NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: West Coast Riches Leaves Big Blue With Huge Holes Back In East Rutherford.
Good-bye Kevin Boss; and Thank You.
He wasn't an All-Time Giant. Nor was he a especially great Giant. But Kevin Boss was among the most liked and favorite Giants. However, he's heading to California having signed a four year deal with the Oakland Raiders. Yes, Al Davis threw yet another monkey wrench into the League's collective salary structure with another absurd spending package. But congratulations to Kevin Boss on securing the deal for himself. The Giants were incapable of matching the guaranteed portion of the offer, so off he goes. And I for one, am not happy about the development. Kevin wasn't the best Tight End by a long shot. But like I said, he was a favorite. He was a tremendous safety net for Eli with sure hands. In countless situations, Eli wound up causing Boss to get his bell rung. But Kevin Boss always got up and kept marching on. And of course, there was the Super Bowl.
That's the second player the Giants let get away because of the salary cap. Giant fans are equally dismayed about the departure of Barry Cofield to San Francisco. It seems as if the Giants are receiving a good-'ol Californication this summer. In my opinion, the Giants soft white under-belly just got softer and whiter. With no Cofield plugging the middle of the D-Line, and a tissue-soft Linebacker Corps., I fear the Giants have Big Blue problems. And the loss of these two players only scratches the surface.
Now Rookie Prince Amukamara has a broken foot. Wonderful! For a secondary unit that's had it's problems with injury, he was supposed to be the much needed upgrade. Remember Kenny Phillips missing his first year? Here we go again.
Fellow Giant Fans..., I don't know; we already have some Big troubles on Defense this year. Jerry Reese continues to do little in the way of bolstering our linebacker situation. We don't have a feel whether Mathias Kiwanuka will play linebacker or whether he will rejoin the defensive line. And quite honestly, I don't like having that option. It wreaks of instability. Until proven otherwise, the secondary remains average at best. And our defensive front is still in suspended animation with the Osi Drama disrupting team cohesiveness and the over-all plan.
The latest is Osi and his agent offered the Giants to play this season without any snivelling, if the team agrees to release him from the final year of his deal thereby making him a free agent after the season. If I'm the Giants, I'm jumping all over that offer. It's the most sensible thing I've heard out of Osi's Camp yet. Prior to this latest development, Osi was claiming his knee was ailing and required surgery. What a weak strategy! Sure, he might need some treatment on his knee. I'm not insinuating Osi is a liar. But doesn't the offer to play out the season if they cut him loose from the last year of the deal and a knee in need of an operation directly conflict with each other? Which one is it? Can he play or is he hurt?
Which is it Osi?
Mike.BTB
Showing posts with label Barry Cofield. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barry Cofield. Show all posts
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
N.Y. GIANTS ~ Big Summer Time Blues
From the desk of: My Giants Blog is yet un-named. Maybe by Opening Day I'll think of one.
NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: The Cold-Hearted Tentacles of Life in the NFL Have Reached Out and Touched Two Giant Greats.
With the Lock-Out officially lifted and an agreement in place, I think I join many fans in a mass feeling of dismay. Yea, we got Football back. But every body's situation is a complete mess with little time to fix it. But in the NFL, he who adjusts best, wins.
Everything I say about the Giants in this post, I must preface by saying - I am an unabashed supporter of GM Jerry Reese; (until further notice). So whether I like his decisions or not, I support and trust his judgement (until further notice). So, let's get on with this because after all, it's still only July.
We Giant Fans knew our Offensive Line needed an overhaul. The units' great stretch together has run it's course. And well, Jerry Reese said it was time to break them up. In what can be a cold-hearted League at times, perhaps this shake-up comes a year too late as the Giants for the most part, have always been classy about their long-time employees. But make no mistake, when it comes time to make a move, the organization moves.
Slated to be released will be long time Center, and as far as I'm concerned a Giants' All-Time great; Shaun O'Hara. He, and who I think is/was equally great, Rich Seubert, will both be released this summer. Admittedly, the Offensive Line has been ravaged by injuries these last few years. O'Hara only managed six games last season and Rich Seubert's battles with injuries are, if anything, inspiring.
The O-Line's incredible record setting consecutive games played streak which coincided with the Giants' last Super Bowl run, is unfortunately now an ever-distancing memory. Time stands still for no-one; and cruel more so to Offensive Linemen. Yet these two have defied the odds of Football longevity. It was additionally heart-breaking to watch Rich Seubert go down the way he did last year in the last game of the season. He stepped in to start at Center in place of O'Hara and served as the core of the O-Line; keeping the Giants' running game rumbling throughout the season. It's a hard way to end careers (maybe). But then everything in the NFL is.
