N.Y. Giants ~ Week Three is for THE BIRDS

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK THREE

NEW YORK GIANTS

vs.

Philadelphia Eagles

From

Home of the Worst Cheese Steaks!

Previous Posts:

PIGSKIN; Week Three Picks - BTB
Off to Philly on Big Blue Crutches;  -  BTB






I. - OFFENSE:

   1) - Receiver Corps.

The Giants signed recent living room resident; WR-Michael Clayton.  What do you want me to say?  Michael Clayton played a couple of games for us last season and was cut from the roster in camp this season.  Hey man, thanks for answering the phone?


With Domenik Hixon gone for the season, and Mario Manningham most likely sitting out Sunday, Eli will be left with Hakeem Nicks; Victor Cruz; R-Jerrel Jernigan; Devin Thomas; Brandon Stokley; and now Michael Clayton.  And I hope the pecking order remains just as I named them.  Really!  Tight End Travis Beckum might be back, but he's not an option.  Option?  He should be flat out ignored.  He just better pass block well if he's on Eli's left side.  That's all I'll say about him.


None the less, those are the receivers left at Eli's disposal.  Now let's speak briefly about which one of those receivers will disappear from Sunday's game at roughly 1:05 pm.  Once Philly's Nnamdi Asomugha takes the field, in all likelihood, there goes Hakeem Nicks too.  And if I turn out to be very wrong about that match-up, then that means Hakeem has officially joined the ranks of the League's elite receivers.  ..."Perchance to Dream."


But the slings and arrows await Victor Cruz and rookie-Jerrel Jernigan.  Welcome to the New York Receiver Corps; Boot Camp Philly Style.  A huge game against the top division rival just showed up on their front steps.  What are they gonna do when Game Time breaks down the door and shines the bright lights on them?  It's called stepping up Boys.


   2) - Eli Manning

Eli needs to trust that his revamped O-Line will give him time to find these tertiary receivers of ours.  And new Center; David Bass; might have an injury that will be a last minute game time call.  Will Beatty is probably in for his biggest test as a Left Tackle this week. 


But even then,  Eli needs to bear down and be more accurate than he's been (like always).  And I hope he and his patchwork of receivers communicated like hell this week in practice, because we can't afford blown assignments and errant passes to nowhere; and especially the dreaded INT's.


For the Giants to have a successful passing game.  It should be quick drops; three steps and pop.  That cuts down your odds of getting sacked, and it takes defense off their plan.  Ever hear of crossing patterns..., or something along the lines of "Run and Shoot" - to shake it up?  Draw them in, then maybe they'll give us chances over the top.


The bottom line is, the Eagles are going to have the Giants well covered.  But how many of them can they cover?  That's where Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw come in.  They'll have to be taken out of their comfort zone and catch many more passes out of the back field this game.  They should be busy with swing passes; screens; and Ahmad Bradshaw in scat patterns.  That's what I'm thinking.


All that is going to be needed in order to keep the Eagles honest if the Giants want any chance of running the ball with power.  I realize that's coming from me.  But the fact is, if Asomugha and the Eagles' secondary shut down Eli and the passing game, Philly will be stacking the box with eight and nine at a time to make sure Eli is throwing, and the Giants' Jacobs and Bradshaw aren't rushing.  You don't think Philly will go man-coverage most of the game?  They are dying for Eli to throw the ball.


   3) - Kevin Gilbride and the Running Game

There are indeed two games I can refer to from last season, where Kevin Gilbride devised offensive plans that kept us right in the mix; up until we ran into that dreadful Eagles game.  They came at times when our receivers; not the Defense; were being crippled by injuries.  That's the kind of plan that the Offensive Coordinator needs to come up with this week.  We need something original and creative; which for the most part, are the largest criticisms levied against him today.


But nothing will work unless the Giants run the football.  Of course.  And how can Gilbride help them run the ball if the Eagles' plan is to flood the box and force Eli to throw?  Spread their defense out with the old "run and shoot style" and make the defense be accountable for catches out of the back field.  Then leave it to the O-Line to create some holes and pound em.  Schemes like that demand a lot from a cohesive O-Line.  Let's hope ours is up to snuff.


It's Kevin Gilbride's job to devise something that will keep Philadelphia from teeing off on Eli or the run.  Keep them honest, and something can be done.  And please, make it something which involves Brandon Jacobs a little more?  There is still plenty to be said for; and plenty of room in today's game for; if not cause to implement; power football.  If Gilbride plans this right and we execute, the Giants can score 24 or 27 points against Philly.


There are roster problems.  And then there are execution problems.  The latter can be corrected.



II.  DEFENSIVE SIDE:

Michael Vick practiced this week.  But he's dealing with the mysterious concussion; or post;  symptoms.  Mysterious; because there is so much we don't know about them.  But what we do know about them, is everything to be taken seriously.  So without jokes, one unfortunate hit on Vick could effectively remove him from the game.  And Vick's style, or propensity to run, also presents a precarious situation for him.  Ironically, he was injured standing in the pocket.


But should Michael Vick play an incident free game against us; our Secondary I fear, will be made to look feeble for a third consecutive week.  Bend But Don't Break won't work against Philadelphia like it did against the Rams last week; whom the Giants held to mostly field goals.  The fact remains; the Secondary is giving up huge yardage plays on a regular basis.


Rex Grossman and Sam Bradford both threw for +300 yard games against our Secondary in the first two weeks of the season.  Michael Vick will be, by far the best they've faced so far; and with so many speedy weapons at his disposal, I smell toast.  We haven't seen an ounce of improvement from the unit yet.


That brings me back to this team's over reliance on the defensive line and getting sacks.  You can't let Vick get outside on you.  So you need discipline to seal the outside.  And if you contain him, and get to him; say four or five times; what's he doing for the rest of the game is my point?


The Eagles O-Line isn't that great; so I think the Giants will defend Philly's running game quite effectively.  And the Giants D-Line will certainly have their chances to get at Vick.  But what will be the cumulative effect of that, and will it be enough before he tears up the secondary?


No Linebackers; our team's soft white under belly. -  After taking all the injuries away that have decimated the Giants defense this season; the fact remains; Jerry Reese never adequately addressed the linebacker position.  And I don't mean any offense towards Michael Boley.


