Loading ...The sprain to Lawrence Tynes‘ non-kicking ankle has forced the New York Giants to sign free agent kicker Shayne Graham. The Giants had until 4:00 p.m. today to make the move in preparation for tomorrow’s 1 p.m. kickoff against the Detroit Lions.
To open up a roster space for Graham, the Giants placed rookie WR Victor Cruz on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, ending his season.
The lead from the Giants website says it all:
The Giants have signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham and he very well may kick tomorrow when the 3-2 Giants host the Detroit Lions.
Tynes had sounded optimistic about playing Sunday, but the Giants had to have a kicker on the roster just in case.
Graham might pick up a game check without ever putting on a uniform if Tynes ends up feeling good enough to go. On the other hand, the last kicker to sub for an injured Tynes- John Carney- kept Lawrence on the bench for much of the rest of the season.
Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger brings up an interesting point:
If Graham plays in Tynes’ place, pay attention to who fulfills kickoff duties. Punter Matt Dodge had experience in college on kickoffs.
At this point, some of us had actually been looking forward to seeing if Matt Dodge could use his beg leg to bang some life into the kickoff game, where Tynes leaves more than a little to be desired.
Cruz’ injury may or may not have been all that serious, but it had become painfully clear that his lack of special teams contributions had him hopelessly buried on the bench. With the preseason superstar done for the season and Shayne Graham presumably only a temporary fill-in, this roster spot probably belongs to someone else soon enough.
NOTE: The Giants have also announced that TE Bear Pascoe will start in place of Madison Hedgecock at fullback on Sunday. Apparently, Hedgecock’s hammy isn’t quite back to 100%.
The boys from Giants football blog pass along some quotes with Kevin Gilbride gushing about Pascoe:
He’s excellent with his assignments, he gives you a very versatile guy that can not only just line up in the traditional fullback position, but can line up in the two tights and motion or stay two tights, so the flexibility gives us the pass receiving ability we kind of expected, but what we did see was that when he was the normal fullback position, he was basically flawless in terms of his assignments and his execution.
Something tells me that the more the Giants see of Pascoe out of the backfield the more they’ll find ways to utilize his athleticism even when Hedgecock gets healthy. And something tells me that quite a few G101ers are happy about that…
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Cruz to the IR with a hammy? Really?
I’m sure that’s going to raise more than a few eyebrows in the league office. My guess is that there haven’t been many instances in the history of this game that a player has been shut down for the year with a hamstring injury.
Assuming this “injury” isn’t quite as serious as the Giant braintrust would have us believe, I think we can make a few inferences here:
(1) It’s “poop or get off the potty” time for Barden. He’s basically been handed the #4 WR job for the balance of this year and he’d better make something out of it – either as part of the offense or on special teams – or he could wind up a camp casualty next year because;
(2) Cruz is lurking in the wings. The fact that the Giants chose to use a “minor” IR designation for him (which meant they could have released him once healthy) means they want to keep him around, just in case. Now, if the front office and coaches were confident that Ramses is the real deal, I doubt they team would have take as much trouble as they have to protect Cruz because;
(3) I’m not sure what kind of penalty the league hands out to teams who they suspect of using the IR to stash players, but I do know that it’s frowned upon. Now, earlier this week Cruz was reportedly saying he felt his hammy was nothing serious and that he’d likely be back in action in a week or so. Next thing we hear, he’s out for the year. Hmmmm; certainly smells fishy to me. Just does not seem the kind of risk that a button down, by-the-book organization like the Giants would take unless there was a compelling need. And methinks that need in this case is maintaining an insurance policy on Barden, a player who they obviously continue to harbor their doubts about.
chose *NOT* to use a “minor” IR designation
Cut to Coughlin happily wringing his hands, “Muahhahahahaaaa rookies… the fools, I’ll destroy them !!!”
Norm: As one of the (very?) few who have not given up on Barden, I’m really hoping that he does make the most of this opportunity. As much as I like him, I do believe that it’s time for him to step up and produce if/when given the chance.
I have a feeling that now that Pascoe has earned his stripes and will be playing as a tight end.H-back/fullback the rest of the season, the real #4 receiver is Beckum, not Barden. But we’ll see.
Could be. But #4 or not, I do hope that Barden at least gets his shot.
I hope this is the year we try that endzone fade to Barden. But it may be a bit early yet. I’m thinking 2012 perhaps.
Denver cut RB Andre Brown.