The Giants have made some preliminary moves. Shane Andrews; decimated by injuries; also will not return. They tentatively signed free-agent; David Baas; C/G from San Francisco. He's twenty-nine years old. David Diehl will also be switching positions again. And it appears as if Will Beatty will be given every opportunity to win a job on the O-Line.
As the Offensive Line goes, so goes the Running Game. I am extremely pleased to hear Brandon Jacobs is open to restructuring his contract. Coach Coughlin made the (un)enviable, but all too late admission, that he and Coach Gilbride misused Jacobs last season; something I screamed my head off about. They left off saying they would run Jacobs considerably more this (2011) season. That was then. In the NFL, things always change. But I for one am interested to see if both Coach Coughlin and Gilbride remember what they said.
Being open to restructuring his contract is probably the only way the Giants can retain Brandon's Little Buddy and Partner in Grind; Ahmad Bradshaw. And I for one, want him back in a big way. I know he's somewhat injury prone, but he's at the same time durable and resilient. He also suffers from Worst Case Scenario Fumblitis, but I'll take my chances with him hoping to correct that part of his game. Retaining Ahmad Bradshaw is high on my list of things to do.
What isn't so high on my list is Plaxico Burress. This one is fairly easy for me to hash out. Would I welcome him back? Yep. Hey.., if he and Eli can rekindle some of that magic again...sure. Does the thought of him paired up with Michael Vick in Philly make the hairs on the back of your head tingle with anxiety? Me too.
The Receiving Corps. has already moved on and readjusted to life after Plax. So in the scheme of things, Plaxico would be entering camp as a supplementary player until he earns different considerations in the offensive plan. Steve Smith, a free agent, also throws a wrench into the spokes regarding possible Giant needs.
As far as Plax clashing with Coach Coughlin's discipline again? Plax recently said things were better between them when Coach implemented the Leadership Counsel, and pointed out how the relationship between them deteriorated after Coach disbanded it. Frankly, who knows if they can get along if reunited. They (Plax and Coach) are reportedly having a meeting today to discuss a possible reunion. Who knows if and how jail changed Plax's frame of mind. But because the Giants are not dependent (per se) on Plax, he'll exist initially as a spare part in search of a larger role. That, perhaps will humble him more than jail might have. The Giants stand to gain much and lose very little taking a chance on Plax because he's no longer part of the plan....if you get what I'm saying. Keeping him out of Philly might also run through their minds....but how do the Giants afford that in the (resumed) Cap Era?
It's a mute point right now because Osi is throwing a sissy-fit over his contract and supposed promises Jerry Reese might have made in the way of redoing his deal. He is now a potential hold-out if the Giants don't re-work his contract or trade him. Strictly speaking as a fan here, don't you just hate when your favorite players take this tact with your team? But that's the Old School in me talking; isn't it? I've heard along the way trading him for a Number Two or Three Draft Pick. I'm not listening to that! Just get a deal done. And someone please advise Osi to clam up and conduct his business more privately.
I'm glad the Giants struck a deal to keep Mathias Kiwanuka. I'm hopeful for health and a considerable up-tick in his game this season. But I'm sorry to see Barry Cofield leave Big Blue. The memory of that hit on Tom Brady to close out the Super Bowl will last a long time. As a free agent, he received his market value from the rival Redskins. He became too expensive to retain here.
Are you ready for some Football? Uh...right now, this is a bit too much in July for my tastes. But this will no doubt be one of the most interesting summers in recent Football history...for every body.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: The Cold-Hearted Tentacles of Life in the NFL Have Reached Out and Touched Two Giant Greats.
With the Lock-Out officially lifted and an agreement in place, I think I join many fans in a mass feeling of dismay. Yea, we got Football back. But every body's situation is a complete mess with little time to fix it. But in the NFL, he who adjusts best, wins.
Everything I say about the Giants in this post, I must preface by saying - I am an unabashed supporter of GM Jerry Reese; (until further notice). So whether I like his decisions or not, I support and trust his judgement (until further notice). So, let's get on with this because after all, it's still only July.
We Giant Fans knew our Offensive Line needed an overhaul. The units' great stretch together has run it's course. And well, Jerry Reese said it was time to break them up. In what can be a cold-hearted League at times, perhaps this shake-up comes a year too late as the Giants for the most part, have always been classy about their long-time employees. But make no mistake, when it comes time to make a move, the organization moves.
