer? 

I try not make any concrete opinions in preseason or do I call for irrational changes regarding strategy, the play calling or the personnel because these situations change by the day; however, I am starting to wonder if we have a bigger problem.

Maybe the problem isn’t the personnel but the coach…like…Kevin Gilbride.

Over the last 20 years Kevin Gilbride has been the quarterbacks coach or the offensive coordinator for six different teams in NFL!  The constant landscape change would lead you to believe his services are not well regarded.

For five years Gilbride ran the run and shoot in Houston.  Run and shoot!  That puts the fear in me even as I write it.  Yes, the team had huge offensive numbers but was that Gilbride or Warren Moon? 

Last time I checked, Warren Moon was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  I’m gonna stick with my theory that Moon made Gilbride look pretty good. 

Gilbride isn’t even know for offensive prowess…instead his most famous moment was being punched in the face by Buddy Ryan, the Houston Oilers Defensive Coordinator in 1994 while standing on the sidelines during a nationally televised game.  All because Gilbride’s run-and-shoot offense couldn’t run out the clock when needed, especially just before halftime or at the end of a game.

Gilbride’s offensive scheme deemed “funny ball” by Houston writers couldn’t win big games despite having possibly the best collection of talent in the league.

In 1997 Kevin Gilbride left Tom Coughlin, the head coach at Jacksonville Jaguars to become the head coach for the San Diego Chargers. Quarterback Stan Humphies arguably the best thing going for the Bolts in 1997 has been quoted how in one year the San Diego Chargers became the NFL’s worst team.

Humphries, a tough and productive QB showcasing a 47-26 as a starter and ranking third among active quarterbacks in 1997 was badly beating and crushed in Gilbride’s Run and Shoot.  Gilbride cut the teams top two running backs and brought in no new line help.

So, now you have a Chargers team with no running back, no offensive line and a quarterback looking over his shoulder, who will be asked to direct a run-and-shoot attack with Eric Metcalf, Tony Martin and a bunch of no-names who can’t catch.

Look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself…”Was Plaxico Burress making Gilbride look good for the past three years?”  This is not about Burress; however, does this guy really get it or do players like Moon and Burress make him look good? 

Against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 playoffs the New York Giants Offensive looked lost and over matched…exposed! Gilbride is looking more and more like fraud.  It is very well documented that the Giants have young, in experienced receivers…so what!

Why are Ei and company not throwing to these guys when the competetion is at it highest?  It’s preseason…let the young boys run and air it out while it doesn’t count.

And if the Giants become one dimensional and predictable, the Giants will loose. 

Wake up Gilbride.

Cut To the Chase: New York Needs Giant Year From Scrappy Lineman Chase Blackburn

Chase Blackburn just flies below the radar. Nothing fancy…just a football player. With lunch pail in hand…No 57. Chase Blackburn comes to work every day, busting his ass and competing.

I am really starting to appreciate this guy and I think some other people should too. He reminds me of Nick Griesen the old Giant linebacker who played his way into a contract at Jacksonville a few years back.

Chase, like Griesen was another hard working guy that can and will play anywhere, anytime because they love football. Chase is one the most consistent players on the roster and I don’t think many people even know who he is. The media especially doesn’t pay attention to him and I’m sure that’s the way he likes it.

He doesn’t have elite speed or top of the food chain talent like an Urlacher, Willis or Tatupu…he’s just not in that premiere class; however, this guy has made the most of his opportunities and once again…The New Giants are depending on him in 2009.

For you football heads who love stats…Chase Blackburn is not your guy. He does not turn in 100 plus tackles, with 40 for a loss or 10 sacks and five interceptions. Over the years elite linebackers have been a NY Giants staple, especially anchoring the middle.

Huff, Carson, Kelly, Reasons, Johnson, and Armstead…yet Big Blue has not suffered having the master of ceremonies (Pierce) and the hard hat (Blackburn) behind the biggest and arguably one of the best defensive lines in football.

Chase Blackburn over the last four seasons has turned in quite a nice performance. Originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Giants on June 21, 2005 from the University of Akron, Chase has played middle linebacker as well as the weak-side outside linebacker.

With a nose for special teams, Chase made the Giants 53-man roster out of training camp as a rookie free agent and has since led the team in special teams tackles in each of the last four seasons.

