Loading ...Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m extremely proud to put up the first real post at our newly renovated dream home. The guys and I would like to take another opportunity to express our gratitude for your readership and participation on G101, without which none of this would be possible. Also, huge thanks to our fearless leader (that’s you, Benton) for putting this all together and risking your own sanity in the process. Now, back to New York Giants football.
Not much going on this week, so we’re just going to take a look around the ‘Net and see what tidbits are trickling out of Organized Team Activities.
–Beat writer extraordinaire Mike Garafolo had a few interesting notes from yesterday’s workouts. On the rosy side, Perry Fewell got all fired up when Phillip Dillard made a stop in the backfield, while Ramses Barden made another spectacular springtime catch. On the not so rosy side, Osi Umenyiora was sitting out with a hip injury (Ralph Vacchiano adds that it’s “minor” and he’s “been dealing with it all spring.”
–Speaking of Vacchiano, he had some observations from practice too. With many eyes on Dillard, the young MLB got “some work” in with the second team (I’m guessing Chase Blackburn got the rest of the second team reps), while Jon Goff filled the role with the first team defense. Apparently Guy Whimper was working at Guard ahead of Rich Seubert, and both Garafolo and Vacchiano indicate Whimper could be plugged in at Guard if necessary. Oh, and Rocky Bernard (like Seubert) played through a torn rotator cuff last year, so perhaps that’s why he was so useless. More from Rocky:
Surgery was an option, but Bernard said he decided to push through it and “I just tried to do a lot of rehab stuff to keep it strong, because it was so weak.” It never got better and two cortisone injections didn’t offer anything other than temporary relief. “It’ll be as good as I can get it,” Bernard said. “I feel I’ll be back to doing a lot of the things I was doing in Seattle. There were a lot of expectations when I came over here, so I definitely want to live up to those expectations.”
–Giants.com came through with video of some post-practice player interviews. Ramses Barden comes across as an extremely likable fellow, and said last year’s experience riding the pine taught him “patience” (how could it not?) and helped him develop a comfort level. Aaron Ross is so “excited” to be back on the field, he’s run into an extremely rare condition called “happy feet.” No word from the league on if the Giants will have to list Ross’ “happy feet” on the injury report. Eli Manning sounds comfortable with new QB coach Jim Sullivan, and told the reporters (in so many words) to stop crying about a possibly cold weather Super Bowl. Ahmad Bradshaw is working through soreness, hasn’t had any setbacks and thinks he’ll be “100%” ready by minicamp.
–With all eyes on Perry Fewell, here’s what Aaron Ross had to say about him and his attempt to transition this defense:
“It’s a nice transition. He’s a players coach. He comes in, sits down in meetings with us even when the assistant coaches are coaching us…he’s back there listening, writing, taking his notes, doing everything he need to do to join in and mend in with the team.”
Sure, it’s kind of a stock answer, but Ross’ comments allude to a different relationship between this year’s defensive players and their coordinator than we saw last year.
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I like the progression of Barden, and hopefully Manningham. I know there is not a lot of “LOVE” for Mario however, I will say this again: Manningham is the most talented WR to play for this team…..ever.
That is a strong statement. But when you weigh all of his skill you can take that leap of faith. His mental (or lack there of) approach aside, he is one of those guys who defenders hate to see in space. His body control is outstanding.
And I do think he is a working definition of football speed. Dude just get’s it done on the open field.
As for coach Fewell, when he put out that starters earn their jobs, he won me over right away. I hate tampa 2, and I think this team could have excelled running a 34. However, a coach who forces accountability, and plays no favorites is my kind of coach. He’s going to get the best out of what he has to work with at each position.
Not sure what that is going to be, but effort will be given or you butt will kiss the bench. “It dont get any better than that” people.
You, sir, are crazy. Manningham’s athletic to be sure, but he isn’t the greatest anything.
And you sir evedently dont read well, I said:
“Manningham is the most talented WR to play for this team…..ever.”
I do not see the word “greatest” or best anywhere in my statement.
I do say he is easely the most talented “physically” to play for this team.
And that is not crazy, that is true.
Boy, take off a minute to get an MRI and the freak’s come out!!! :)
Site looks great Dan! Awesome job!
Because it bears repeating……….
fanfor55years says:
May 28, 2010 at 9:29 AM
kudos to all of you guys, very much including Todd. Many of us gave Dan some money, but this guy gave time and effort and deserves plenty of praise, especially because this is such a great start toward a beautifully-designed site.
My hope is that the new look will draw more “commenters”. Come on, all you readers and lurkers. It’s a new site. Find your voice. Believe it or not, everyone wants to hear from lots of different perspectives. The whole point of this site is not to show off how much knowledge some may have, but for all to learn from all. If you’re learning but not contributing you’re not carrying your weight. I suspect there are plenty of women, older guys, even high school kids, who for whatever reason have been reluctant to post (maybe it’s that the conversation gets pretty intense sometimes, maybe it’s because they aren’t sure their perspective will be at all valued). But given the new, great format, this is a perfect time to stick your toe in the water and see if you feel like going swimming.
Dan, you’ve come a long way with this site, and it looks like, with the assistance of Omnipossible, Todd, the writers, the contributors, and all of the posters, you’re headed for a long run. Congratulations.
I dont agree with much of what RHLR posts on here, but I do agree with him on Manningham..He may be the most athletically gifted WR to ever wear the Giants uniform..Guy has an unbelievable physical skill set, he is just a mental midget..I would say Nicks and Plax are both also in that conversation for the most talented WR to play for this team..Pretty sad that in 80+ years the NYG never had a truly great WR before..