Slated to be released will be long time Center, and as far as I'm concerned a Giants' All-Time great; Shaun O'Hara. He, and who I think is/was equally great, Rich Seubert, will both be released this summer. Admittedly, the Offensive Line has been ravaged by injuries these last few years. O'Hara only managed six games last season and Rich Seubert's battles with injuries are, if anything, inspiring.
The O-Line's incredible record setting consecutive games played streak which coincided with the Giants' last Super Bowl run, is unfortunately now an ever-distancing memory. Time stands still for no-one; and cruel more so to Offensive Linemen. Yet these two have defied the odds of Football longevity. It was additionally heart-breaking to watch Rich Seubert go down the way he did last year in the last game of the season. He stepped in to start at Center in place of O'Hara and served as the core of the O-Line; keeping the Giants' running game rumbling throughout the season. It's a hard way to end careers (maybe). But then everything in the NFL is.
The Giants have made some preliminary moves. Shane Andrews; decimated by injuries; also will not return. They tentatively signed free-agent; David Baas; C/G from San Francisco. He's twenty-nine years old. David Diehl will also be switching positions again. And it appears as if Will Beatty will be given every opportunity to win a job on the O-Line.
As the Offensive Line goes, so goes the Running Game. I am extremely pleased to hear Brandon Jacobs is open to restructuring his contract. Coach Coughlin made the (un)enviable, but all too late admission, that he and Coach Gilbride misused Jacobs last season; something I screamed my head off about. They left off saying they would run Jacobs considerably more this (2011) season. That was then. In the NFL, things always change. But I for one am interested to see if both Coach Coughlin and Gilbride remember what they said.
Being open to restructuring his contract is probably the only way the Giants can retain Brandon's Little Buddy and Partner in Grind; Ahmad Bradshaw. And I for one, want him back in a big way. I know he's somewhat injury prone, but he's at the same time durable and resilient. He also suffers from Worst Case Scenario Fumblitis, but I'll take my chances with him hoping to correct that part of his game. Retaining Ahmad Bradshaw is high on my list of things to do.
What isn't so high on my list is Plaxico Burress. This one is fairly easy for me to hash out. Would I welcome him back? Yep. Hey.., if he and Eli can rekindle some of that magic again...sure. Does the thought of him paired up with Michael Vick in Philly make the hairs on the back of your head tingle with anxiety? Me too.
The Receiving Corps. has already moved on and readjusted to life after Plax. So in the scheme of things, Plaxico would be entering camp as a supplementary player until he earns different considerations in the offensive plan. Steve Smith, a free agent, also throws a wrench into the spokes regarding possible Giant needs.
As far as Plax clashing with Coach Coughlin's discipline again? Plax recently said things were better between them when Coach implemented the Leadership Counsel, and pointed out how the relationship between them deteriorated after Coach disbanded it. Frankly, who knows if they can get along if reunited. They (Plax and Coach) are reportedly having a meeting today to discuss a possible reunion. Who knows if and how jail changed Plax's frame of mind. But because the Giants are not dependent (per se) on Plax, he'll exist initially as a spare part in search of a larger role. That, perhaps will humble him more than jail might have. The Giants stand to gain much and lose very little taking a chance on Plax because he's no longer part of the plan....if you get what I'm saying. Keeping him out of Philly might also run through their minds....but how do the Giants afford that in the (resumed) Cap Era?
It's a mute point right now because Osi is throwing a sissy-fit over his contract and supposed promises Jerry Reese might have made in the way of redoing his deal. He is now a potential hold-out if the Giants don't re-work his contract or trade him. Strictly speaking as a fan here, don't you just hate when your favorite players take this tact with your team? But that's the Old School in me talking; isn't it? I've heard along the way trading him for a Number Two or Three Draft Pick. I'm not listening to that! Just get a deal done. And someone please advise Osi to clam up and conduct his business more privately.
I'm glad the Giants struck a deal to keep Mathias Kiwanuka. I'm hopeful for health and a considerable up-tick in his game this season. But I'm sorry to see Barry Cofield leave Big Blue. The memory of that hit on Tom Brady to close out the Super Bowl will last a long time. As a free agent, he received his market value from the rival Redskins. He became too expensive to retain here.
