NY Giants’ Backs Are Against the Wall

The New York Giants are a great team that drafted fairly well this year. They have even made significant additions via free agent traffic. Still, whom the Giants drafted and free agent addition has pretty much explained to them, as well their fan base, where they could have done better.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has looked very good,  and his two rookie wide receivers—Ramses Barden and Hakeem Nicks—both look good. These two should, by season’s end, have marked their territory on the Giants’ receiving corps. Look for the biggest display of talent though to come from Nicks (no later than midseason).

Nicks has had less time with his team due to lengthy contract negotiations. Yet, his play is almost as sufficient as any Giant receiver has displayed so far, including Steve Smith.

The injuries to drafted players have had people talking about the rigidness of training. Oh those poor boys, the NFL’s New York Giants have been too hard on them.

Well, it’s the NFL—it’s not high school or college. They have been lavishly compensated to play at the next level, a level that very few football players attain. If training is not rigid, there will not be another Super Bowl.

In order for the Giants to reach their goals it would appear they need another running back very badly. That is, if they are hoping to at least come close to last season’s averages, as well the playoffs. Their receivers will eventually gel and the end result should be awesome, though there are a couple of these that need to be trade bait.

The Giants’ most evident need is the secondary: They just have not performed well, and the new additions do not appear to be better than the previous year’s personnel. Of course, one cannot put a lot of stock in preseason games, but lesser teams have thrown easily on the secondary regardless of who was on the field.

The bottom line is the Giants are still a championship team and have the ability to come together at any time this season—and in the immediate future—but defense wins games. At end and backer the Giants look pretty good, but that’s it. Don’t expect the Giants to win more than 10 games, which might be good enough to keep them ahead of Philadelphia in the conference race.

Although even that remains to be seen. Philly should be feeling pretty cocky if they have been paying any attention to their conference enemy. What can the Giants do regarding this quandary? A trade is in order, and the Giants should do this ASAP.

But that’s a whole nother story!

New York Giants are Ready for the 2009 Season

The New York Giants’ former wideouts Burress and Toomer are occupied. Burress is occupied with the court system and he has a due date in September and he will most likely not be able to shirk from this one.

As for Toomer, he is with his new team the Kansas City Chiefs, which is an excellent place for Amani to be at this point in his career. Amani is the veteran receiver in KC, and will be honored as such, as the majority of Chiefs receivers are young and inexperienced (at least to Amani’s standards). For sure those young guys will benefit greatly having him with the organization.

Also the Giants can finally rest after coming to terms with Hakeem Nicks and Eli Manning. It was scary for the fans for they knew that the Giants did not want to lose either of these individuals.

Eli is the Giant QB and although they have a competent backup in David Carr, he is no Eli Manning. Manning will be even more dangerous a passer now they are playing in the new stadium.

He will no longer be battling the terrific wind differential as he had the past four years. Even with the opposing winds Eli was still able to pump out 3,000 yards a season and more touchdowns than interceptions, including a super bowl victory a couple years back.

Giant fans are looking for great things from Eli. Giant fans are also looking for great things from Hakeem Nicks. Sure, Hakeem is an untested rookie but he has a tremendous upside, he has great hands, speed, and vision.

Teams will not be able to double team him and get away with it either as Steve Smith will be all over the field and he has the best hands of any Giant receivers. Plus Boss is back and Tyree less anyone forget just how big a threat he is.

Then there is the other untested wide out Ramses Barden. Ramses is huge, big hands, big body, and big heart. He has the athleticism of a wide out and the strength and size of a tight end. 

This new action for the Giant offense plus some new faces and old faces (all pro bowl types) connecting for the defense has many Giant fans thinking super bowl. Why not this could be the most explosive offense (receiver-wise) the Giants have tabled in many years.

It’s for sure looking interesting and that’s another story.

In The Zone With Vinny’s Brother Nick Perretta: It’s In The Genes

Nick Perretta shared at length with the Bronco Blue Review information about his past athletic triumphs. He also shared about his father, former San Diego Charger Ralph Perretta, as well as his talented mother, and brother former Boise State Bronco super star Vincent “Vinny” Perretta.

