Giants Gab

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.

Former Giants RB “wind”-Derrick Ward has been released by the Bucaneers just a year after getting a good free agent deal.

I don’t think the Giants have any interest in bringing him back, but it’s not something that is off base to speculate about.

Ward was productive with the Giants as both a receiver and a runner. The Giants drafted Andre Brown in the fourth round of the 2009 draft and made comparisions betweens Browns skill set and Wards.

In other news: (not breaking) the Giants are “interested” in Matt Leinart. If this comes from Chris Mortensen I’ll take it with a grain of salt. If it comes from Michael Smith it’s probablys pot on. If it’s from Adam Schefter it’s pretty reliable as well. (I think it was Schefter).

Anyway, Not a move I”m terribly fond of. I think he’s owed 10 million dollars in base salary for the rest of his contract. That plus draft picks seems unlikely.

But if the Giants are interested in other QBs for the backup positions who might be available.

Well Sage Rosenfels is expendable in Minnesota. Rosenfels is a good fit as a backup as he can come in and make some plays and acctually WIN som e games (as opposed to a backup who just won’t lose games).

Chad Pennington is still in the league as played in Meadowlands stadium and when healthy has won a majority of his games.

Tyler Thigpen migh tbe available for the right price. I like Thigpen’s ability and he’s fun to watch. He also put up a lot of points with the Cheifs (more than overrated Matt Cassell).

Jamarcus Russel I have no interest in .

There’s a report today on profootballtalk.com that MIke Singletary is not comftorable with backup David Carr (which is interesting, but p[probably not likely)

If the Bills like Brohm and Edwards then Ryan Fittzpatrick becomes expendable.

Those are really the best options I can think of.

I’m still in favor of just moving ahead with Rhett Bomar becuase if Eli Manning gets hurt I don’ tneed to see an older Veteran QB come and play O K and watch the Giants finish  6-10.

Any thoughts?

Today was the Giants’ Kickoff Luncheon and former Giant great Amani Toomer was officially named/awarded the Giants Alumni of the Year.

From Giants.com

Amani has long immersed himself in community and charitable endeavors. This year, he is partnering with Timex to run in the ING New York Marathon. Amani will start last and for each runner he passes, Timex will donate $1 to New York Road Runner’s Youth Programs.

Great for Amani, he was a class act and I am glad the Giants awarded him this honor.

Well you read the headline right, Matt Leinart may be joining his former USC counterpart in New York.

“Via Espnnewyork.com

The New York Giants have been “investigating” all options for a backup quarterback for weeks according to Tom Coughlin. And according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Giants have their eyes on Arizona’s disgruntled quarterback Matt Leinart.The Giants, Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders have had discussions with the Arizona Cardinals about trading for the recently-demoted Leinart, league sources tell the ESPN NFL Insider. “Well, it depends on what the availability and what the cost is,” said Coughlin, whose team is off Wednesday before playing the New England Patriots on Thursday. “I’m not saying we’re doing that [bringing in a quarterback], but our people are not caught by surprise by this [Sorgi]. Our guys have been working on this for a couple of weeks.”

What are your thoughts on the possible trade for Matt Leinart? Do you like it or hate it?

The Giants have trimmed their roster to 75 players but putting Jim Sorgi, Rookie Adrian Tracy, and WR Sinorice Moss on injured reserve.

Kevin Boothe was placed on the physically unable to perform list (I think a commenter nailed that call), and WR Nyan Boateng was wavied.

With Sorgi waived (well he’s not waived, but put on IR)  Rhett Bomar has a good chance to enter the season as Eli’s backup and get more snaps during the season working with the second team…

A good move in the end. If Eli Manning was going to be hurt Jim Sorgi was not taking the Giants to the promise land so hopefully this experience will pay off for Bomar who one day could be a good backup or perhaps trade bait for another team in a couple of years.

The IR of Sinorice Moss probably ends the Moss experience in NY.

The former second round pick struggled to find the field with the Giants (in part because he was not a dynamic return man).