The bottom line is, if the Giants get behind in this game, there is little come-back in them; not in their current state.  If the Giants are to win this game, they will need stellar Special Teams play; maybe a score on Defense; stay away from penalties and turnovers; but most of all, they need to be able to hang around.  Hanging around is the key to this game for the Giants.  Games between us and Philly are never pretty.  So don't expect a ballet in this game either.  But the game needs to be within a score in the fourth quarter in order for the Giants to be able to steal one on the road.


And lastly, Perry Fewell; or should I saw; Perry Fool?  What the hell were you thinking?  Stop talking to the media or say nothing when questioned by them.  Got it?  That was embarrassing.  Instead, figure out a way to sure-up two-thirds of your defense instead of teaching your unit how to roll over and play dead.  Better yet; Surprise us Sunday with turnovers and some blitz packages worthy of Sports Center.  A one time Giant great once said, "...go out there like a bunch of crazed dogs!"




PREDICTION:  35-17; Eagles

It pains me to say, but it's not looking good my fellow Brothers in Blue.  Not this week.  There are too many injuries which will compromise a representative game on our part.  It's just bad timing.  Thoughts of revenge for last year's meltdown will likely have to wait till we get the Eagles at home.  Way too many things have to go right for us Sunday and fortune hasn't been one of our stronger suites this year.  But unlike if we had gone down 0-2 after a loss last week; a loss this week may not be as catastrophic to the big picture even though it's a division game.  That is unless you think Washington is running away with this division.  Stop that.





Mike.BTB

PIGSKIN ~ Football Sunday; Week Three

NFL ~ PIGSKIN; WEEK THREE

Week Two Picks

Week One Picks

Overall Record:  14-11-3

Week One Record:  4-7-2

Week Two Record:  10-4-1

SHMEAR of the WEEK:  0-2

BAGELS in the BASKET:  -6

Now Week Two was more like it! 


But that's two consecutive SHMEARS of the WEEK I've lost now.  How did I go wrong with the Falcons and Ravens?   Whatever!  I baked up a good Week-o-Bagels with ten wins last Sunday; Week Two.  It's a nice comeback after a dismal Week One; if I may say so myself.  But losing the SHMEAR is burning up 3 Bagels a pop.  That's why the Basket-O-Bagels is -6. 


Week Three is the week I get on the positive side!



Seven teams remain undefeated going into Week Three.
Seven teams remain win-less going into Week Three.
Seventeen teams are 1-1 going into Week Three.

It's a classic curve.


Let's do this.




WEEK THREE ~ The Big Bagel Roll Out:
(Friday's Line NYDN)

*UPDATES

EAGLES -7 1/2 (Giants)
Why am I leaning against my own team?  You can start with Thursday's post:  Off To Philly On Big Blue Crutches.   I'll get into it more before the game.

UPDATE:  My game preview is posted:  Week Three is for THE BIRDS

*LOSS - 29-16; GIANTS  ~ Getting this game wrong is fine by me!



RAIDERS +3 1/2 (Jets)
Here's the deal.  Can Mark Sanchez burn the Raiders' secondary before the Raiders' defensive line beats up Mark Sanchez?  It's a matter of who can do it more often and can Mark Sanchez withstand the pain?  ....Because they will get to him.  Mark still needs to string together multiple good quarters.  Maybe against the Raiders' secondary Coach Schotty cuts the leash and lets Mark fling it.  But don't forget Mark threw two picks last week.  And playing in the Black Hole ain't easy.  And frankly, I think the plane ride out Left is the biggest physical consideration of all.  Those long plane rides dehydrate.  That's fact.  Can you say leg cramps and back spasms?  The Raiders are at home and still a little wacky under Al Davis.  Even Rex can't figure them out sometimes.

*WIN - 34-24; RAIDERS  ~  Raiders are unpredictable, and they roughed up Sanchez.  Did I call it?


49ers +2 1/2 (BENGALS)
My first inclination was to go with the Bengals.  Then I remembered they ruin everything.  How successful have you been picking them?  Disappointing teams do what they do best; disappoint.  That's why the Bengals will lose at home.  Both defenses are about the same, but the 49er splits on offense look a little better.  But I admit, the Bengals were my first choice and I'm changing up to go with the upset.

*WIN - 13-8; 49ERS  ~  See!?  How disappointing were the Bengals at home today?


Patriots -8 (BILLS)
Yeah...what the Bills are doing is pretty cool right now.  And they will be able to score against the Patriots.  New England's defense isn't exactly shutting off any lights.  But they have a machine-like offensive system of controlling the clock with short completions which works the same way as running the ball.  So Buffalo won't be touching the ball as much as they have lately; especially like they did in their comeback against the Raiders.  The Pats will still score two TD's to Buffalo's one all day long.

*LOSS - 34-31; BILLS  ~  Wow.  Buffalo is putting up ridiculous points.  And the Patriots defense is proving porous.


SAINTS -4 (Texans)
Toughest call of the day.  The Saints are only laying a point after the obligatory home three.  I don't see Drew Brees going hog wild on the Texans' defense.  I think Houston's defense is a stiff bunch.  But if Brees has the ball late, the Saints might win by five.  That's what I'm thinking.  Yeah, this will go down to the wire but a field goal isn't the way Drew Brees wants it.  I'd stay away from this game.  If this game were in Houston I'd pick the Texans.  But I'll stick with the Who Dats.

*WIN - 40-33; SAINTS  ~  So much for defense.  I said five points; they won by seven.


BROWNS -2 1/2 (Dolphins)
What's Miami doing?  What in the name of Ponce De Leone is Miami doing?  The Browns should be ashamed of themselves if they lose this game.  Even though he was a tool, Eric Mangini didn't leave a bad team behind in Cleveland.  Can anyone explain what is happening with Miami?

*LOSS - 17-16; BROWNS  ~  The Browns should still be ashamed of themselves.


Broncos +6 1/2 (TITANS)
I just like getting the points in this game.  I don't think much of the Broncos, but the Titans are still a little too bi-polar for me right now.

*WIN - 17-14; TITANS  ~  Those were good points to take.