Week in and week out he is the most exciting player to watch on the kick off team as he takes his 4.65 speed and throws around his 247 pound body like a wrecking ball. As a rookie in 2005, Chase showed his skills right out of gate recovering a fumble on the game’s opening kickoff. 

Making his first NFL start at outside linebacker vs. Kansas City on Dec. 17, Chase finished with nine tackles (three solo). During the last two games of 2005 season Chase took over for Antonio Pierce when the defensive signal caller went down with an ankle injury. 

In his starting debut in the middle of the Giants defensive he recorded six tackles (three solo) and picked off a Mark Brunell pass and returned it for a 32-yard touchdown. Since being signed by the Giants on 2005 he has played games except but one either on special teams, outside linebacker or in the middle.

Every year he has gotten better, finding a groove and making tackles. During the 2008 season he earned the starting role as the weak-side linebacker and was also named a first alternate to the NFC Pro Bowl team.

This is the year the Giants need him to step up and make a difference whether he is playing for the injured Michael Boley, backing up Antonio Pierce or splitting time with Danny Clark.

He has had a great camp and he deserves to be on the field; however, if he is to stay on this New York Giant team as a starter he will need to separate himself from Gerris Wilkinson and Bryan Kehl by making game changing plays.

NY Giant Ticket Madness: Too Little Too Late

I received a call today from a good friend of mine.  For the past 20 years, he has sat next to me in Giant Stadium.  The tradition of watching Big Blue spans over 40 years as our fathers have been going together since 1969. 

They have seen the Giants play at Yale Bowl, the original Yankee Stadium and of course…Giant Stadium.  We have seen many great moments over the years and are very fortunate to have had tickets for such a long span of time.

So, this conversation focuses on the Giants and the upcoming year.  We banter back and forth about everything from Eli Manning without Burress to how we are both looking forward to watching KP knock the stuffing out of Dallas receivers.

Now…what most people need to know to make this article work is that we are both reeling over the cost of the PSL’s and the ticket costs in the New Giant Stadium.  Sure, the new stadium is going to be “amazing,” but the price attached to “amazing” has forced many of the long standing fans out. 

Sunday traditions including ours has be crushed. I was hoping to take my son someday; however, that opportunity for me is no more…for I have turned my four seats back in.  My lower level seats were to cost $47,000 up from $4000.  WOW! 

The Giants are having trouble selling tickets.  This is a fact. There are talks of blacking out games in the North Jersey/New York area.  This is also fact.

And the reason for the call from my friend was to tell me the offer he received from the Giants today.  Now, this friend was on the Giants waiting list since 1990.  He was attempting to acquire a second pair of tickets, so he did not have to buy his fathers tickets week in and week out.

His offer was to buy a PSL in the Mezzanine level.  The PSL was still $7500 a seat (crazy!) but they were dropping the seat price from $400 to $250. Also, the rights to purchase concerts seats, complimentary parking, fixed seat prices for three years and private stadium entrance with elevators, extra wide seats with more leg room.

Get ready for the blackouts, people coming to the game in the middle of the first quarter and leaving after half time.

This is the first time in those 20 years that I will not see him every Sunday over the course of the football season.

If they just had been fair up front with their prices this desperation move would not be necessary.  My friend told them “Thanks” but “No Thanks.”

Why I Love to Hate Plaxico Burress

There are just some players I love to hate!

Maybe there cocky, a potential distraction, constantly being quoted in the paper saying something inappropriate or plain ignorant.  If you’re like me you just LOVE to HATE these type of players. 

This is my story and my daily ever changing feeling about Plaxico Burress. 

I promised myself I was moving on from this mess…but here I am again talking about Mr. Selfish.

Who am I?  Well, in the big picture…I’m no one special.  But I am a season ticket holder.  That’s a start.  I am a guy who has seen every down this guy has played since joining the team in 2005.  Okay, that counts for something too..since I have been fortunate to watch every route No. 17 runs up close. 

Most of these plays don’t even make the camera on Sunday afternoons. 

Me and 70,000 other Giant fans every week get to see “ALL” the plays he is involved with.  He jaws with corner backs and safeties.  I like that!  He also blocks…and hard!   He takes cheap shots…many times taking a palm to the face snapping his head back. 