Earlier, I read that Coughlin did not rule out Tim Brown making the roster as a return man, which to me means that

Derek Hagan, Victor Cruz and Tim Brown are fighting it out for the sixth WR spot, with Hagan and Cruz seeming to have the edge.

QUICK Edit:

I forgot to add Madison Hedgecock and in my last post I posted Corey Webster was a first round pick when I knew he was a second round pick.

I’m a little out of sync but that’s because my wife and I just had our third baby ( August 25)  under the age of four and sleep has evaded me a bit the past week.

I didn’t think it was affecting me, but it is so I’ll have to be more careful moving forward.

Let me know your thoughts about where your roster differs from mine at the bottom.

I figured while I have some time today I”ll make a prediction at the final 53 man roster for the upcoming season (as it includes people who are currently on the Giants roster-I can’t predict who will get cut from other teams but a decent CB depth would be nice).

Number in parantesis will be the total number of players I’ve accounted for.

QB-2 (2) 

 Eli Manning and Jim Sorgi. Although if Jim Sorgi doesn’t get healthy which is the newest report, he may get the ax.

I think Rhett Bomar has played decent, but not really good. Which is actually a good thing. If Bomar had been spectacular he would not be able to sneak onto the practice squad. I think as of now though he can. (From what I understand if a team tries to sign a player off the Giants practice squad HE MUST go the 53 man roster).  So there i no difficult decision yet.

I’d still prefer they keep Bomar becuase if Eli goes down the Giants aren’t winning anyway.

But Coughlin will go Eli and Sorgi.

RB-5 (7)

The running game hasn’t looked great so far, which is dissapointing. I was hoping that it would. I think the Giants will keep four running backs the question is which four.

Brandon Jacobs, Bradshaw and Andre Brown are locks.

D.J. Ware has had a few concussions and is out. Gartrell Johnson hasn’t impressed yet.

But they might still carry five running backs. Four wouldn’t surprise me. And they will probably go with 4, if so Johnson is the odd man out.

The other one I didn’t include earlier was Madison Hedgecock.

WR-6 (13)

This is probably the Giants deepest and perhaps best overall position.

Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, Manningham are death locks.

Barden is probably on the team (unless back injury is worse than we expect and he gets IR).

There are two spots for three real contestants: Sinorice Moss, Hagan, and Cruz.

I think Hagan and Cruz are five and six. Moss is a preseason wonder, but hurt again and more expensive than Cruz, who has been impressive. The real question would have been what would the Giants do if Hixon was hurt and Cruz was still playing the way he has been playing.

TE 3 (16)

Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum, Bear Pascoe.

This is another position that is pretty well set.

Kevin Boss is the starter. Travis Beckum has too much talent (even if he has been hurt most of the preseason) and Bear Pascoe has played well and has been the only player to stay healthy. He can block well and has suprised with his catching ability.

OL 9 (25)

The offensive line position is pretty well established (let’s just hope it’s effective throughout the whole season).

There are the five starters: Diehl, Suebert, Ohara, Snee and Mckenzie. (Yes I am conceding will Beatty’s starting spot I hoped he would win).

The two primary backups (Beatty and Andrews). 5th round draft choice Mitch Petrus will also make the team.

The 9th one depends on a two factors: A) who wins the LG position (if Beatty does win than Suebert is the primary backup center).

B) And what do the Giants want to do with Kevin Boothe. He’s hurt I think the Giants like him, but I don’t think he’s recoeverd yet or been IR.

If he doesn’t go to IR he’s the man, if he does it’s Koets because he can play center and I think the Giants have had enough of Guy Whimper.

DL-10 (35)

10 might seem like too many defensive linemen, but I don’t know who I could cut.

Let’s start at end with JPP, Tuck, Osi, Kiwi and Dave Tollefson (who the Giants like).

then playing the Tackle positions are: canty, Alford, Bernard, Coefield, Joseph.

I don’t see who they would cut out of this rotation. Alford? Tollefson? I think they keep 10.

LB-8(43)

This is where some hard cuts will take place.