Lions -3 1/2 (VIKINGS)
Yah Mule!  Ride!   Like a mule - I'm riding the Lions till they say get off!  The Vikings?  Don't make me laugh.

LOSS - 26-23; LIONS  ~  Foiled by a half point.  Lions mounted a great comeback to get in it.



PANTHERS -3 1/2 (Jaguars)
It's probably time the Panthers won their first game of the season.  They covered against the Packers last week.  I don't have a feel for the Jags yet.  But I know they aren't scoring any points.

*WIN - 16-10; PANTHERS  ~  The Jags have only scored 29 points in three weeks now.


CHARGERS -14 1/2 (Chiefs)
They are looking to burn off a lot of steam.  The Chargers have to be the most frustrated team in the AFC right now.  San Diego leads all teams in getting in their own way.  Poor Chiefs; they're about to catch a beating.

LOSS - 20-17; CHARGERS  ~  C'mon!  Was this the best they could do?


Ravens -3 1/2 (RAMS)
This looks like a fairly easy pick; doesn't it?  Famous last words.  Bradford won't be throwing for 300 yards like he did against the Giants.  And the Rams still had to settle for field goals.  Take the road team and lay the bagels.

WIN - 37-7; RAVENS  ~  That's what was expected.  Bring on the Jets!


Falcons +2 (BUCS)
I think the Bucs can keep it close; real close.  But winning?  I don't think so.  It's time for teams to start showing their truer forms in week three.  Falcons win.

LOSS - 16-13; BUCS  ~  What the hell is up with the Falcoms?


Cardinals -3 1/2 (SEAHAWKS)
Let me think about this.  OK, lay the points.  The crowd noise in Seattle won't be helping the home team much.  The Seahawks can't score, and are giving up points like free cups of Starbucks on a damp Seattle day.  One lump or two?

LOSS - 13-10; SEAHAWKS  ~  The sun shines on a dog's behind at least once a day too.


Packers -3 1/2 (BEARS)
I still don't think the Bears are that good.  Maybe over-rated is a better word.  There's only one Monster of the Midway in this game.  Offensively, the Packers look locked-in right now.  Offensively, the Bears had thirteen points against the Saints last week.

WIN - 27-17; PACKERS  ~ This spread was only 3 1/2?


Steelers -10 (COLTS)
Yep.  Lay all ten points.  The Colts' pulse is very faint.  I don't think the Colts will be any where near  ten points.  The Steelers weren't as good as their 24-0 shut-out over Seattle may indicate.  They were still limbering up some old creaky bones.  They should start to flex this week.

*LOSS - 23-20; STEELERS ~  Drats!

SHMEAR of the WEEK: (0-2)
Steelers -10 (COLTS)  LOSS!

Fifteen Bagels; three more with a SHMEAR; makes eighteen Bagels heading into the oven.

Happy Football Sunday everyone.  Good luck.



UPDATES:

Week Two Record:  7-8-0
Overall Record:  21-19-3
SHMEAR of the WEEK:  0-3!
Bagels in the Basket:  -10






Mike.BTB

Urban Art ~ People of South Side; Mural

From the streets of BROOKLYN

Hope Street, South Side

BROOKLYN

By

L.I. Ducks ~ Off to Southern Maryland for Game Three

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Update:  Sept. 24, 2011

Game Three scheduled for Friday evening was rained-out.

Game Three now scheduled for Saturday evening.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS:  After splitting two games at home; Ducks must now win 2 of 3 on the road.


Their Playoff History on the Road Says They Won't.


Signed back on August 29th; nine days after Mike Loree's contract was sold and shipped off to Altoona; MLB veteran, Josh Banks was brought in to stabilize and lead a pitching staff that had gotten picked apart like turkey scraps off the bone after a Thanksgiving dinner.  For a little while there, it looked like the Ducks' starting pitching was having to survive on just that; scraps. 


For all the Ducks' hard work this season; including their first and second half pennants; it seemed as if they were falling victim to one of the mission statements of the Atlantic League; which is to help players get back into affiliated baseball.


Then, with the fortuitous return of Mike Loree, he and Josh Banks were supposed to give Long Island that one-two punch needed to win a playoff short series.  Last night however, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs had other ideas as they just stole a game on the road.  Sorry; they didn't steal it.  They pounded away at the Ducks early and made the lead last.  Let's be fair.  They slugged four doubles and two home runs.


In the second game of the Liberty Division Championship, the Blue Crabs tagged-up Josh Banks early and often to tie the series at one game apiece.  Long Island's #2 starter only lasted 2.2 innings Thursday night, and was charged with giving up six runs; five earned.  He allowed seven hits; walked two; and struck out two, before giving way to Ruddy Lugo with the Ducks behind 7-0 at the time.


The resilient Ducks started to mount a response in the bottom of the third inning with four runs; one of them unearned.  They picked up another pair of runs in the seventh inning.  And suddenly, it was a game again as the Ducks closed the gap to within a run.


Southern Maryland scored an insurance run in the eighth.  The Ducks were not without their chances this game.  And the ninth inning presented them with another.  They had the tying runs on first and second base with two outs.  But John Rodriguez ended Long Island's night with a weak tapper.


The Game Two final score was Blue Crabs 8; Ducks 6. 


This series is now tied.


Both teams will now battle it out in Southern Maryland where this series will conclude with a Liberty Division Champion.  As regular season champs, the Long Island Ducks had the option of playing the series' first two games in Long Island, or, play the first two games in Southern Maryland and have the series return to Long Island for the potential final three games.  The Ducks opted to play the first two games at home then take the series on the road.


That strategy just may have backfired on them last night.  The hope was to win two at home, then go to Southern Maryland with three chances to win one game.  With last night's Ducks loss, the Wild Card Blue Crabs now truly own home field advantage and will try and take two of the next three on their own turf.  And unfortunately for Long Islanders, the Ducks' two big starters, have already had their turn.


The Long Island Ducks' playoff history on the road is....; well..; bad.  In their twelve year history, they are 1-8 in playoff road games.  Their lone road win came during their 2004 Championship season.  Since then, it's been seven consecutive road losses.