Are you ready for some Football? Uh...right now, this is a bit too much in July for my tastes. But this will no doubt be one of the most interesting summers in recent Football history...for every body.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, December 19, 2010
N.Y.GIANTS ~ NFC EAST Showdown...If Eagles Dare
Week 15
N.F.C. EAST
SHOW-DOWN
Philadelphia Eagles
vs.
NEW YORK GIANTS
I've largely given Eli a pass this season regarding his high number of interceptions based solely in my opinion that he'll do more to win me a game, than lose one. He's my guy and I'm a loyalist that way. But there's no escaping many of his high passes have resulted in tipped balls this season, which in turn resulted many times in an interception. Another select group of interceptions I have blamed Coach Gilbride and poor, unnecessary play selection, like that one against the Redskins in the end-zone.
But last week, Eli, buddy, those two picks were disgusting and all on you dude. We can not afford to turn over the ball like we did the last time we played the Eagles in Philly. The turn-overs in that game had more to do with Ahmad Bradshaw's fumbles, but that seems to have been corrected for the moment. Eli's picks however, continue to pile-up and it's something Eli has to control this Sunday. Turn-overs were the single biggest reason for that loss to Philly in Week 11.
But ever since Eli Manning connected with Kevin Boss for a touchdown against the Jaguars to seal that game, Eli hasn't had to be the onus in the Offensive game-plan. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have alleviated much of that responsibility from Eli recently. While that's meant to be very complimentary towards the running game, that is in no way a slight against Eli. He's only been tasked lately with managing things but his time is coming very soon when we'll look for him to be a hero for us. And when that time comes, my dude with 24 TD passes good for 5th best in the NFL, will get it done because he's DONE it before.
In the mean time, the running game is devouring yardage with fury. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have been a Big Blue Running of the Bulls stampeding and trampling over defenses.
The Eagles Defense has given up as many points as the woeful Redskins have. They will not be able to stop our running game because Eli will keep them honest. If they dare Eli to beat them, my Dude will make them pay...then..Jacobs and Bradshaw will make them suffer.
Eli, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw will be fronted by the reunited, and still great G-Men of the Offensive Line. Shaun O'Hara, the Center, will return after a long nagging foot injury. David Diehl will have another week and a game under his belt with no set-backs. This formidable Offensive Line is finally back together again (Shawn Andrews should be available for reserve duties also) after many weeks apart. That's great news for the running holes Jacobs will be running through; great news for the blockers Bradshaw will be following and cutting behind; and great news for Eli's passing lanes and protection. If you're the Eagles Defense, that's bad news for you.
Outside of the Giants turning the ball over, there will be nothing the Eagles can do to stop us.
The Giants Defense will handle Michael Vick just as they contained him last time around. If he isn't careful about sliding feet first, he may turn into another Giant Defensive statistic. Last week, the Giants were denied the opportunity to get their hands on Brett Favre so they pounded Tarvaris Jackson into submission instead. I believe he was the 6th or so quarterback the Defense has knocked out of commission this season. Justin Tuck, Cofield, Osi and Jason Paul-Pierre I'm sure will be looking to add another QB to their collection.
This Defense has given up the NFC East's least amount of points. All the Giants' division foes have given up over 300 points thus far. The Giants have allowed 250 points. That's good for first in the division and fifth best in the Conference. Coach Perry Fewell and his Defense are gaining greater understanding of each other and the results are bearing that out. The Front Four have been getting sacks without the Giants having to blitz too often as Antrel Rolle and Terrell Thomas have been reaping the rewards in the secondary as a direct result with their roles easier to disguise.
The Linebacker Corps. which have done a more than respectable job this season just took a big hit when we lost Clint Sintim for the rest of the season to yet another Big Blue injury. But Jerry Reese will address that like he has every other injury situation this year; effectively!
Welcome to the Greatest Days of Fall and being a Giants fan. I relish days, games, opponents and opportunities like today. This is where you want to be as a fan at this point in the season..; That is, feeling good about your team and great about your chances as you face-off against your toughest competition and one of your most hated rivals.
This is December Football. This is what it's all about.
My clock just hit 3:42 a.m. as I post these Big Blue Thoughts. In nine hours and seventeen minutes, the New York Football Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles will square off in an epic battle for the right to sit atop the NFC Eastern Division. I'll get a few hours of sleep, but the truth is I'm all fired up.
After suffering consecutive and deflating losses to the Cowboys and Eagles in weeks ten and eleven, the New York Football Giants have played their way back into a position to have their 2010 season be considered "great" again.