Boley, Goff, Sintim, Bulluck, and Zak De Ossie are locks.  That’s right De Ossie is the long snapper and good on special teams. He’s a lock.

That’s five now there are four more to go.

I think the Giants like Dillards potential. He’s in (3 left). They also like Chase Blackburn so he’s in (thats’ 2 left).  Adrian Tracy has been very impressive in training camp and I don’t think he’d make the practice squad so he’s a go. (1 left).

The Giants might have to let Kehl and Wilkinson go.

Wilkinson is good in coverage, Kehl has shown he can play special teams, but there might not be enough room for both, unless they cut an OL or Dave Tollefson.

Secondary 8 (51)

Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas, Corey Webster and Bruce Johnson are on.

Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant are also in.

The only question to me is whether or not the Giants keep 9 or 10. If they keep 9 they have to A) find another cornerback on the market, or keep one of the young guys (yuck).

Or B) keep Michael Johnson and play Grant, Phillips, and Rolle on the field sometimes with Rolle being able to play some man coverage.

I think they’ll keep Michael Johnson and send the rest kicking rocks.

K/P 2 (53)

Matt Dodge was the biggest bright spot in the last preseason game. Doing what Feagles can’t do and changing field position from deep in the Giants own territory when he bombed a 74 yard punt.

Lawrence Tynes is NOT a fan favorite, but he is the kicker.

Whew some tough cuts!

I can see why this gets so tough.

The Giants will probably vary a little bit from my outline (maybe keep another secondary).

Maybe the Giants cut out an offensive linemen and keep another secondary member.

Maybe they test fate and go with 5 WR to add some more secondary depth, but I think of all the positions the secondary is the only one where they will keep more.

Thoughts and comments? Season is coming soon and I couldn’t be more excited.

Lastly, I forgot to add Madison Hedgecock and in my last post I posted Corey Webster was a first round pick when I knew he was a second round pick.

I’m a little off but that’s because my wife and I just had our third baby ( August 25)  under the age of four and sleep has evaded me a bit the past week.

I’ll have to be more careful moving forward clearly.

Last year I truly believed that the Giants had enough at WR (although I was not against trading for Braylon Edwards) and this year I think the unit that will make the biggest leap is the NY Giant secondary?

Why.

Well Two Major Reasons.

First, the Giants signed Perry Fewell.

Perry Fewell can has shown that in his career the one unit he clearly nows how to piece together and get effective production.

And secondly, there is a TON OF young talent drafted highly in the secondary.

In the secondary right now there are  Four first round picks playing in positions.

Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Kenny Phillips,  Aaron Ross.

And six players drafted in the first two rounds

Terrell Thomas is a second round pick but played like a first rounder last year, the Giants first pick in 2005, 2nd rounder Corey Webster.  They also drafted Chad Jones who had the physical abilities of a first rounder.

but then the pre-season has happened and the depth of the secondary as really concerned me.

The Giants defense looked like swiss cheese vs the pass for much of the first half, like they weren’t prepared or something.

Coughlin said they played almost exclusively man to man.

“Part of the reason for that was because there was a lot at stake for our corners and the people in our secondary”. We needed to clarify, and put them in position where there was no question about their responsibility and just to see how it would turn out.”

The players listed at the cornerback (other than the big names) are Bruce Johnson, D.J. Johnson, and Courney Brown.

I hope some good veteran CB gets released.

The Burning Question is just how good is the Giants secondary?

Leave your thoughts.

Sinorice Moss will get another opinion about the groin injury he suffered against the Ravens.

Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss will undergo a second opinion on his groin injury tomorrow after continued soreness has sidelined the four-year veteran. Coach Tom Coughlin did not know whether the injury will last long-term, but the setback is a troubling sign for Moss. Rookie Victor Cruz has ascended on the depth chart with an impressive preseason, and Moss, who has played four seasons with the Giants, is in a roster battle to make it a fifth season.

The Giants’ had a poor game tonight, no words describe it better. However, there were some winners, and there were some losers.