You like those apples?  Check these out.  In three visits to Southern Maryland this season, the Ducks were swept once; lost 2 of 3 games; and won 2 of 3 games.  Want some good news now?  The Ducks were an above .500 road team during the regular season.


Let's hope the weather in Southern Maryland is better than it was in the Metro area today.  There's baseball to be played this evening.

TONIGHT

Atlantic League

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

Series Tied 1-1

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

vs.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

From

A Ballpark in Waldorf

Maryland

* * * FREEDOM DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES * * *

York Revolution leads series over Lancaster Barnstormers

2-0

Game Three ~ Rained Out

Game Three to be played Saturday

 

York can complete a sweep tonight in Lancaster, PA.

Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants ~ Off To Philly on Big Blue Crutches

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE



NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL:  Latest Big Blue Injury Now Has Team Situation Bordering on Calamitous.


This is proving to be a back week for planning a revenge.

The Giants Have to be Leading the NFL in ACL Injuries; Don't They?   ...The Latest Seems Like the Bzillionth Player We've Lost to Injury for the Season!



When will it end?   No; not the season; - the injuries that have made themselves welcome in our locker room as if Crippling Injury personified, were issued a numbered jersey, pads, and a five year deal to intentionally decimate our team.  Regardless, make way for more incoming and get a bed ready for Domenik Hixon; the latest casualty of the Big Broken Blue Brigade.



Eli Manning has steadily watched wide receivers disappear before his eyes like hand fulls of Skittles in a school yard during recess.  Tight End; Kevin Boss is gone.  Steve Smith is gone.  Plaxico was mad Eli never visited him in the Halls of Shame so he plays for Rex now.  And after Sunday's game, Domenik Hixon is now gone.   If Mario Manningham isn't careful with his concussion symptoms, he'll be gone too.   Where's Ramses Barden?   Anyone hear from that PUP lately?   I don't even think we have anyone who calls himself a wide receiver on the practice squad.  Do we?  Devin Thomas...Thomas?  Is there still a Devin Thomas in the house?  Toomer?



So who's left?   Hakeem Nicks; Victor Cruz ; and.................Don't even give me that Brandon Stokely stuff!  Just don't.  I'm not listening to that.  I'd much rather see the rookie; Jerrel Jerrigan; get a shot.  And at this point, we might as well have Baby Huey at Tight End.  He's big, and at least he might get in some one's way on a Lombardi Style sweep play.



Domenik Hixon's injury was a change-up though.  Up until now, the Giants' Receiver problems and that which was lacking, could be pinned on Jerry Reese.  Injuries weren't quite the issue on the Offensive side of the ball, unlike the ruinous effects injuries have had on our Defense.  Terrell Thomas; Jonathan Goff; Bruce Johnson; Clint Sintim; Marvin Austin; and Brian Witherspoon; have all been lost for the season.  Then there are the Osi and Amukamara injuries we're hopeful they'll be returning shortly from.  And in Week One, Justin Tuck didn't play either.  All Defense.  So I'm almost giddy (an absurdity) that finally, an Offensive player is sharing in the pain...(as if...).     To make matters worse, this is the same injury that caused Domenik Hixon to miss the entire 2010 season.  This is the same predicament Jerry Reese was in over the Steven Smith deal; Risk Factor vs. Dollar Value ~ Red Flags vs. Commitment. 



What's old is new...again.  So, now what?


The Eagles and Cowboys have done their own stumbling to even keep this conversation relevant.  But this injury to Hixon changes things drastically for New York.  Eli already didn't have a reliable tight end and lacked a slot/third down receiver.  That latter role was looking like Hixon's until now.  So when we face the Eagles Sunday, all they have to do is occupy Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz with a max of three in coverage, which will allow them to flood the box against the run. 



As Eli will be forced to throw; see Eli get blitzed; often.  Then watch Eli get picked-off.  The only question that remains, is in who's direction will he be throwing?  That may be the ugliest aspect of it all.  If I'm successful at mind-melding with Coach Gilbride, look for Ahamad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to get thrown into the uncomfortable position of having to catch a lot more balls coming out the backfield on swing passes; and in Bradshaw's case, scat patterns.


Otherwise, prepare yourself.  This could be ugly.  Eli has been looking jittery in the pocket; perhaps getting sacked/hit more than he's used to behind his new O-Line.  There's still a lot of trust that needs to be solidified between Eli and his new Center.  And we've already seen his full repertoire of under-thrown; over-thrown; misdirected; high; and intercepted passes in two short weeks.  You can bet the Eagles will blitz in waves.  The Giants can pick-up a blitz; their problem right now is they don't have any reliable check-down receivers.  And with our already existing third down conversion aversion syndrome gone full blown, what exactly will change about that, this week against the Eagles?



Maybe the Wish-Bone isn't such a bad idea after all.  But seeking revenge against the Eagles for last season's debacle, isn't looking like such a great idea right now.  That might have to wait.  And by the way, Michael Vick practiced today.


I'll have to think about this one.  So will  Kevin Gilbride. 



I'll have more to say before game time; a lot more.





Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks ~ Take Opening Game

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS:   GAME ONE FINAL

S. Maryland Blue Crabs     3

LONG ISLAND DUCKS   6

Ducks Lead Series 1-0

Best of Five

 

The Webbed Nine Employ An Old Formula in Tonight's Win Over Southern Maryland.

 

In one of today's tabloids (Newsday), today's Long Island starter Mike Loree revealed that upon signing his contract with the Pirates organization, he requested he be allowed to pitch with the Ducks during their post-season run.  Of course, PITT kindly obliged.  Mike said the guys in the Ducks   clubhouse were a very tight bunch and that winning a Championship with them would be extremely special.  The idea is to excel and graduate from a team like the Ducks; hopefully up into affiliated Baseball.  But he wanted very much to be here; now; with the Long Island Ducks; where he pitched masterfully for them for most of the regular season, and now wants to see it all the way through.


Tonight was a step in the right direction.  Mike Loree hasn't been quite the same dominant hurler he was prior to leaving the Ducks.  Maybe lack of run support was to blame.  But it shouldn't be anything to be too concerned about.  Tonight, the Ducks had to settle for him just being damn good.  He was looking a little hittable early on.  Southern Maryland touched him for five hits and two runs over his first three innings pitched.  But Long Island didn't leave him pondering a 2-1 deficit on the mound for too long.  The Ducks scored five more times for Loree before the fourth inning even began.