He has a target on his back week in and week out.  He’s never the underdog or the sleeper pick to make the “big play.”  With that said…he’s a rich athlete who gets paid very well to play this game. 

Looking over his four-year career with the New York Giants and taking in to consideration the numerous infractions…you have to ask yourself some hard questions.

Does this guy get it?

Does he respect the game?

Does he realize his time in NFL is short?

Where else is he going to have more success?

Out of 60 to 70 offensive snaps per game Plaxico is on the field for 98 percent of those plays.  Plaxico has a total of 505 catches for his career, that’s 56 catches per year for nine years. Broken down to averages…that is 3.5 per game.  So, if you’re watching the game on TV you don’t see a lot of what the man does week in and week out.  

On the other hand…he’s cashing a big check and doesn’t do all that much.  You can go either way!

Like most fans I favor moving on; however, I can also admit that Eli is not the most accurate guy.  The Giants offensive benefits tremendously from having that tall, athletic wide receiver that tends to bail Eli out time and time again.  

No. 17 has game.  When at his best…I love his on field performance. 

Have you ever thought about how many bad balls Plaxico has plucked out of the air? Remember…Eli only averages 200.3 yards per game.  Sad…but true!

Still, at 6’ 5” watching him run routes is like watching a prehistoric bird taking flight.  During NFC Championship game against Green Bay I was truly amazed at his performance. 

Without Plaxico there is a good chance Eli struggles to make a difference down field.  Maybe Hixon becomes the guy, but no one is predicting Nicks to be Plax’s replacement. It’s gonna be an interesting year and if Burress did come back…he is sure to get a four game suspension.

In those for four games the Giants can start to get a feel for Nicks, Hixon, Manningham, Moss, and Smith and if they can get it done.

Damn…I love to hate this guy!   

On the Road to the Super Bowl…

Everyone loves a good nickname.

Anytime somebody calls you by your nickname you know the person vying for your attention is a good and personal friend.

That philosophy goes for football fans too…don’t you think? Your favorite team, your all time favorite defense or your favorite player…they probably have nicknames too.

Some people have a made a living on the art of giving nicknames to players. Some are attention grabbing and some are completely ridiculous… but it makes things more interesting when you can root for a guy who’s nickname you know.

It’s like you’re watching your old school buddy from grade school whoop ass on the gridiron. It’s makes it personal!

Not every player needs a nickname and certainly every player does not deserve one. But over the years there has been so many stellar nicknames used to describe players, coaches, dominant defenses, flamboyant receivers, dominant O-lines, stud ball carriers and great quarterbacks.

String them all along together and get a very bizarre tale.

A Great Giant Running Back : Rodney Hampton

Over the past twenty years, No. 27 has been a main stay on the NY Giants roster.  Before Jacobs…there was Dayne.  Before Ron Dayne there was Hampton.  I was always a huge fan of Rodney Hampton. 

Through out the 80’s fans flocked to the Meadowlands…sporting their favorite blue or white jersey.  One row after another, like Giant infantry, the names of Simms, Taylor, Bavaro, McConkey, or Morris were sewn or ironed on the back.  But wait a minute…this was 1990 and there was a new first round draft pick in the house!

Enter Rodney Hampton. 

That’s right…a new breed of back from Houston, Texas was making a home behind the quarterback.  No. 27 became the dawn of the new decade and was considered a big back for the Giants in those days.  Drafted at 215 pounds, Rodney played between 221 and 230 for his seven year career.  The 5’11″ back was a giant compared to Billy Taylor, Joe Morris, and Dave Meggett.  Rodney, superior in talent, still had 10 pounds of muscle on the taller Butch Woolfolk.

He was one part high flying “over the top” type of back, he was one part “run you over” type of back, and he was one part “slash past you” and “turn the corner” type of back. 

I can remember the article in one of NFL preview magazines showing a picture of a Georgia running back flying over the top of a huge defensive line into the end zone.

The caption under the photo read something like…“The Giants are a much improved team now that they drafted the high-flying Georgia running back, Rodney Hampton.” 