I relish the opportunity to play Philadelphia for sole rights to occupy the mountain top;
If Eagles Dare.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, November 06, 2010
PIGSKIN ~ WEEK 9 ~ GIANTS Last Word
WEEK NINE
We are at the midpoint of the season and after 8 weeks of rolling out Bagels, I am Plus 8 for the season. I'm still surfing a bit under .500 on the Sunday games. The strength of my Picks of the Week are what keeps me in the positive zone. I remain perfect for the season on the SHMEAR of the WEEK at 7-0 (I value those games at 3 Bagels apiece). Let's get started on Week Nine's Picks:
The WEEK 9 Bagel Roll-Out:
(Saturday's NYDN Line)
Jets -4 (LIONS)
Look for the Jets to bounce back after loss to Green Bay. I'm sure REX used many curse words this week.
Loss 23-20 Jets
Giants -7 (SEAHAWKS)
This game would appear to be a Giant lock. That's the scary part.
Win 41-7 Giants
BILLS +3 (Bears) *Toronto, Canada
The Bears are falling apart like wet toilet paper. The Bills have to win one game. Why not now?
Push 22-19 Bears
Chargers -3 (TEXANS)
Texans give up too many points and San Diego/Rivers will gladly oblige.
Win 29-23 Chargers
PANTHERS +6 1/2 (Saints)
Apparently New Orleans isn't over their Super Bowl hangover; Too inconsistent. Fox's guys will play up.
Loss 34-3 Saints
Cardinals +8 (VIKINGS)
Vikings are slipping, I like the Cards to cover; not much else.
Win 27-24 Vikings
Bucs +8 1/2 (FALCONS)
I believe the Falcons will win but I think the Bucs cover the points.
Win 27-21 Falcons
RAVENS -5 (Dolphins)
I don't like any team coming off the BYE, but the Ravens are just flat out better than Miami.
Win 26-10 Ravens
Patriots -4 (BROWNS)
I wouldn't let Mangini mail a letter for me. How does he still have a job? Patriots Big!
Loss 34-14 Browns!
Raiders +1 (CHIEFS)
The Black and Silver is hot and putting up a lot of points. Chiefs will look ordinary tomorrow.
Win 23-20 Raiders
Colts +3 (EAGLES)
This game makes no sense to me. Eagles can't pick between Vick or Kolb and are favored? Uh...No.
Win 26-24 Eagles
PACKERS -7 1/2 (Cowboys)
The Cowboys have folded like a cheap tent. They'll be lost in Green Bay this week without a map again.
Win 45-7 Packers
12 Bagels into the oven.
SHMEAR of the WEEK: (7-0 season)
Jets -4 (LIONS)
**POST GAME RESULTS:
Shmear of the Week = 1st loss of season. Jets failed to cover. Now 7-1 for the season.
Sunday Roll-Out = 8-3-1 MY BEST WEEK.
I started today +8; add another 8 for +16 Bagels. Subtract my loss on the Shmear (-3)...
I leave WEEK NINE +13 Bagels! Woo-Hoo.
NYG ~ Giants Can't Ask For Better Than This:
Everything is set up perfectly for the Giants to come away from Seattle big winners tomorrow.
The mission of this week is "SEIZE THE MOMENT"!
Seattle can't run the ball. They are last in the NFL. Matt Hasselbeck QB SEA, will miss the game. The Seahawk back-up Chuck Whitehurst has never thrown an NFL pass before. The Seattle Offensive Line is compromised.
I can not see the Giants losing this game. Nothing about this match-up sells me on a Seattle victory. The only way the Giants lose this game is by turning the ball over 10 times and amassing 1000 yards in penalties.
None of my opinions going into this game have changed during the week. I posted twice during the week expressing my concerns for the Giants and Week 9. You can read the Early Peek here, and you can take a look at my Closer Look here.
I am expecting Osi, Justin Tuck and Barry Cofield to have a big game up front while Kenny Phillips and the rest of the Defense have a dominant afternoon. On the Offensive side of the ball, I fully expect Coach Gilbride to drive me up a freakin' wall with his play calling. I'd like Coach Gilbride to make extensive use of Kevin Boss and yes...like every week, I want to get Brandon Jacobs more carries. I'm just being consistent because I think he'll be a major factor in late December.
Injuries: Center Shaun O'Hara will not play and Mathias Kiwanuka is out for the year.
Enjoy Football Sunday Everyone!
FINAL
NEW YORK GIANTS 41
Seattle Seahawks 7
FINAL
NEW YORK JETS 23
Detroit Lions 20
OVERTIME
Mike.BTB
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