In a sense, the game was a welcome return to a proven formula the Ducks relied on all season long.  As Mike Loree set down opponents and accumulated scoreless innings pitch, the Long Island offense was busy building up handsome leads.  The Blue Crabs actually out-hit the Ducks Wednesday 13-9; but Long Island was able to string theirs together consecutively and clearly more effectively.  And Matt Padgett was able to turn up some power for good measure.


In the Ducks' home first and with one out, Ray Navarrete doubled, then advanced to third on a wild pitch.  John Rodriguez; back in the clean-up spot; drove him home with a sac-fly to left for the first run of the game.  The Blue Crabs followed that up by making Mike Loree sweat through a tough second inning with four hits leading to two earned runs and a Blue Crab lead.


But like I said, the lead was short lived.  Long Island went to work against Southern Maryland starter; Virgil Vasquez in the bottom half of the second and effectively ended Vasquez' night.  With one out, Matt Padgett blasted the first home run of the series to tie the game at two apiece.  Three consecutive singles from Freddy Thon; Kraig Binnick; and Kinard Jones; and a Blue Crab throwing error allowed the Ducks' third run to score.  Then Ray Navarrete grounded out but Kraig Binnick scored an unearned run on the play to make it a 4-1 game heading into the third.


John Rodriguez led off the home third with a single.  J.R. House followed with another single.  A fielder's choice hit into by Matt Esquivel made it first and third with one out.  Then, Matt Padgett promptly singled to center driving in Rodriguez from third.  Kraig Binnick came up and slapped another Ducks' hit driving in Esquivel for the Ducks' second run of the third inning and a 6-2 lead.


Mike Loree settled down.  After the shaky start and striking out only one batter over the first three innings, he struck out three batters over his last three frames while allowing just three more hits and a walk after six completed trips to the mound.  He left the game staked to a 6-2 lead as Coach Baez decided to go to his bullpen and put the ball into the hands of Jeremy Hill for the seventh.


Jeremy Hill kept the Blue Crabs quiet over his two innings pitched.  Although he gave up three hits, he allowed Southern Maryland nothing more.


In to pitch the Long Island ninth inning came Jon Hunton.  It was a strange call in my opinion.  He was a late September acquisition who made three regular season appearances prior to the playoffs.  He allowed the Blue Crabs to get within 6-3, but then shut down the remaining batters to face him; and striking out the last.  A little bump withstanding; it was a good call....I guess.  But I do question Coach Baez' trust in Bubbie Buzachero right now.


The Long Island Ducks win Game One of the Liberty Division Championship Series.  Game Two of this best of five match-up is scheduled for Thursday evening at Bethpage Park, Long Island.

*   *   *   *   *

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

September 22, 2011

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Best of Five

AtlanticLeague.com

LongIslandDucks

GAME TWO

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs  (0-1)

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS  (1-0)

From

The Ballpark at Bethpage

LONG ISLAND, N.Y.

Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks ~ It's Playoff Time

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS:  The Second Season.


Ducks End of Year Report ~ BTB


The regular season is now history.  I hope you enjoyed it.  I had a blast following along.  But the second season starts now.  And losers go home.  The Long Island Ducks; winners of the first half and second half Liberty Division pennants; take on their division foe and this season's Wild Card team; the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, for the Liberty Division Championship.


Southern Maryland defeated the Bridgeport Bluefish last night to earn their entry into this year's playoff tournament as a Wild Card.  In the Freedom Division, the Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution square off in their first round series.

ATLANTIC LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

 

GAME ONE

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

From

The Ballpark at Bethpage

LONG ISLAND, NY

Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants ~ Week Two Recap; Defeat Rams

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Time to get RAM Tough  Week Two Preview.




NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL:  We Actually Ran the Ball More Times Than We Passed!  Alleluia.

IF SAM BRADFORD THREW FOR 300 YARDS, PERRY FEWELL BETTER THINK OF SOMETHING QUICK.


Faking injuries?  Really?  Is that how to slow down another team's offense?  Is that what Perry Fewell had his unit practicing all week?  I forgot at what point they tried that bush-league move.  But the fact is, aside from the points the Giants were putting on the scoreboard, St. Louis was outplaying the Giants in the first half.


The score after the first quarter was 7-6 Giants.  After the first half of Football, the score was 21-6 Giants.  So why am I about to get so down on Big Blue?  Because a lot of what I saw over the first two quarters were rather inept; marred with Giant recurrences of what ails us.





FIRST QUARTER:


Take our first offensive possession.  I don't care about balance!  And I told you that's part of Gilbride's simple-minded tricknology.  Here's the sequence:
PASS  1st play ~  15 yds. Eli to Manningham.
RUN  2nd play ~ Bradshaw, 7 yard rush.
RUN  3rd play ~ Bradshaw, 6 yard rush.
PASS  4th play ~ Incomplete; Eli attempt to TE.
RUN  5th play ~ Bradshaw, 15 yard rush.
It's now 1st and 10 at the Rams 37 yard line.  Eli is 1-2 so far, and Bradshaw is 3 for 28 yards rushing.  Instead of continuing to just pound the ball, Coach Gilbride chose this moment to strike.  From the Rams 37; OK....fine enough.  That said, there's no hind-sight at work here.  But you know I preach throwing the ball is very risky and most of the time in Gilbride's case, unnecessary.  Rushing netted 28 yards on three plays.  I say stay with what works until the Rams proved they can stop it.  Establish the run, by running the damn ball. 
PASS  6th play ~ Eli attempt; Interception.
Coach Gilbride chose to go the predictable 50/50 method and dialed up Eli to Manningham.  Eli lost sight of the safety and also under threw the play.  Result? - INT.  This one was purely on Eli though.  The play was still there if Eli had gotten that pass over the top and in stride.


On the Rams first possession, Sam Bradford found an abundance of wide open receivers and got the Rams all the way from their own 14 yard line down to the Giants' 1 yard line.  The Giants held with a goal line stand and St. Louis settled for three.


