Giant Upgrades on Defense

What Reese has done so far:
I must admit I was not surprised to see the Giants front office upgrade the defense, specifically the front seven, very early in free agency. The additions of DT Rocky Bernard, DE/DT Chris Canty, OLB Micheal Boley and S C.C. Brown fill just about every need this team had on defense.

Bernard and Canty add rotational depth to what may be the best defensive line in the NFL on paper. In fact this defensive line is so talented that the three or four players who don't crack the starting lineup are good enough to start for any other team in the league. Boley is a youngster who has had an up and down career but if put in the right scheme has the skill set to excel. Brown is only 26 years old but has started almost every game he has been healthy for over his four year career with the Houston Texans.

I am excited about all four of these additions because I think each player is similar in their experience in the league, relative youth and versatility that they offer. All four players have at least four years of experience but none are over the age of 30 (Bernard will be 30 in April and the others are age 26). From a versatility stand point, Bernard can play both the nose and 3-technique tackle position and is effective against the run and the pass. Canty can play both tackle and end and has experience in the 3-4 formation which will allow new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan to employ that look if he choses. Boley is effective as a pass rusher as well as in coverage which is an area that recent Giant linebackers have struggles recently. He can also play both the strong side and the weak side although Tom Coughlin has already stated he would like Boley to play the weak side. C.C. Brown has experience and both free safety and strong safety and has experience captaining a defense, so from a leadership standpoint he will be very valuable to our young secondary.

What to look for on Defense:
The secondary could use the addition of one more corner, which will most likely come through the draft. Dockery and Ross have the quickness and speed to be effective against slot receivers while Webster and Thomas have the size strength to man-up taller receivers on the outside. Brown, Phillips and Johnson each have the versatility to play both SS and FS and will battle it out during pre-season to see who wins the starting spots. There is no need to add another safety.

The linebackers are still a question mark in my eyes. Boley will definitely start somewhere on the outside and Pierce will return to the middle but what role will the other backers have? Bryan Kehl and Johnathan Goff were both drafted just last year and showed some promise (Kehl more then Goff). Kehl should be given an opportunity to start on the outside and Goff should be given the chance to prove he can be Pierce's successor. Chase Blackburn is phenomenal on special and adds depth and flexibility. Danny Clark adds solid veteran depth and flexibility to play all three linebacker spots as well. Finally, is third year OLB Gerris Wilkensen who may not have a role with this team. He has been given ample opportunities to make a name for himself yet never has come through when called upon. Expect the Giants to draft at least one linebacker as early as the first round which may bring an end to Wilkensen and/or Clark's career in Blue.

The defensive line is set. The ends will be Osi, Tuck, Kiwi and Tollefson. Inside will be Robbins, Bernard, Coefield, Canty and Alford. Tollefson and Alford may have a tough time making the final roster as this is one of the deepest most talented units in the league. Another possible change could be Kiwi heading back to SLB, although Coughlin has stated that he will stay at DE.
What to look for on offense:
The quarterback position is anchored by Eli who will be backed up by David Carr with second year player Andre Woodson developing on the practice squad.

The offensive line is one of the best in the league. The starting five of Diehl, Suebert, O'Hara, Snee and McKenzie will return but depth is lacking. Kevin Boothe was awful when filling in at RT for McKenzie and Guy Whimper spent the season injured. Grey Reugemer is a free agent who remains unsigned. At this point no free agent offensive lineman have been brought in for visits so expect the Giants to draft a couple of lineman come April.

There are currently four tight ends on the roster with Kevin Boss sitting atop the depth chart. Boss is entering his third year and has continued to develop as a reliable yet unspectacular player. Behind him are Darcy Johnson, Micheal Mathews and newly signed Lee Vickers. These three and possible a rookie with nice upside will battle it out for the two remaining TE spots.

Fullback will be manned by Madison Hedgecock. I think there is a slight chance some competition is brought in at the FB spot. While Hedgecock is a force as a leadblocker and a fan favorite, he seems to whiff on some blocks and drops way too many passes in the flat.

Jacobs was signed to an extension just before the free agency began and will continue to instill pain on opponents. He will be backed up by third year speedster Ahmad Bradshaw and former Georgia Bulldog Danny Ware. Ware is traveling down the same road as Ryan Grant and Derrick Ward who worked their way up the Giants practice squad and eventually found success when given the opportunity. The addition of a RB is very possible on day two of the draft because Jacobs has been injury prone and Bradshaw and Ware are unproven as NFL starters.