The conversation with Nick started inquiring about his family and the close knitted ness of them – or not. Nick responded that Vinny and himself were “very close” and that there were just the four of them his father, mother, brother Vinny, and himself, that they were a close knit family. 

Nick continued that they have a very athletic family and the Perretta parents were very supportive in their children’s choices. Nick and Vinny “grew up playing football, baseball, basketball, golf and soccer.” 

Nick said that both he and Vinny played football; in fact they grew up playing football. It does not seem odd that the children whose father played pro football for many years would not want to also follow in those same footsteps.

Well Vinny has the chance to follow as he has past Minnesota Vikings mini camp and is still hanging on. His name is on the roster for a pre season game with the Indianapolis Colts on August 14th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Indiana. Perretta family, friends, and fans will be watching. 

Nick was a winner himself. His high school team won the state championship at Qualcom stadium in San Diego the site of last seasons Poinsettia Bowl between TCU and Boise State. Nick stated that he tried to play college ball but his knee would not allow him to progress so he “hung up the cleats.” 

Just because Nick hung up his cleats does not mean the former California state champion offensive lineman and defensive end is not still involved in sports. Nick is very athletic today he plays golf and surfs. I am sure that California girls like Nick’s choices as well.

It’s not hard to see that the Perretta family has strong athletic genes. It seems what ever their family does sports wise is stamped close to perfection

Nick says that his father has always been and still is a great athlete. He followed that up commenting on his father being a scratch golfer. Nick praised his mother also saying she was also a good athlete and he believes that’s where Vinny gets his speed.

Nick was asked about the Poinsettia Bowl and his thoughts over the Broncos loss. Nick talked about the tailgate party at the game saying they had a ton of people at the tailgate; some 300 to 350 of what Nick calls “Perretta’s Pizza Eaters.”

Nick said, “The beer, wine, and food were all flowing like the salmon of Capistrano. It stunk to lose but it didn’t take away from the fun that we had.”

That pretty well says it, some times there is just more in life than winning, sometimes it’s about just being with family and friends.

Nick says his work schedule is very “unpredictable.” Nick works selling orthopedic implants. However, he did say that he was thinking about helping out the offensive line at his old high school. This is a genuinely nice family.

Nick said that over the years he has developed friendships with Vinny’s teammates as he followed them to their games etc, and they were at the game not just to support Vinny but the other Bronco seniors he has come to know well. Nick said he would always be a Bronco fan. Nick wants to see the Broncos at the Rose bowl in 2010.

Nick was also asked if was going to have to become a Minnesota Viking fan because Vinny might make the team. He said that he was a die-hard Charger fan and that he could adopt a second team since it was not in the AFC West.

Nick continued saying, “That being said, it isn’t a done deal yet. Vinny has a lot of work to do to make this team. However, I can assure you that nobody is more up to the challenge than he is. If anyone can do it, it’s him.”

Thank you Nick for all you have shared. This interview was as good as they get. Bronco fans will be pleased and that’s another story.

 

This article first published by Lace Banachek on 7/12/2009 at Broncobluereview

 

 

Not Quite Boise State Breaking News: But Close Enough to Report #4

It seems right that a pair of rumors may be more than RUMORS (well one of them anyway). Boise Idaho blogger site OBNUG has concurred a rumor started by Bronco country that Boise State Broncos have an offer and agreement if you will, to junior college sophomore cornerback Jerrell Gavins out of El Camino College (Miami, FL). The Boise State Broncos website nor any other reliable media source has as of yet established the Gavins story to be anything sealed in blood. We will see!

From the rumor mill, Gavins is hoping to join the 09 secondary rotations, still don’t bet the farm on that one Tilley, Gavins may be coming to Boise—heck he’s not answering his phone in Miami, but at 175 pounds and maybe as much as 6 foot (even if he does show up) it seems a tad odd that he’d see any game time?