The Giants second possession was basically a three and out; except that Rams fumbled the punt and Big Blue recovered.  It almost didn't matter because the Giants put themselves into a 4th and 4 situation, and went for it.  If not for a defensive interference penalty on St. Louis, the Giants don't wind up scoring seven on a catch by Hakeem Nicks.


Next time on the field, Sam Bradford did it again.  He shredded our secondary like they were junk mail and got the Rams all the way to the Giants 17 yard line; result - defense holds again and Rams settle for another field goal.


Giants 7; Rams 6




SECOND QUARTER


Brandon Jacobs finally touches the ball.  But Giants go three and out on their first possession of the quarter; another non-conversion on third down.  Eli got blitzed; we punt.  That's fine.


Next; Rams ball - Sam Bradford continues to find receivers between the trees called the Giants Secondary.  Then St. Louis suffers a brain lock and lose a lateral fumble.  Michael Boley was smart enough to recover the football and run it in for a Giant touchdown.


Score ~ Giants Offense 7;  Giants Defense 7;  Rams 6.


Midway through the second quarter, Coach Gilbride started ignoring the running game again.  We were like 0 for 6 on third down conversions, and Special Teams was doing their typically bad job.  But somehow during that, Gilbride; Eli; Manningham; and Hixon, called; threw; and made some very interesting bobbling and tipping riddled receptions.  Dominick Hixon's TD catch made the score 21-6 Giants, as they went in for half-time.


So, at what point would you consider the Giants to have been in control of this game thus far?  Sam Bradford and the Rams were going through the defense like saloon doors in Dodge City.  Their problem is they are still a rebuilding team.  Yet they were making the Giants afternoon difficult.  The defense bent; but didn't break.  So there's some consolation with that.




THIRD QUARTER


Sam Bradford picked up where he left off.  But again, the defense held the Rams to three points.


Giants 21;  Rams 9.


The Giants mounted a ten play drive that made the score 28-9 Giants.  Happy right?  Well..., no.  There were 6 pass plays called with two incompletions.  They ran three times.  Then the scoring play was Brandon Jacob's 9 yard rumble; the fourth rush of a ten play drive.  Ten plays only took 5:30 off the clock.


Why did that matter?  Because Sam Bradford was still throwing for over 300 yards in this game and threw a late touchdown to make it a 28-16 game before the third quarter ended.  He pretty much moved the ball at will against our secondary.  Their problem is they couldn't run the ball against us.  But the Rams are having a hellish time getting the ball in the end zone to begin with.  Their failure to score has been more about their shortcomings than it was our ability to hold them to three field goals.  It's sad but true.  And our vaunted Defensive Line? - Two sacks (Tuck and JPP).




The was no scoring in the FOURTH QUARTER.


The Giants running game wound up rushing the ball 35 times for 131 yards and a touchdown.  Eli Manning took away from that total with some negative yardage on four runs of his own.  For his part, Eli passed the ball 29 times and connected on 18 for 200 yards; 2 TD; 1 INT.


Take away Michael Boley's touchdown return, and say St. Louis converts one of those field goals into a touchdown.  It's a different game isn't it?  Sam Bradford proved to be a problem for the Giants.  The Rams actually amassed more offensive yardage than the Giants did.  And as I said, the Rams couldn't run.  Two turnovers didn't help their cause either.


In the end, a win is a win, no matter how ugly they are.  We've avoided the dreaded 0-2 tar pit from which there was no saving our selves from.  But I'd hardly call this game; and this showing against the Rams, impressive.  The fact that Coach Gilbride ran as much as he did is promising.  Coach Perry Fewell has a lot of work ahead of him before we get to Philadelphia.

#  Brandon Jacobs rushed for his 50th career touchdown; ranking him second all time in Big Blue history.



Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks ~ Season Ends With Dual Division Titles

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE



LONG ISLAND DUCKS:   THE POND Celebrates End of a Great Regular Season.   Reasons to be Proud Abound.

Mike Loree wins pitching Triple Crown.
Kraig Binnick wins Atlantic League Batting Title.
Ducks claim both half Division Titles.
Ducks end season with League's best record.
Long Island leads League in attendance.




Ducks Win Both Half Titles for First Time in Team's History.


After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Long Island Ducks spent all season sending one long continuous message to the League; - They would not be denied a second consecutive time.  They made their case loud and clear by mounting a ferocious return to post-season play finishing the 2011 campaign thirty-one games above the .500 mark and amassing the League's best record.



The Long Island Ducks concluded their best regular season ever at 4:30 Sunday afternoon with one final win, and taking the regular season ending series against the surging Bridgeport Bluefish.  And with that final win of the season, they clinched the Liberty Division's second-half title; just as they clinched the first-half title.  It's the first time in their history they have won both pennants in the same season.  Bridgeport came on strong this season; fulfilling their potential perhaps a little too late for the Division race.  However they did pull to within one game of the Ducks and with a win Sunday and could have forced a one game playoff to decide the second half Liberty Division Title.



The Ducks not only cliched both halves of the Atlantic League season, they clinched the League's overall best record at 78-47; making it the first time they ever won the League's top mark.  They were the first team to reach fifty wins; sixty wins; and seventy wins this season.  Even though suffering through a late season malaise, they dominated the Atlantic League from practically from start to finish. Only a brief trading of first place with South Maryland in the first half, and a fleeting little taste of second place served up by Bridgeport in August, prevented Long Island from leading wire to wire



The Bethpage Park Demolition Crew short-circuited scoreboards all over the Atlantic League this season.  In addition to their other regular season accomplishments, they also led the Atlantic League in runs scored.



The third; fourth; fifth; and sixth ranked League leaders in RBI were Long Island Ducks.  Javier Colina led that list of Ducks and also held the team lead with 90 RBI.  J.R. House and John Rodriguez finished with 81 RBI each.  John Rodriguez missed games with injuries on three separate occasions this season, and recently missed a month as the schedule wound down.  Somehow he held the RBI lead two different times this year and still managed to finish among the RBI leaders.  Having him healthy and hitting fourth in the line-up come playoff time this Wednesday is imperative to the Ducks' potent attack.  Upon his return Sunday for the season finale, he went 4 for 4 to demonstrate why he's so necessary to ensure an edge in team slugging come playoff time.