Wide Receiver is the one position where the Giants should feel far from comfortable at this point. A number one receiver with true play making ability is sorely needed as was proven by the playoff loss to the Eagles. Plaxico will face a judge later this month but whether or not he faces jail time I believe he still will serve at least a two game suspension. Toomer will not be brought back and Hixon, though still not, is better suited as a back up and special teamer. Steve Smith is fantastic in the slot but really isn't effective on the outside. Moss and Manningham are complete question marks and David Tyree is a solid possession receiver and special teamer. Expect the Giants to draft two receivers come April, one as early as the first round. Hixon and Smith are locks to be in Blue next year but Plax, Moss, Manningham and Tyree are not locks to be with the team.

Specialists:
Zak DeOssie will take care of the snapping duties. Old, reliable Jeff Feagles will be back punting and Lawrence Tynes should re-claim the kicking duties with John Carney testing free agency.

What to look for in the draft:
With nine draft picks and only a handful of openings on the roster Jerry Reese should look to make a trade. The question is what will he trade for? Will he trade up in the draft to select the WR he covets? Will he trade excess picks for future picks? Will he trade picks for a WR who may be on the trade block like Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards? There has been no indication yet of Reese's plans but it is shaping up to be possibly the most interesting draft day for the Giants since the trade for Eli Manning in 2004.

The Jerk Store Called, They're running out of you Joe!

I, just like Carmine am very excited to be back blogging here. We appoligize for missing the world's best sport Football for all of this season. I am still depressed over the Giants loss. I hope nobody took my lions playoff prediction to Vegas, or my superbowl prediction for that matter to. If you did, we'll I appoligize, I'll do better with my baseball pick in a couple weeks.
Speaking of baseball, I would like to have my comeback post focus on a hot topic in Baseball and New York for that matter. The Yankee Years, By Tom Verducci. A third-person narrative featuring quotes and story's from Joe Torre about his 12 years in New York. By now many have read the book, or at the least heard or read the quotes of Torre on other players. Now let's be honest here for a second. Joe, shut your mouth. I am very dissaponted in good old Uncle Joe. Or sell-out Joe for that matter. His contract for one year with incentives wasn't goo enough to manage, but his sell-out book contract was worth it I see.
The first problem I have with the book is that it has been one year, ONE. And this book is out and published. Boy Joe couldn't wait. Now joe bashed a lot of people in this book, from George Steinbrenner to David Wells. Now here's the second problem I have with this book, and other Yankee fans for that matter. The fact that Torre bashed Alex Rodriguez. Now everyone loves Torre for making the playoffs every season he was here. Yet everyone hates A Rod for his lack of hitting in the clutch. As a big time Yankee Fan, i must admit, Joe and his Yankee supporters couldn't be more wrong. In Torre's final year in 2007, Torre's mishandling of the staff, primarily the Bullpen was very close to costing them the playoffs. The reason they made it was simple. Alex Rodriguez. Without A Rod's monster year, Mr.Torre doesn't make it to the playoffs every year as a Yankee manager. Torre fails to mention that in his book, or thank A Rod for that year. He also fails to mention his terrible job not pulling the team off the field in Cleveland when the Bugs were crawling up Joba's nostrels. Another point with A Rod which these so called Yankee Fans forget about is that A Rod likely would have a ring, if not for the failure of Mariano Rivera. Mariano is the greatest closer of all time, but he is far from perfect. Yankee fans may not realize this, or want to admit it. But A Rod was hitting .417 in the 2004 playoffs before the 9th inning in game 4. In fact A Rod homered in Game 4 in Boston. Mariano couldn't hold a 2 run lead to sweep the Sox. Had Rivera held the lead, the Yankees likely win another world series and one with A Rod. Just Like Rivera cost guys like Mussina a ring in 2001, when overrated Joe brought the infield in in Arizona.
The point is simple. Joe is the real Fraud here. Not a Rod. How about a little respect for the clubhouse Joe. Respect like when you turned your back at the rampid use of Steroids in your clubhouse. It's great to bash people to sell a few books, but how about looking in the mirror, or at the Guys you bash and remeber without them, and their collective accomplishments, you would be nothing but another Buch Showalter. I hope the Yankees don't retire the number 6. I really do. As a matter of fact Torre deserves this much respect. Angel Berroa wearing # 6 in Spring Traning this year. Thats the respect Torre deserves.