Once again, if Jerrell does arrive and has truly been offered its not likely there is room for him in this seasons rotation—looks like he be redshirting with others who are bigger, stronger, faster, and experienced—when it is his turn to play he’ll have to fight darn hard to get into that rotation. Albeit, the Broncos like a talented bench!

Former Boise State Bronco Traded to Jags

The other rumor was credited June 30th as Gerald Alexander, former Boise State Bronco and Detroit Lion, arrived in Jacksonville from Detroit as part of the trade that sent Dennis Northcutt, a wide receiver, to the motor city.

The trade, according to Jaguars.com surprised Detroit’s defensive back Alexander. Gerald announced to the Jags’ official site that he was “excited” to be in his current situation.

Gerald continued saying he had to learn a new system, meet new team players, etc. Alexander is a quality athlete; he will do better in Jacksonville once he settles in. Still, it’s not a done deal until Detroit says so and both teams, the press, you, and I am waiting.

Alexander had a successful rookie year in 2007 starting all 16 games after being drafted by the team in the second round of the NFL Draft. The problem, if there was one, was the season ending neck injury in October of 2008 to Alexander.

According to various data, Gerald is fine now and he passed his physical for the Jags. If Gerald is back and ready to play he may very well have stepped into position for playoff potential, which could mean some serious dollars down the road. Alexander had two intercepts and some 88 tackles prior to his injury.

Vinny Perretta in the Zone, Pt. 2: Minnesota Viking Rookie Free Agent Interview

The following is the continuation last week’s interview. Former Boise State wide receiver Vinny Perretta, whose father Ralph Perretta was a star NFL offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers, answered questions for the Bronco Blue Review. Vinny was asked to share some moments regarding his newest venture, that of a free agent wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Here is what Vinny had to say:

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1. How has rookie camps been going for you?

Perretta: Rookie mini camp went very well for me. We just got done with OTA’s and now we have a month off before training camp starts. It was good to get my feet wet in an NFL system before camp starts. Hopefully I can hit the ground running.

 

2. Are there any surprises that you care or are allowed to address?

Perretta: No surprises. My dad played in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers for six seasons, and he told me what to expect. Having my dad to go to is something that I take advantage of because he has been there before and he knows what is going on.

 

3. What are the coaches like in Minnesota?

Perretta: The coaches are awesome. They are very knowledgeable and are just good guys in general.

 

4. What are the players like in Minnesota?

Perretta: The players have been awesome as well. The veterans treat us rookies like other veterans. They help us out on the field and in meeting rooms. Its nice to know that the veterans don’t’ try to push the rookies around (Vinny laughed).

 

5. What are the fans like in Minnesota—do you find yourself in that same ole “gotta prove myself to everybody mode?”

Perretta: I haven’t really met any of the fans yet. We have been at the facilities most of the time, so we haven’t really got to experience much of the city yet.

 

6. How tough has the competition been at wide out so far?

Perretta: The talent at wide receiver is exceptional. All these guys can play. I am really impressed with all the WR’s. I believe that it starts with our receiver coach, George Stewart.

 

7. Does it look like you will be making the team this year?

Perretta: My goal is to make the team! I am focused on myself and giving it my all every single day. I haven’t really thought about not making the team yet (Vinny laughs).

 

8. Do you see much of Ian and how is he doing that you can tell?

Perretta: From what I can tell, Ian has been doing a great job. He looks good and looks like he is picking things up well. Ian has always been a good football player and he still is!

Vinny thank you very much for your time—your many fans in Boise and around the world look forward to seeing you in Purple (not bruised) this NFL season.

It will be a tremendous joy watching Vincent Perretta gain knowledge from Coach Stewart, as well the many very talented receivers and pros at Minnesota. Viking fans and or Bronco/Perretta fans etc herein lies a perfect example of Vinny’s personable behavior and politics.

Vinny appears to always attempt to stay on the upward path—giving his 110 percent and not giving in to negativity of any sorts.

Vinny no doubt knows as an athlete, be it Idaho, Minnesota or his former high school in San Diego, Calif. that there will always be those who just dislike you, and for no other reason than ones school or team colors he or she represents.