I have many fond memories of Rodney Hampton.  He went on to have five back-to-back 1,000 yards plus rushing seasons and collected 6,897 yards along the way.  That would make Mr. Hampton No. 50 all time!   Now that will change in the next few years as the great Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Larry Johnson and Willis McGahee continue their careers. 

So, that got me thinking.  Who was the best Giant running back of all time?

I couldn’t decide if I should research the stats and big play ability or go with Super Bowl winners and Pro-bowlers?  How about old school vs. new school?  Either way, the New York Giants have had some fantastic running backs over their great history and some impressive ball carriers in the last 30 years.  

Carpenter, Morris, Meggett, Hampton, Anderson, Barber, Jacobs, Ward, Bradshaw and we hope to see Danny Ware have a break out season.  For those keeping stats, let’s not forget the Giants traded away the 1,000 yard rusher Ryan Grant to the Green Bay Packers in 2007.

I understand Rodney is still around participating in some special New York Giants functions and it’s also good to see Jacobs rising out of the shadow of Tiki Barber to give new life to No. 27.

 

NY Giants-Philadelphia Eagles: By the Numbers in 2009

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Since the Eagles knocked the Giants out of the 2008 playoffs, Philadelphia fans are talking about a special run at the Super Bowl. Eagles fans believe that the Birds are a much better team than the GMen, especially now that McNabb finally has some explosive weapons.

The head to head/position by position 2009 preview lies below, by the numbers.

QB: edge—Even

Eagles—A healthy McNabb with a new $5 million dollar bonus can be dangerous, but has choked down the stretch and is thirty-three years old this November. His arm was sore in mini camp and he was wearing a protective sleeve.

Giants—The former Super Bowl MVP lost two major weapons, but has another year of experience. His accuracy can be questioned, but his consistancy can’t be! He also has some new, young talent around him.

 

RB: edge—Giants

Eagles—Brian Westbrook has basically been injured his entire career. It’s amazing the productivity he has been able to put out so far. Last month (June), B-West had ankle surgery and will mostly likely miss Training Camp. 

Why did he wait so long to have the surgery? Will he be ready? The rookie RB LeSean McCoy from Pitt will be exciting if and when he gets on the field.

Giants—Jacobs is a true beast who runs around you, through you and over you. No. 44 Bradshaw is already proven, and can be a very special player with break-away speed.             

O-line: edge—Giants

Giants—This could be the best o-line in football. This group blocked for two 1000-yard rushers in 2008. This feat has only been done four times in the league history. O’Hara & Snee are recent Pro bowlers. 

There’s no reason why they would be slowing down. The entire group is under 31. 

Eagles—This unit has a bit of uncertainty after losing both starting tackles—tough guy Jon Runyon (eight years) and Tra Thomas (ten years).

Jason Peters is a great pro bowl addition; however, he is not the best tackle in football claimed (as by another B/R journalist) and Shawn Andrews the Pro Bowl guard is taking medication to fight depression! 

He states that he has been fighting this problem on his desire to play or retire. Center Jackson and RG Stacy Andrews are good not but elite players.

 

WR: edge—Eagles

Eagles—Curtis and last year’s sensational rookie DeSean Jackson are great slot receivers with plenty of speed and upside. Rumor has it that Curtis might become expendable if Maclin is the real deal. Tight End Brent Celek is a good passing tight end, but struggles when blocking. 

Avant doesn’t scare anyone, but the jury is out—Maclin could be the “weapon” McNabb has been asking for!

Giants—Steve Smith is the most reliable receiver on the Giants, and he has made some great catches to earn Eli’s trust and favorite target status.

But he can’t do it alone. Hixon made some nice strides but he’s not a No. 1 receiver. He can stretch the field, but needs to be more consistent.

Moss, Manningham and Nicks…not healthy, not reliable and not known. It will be interesting. If TE Kevin Boss or Ramses Barden, the 6’6 second-round draft pick, can take over for the Giants in the red-zone for a jump ball, Big Blue might draw this position competition to even.

 

D-line: edge—Giants

Giants—can you say oh my god! This d-line will most likely will lead the NFL or come in the top 3 in sacks. This unit was already real good, but with the addition of No. 99 Chris Canty (Cowboys) and Rocky Benard (Seahawks), the men in the trenches look really scary. 