Homer Jones. He invented the spike.
Del Shofner, and before him Kyle Rote. Both tremendous players.
both way before my time..
Still not hearing much about the most critical issue, IMO, for this team, which is progress for Kenny Phillips. We know he can run in straight lines. But until he starts cutting and stressing the knee no one, doctors, coaches, KP included, will know how it will feel.
I do not think that this injury will prevent him from playing for at least 3-4 more years. The issue is whether he can have a long career, and whether he will be confident enough of that to allow himself to play with confidence in his body rather than having to think about it at all. You cannot be worrying about what will happen to your knee and still play safety effectively in the NFL, nevermind become the absolute stud he appeared to be headed toward.
If he can get fully healthy I think the Giants will have the best defensive secondary in the NFL. Combine that with a terrific defensive front (if they’re healthy, they’re probably the best overall D-line in the league) and we can all relax about the young linebackers because they won’t have to be great, just adequate. And with the support around him I suspect Boley will be a lot more than adequate. He could become a real star. But if KP can’t get healthy the entire picture changes because then you’ve got only one real quality safety paired with a question mark. I think Jones is going to be very good, but not in 2010. Grant is okay, and will probably be adequate, but nothing special. Unless Michael Johnson takes a HUGE step forward I don’t want to ever see him on the field. And while I really like Rashad, I suspect he’s headed for the Practice Team one more time before forcing his way onto the roster next season.
In short, they may need Phillips to take this defense over the top. I’m keeping fingers and toes crossed.
Of course Phillips is key, but I don’t know if this defense NEEDS him to get “over the top”. The Giants won a Super Bowl with Jamie Butler and Gibril Wilson, and with Rolle in the picture you could production similar to 2007 without Phillips. Before this defense worries about getting over the top, they need to reestablish a physical presence in the trenches. The key to this defense being good and aiming for great is a renewed defensive line.
Simon, they’ve got that. Don’t make the mistake lots of pundits have in thinking the collapse of the line last year was attributable to anything other than injuries and bad schemes. Any defensive front that has Tuck, Osi, Kiwi, Canty (the questions about him are ridiculous, and everyone will realize that after the first game), Cofield, Alford, Joseph and Bernard (everyone says he’s a bum, but let’s wait and see how he looks with two healthy shoulders), to say nothing of JPP, is both physical and very, very, very, good.
Remember, I’m the one who has said for years that you win with the “core” that includes the guys in the trenches and the quarterback, so you’re preaching to the choir in that regard. But I think the Giants are FAR better in the trenches than many have concluded based on one poor season when just about everything conspired against them.
No, I think having a very solid group in the trenches on defense is a given this year. The “issues” are at linebacker and, possibly, the second safety, a position that has become increasingly important in the NFL even if many didn’t recognize that quickly. And if the safeties are Rolle and Phillips, that makes up for 90% of any deficiencies at linebacker, takes pressure off those young linebackers to be perfect quickly, and allows Fewell’s insistence on turnovers to be focused upon because those two would allow everyone else on the defense to play more aggressively because they know they have a great pair of safeties there to bail them out when they make a mistake.
Could they be really good without Phillips? Yes.
Could they be great without Phillips? Maybe in three years if Chad Jones becomes a top safety. But not now.
Guys – I really appreciate all the kudos! I don’t want to thread jack, but I wanted to make sure you knew I was reading. Hopefully with this first version now out of the way, I can make my return to the site in the capacity it once was. I feel like I’ve been in the shadows for a long time now, but as you can clearly see, it was well worth it.
Once we reach 2.0, it will blow your mind. We have so many amazing things in store for you and this site.
Dan,
Everything looks great. Thanks for all your hard work and vision for what this place can be. I just hope you save a few bucks to change the header as the Giants continue to add Lombardis over the next few years!
I think Manningham is a special player, but will always be held back from his full potential so long as he is a Giant. Nicks and Smith are too talented to give Manningham his fair share of balls. I think we’ll end up extending Nicks and Smith, and Manningham will only play out his rookie contract with the Giants.
It’s a shame you can’t afford 3 great receivers. This group has the potential to have 3 1,000+ yard receivers like that Harrison/Wayne/Stokely Colts team.
This site is really really good. My girlfriend saw me surfing on it this morning and remarked about how freakin’ professional it looks!
Anyway, Manningham is physically gifted, for sure. But all the potential in the world won’t guarantee you anything. He’s gotta step up his game, or we’ve got to come up with a way to simplify the offense for him like they did in Michigan. He doesn’t seem to be “smart” enough to be a Steve Smith or Hakeem Nicks; rather, he needs to have 3 routes–the fade, the post and the screen. They’re easy and he won’t have to do much thinking. And we really ought to bring in Amani as some sort of consultant to work with the WRs and teach them how to ride the sideline like he did. If any of these guys could develop half the feet that Amani had, the benefits would be incredible.
I’ll take a que from 55 and put my 2 cents in. the new look is great and i feel compelled to contribute to the convo. I really think the D takes a big step forward under Fewell. If the line can stay healthy theres no reason not to think that Tuck, Osi, Canty, Alford and the others can return to form and dominate, esp. with an improved secondary (its not gonna take much to improve on last season thats fer sure!).
Glad to have you, Lonomatik.
As I was saying to ff55, it’s not that I’m all doom and gloom about the defensive line. It’s just that, well, I think that’s the first and foremost issue that we need to see working properly before we can start talking about this defense being great, much less good.