Damn… I feel sorry for that guy.
MUSINGS
Punter/Kicker Situation:
As we all have opined about the Coughlins usage of rookies and otherwise young, untested players. Why is it that he choses to throw so much at the youngster Dodge? My observations tell me that Coughlin judges his use of young players based on what they do when they have the opportunity to perform in “clutch” situations. Also, what they do when he has no other choice but to utilize them. Case(s) in point; Bradshaw, Boss and Smith in the now all so distant 2007 season. He “HAD” to use those (and still) youngsters.
There was no other avenue of escape. The fact that they came through for him and the team has cemented their place in his “heart” as it were. And in the starting lineup if they are anywhere close to healthy enough to go.
These kids performed their collective “rear ends” off. And now, Coughlin will withstand hell and high water before removing them from the lineup.
With Dodge, I really think Coughlin has found someone whom he “likes”.
More to the point, the team has to juggle players seemingly with each game.
There do not seem to be enough quality special teamers to allow the younger position players (Joseph and JPP) on the field. Coughlin “HAS” to utilize Dodge.
And based on “something” the old man saw in the kids character, and work ethic, he feels compeled to use him and subject him to the rigors of NFL punting and now kicking.
As for the skill set, it seems to me little wonder that a majority of NFL punters and kickers are good to VERY good golfers. They must judge trajectory, distance and spin in order to place the ball either between the uprights, or close to he goal and out of bounds lines. As with golf, one would think this is a simple task given that the ball in both sports is stationary. But as with golf…..NOT.
The additional issue a punter or kicker has would be the fact that anywhere from 7 to 10 (sometimes 11) people are doing their best to stop him from pulling this off this feat. It aint all about “I kick a touchdown”.
I have had (and still have) my share of problems with coach C. But I do recognize the fact that he is loyal to the players who have performed for him.
Sometimes (Danny Clark, Suebert, AP, Blackburn) to a fault. I am opposed to his lack of playing time for kids. Especially those with obivous talent.
But I do understand loyalty. And I wonder in this day and age how many of our “younger” posters even know the definition of the word?
Not because they are “young and dumb” or vocabulary challenged.
It’s because they have never been reciepant of it, or even seen it in action.
It is gone from the workplace. Absent in relationships for the most part.
And rare between friends. It’s gone, along with pentions.
In this day and age, Coach Coughlin still displays (for better or worse) the trait of loyalty. Its something that if given to a receptive and understanding person, is repaid with the best effort that person can muster. No questions asked.
All too often in todays world, it taken as weakness, and often abused.
Johnthan Goff:
This player is a work in progress. And I was all but done with his tenure on this team. He along with Wilkinson and Kehl simply did not display the agression and tenacity (that I thought) was required of NFL caliber linebackers.
With his (very) recient emergence, Goff is starting to displace my feelings about his ability to perform at this level. Wilkinson shows glimpses of talent as well.
unfortunately for Wilk, his genealogy simply does not allow him to perform at a high level for an extended length of time. In other words, he’s injury prone.
So much so, that whatever faith the coaching staff (Coughlin) have in him is quickly dashed when he shows up (yet again) in the trainers office.
Otherwise, with his speed and coverage ability, there would not have been a need to bring Boley in.
Goff on the other hand seems to be rather stout. His problem (like Kehl) seemed to be one of relunctance. No fire and not willing to stick his nose (if you will) into a good fight. That is the ploar opposite of what a linebacker should do at ANY level of compitition. Pop Warner on up. So was I wrong about Goff? Up until the first game of this season….hell no. Did I want Reese to find some way to get McClain? Hell yeah. Would I still take McClain over Goff if the choice were there? Double hell yeah.
Folks, Ro McClain is a six foot five inch 260 pound guided missile. He is a defensive “savant” he understands where to be in a defense in order to either make or influence plays. He knows where his defensive team mates need to be as well. Not to mention his ability to explode into ball carriers and receivers who suffer the misfoutrune of entering the boundries of his defensive zone.
And before you start to talk about the Raider defensive stats, I suggest you take the opportunity to watch him play. And remember, he’s still learning he PRO game……very quickly.
That said, Goff is (now) progressing just fine. He seems more confident and more willing to initiate contact……visious contact. I never saw Johnathan play a single down in collage. So my impressions of him were/are confined to exactly what I have witnessed him do on a NFL football field. And I am sorry, but in the end, that is all that really matters.