Then on the RBI list at number six is, Ducks' legend; Ray Navarrete; who finished with 79 RBI this season.  Ray Navarrete also finished with 27 home runs, which ranked him second in the League and just one home run behind the League leader.   Javier Colina placed third with 25 home runs. 



Ray Navarrete; the long time crowd favorite; spent a season helping the Ducks dominate, but also padding a few career milestones and setting more records.  Earlier this season, he became the Ducks All-Time runs scored leader and the franchise's All-Time career leader in hits.  Ray Navarrete is also the franchise's All-Time leader in home runs and RBI as well.  He holds Ducks' single season records for hits; RBI; games played; and doubles.  Ray also holds Long Island's single game records for most home runs and RBI.



Leading all Atlantic League hitters in batting average this season was none other than Long Island Duck; Kraig Binnick.  It was an achievement he seemed destined to accomplish since the season began.  Before taking a ball to the face on a play at second base early this season, he maintained an average above the .400 level.  After his return to action, he tailed off a bit; slipped out of the League lead; then rebounded to finish and win the season title with a .343 batting average.  Matt Esquivel placed third with a .328 batting average.



With a ball in his hand, Mike Loree was the Atlantic League's undisputed King of the Hill this season.  He dominated every pitching Triple Crown category; despite spending time in Atloona this season after being purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates system.  But he's back for Long Island's playoff run.  And that's probably the most welcome news of all.  Before he left the team, the Ducks were winning games at a +70% clip.  They slipped afterwards and finished the season with a .624 winning percentage.



During the season Mike Loree posted a 14-5 won/loss record; which led the League.  And with 14 wins he is also now the new holder of the Ducks All-Time single season wins record.  He led the League with 131 strikeouts; while walking only 28 batters over 123 innings pitched.  And Mike Loree's minuscule 1.98 ERA was also the League's best mark by a wide margin.  The League's next best ERA was a 3.33 mark.




By August, there were gaping holes in the starting rotation and the season was taking on water fast. There were matters to ponder like; were the contract purchases of Lenny DiNardo first; Mike Parisi; then Shane Youman; and ultimately Mike Loree; going to torpedo one of the best Ducks' seasons ever and stop the Ducks quest for a Championship cold in their webbed tracks?  



Yes; admit it; you thought about it.



The very savvy; and timely acquisition of starting pitcher, Josh Banks, was desperately needed to get a stopper (a losing streak stopper) back in the rotation.  And now with the return of Mike Loree, the Ducks starting rotation looks poised again to get through two rounds of playoffs.  With the healthy return of Ehren Wassermann, their deep bullpen; which has been nothing short of outstanding this season; should round out a very effective pitching staff well prepared for the playoffs.




And lastly, the Ducks were the undisputed kings in attendance this season which included celebrating the 600th sellout of Bethpage Park and welcoming the Five-Millionth fan to walk through the gates over the last 12 seasons.




The Atlantic League decided the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will play a one-game Wild Card Playoff on Tuesday; with the winner earning the right to play Long Island in the Liberty Division round.




Last year's Champion, the York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers will square off in the Freedom Division's first round.  Lancaster was the only other Atlantic League team to surpass 70 wins this season.  Lancaster was the Freedom Division first half Champs.  York won the back stretch.



The full slate of playoffs begin Wednesday evening.

AtlanticLeague.com

Articles; Winning Pics; and Vids

at LongIslandDucks.com

TONIGHT

ATLANTIC LEAGUE ~ WILD CARD PLAYOFF GAME

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

vs.

Bridgeport Bluefish

From

The Ballpark at Harbor Yard

Bridgeport, Conn.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Win
Wild Card

FINAL

Blue Crabs  9

Bluefish       4

Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants ~ Week Two; Time To Get Ram Tough

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE





NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL:  What?  Us Worry?

Within a matter of thirty-five seconds or so, my son and I captured the essence of tonight's game against the Rams.  Upon me getting home, it went some thing this:

Son ~ Why the hell am I so worried about the Giants tonight?
Me ~ You should be.
Son ~ Why?  ...It's the Rams.
Me ~ That's right.  That's exactly it.  We're playing the friggin' Rams.

I should end this post now.  But what follows is what I started last night, and before I ran into Jr. this afternoon.

New York Giants:  WEEK TWO vs. St. Louis Rams

 

 

 

Rams' Coach Spags Knows Exactly How To Beat Us.  The Question Is, Can Perry Coach Fewell Beat Him To The Punch?  And Part Of The Answer Is,  ...Only If Coach Gilbride Keeps The Ball On The Ground.

There's looking bad.  There's losing.  Then there is looking feeble while losing badly.  And the ultimate invitation for abuse is to look feeble while losing badly to an inferior opponent.  The atmosphere around the Giants is already as such that they can ill-afford to have any of the above happen to them in their Met-Life Stadium Home Opener; and on Monday Night Football no less.  And yes; this is only Week Two.  Oh, - and it's only against the team who's head coach who was our Defensive Coordinator during our last Super Bowl; the same one we never wanted to see leave.  I digress.


But because of the way the Giants ended last season; this year's pathetic pre-season display; followed by a full frontal flashing of everything the Giants do badly in Game One; well then, the lack of general confidence might be warranted heading into Monday Night's game against the Rams.  The problem for the Giants started for them in Week One.  They Lost.  They travel down the turnpike to face division rival Philadelphia in Week Three.  So naturally, the Giants flat out can not afford to have anything go wrong for them in Week Two.


Very simply, they need to be in full control of Monday Night's game from start to finish without any noticeable outbreaks of feebleness or folly.  Just eeeking out a win and looking unimpressive doing it, will not do.  Do we need a blow-out or a shut-out?  No.  We just need the Giants to execute plays and do what they're assigned to do effectively.  Leave no doubt who is in control of the game even if the Media calls it old; methodical; plodding; football.  Just plod well.


Execution of plays; eliminating blown assignments; and just good tackling should be enough to win.  Right?  Easy to say, but that's what the staff coaches.  The players need to follow through.  Well..., at least the healthy ones do.  Even depleted by injuries, this team is still good enough to take care of the Rams without having to make us sweat the outcome late in the fourth quarter.