New York Giants Off-Season Game Plan

I'm finally back!!! I know it's been a while but give me a break it's my senior year and the workload is heavy. Anyway, instead of recapping the Giants roller coaster ride of a season I am going to just give some quick insight as to what I believe JerryReese and Co. should/will focus on in the upcoming months.

1. Re-sign Brandon Jacobs: #27's value to this team was finally realized towards the end of the season when he was forced to miss time becuase of a knee injury. It is clear this offense really needs him and the front office should make it their top priority to re-sign the big fella.
   
2. Upgrade the wide receiver position: Plaxico Burress is possibly heading for jail time, suspension and unemployment and maybe all three. The Giant offense also learned how valuable Plax is to this team when he was lost for the season but it may not be as easy to bring him back. Amani Toomer is heading for free agency and is 34 years old. While many Giant fans would love to see Mr. " Well Dressed" back in blue its very possible that Toomer will not be brought back. This means the G-men may very well be looking to for two new starting wide receivers because it became evident in the playoffs that no one else on the roster is capable of a starting gig.
   
3. Increase the talent in the front seven: The Linebacking Corps may be the weakest area of this defense. On the outside Danny Clark, Bryan Kehl, Chase Blackburn and Gerris Wilkensen are all average players and really do not make a sufficient impact on games. While Antonio Pierce is the unquestioned captain of this defense, his skill level seems to be declining rapidly. He is phenomenal against inside runs but is too slow (because he clearly has never seen a treadmill) to run sideline to sideline and is absolutely horrendous in coverage. The front office needs to bring in numerous linebackers with talent through free agency and on day 1 of the draft for this defense to get back to the dominant level it was at late in 2007.
   

3B. The front four next season will include Osi and Tuck at end and Robbins and Coefield at tackle. This is an above average starting unit but the rotational depth is lacking. Jay Alford is a solid third tackle and Kiwi might stay at end but its doubtful. Tuck admitted that in the 2007 season the Giants were able to employ more of a rotation which kept everyone fresh. This season Tuck explained that there wasn't as much of a rotation which undoubtedly lead to the lack of pass rush towards the end of the season. Look for the Giants to possibly sign a veteran pass rusher or use an early 2nd day pick on someone who can get after the quarterback.

New Content Coming Soon

I will be back soon enough...

MY OFFICIAL NFL PREDICTIONS

Ahhhhh one more day until the Superbowl Champions set out to defend their crown. Isn't this the best? Seriously the NFL is back. Every website i read I see the predictions, including John Clayton Power Ranking the giants 16th in the entire NFL. Who calls these guys experts? These idiots sit in Bristol and watch 8 games at the same time and don't pay attention like real fans do. Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka are one of the best sets off bookends in the league. So No they shouldn't kill us over Umenyioras injury. Anyway enough of my ranting about the disrespect factor. Here are my picks that are sure to go wrong for the NFL season:

NFC EAST: 1. Giants 11-5 AFC EAST: 1. Patriots 12-4
2. Cowboys 10-6 ( wild card) 2. Jets 9-7
3. Eagles 9-7 3. Bills 8-8
4. Red Skins 6-10 4. Dolphins 4-12

NFC North: 1. Vikings 10-6 AFC North: 1. Steelers 10-6
2. Lions 9-7 (wild card) 2. Browns 9-7
3. Packers 8-8 3. Bengals 6-10
4. Bears 5-11 4. Ravens 2-14

NFC South: 1. Saints 11-5 AFC South: 1. Jaguars 11-5
2. Bucs 9-7 2. Titans 10-6 (wild Card)
3. Panthers 7-9 3. Colts 9-7
4. Falcons 3-13 4. Texans 7-9

NFC West: 1. SeaHawks 11-5 AFC West: 1. Chargers 13-3
2. Cardinals 8-8 2. Broncos 10-6 ( wild card)
3. 49'Ers 7-9 3. Raiders 6-16
4. Rams 6-10 4. Chiefs 3-13

Saints and Jeremy Shockey over the Giants in the NFC Championship
Broncos and NFL MVP Jay Cutler surge through the playoffs and take out the Patriots in the AFC Championship, leaving Belichek scratching his head after two straight playoff dissapointments.