Winners:

Matt Dodge: The rookie Punter had previously had an awful pre-season, but tonight, he showed why the drafted him. Dodge booted a 50 yarder, and something that came to about a 75 yarder in the air, before the return. He looked good. He had one back kick, but other than that, his hang-time was good, his release was much quicker. He kicked good tonight. Maybe it’s the wind/outdoor setting? He kicked at Eastern Carolina University, a hot setting, and kicked well in a warm  Baltimore tonight. He averaged about 49 yards on 9 punts. Solid outing for Dodge.

Corey Webster: Another solid outing for Webster. Webster had a great summer, and played well tonight. He seems like he’s back to his 08′ form. With the Giants’ missing that third corner, Webster will be even more of a factor.

Justin Tuck and Rocky Bernard: Both Tuck and Bernard recorded two sacks in tonights game. Tuck seems to have the second gear in his motor, and he’s looking like his old-self. Bernard showed his ability to attack the QB. He will get a chance to crack the rotation, if he can make plays like this, he will help a lot.

Shawn Andrews: I know he only played about 10-15 snaps, but boy did he look good. He was blowing guys off the ball and moving them off the line. He looked really good. That’s something the Giants needed to see from him, and he delivered.

Jim Sorgi: He wasn’t even listed to play, he’s hurt. But Bomar played awful. He didn’t look good. If Sorgi can show he’ll be ready for the season, he’s their two. His job isn’t safe though, cause there’s no indication he will be healthy just yet.

Losers:

William Beatty: Beatty was in a three pronged battle for the starting Left Tackle position. Beatty had an awful day. He was playing right tackle today, because McKenzie missed the game with migraines. Beatty got beat twice, once for a sack and another for a bad loss. He didn’t show any improvements. What was telling is when it was short yardage, they ran the other way.

Rhett Bomar: Rhett Bomar looked awful. He didn’t show #2 abilities. However, If Sorgi’s not healthy he could be cut. The Giants’ could go out and sign a #2 and have Sorgi be the #3, or even he could be cut.

Seth Williams: The UDFA out of Richmond was called offsides twice on the same drive. He then got burned badly for a touchdown. If he had any chance of making the roster before this game, it’s gone now.

Jon Goff: He seems like he’ll be the MLB to start the season, but this pre-season game was awful. He was horrible in coverage and when attacking the ball. He was simply lost in space. He didn’t impress. I think Bulluck end’s up being the MLB. However, Sintim hasn’t shown he’s ready, either.

Both Justin Tuck and Rocky Bernard have sacks. Tuck has two, actually. Other than a good first series, nothing has really gone right for Big Blue. The secondary has been awful at best. But one can’t blame them, both Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross are out. I’ve been impressed with Bernard. He missed one tackle but got to Flacco, made a sack and two tackles. He’s looked good. Something the Giants’ would like to see happen more often, but when the starters come back, who knows how much time he’ll get. However, he’ll likely be in the rotation. If he can be productive, he will help. Later in the second they had trouble keeping the line of scrimmage on defense.

Rolle hit Derrick Mason hard leaning with his shoulder, huge it. Shades of Kevin Boss getting drilled.. But this one was illegal. Interesting though, could have gone either way.

Michael Boley has looked good. He made a nice coverage play on Rice and then later in the second quarter wrapped Rice up for a loss. He’s going to be better, as long as he’s healthy.

Courtney Brown got burned badly for a quick 9 yard touchdown pass. He hasn’t looked good, but again, he’s what their fourth or fifth CB on the depth chart? Todd Heap has made some nice catches, he’s looking like a nice fantasy option. I think I may have to draft this guy. Heap has a touchdown, about 70 yards and 6 receptions. Goff needs to recognize play-action and get on his man. He’s missing the windows on zone defensive, too. In laments terms, he’s drifting again. Once again, Tight-Ends are running wild on the Giants’ defense. Goff caught in no mans land once again, he’s been unimpressive, at best.

Nice interception by Webster on a deflected pass. Almost a 40 yard run back. Webster has been solid today. Deon Grant on the coverage there getting the deflection. Webster had a great summer, he seems to be back to his 08′ form. If he is, that’s something the Giants’ will love.