Confidence?  The only way to make the unhappy, happy; and gain confidence is to win.  That's how you make problems disappear.  You know that.  I know that.  The Giants need to be crisp; sure; effective; and consistent.  They then must dominate and finish off a lesser opponent in the most convincing way they can muster.  Turn the fourth quarter into Giant Football.  Do that, and rumblings for Tom Coughlin's head and Jerry Reese's job will subside and lessen the distractions around Big Blue.  Calls for both their heads and those kinds of reactionary knee-jerk demands don't jive in the Big Blue world.  Matters are handled within the context of stability here.  So think of something else.  I'll agree in saying there is much to chose from when it comes to gripes though.


Control; - Ball control; clock control; and self-control.  We need to implement and stay committed to the running game and let it take it's effect over four quarters.  Fourth quarter clock management with a running game; that's been pounding away all day; keeps the pigskin in our hands, and our defense out of harms way.  Commit to running, and our third down conversions will improve.  I'm sure of it.  So will Play Action; and eventually, downfield will open up also.


OR PUNT!!  There is nothing wrong with playing a game of Field Position.  Oh that's right.... Our Special Teams moonlight as the Keystone Cops in their spare time.  Sorry.


We need the Offensive Line to build on a decent Week One start together in order to make these things happen for Kevin Gilbride's sake; to preserve the division standings; and for all our sanity too.  Give the O-Line time to work.  They need an opportunity to develop a rhythm.  But more importantly, they need discipline and creativity from the Offensive Coordinator.  And we need Gilbride to pick and choose Eli's big moment a little more wisely.  The Rams will be giving us chances, so just relax and pounce on the opportunity as it presents itself.  And in the mean time, pound the damn ball for a change.


What happened last week; when Brandon Jacobs had a preposterous One Carry! ...in the second half against the Skins, can not play out that way again.  In that second half, Kevin Gilbride all but gave the Rumbling Duo of Jacobs and Bradshaw the rest of the night off.  Keep that up, and be assured, it will be Gilbride who will be released by the Giants and find himself unemployed; not Coughlin or Reese.


On the other side, I fully expect Coach Spags to exploit our linebackers.  I would.  If he keeps them busy and gets them flustered and running in all directions, the Giants just might very well be playing catch up football; and then there goes our own running game too.  There is an over-reliance by the Giants on the defensive line and the sack.  And if I know Coach Spags, he's going to instruct his O-Linemen to let the Giants rush as deeply into the backfield as they want to be.  Can you say Draw Plays and Screens?  Then it's, Linebackers..here we come!


The D-Line might get to Sam Bradford; maybe even often.  But what good is it if the Secondary; a flaky secondary for some time now; has a repeat performance of last week?  Coach Spags knows our Secondary very well.  And with our propensity to give up big plays down field, hitting Bradford often still may not get it done.  The guy can still throw a football very well.  And if he makes six or seven very good to great throws, we might be done.


For this game, don't give me any Perry Fewell flap.  Coach Spags taught most of these defensive players almost everything they know. 


And that's why I'd be worried about tonight's game.


So I guess I'm putting the spotlight tonight on both our Offensive and Defensive Coordinators.  Coach Gilbride is tasked with reintroducing the running game into Giants Football.  And Coach Fewell is tasked with not letting Coach Spags expose our weaknesses too badly and making us look like an utter joke.


Let's Go Giants!




Mike.BTB

Barclays Center ~ Of Lock-Outs and Long Islanders

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH




BROOKLYN ~ Will Barclays Center Be Home For Two Professional Franchises?

Not if the NBA doesn't get back to work!  So, don't blow this move for me!

...And the New York Islanders need to figure out their situation first.


There's a Lock-Out?  Then it's being met with a whole lot of apathy and a tinge of complacency because I'm not hearing about it much.....; from anybody.  So while the NBA and it's member clubs fade from existence due to their labor short circuit, talk about a possible relocation of the New York Islanders and bringing NHL Hockey to Brooklyn continues to pick-up steam. 



Early, during the inaugural construction phases of Barclays Center; the subject of the Islanders finding a new home in Brooklyn's arena was always left open however as a remote, and unlikely possibility.  Barclays Center officials and Nets CEO Brett Yormark put more effort into explaining why it wasn't the best venue for Hockey because of the limited seating capacity after reconfiguring the floor space.  And no; ideally and theoretically; 14,500 seats is not the best NYC can do for a professional Hockey franchise.  But right now, after Nassau County voted against their own new arena proposal, Brooklyn is unofficially the best option the Islanders have at the moment.



And the tune in Brooklyn seems to be changing.  We hear Bruce Ratner let it be known he's agreeable to the idea.  Now all of a sudden, 14,500 seats seems to be OK as far as Nets' CEO Brett Yormark and apparently NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman are concerned too.  But all this remains in the realm of scuttlebutt.  Anything on the matter is purely speculative on the part of everyone.  The Islanders still have a lease in Nassau County for a few more fading years.  So Brooklyn isn't a terribly pressing matter in the Islanders' plight right now.


But this construction site IS due to deliver it's (mostly) completed product by the summer of 2012; right around the time this already distressed up-coming NBA season, which is in jeopardy of ever kicking-off, should be ending.  The last I understood, Barclays Center was set to kick-off events in June or July 2012, before the grand opening of the Brooklyn Nets inaugural season in the Borough later that year.  So entertainment wise, let's just set the Barclays' Clock at T - Minus Ten Months. 


Then, as far as Brooklyn; making history; the NBA; and it's Players; they have one year to figure out a deal.  Get a deal done before the Nets are due to open in Brooklyn.  That's the only thing that concerns me at this point.


I'm going to be honest - The fact that this Lock-Out and the date when the first season in Brooklyn is due to kick-off are happening so close to each other is frightening to me.  It's bad friggin' karma.


....As if getting this arena wasn't hard enough to get started in the first place.  Now this.

BARCLAYS CENTER:
Construction; September 2011

T - Minus Ten Months.

NBA ~ You Got One Year!

Mike.BTB