The Saints and Drew Brees win their first superbowl title by taking out the Broncos in Tampa.

NEW YORK QUICK HITS

- After it seemed it was getting near, it has been taken away. Michael Strahan will stay retired. Giant fans should not be worried. Countless teams would take Mathias Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck as their bookends, Sports Illustrated picked the Giants 4th in their division after the Osi injury. Same thing they said when Tiki left.

-The Yankees are currently losing again as are the Mets. The Mets bullpen stinks, and the entire Yankee team stinks. Get used to a football October.

-Rangers, Isles, Devils fans get ready camp opens next week.

Giants Move On without Osi, Strahan Comming Back Appears More Likely

The Giants will cut down their roster to 75 tomarow. They have cut WR D.j. Hall and S. Craig Daal to start. It is not, however, who they are cutting that is the story of Big Blue, it is who may be comming back that is. Just 24 hours after learning that in fact Osi Umenyiora, arguable the best pass rusher in football, would be lost for the year, the Giants have reached out to Michael Strahan, and he is listening. When I first saw Osi hobble off the field Saturday night I knew it was serious. The thought of Strahan comming back was something I thought would be impossible. He is currently vacationing in Greece and it appears as if his flight back to Los Angelas will have a stop over in East Rutherford. The price appears to be 8 million. After both Strahan and the Giants have left the door open, this deal needs to be made. It will make the Giants look terrible to turn down Stra at that price now. Another factor that could play into it is Strahans relationship with both Osi Umenyiora and Coach Coughlin. T.C. loved having Strahan as his buffer between him and the team a year ago, and one more year, considering the adversity facing the team without its only pro bowler could help the Giants with having Strahan in the locker room. If Strahan does indeed return he will come into a formidable pass rush rotation with Justin Tuck ( Who may become the leagues newest premear pass rusher before too long) and Mathias Kiwanuka. The Giants have announced Kiwanuka will move back to Defensive End from the linebackers position he was still learning. Kiwanuka should have no problem in transition as a pass rusher. He already lined up there in 40% of the teams plays. THe Giants should be in good shape without Strahan, but adding him just makes them the Number 1 team in the NFC without question, sorry Dallas. Danny Clark will move the weakside linebacker position to the strong side replacing Kiwanuka. Gerris Wilkinson who was injured earlier in camp and had lost out on the weakside job to Danny Clark, will now move into the Weakside position. A healthy Wilkinson is someone that looks to fit perfectly into Steve Spagnolas system. All things considered the Giants aren't in bad shape after taking a hit like Osi's. This is still Eli's team and the offense has incredible depth. Sure the Giants pass rush will take some hit. But it should be Ok with Kiwanuka at end, and even better with Strahan back. It appears as if the starters will play one series each on Thursday night at New England. After that game the Giants will make their final roster cuts, or adds depending on what other teams do with some D-ends. I will again be at this game Thursday getting my first hand feel on this teams depth. If any more breaks on Strahan I will try to get to my computer as fast as possible. Brett Favre out of retirement, maybe Strahan, what a wacky offseason. That's another reason the NFL is great. Go Blue.