Justin Tuck is one of the NFL’s most dominant players, and big Fred Robbins in the middle will be joined by Canty & Benard. Ball carriers, beware! Speed rusher DE Dave Tollefson is great off the bench and now with DE Kiwanuka wearing #94 and Pro Bowler Osi Umenyora back, this line is the most complete in football.

Eagles—This unit is a bit undersized and it shows throughout the season as their star DE #58 Trent Cole usually disappears round game 9.   #98 Patterson & #97 Bunkley are solid in the middle but there overall production is somewhat below average. 

In 2008 they had 2.5 sacks between them.  In 2008 Robbins and Cofield had 8.8 between them. The other Eagle defensive linemen have not made any real contributions.

 

Line backers: Eagles

Giants—Pro-bowl linebacker Antonio Pierce had somewhat of a down year for one of the smartest middle linebackers in the game, partly because Kawika Mitchell moved on. During the 2008, No. 57 Chase Blackburn became the weak side linebacker and was also named a 1st alternate to the NFC Pro Bowl team. He was by far the Giants’ biggest surprise of the year.  

 

No. 53 Kehl is developing into a nice player who contributed last year in a big way after bring drafted from BYU. No. 55 Danny Clark lacks big play ability but is as solid as it comes. Michael Boley…the big off season transaction is already hurt and out for ten weeks with Hip surgery.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Eagles—No. 55 Stewart Bradley is a pure stud—leaps and bounds better than most middle linebackers. He will become a multi-time Pro Bowler, and can run sideline to sideline with the best of them. 

No. 57 Chris Gocong, the starting strong side linebacker, is probably the most improved player on the defense, but No. 56 Akeem Jordan is young and raw. No. 96 Omar Gaither lost his starting job mid way through the season. Some say it was because he did not want to sign the Eagles extension.

Still this group is strong and can play fast and furious.             

 

Defensive Backs: edge—Even

Giants—the most improved unit on the team.  The light bulb has gone on for No. 23 Corey Webster, for he has played two years of great football. His coverage skills dramatically improved, and his ball skills have been exceptional as Webster has made some really big INTs! 

Aaron Ross, the Giants No. 1 draft pick in 2007, also became a great cover corner, and even better, a superb open field tackler. Ross has great speed and is used frequently on the safety blitz.   

The safeties are under a bit of construction, but the ’08 first-round draft pick, No. 21 Kenny Phillips from Miami, is ready to have a breakout season. He showed some great flashes last year, and look out for some MONSTER hits! Phillips is 6”2, with a 210 lb frame.

Eagles—The face of the franchise and seven-time pro bowler, Brian “The Wolverine” Dawkins, was disrespectfully shown the door, and so he left for Denver. No. 27 Quintin Mikell and No. 39 Quintin Demps take over as the safety duo.  

Mikell made the Pro Bowl as an alternate last year, and has come a long way under the guidance of Brian Dawkins. There’s no way to know what Demps brings to the table; however, he did get beat for the game-winning touchdown in the past NFC Championship game vs. Arizona.

Asante Samuel was quite a disappointment in his first year with gang green, as he only had 4 interceptions and 40 tackles. 

Their best cover corner, the hard hitting No. 24 Sheldon Brown, is back, but there are problems in the City of Brotherly Love (see Lito Sheppard) as the always-cheap Eagles won’t restructure his contract.

Brown, who has never missed a game in his tenure, has been the most consistent player on the defensive unit and deserves to get paid for his hard work and dedication, especially since they just paid No. 21 Joselio Hanson, the nickel back.  

As a footnote, first-round draft pick and two-time Pro Bowler Sheppard was basically run out of town because he asked for more money.

 

Special Team:  Giants

Giants—This is an easy one; Jeff Feagles is amazing even at 43. That’s 22 years in the NFL, and there is no better weapon! Lawrence Tynes kicked the Giants to a Super Bowl in the coldest game in history.

No. 87 Dominick Hixon & No. 44 Ahmad Bradshaw are extremely dangerous each averaging 25 yards a return.

Eagles—Sav Rocca is average. Akers is older and lost some leg after tearing that hamstring a few years back. Plus, he just can’t get it done in the playoffs. No. 10 DeSean Jackson is very special, but I feel that at 175lbs. he won’t last long. As far as No. 39 Quintin Demps, the jury is still out.

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