Still, it is my belief that anybody given any small amount of time with the Perretta’s as a whole would truly grow to appreciate them.

As for Vinny and he alone—should he make the Vikings there is not much doubt that within a small window of time he will become a crowd favorite. Why? Simply because he goes all out for who he represents, be it his sports family, those close to him and those necessarily not such as the media, bloggers, etc. Thus when word comes regarding Vinny’s pro debut the Blue Revue will be on it—and that’s another story.

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Article first published by Lace Banachek on 6/30/2009 at broncobluereview.blogspot.com.

Not Quite Boise State Breaking News: But Close Enough To Report #2

Yesterday San Diego Chargers reported that Jeremy Childs was released from any further tryouts. Of course Childs stated openly prior to his release that he did not regret leaving Boise. Well, I imagine he’s sticking to his guns — but man did he ever make a mistake. 

Jeremy left BSU early for financial reasons (taking care of his family and all). That’s good enough but now what no education and no contract? 

Bronco fans may contemplate the what if he’d only stayed one more year — Boise State would have been deeper yet and Childs may have been drafted. Why wouldn’t he have been he’s a fine receiver? 

The problem for Childs was trying to go this year and with all teams San Diego? The Chargers have good receivers there thus the odds of Jeremy making that team was extremely iffy. 

Oh well what you gonna do? After hearing about Jeremy’s release I checked the forums to see what locals were saying  — nothing good was said that made any sense. One person said CFL there you go or something like that. 

Those types of comments are ridiculous, what makes people think that the Canadian Football league is any easier to break into – If that was truly the case it seems there would be far less talented football players playing for teams like the Boise Burn and other teams of that type?

The CFL is a great league and players fortunate enough to land positions with any of those teams are very good. If Childs attempts to make the Canadian league we wish him well — but we’re not so sure he can make the CFL anymore than we thought he’d break in with the Chargers. 

But who’s to say the best to him whatever he tries. Maybe he will finish his education in Cali and in the mean time play for a spring league (that’s chump change but a lot of very talented guys are relying on that to supplement their incomes in these hard times.

 

Article first published by Lace Banachek on 6/24/2009 at http://broncobluereview.blogspot.com/

New York Giants Defense: Looking to Create a Little Havoc This Season

One year of mediocre defense is not welcome in New York. Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin wasted no time preparing the elements for a descent drive that may just end back at the coming Super Bowl.

Indeed, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck, and Dave Tollefson should put on a rush that will be profitable for the Giants and an all day headache for the opposing teams.

Tollefson is the weak link among the ends but his play last year looked promising.

Having Umenyiora back will free up Kiwanuka and Tuck to just be themselves and get the job done. Still don’t expect Kiwanuka stats to fall. I have a feeling he enjoyed taking out all those sacks.

As for Strahan, he is and will be missed for a few more years to come. Yet the Giants appear to be at near 90 percent of what they were at defensive end.

Now if first year Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan can get his D Line and secondary to come together be more competitive the Giants will be looking back no more.

The Giants already appear more formidable with Chris Canty, Barry Coffield, and Rocky Bernard shoring up the tackle position.

Linebacker will be better for wear this season as well—weak side linebacker Michael Boley and middle linebacker Antonio Pierce will do well. The weak link in this unit is strong side linebacker.

The rookie Clint Sintim may enjoy some serious playtime here with Chase Blackburn getting sufficient backup to Pierce, and the weak side.

In reality the Giants are still thin at linebacker—even though they have sufficient players to fill the roles. There is no doubt that next year the Giants will be looking not only to complete the DL but to give the unit a true depth.

The Giants need one solid all everything linebacker that can step in and plug the hole whenever called upon to do so. The biggest hurt comes in the secondary.

Measures were made when the Giants picked up CC Brown to push Kenny Phillips and Michael Johnson—both appear needing the push.

The two corners have Corey Webster and Aaron Ross—Ross needs to improve or young Terrell Thomas may push for his starting corner.