Gmen Look Super in First Preseason Win

Hey guys, Mor Sports is back after a ten day layoff. Carmine has been busy at football camp, while I have had 0 internet access. The Giants Browns Monday Night Footbal game has just ended, and for the most part the Giants first team put on quite the show. The Final score was 37-34, but the Giants first team lead 30-3 at the end of the first half. With the Giants top 3 recievers out, Eli Manning still played confidently, as he his Domenik Hixon for two first quater touchdown passes. The Giants defense was not to shabby either as they played outstanding, the pass rush looked as if it still was in superbowl mode. The Giants earned a safety on a blocked punt as well. On the ensuing kick, Hixon returned one to the house for his 3rd TD of the first quater. The Browns had a big return to follow that, however as they approached the Giants endzone, Jamaal Lewis fumbled the exchange from Derrick Anderson. James Butler scooped it off the ground and returned that 95 yards for a touchdown. Osi Umenyiora sacked Derrick Anderson in the 2nd quater. Anderson left at that point with what appears to be a concussion. After seeing that, Coughlin immediatly yanked Eli and it was on to the second string. Anthony Wright would leave late in the 2nd quater with a hand injury. David Carr would then come in and he again did a great job. So here is my brief thoughts on this game.
DANNY WARE: This 5th string runningback raised eyes in the first preseason game with his return ability. He again did the same in this game, but he got the load of carrie sin the seond half too. He touched the ball 10 times for 99 yards in a preseason game. Not for nothing but this kid looks real good. The Giants carried four running backs last year and had to cut Ryan grant to make room. Is Ware this years Ryan Grant, or will the Giants brighten up and keep him. Something tells me Reuben Droughns might be on his way out.
ANTHONY WRIGHT:I'm not exactly sure what the coaches see in this guy. Everytime he comes out there he never impresses. With David Carr on this team and a young pick like Andre Woodson, I don't see why Wright should have any salary cap money wasted on him.
Kick Coverage: Lost in the brilliant Giant performance was there lack of kick coverage. It was terrible in the first half as the browns always seemed to get into good field position. Leaving it for the defense to answer the bell under pressure. They have to get better before these games start counting.

OVERALL TONIGHT, ON NATIONAL TELEVISION, THE GIANTS SHOULD HAVE RAISED EYEBROWS AND MAKE PEOPLE REALIZE THEY ARE THE DEFENDING CHAMPS, NOT THE COWBOYS. IF THE DEFENSIVE LINE CAN KEEP THE PRESSURE UP NEXT SATURDAY BRETT FAVRE IS IN FOR TROUBLE. I WILL BE THERE SATURDAY AND WILL HAVE FULL COVERAGE WHEN I ARRIVE HOME.

BROADWAY BOUND

Ladies and Gentlemen, yes it is confirmed, Brett Favre is comming to the swamp, as the new quaterback of the New York Jets. Late tonight, the Jets had finalized a deal that would send a 4th round draft pick to the frozen tundra in exchange for Brett Favre. The Jets have had a fabulous offseason in getting tougher in the trenches with the additions of Damion Woody and Alan Faneca. Thomas Jones will be getting the ball handed off to him by the legendary Brett Favre now, and the Chad Pennington era is likely over. Jets management has made one thing clear. They want to win a superbowl in the next 2 seasons.Favre may have 1 or 2 years left in the tank, as was evident when he appeared too frozen to play in that NFC Championship game that the Giants taken from Brett in his final game in Green Bay. This team is a win now team. As for Kellen Clemens, he is still around, and 2 years of tutoring under Favre could do the kid well. My personal feeling is that Brett Favre is very overated, in face maybe the most over rated QB of all time. He has the same amount of rings as Eli Manning, and for that matter Trent Dilfer. None the less this is still a great move for the Jets who should go for it all this year. Chad's arm is shot,and Clemens is clearly not a win now quaterback. I'd like to hear you Jets fans respond to this, what do you guys have to say? Are you happy? You should be. First preseason games kick off tomarow, and boy what a note to start on. Jets vs Browns, and Giants vs. Lions folks. Are you ready for some football?

Yankees, Mets...What else is new its August

Hey guys, sorry you haven't seen anything from me the last week plus, my wireless router went down, and I haven't had the time to pick up a new one. As i write this the Yankees are in big trouble as they are losing to Texas 5-1. They possibly could be in bigger trouble, as it is reported that after Joba Chamberlain got his MRI on his shoulder today, he is flying down south to see Dr. James Andrews. That name is not synonomous with good news. He is usually theman who has put down several athletes for seasons, with hopes of helping them be stronger for the rest of their careers. Manager Joe Girardi claims he can't see Joba miss more than one start. Now if that all he needs why is he going to see James Andrews? Theirs something fishy here and its not the Tuna on white that Girardi had for lunch. Across the Triborough, the Mets have placed closer Billy Wagner on the disabled list. this is possibly more crippling to the Mets than the Joba injury to the Yanks. The Mets failed to make any moves to help a bullpen that fautered and cost the mets a playoff birth last year. Now they are without their best pitcher in that Pen for a while? Hold your breath this could be an adventurous 2 weeks in the late innings for the Muts.....On a positive not, starting thursday we will get to see World Champion Big Blue and the Jets start to play some pre season games. Ah I can't wait, this is when sports time starts to get real real good.