The N.F.L. is in full force as it is getting ready for the regular season. The Giants’ are trying to patch together their 53-man roster for opening day. A few moves were recently made in order to meet the requirements to go from the training camp 80 to the first cuts of 75. Wide Receiver Nyan Boateng was cut, backup QuarterBack, Jim Sorgi Reserve, Wide Receiver Sinorice Moss and LB Adrian Tracy were place on injuried reserve, effectively ending their seasons. The last move they made was transferring Offensive Linemen Kevin Boothe from the “active PUP” to “PUP reserve.” What does that mean? It means Boothe won’t be eligible to play up until Week Seven. The good part of that is Boothe won’t count against the 53-man roster till he is activated.
First Down: Backup Search
With Jim Sorgi’s season over, the Giants’ will have to search for a backup QB. Unless they feel Rhett Bomar can be ELi’s backup, they’ll need to hit the wavier wire hard come cut time or trade for a backup. I can’t believe the Giants feel Bomar is good enough to be their backup, and I don’t think they feel that way, either. So the search begins. Here are a few options talked about, and a few they should consider:
Matt Leinart: ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the Giants and a few other teams were reportedly interested in acquiring the disgruntled Matt Leinart. A new report, thanks to Ralph Vacchiano says the Cardinals called them (Giants). And the Giants’ talked but had no interest in his contract, or him for that matter.
JaMarcus Russell: I sent in a Tweet to NJ.com’s Mike Garafolo about JaMarcus Russell to see if the Giants’ could have any interest in the former #1 pick. However, with his current legal issues, it’s highly unlikely the troubled LSU standout will be a Giant.
Kellen Clemens: The third string QB for the Jets recently took a pay-cut to stay with the team, but could be an option if the Giants’ are willing to give up a late round pick, something GM Jerry Resse will be very hesitant to do. Resse treat’s his picks like gold – - as he should — because of his success and the belief that draft picks are where you get younger and become a championship contending team. In essence, you build through your draft.
Jeff Garcia: My favorite option. Garcia is currently signed in the UFL, which means the Giants’ can’t just raid the roster and sign him. He would need to be released from his UFL contract, which I assume if the Giants’ want him they would do. However, I sent a Tweet to Ralph Vacchiano, and he said “They didn’t like him when he was a Free Agent.” He’s also not even sure they can get him just released from the UFL, but he will check the rules and get back to me.
Tyler Thigpen: The Miami backup is an option. He has experience as a starter in Kansas City. I don’t see him being dealt.
Sage Rosenfels: He’s another option, as of now, he’s the #3 in Minnesota. He’s a likely option, actually. He’s owed backup money, and he’s the backup to the backup. Again, would Resse be willing to give a pick up?
Second Down: Second Cuts
With the first set of cuts gone, the Giants’ will have to trim their roster from 75 to 53, this upcoming week. Their are still some interesting battles still.
Nate Collins: The Defensive Tackle from Virginia has had a solid camp. He recently batted down a ball – - something he’s done all camp — and picked the ball off. He may be victim to the numbers game, though. The Giants’ are stacked on the defensive line. It doesn’t appear Collins will stick on the roster, but if he can clear waivers, he’d be a great practice squad option. I’m not sure if he’d stick on the practice squad, so the Giants’ may have a tough decision on their hands. Keep him, or hope he clear waivers, which isn’t a guarantee.
Victor Cruz: The Monday Night Sensation, or Cruuuuuuz, as Giant fans like to call him is looking more and more like an option to stick on the 53 man roster. Cruz wasn’t a guarantee, even after his impressive Monday Night performance. However, with Moss being pushed on IR, Cruz is looking more and more everyday like a lock. With a crowded roster, his best chance to play is on Special Teams, something he needs to work on. However, Cruz sticks.
Duke Calhoun: Calhoun has had a great camp. However, the crowded roster will probably end up cutting him loose. He’s a great practice squad option. He missed that one punt that went for a touchback, but has provided skill at the gunner position. If he can stick, he’ll likely remain on the practice squad.
Third Down: Forget Derrick Ward
Derrick Ward was part of the Earth, Wind and Fire combination that helped the Giants’ win the Superbowl in 2007. He then went on to sign a very lucrative contract in Tampa Bay, something the Giants’ weren’t willing to offer. Ward came to camp reportedly out of shape. With his large contract and old age (30), he was given the pink slip.
Andre Brown: As much as I loved Derrick Ward, he likely won’t be coming back. The Giants’ feel Ward is a clone of Derrick Ward and can help out on third downs and catch out of the backfield, something they’ve missed since Ward left. Ward won’t be back. Why spend the money on a guy when you have Ware and Brown to do his job?
Fourth Down: Free #17? I guess not
Plaxico Burress was denied a work release and will be able to apply again in June of 11′. Plaxico was made an example of. He had a chance to take plea deal and spend one and half years in deal, instead he got two and half. He didn’t hurt anyone but himself. I think he was made an example of, but that’s just me. Another day another story. But one thing’s for sure, he won’t be playing ball this year. He’ll be 34 when he’s out of jail, but won’t face a suspension from the league. Then why was Vick suspended? However, he will likely get a shot from some team, once he’s released from prison.