Well the table is set the question is will there be Super Bowl play from these individuals. Weak play and sloppy tackling needs to give way to aggressive physical hits and better solo and team tackling.

The Giants have addressed some key issues will it be enough? Once again look for New York to finish the task in next years draft. Until then this will be a much better team than last seasons.

Giants should have little trouble dominating their conference rivals. We have our eyes on them and that will be another story.

Vinny Perretta: The Minnesota Vikings’ Next Great Slot Receiver

College draft days most significant analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said of Vinny Perretta: “He’s more of an underneath threat with the ability to make things happen after the catch.” 

The key word that Mel used for Vinny (“threat”) is more than appropriate. Perretta the Minnesota Viking free agent receiver and former Boise State Bronco Z receiver (slot/third) has great hands and superb vision.

Of course, that is not news to Boise State fans as game after game Vinny always came through in one fashion or another. One of Perretta’s many pluses is his ability to make things happen after the catch.

That’s why Vinny was used on the Broncos All-Star team (special teams). Perretta and the other Viking free agent from Boise State, Ian Johnson, were heavily used on special teams because they were extremely adaptable players with the constant abilities to make things happen.

Mel also tabbed Vinny as a poor man’s Wes Welker. Well maybe not a “poor mans’ but there is a significant similarity between the two receivers and if Mel is any where near close to his comparison the Vikings will have made their key pick of draft day without even using a draft pick.

Minnesota and Vinny were presumptuously sure that Perretta was not on the draft list radar. So the Vikings had Vinny fly out prior to the draft to get an up close and personal look into the one receiver who seemed to do everything the Boise State Broncos asked and look good doing it.

For example, Perretta threw the fourth-down pass to Derek Schouman that afforded the Broncos a last chance two-point conversion attempt to win the great Fiesta Bowl game of 2007. 

Vinny Perretta was always a go-to guy. Vinny can throw and catch but its what he gets done following the receptions that is always amazing; he just has that rare ability to find an opening and make something out of nothing.

Vinny plays like a giant on the field but his small stature has kept him from being noticed. For that matter Vinny has always flown under the radar. Perretta was not signed to a scholarship at Boise State right out of the hat, so to speak.

Vinny had to prove himself to Boise State Broncos. Prove himself he did. Vinny was a walk on at BSU in 2004 and played as a redshirt freshman for the Broncos the following year.

However, Vinny Perretta could have taken the scholarship he was offered to St. Mary’s but he knew deep within that he had game and that it needed to be seen at the BCS level.

Perretta is a nice multi-talented kid who now offers his talents for football fans to see at the NFL level. Look for Perretta to make the Minnesota Vikings team straight up and that will be another story.

Minnesota Vikings: A Look At Their Best Draft Choices And Free Agents

NFL Draft: Rounds #1 Percy Harvin, #2 Phil Loadholt, and #5 Jasper Brinkley is heads and tails above all others selected by the Vikings in the draft. These three will contribute largely and it seems right away.

Harvin was Tim Tebow’s number one weapon and for the most part Florida’s success depended largely upon his being in the game. The almost 6 8’ 332 pound Loadholt is probably Minnesota’s best pick – he is huge tough and will fill right tackle right away.

Oklahoma’s ability to pass so well this past season was largely due to Phil planting defenders on their butts. Brinkley is just a tough kid – at 6 2’ 260 he is not going to be a push over at linebacker. Look for this guy to become a crowd favorite.

Notes: QB problems with Tavaris Jackson (a 58% passer) are resolved with the signing of Sage Rosenfels (a 68% passer). Sage should enjoy fewer intercepts due to the Vikings receiving corp. – Jackson was not able too.

On the same note Rosenfels might be able to control his fumble problem with the help of a better O Line. We will see.

Still, barring a trade in the next few years John David Booty is the future QB for the Vikings – it appears they are grooming him very slowly – Rosenfels can give Minnesota 3 maybe 4 years and that should be sufficient timing for Booty to step in from an eventual number 2 spot. 