An 8th judge has been added on the field, he’s the “deep” judge. More eye’s down the field.

Osi Umenyoria got pressure on Flacco, forced the incompletion. He hasn’t done much, but neither has Kiwanuka.

SuperMan is back! Kenny Phillips made a nice play in the middle of the second quarter coming up the box after Bernard missed a tackle and making the play.

The Giants’ still look like there learning the defense, with all the injuries, it’s tough for them to even practice.

The offense looked rusty at first, but improved. Eli hasn’t played in a while, and also hasn’t gotten his usual amount of reps, so that’s to be expected. Steve Smith and Eli Manning haven’t lost a beat, and it seems Nicks is ready to burst onto the scene as well. The passing

Ahmad Bradshaw looks quick again the feet/ankles don’t seem to be an issue. He had one great run where there was nothing on a run to the right, he cut to the left, juked Ray Lewis and got a first down. Jacobs looks good so far. His first run was to the outside, he squared his shoulders made two guys miss and ran for thirty yards. His second run was for five yards. It seems Bradshaw is the starter, he had seven early carries and one catch, while Jacobs had just three (this as of 4 mins left in the second.)

William Beatty hasn’t looked good starting at the right tackle. On the short yardage plays they’ve ran away from him, he hasn’t impressed. Beatty got burned again for a sack, later in the second quarter. It seems Diehl will win the LT spot, Schubert will remain at LG. I’m waiting to see Shawn Andrews enter. There not holding their blocks, they miss O’Hara a lot.

Matt Dodge has had a great first half. His release looks much quicker, and he’s getting solid hang-time on the ball. His issue isn’t the length, we know he has a boot, it’s his hang-time. His first punt was 48 yards with just a two yard return. His second punt was short about 36 yards with a 10 yard return but had good hang-time. It will look short in the books but he got the ball at about the Ravens’ ten yard line, which is very good. Dodge’s third punt came in his own end-zone. He had good hang-time on that one, he’s shown why they drafted him. It was 74 yards, 19 return, 55 net. 4.3 seconds hang time. On his three kicks he’s averaging about 52 yards. He’s impressed.

Madison Hedgecock has looked much better on special teams, he didn’t look good last week. However, the kick return woes continue. Andre Brown dropped a kick off but recovered it. However, once again, without a KR this team will miss a big threat. On the kick return Rolle was back there, hope it’s not happening again.

Tuck just went down, favoring his right side. Same side where he got hurt against Dallas last year.  It seems to be his hand, will let you know more as soon as we get it.

GOOD NEWS UPDATE ON JUSTIN TUCK: It was a hand injury. Tuck put the glove back on, he’s back in the game. — Giants’ get away with one right there. Tuck just got another sack, he’s O.K.

Fewell has had them in man coverage almost the entire game, interesting. He seem to be trying things out. But again, without some starters in there, it’s going to be tough. No reps. Without the starters in the secondary, aside from Webster, it’s tough to get some things in.

If your a Giants fan and you need something to cheer you up, the Cowboys have looked awful against the Texans. They’re losing 10-0 right now.

Manning took a hit on one play by Suggs, he didn’t step into his pass, he shied away. One can’t blame him, it’s pre-season and his line has been awful. Again, can’t wait to see Shawn Andrews soon. Eli threw a solid pass over the middle, Smith had the ball, bobbled the ball and a Ravens defender took it away for the interception. Ball seems to be tipped, but Smith needs to make that catch Eli hasn’t looked great, but he hasn’t looked terrible, either. He’s rusty, doesn’t have the timing down with his guys yet. He’s had limited reps, as well.

Giants’ call a time-out with .09 seconds left in the half. Manning took a shot deep to Nicks, double covered, incomplete. Good coverage, ball was thrown to only where Nicks could get it, nice ball, just better coverage.

Tynes drills a 42 yarder to end the half. Tynes had a great summer, he’s been very, very accurate. He seems like a nice late fantasy option at kicker, too. At the end of the first half its:

Ravens 17 v Giants 3