Notes: Special teams not to good in the past but much better with free agents from Boise State Ian Johnson and Vinny Perretta. These two plus Harvin will make special teams “special” in Minnesota once again.

 

Notes: RB’s Ian Johnson will be groomed over the next two/three years while Chester Taylor is getting set to retire. Chester Taylor and Ian Johnson are very much alike. Both run very well and are extremely talented receivers.

For Minnesota to get Johnson on a free agent contract seems unreal at the moment.

There were many who were sure that Ian would go no later than four rounds, and to not be drafted is extremely fortunate for the Vikings – and for the Vikings to offer Ian is extremely fortunate for IJ.

No doubt this was a win-win scenario if ever. Ian will be a third down back and #3 on the rotation. Ian will also work relentlessly on special teams – a place he is well familiar playing at Boise State. Special teams at BSU is tabbed the all-star team, and Johnson starred more than not. 

Notes: Wide receivers – Percy Harvin and newly signed free agent Vinny Perretta will shore up the receiving corps. Vinny’s sure hands and great vision will give Rosenfels many options.

Don’t look for Perretta to lose out his potential spot on the roster. Vinny catches everything in sight and he is quick can throw the ball extremely well on end around fakes and is a big contributor to the special teams.

Notes: Competition – Minnesota Vikings new QB Sage Rosenfels said, “I’m excited to compete for the starting job.” Sometimes competition means just that.

However, in the NFL competition or the ferocity of is dependant upon the contract signed. When NFL teams pay out millions to their quarterback it is most likely that he will not be competing for his position.

That was the way it was for Sage at Houston as Schaub was number one in every facet. Now Rosenfels knows what monetary security really means as his contact went from living high on the hog to millionaire status (roughly translated about 7 ½ million dollars more not including the starting bonus?).

Minnesota fans will see a lot better results from Sage than Houston or Miami ever did. We’ll be watching Rosenfels and that will be another story.

Ian Johnson: Minnesota Vikings’ Next All—Purpose Running Back

Ian Johnson knows what he wants and is bound and determined to achieve his goals.

People know when they watch Ian play that he is much more than a great athlete. He is extremely intelligent.

Ian looks at the whole picture and then acts on the situation. He would be the first to say he gets those smarts from his mother. Ian’s mother is a social worker, which requires much patience and constant analysis.

It is in analysis that Ian Johnson chose the Minnesota Vikings to potentially begin a NFL career. His decision for the Vikings was based on the fact that Minnesota does not have a “stable” of backs.

According to Johnson, the Vikings have Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Yet, Minnesota is looking for a third back for screens, third downs and passing plays.

If anyone knows him, that is exactly what he gave to Boise State Bronco football…and more. The Vikings have a third back in Albert Young who has no game experience.

Another thing he gives to his team is consistency. Ian is not a guy you can knock down and goes to the sideline to stay. He is a guy who knows how to play with pain—giving his all 100 percent of the time.

Sure, Ian probably would have liked to have gone to the New York Giants, New England Patriots, or Dallas. But he knew the odds of hooking up with those teams were too great. So when he was through weighing his options, his choice was simple—the Vikings were his team.

Johnson fans expect him to win the third back spot while also seeing a lot of time on special teams.

Another great quality is his desire to learn. Ian knows that Adrian Peterson is likely the best running back in the league (at least in the top five for sure). Ian calls Peterson “the Beast” and looks forward to learning from him.

Johnson’s fans know that he and his wife will most likely stay in Minnesota, as he is a selfless individual and consistently true to his team. However, Boisians look forward to Ian coming back to his Boise home when his NFL days are over.

When Minnesota signs Johnson, they will be getting a guy that is solely devoted to his team.

When players at Boise State would complain about getting jerked around by the BCS for not even being considered for a national championship game, Ian did not join in. He felt that the Broncos were compensated with a great bowl game in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Broncos beat Oklahoma 43-42 in that game.

Ian, no doubt, looks forward to being recognized for more than the WAC’s touchdown king, beating Oklahoma, and proposing to his lady, Chrissy.

Ian for sure will be recognized. But that’s another story

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