There was never a question that he would be bright enough to pickup the in’s and out’s of NFL defense. I am happy with him, and hope his learning and aggression curve continue to tilt upward. In fact I would love to place him on the vicious dog list.
Quoted
Bull Mastiff: This canine is extremely powerful and vicious, and does not get along well with other breeds or people it does not know.
AKA a linebacker.
It shold also be noted that Johnathan steped up his game at the exact point when Bulluck was brought into the fold. Coincidence?????
Pierre-Paul and Joseph
Again, the Coughlin effect comes into play. Right now, coach does’nt need either one of these youngsters. And special team woes prevent Joseph to be part of the game day roster. He would be a “luxury” or so it seems.
Pierre-Paul on the other hand IS a luxury on special teams. He is also a force of nature for those same special teams. His desire and motor are on display on each and every snap. He is one of a few “special” players who bugs his coaches
(Joseph is another) about what he can do to be better. That trait is normally found in guys trying to do anything they can to make the team. To make the coaches take notice. To secure a job. This behaviour is not necessarily true of kids who “KNOW” they have a spot, and they will play. And ARE clocking $$.
Coughlin affect? No doubt those traits are not lost on the old man. So even though his defensive line is operating “lights” out. I suspect it wont take much longer until those two see extended time. Most likely based on down and distance. They will play.
Skill sets? Pierre-Paul is simply a “sick” 275 pound athelete. As with Goff, I never saw him play a down. In fact my first exposure to him was his NFL combine. What I saw (I am no NFL scout) made my mouth fly open.
His movement through and around cones and blocking dummies is astounding.
His change of direction and even ability to react to and “catch” the ball is that of a defensive back, running back or tight end. He would in fact make a HOF linebacker with the tools he has to work with. The 21 consecutive standing back flips in full uniform not withstanding. Did I mention that he is strong and fast too? Well, he’s strong and fast too.
All this plus he’s high motor, high desire and coachable. And get this, he wants to get “BETTER”. If Calvin Johnson is “Megatron” JPP is “Optimus Prime”.
Yes, he uproven. But as much as I love Kiwi, there is no player on this roster who needs to be played either standing up, or with a hand in the dirt other than Jason Pierre-Paul. And I will go out on a limb, you can go back in the history of this ball club and only find one player who betters his “potencial” in that area.
I’ll let you all work out who that player that is.
As for Joseph, I did see him once or twice in college. He did not jump out (perhaphs why Im NOT an NFL scout) as a “player” to me.
(Even though Adrain Tracy did)
Again at combine time here he is. And I did want to draft him.
Because I saw size, quickness agilty…..clearly. And the 320 pounds was NOT looking like “Vinny” who works at the delicatessen.
(Some would say my bro Kujo, but I’ll leave that alone)
Lindvil is “JACKED”. He’s been a competitive weight lifter since he was 16 years old. He also started his football “life” as an offensive lineman. Why? Long arms, extreamly quick feet and “unatural” strength.
Go no further than the bench press, and you can understand why Joseph possesses the key elements that should make him ALL Pro one day.
You must have technique without a doubt. But if you ever saw Reggie White, Buck (First name Junious) Buchanan or Randy White play, you might re-think that whole technique thing. Reggie White’s answer to technique was;
“If I extend my arms and push either your inside or outside shoulder in the direction I want you to go, that is exactaly where you are going.
And you cant do a damn thing about it. And oh yeah, I dont necessarly need both my arms to do that”. Lindvil Joseph is STRONG people. Very strong.
So there we go, two kids waiting to make an impact. And both of them working within the Coughlin effect rule set.
Last word: Some of us (I did say SOME) have displayed the opinion that JPP because of his usage of english does not possess the “smarts” to be anything more than a “go where he’s pointed” beast. Prior to spewing your
“preconceived ideas” on that subject you should understand that he is of Haitian decent. As is Lindvil Joseph.
His first language is French, not english. His family did not allow him to go to a big name school because they wanted him to receive an education, not a free
pass because of his abilities. He’s actually quite the soccer player.
Perhaps you can look up the Bio’s of Allan Page and Willie Roaf before making
short sighted judgements. Just saying.
rlhjr: Interesting post. As I’ve mentioned before, I did see Goff play in college… six or seven times. I must disagree with your statement that up until a few games ago, he had “No fire” and was “not willing to stick his nose (if you will) into a good fight”. My own opinion is that he was being tentative because the pro game still hadn’t slowed down for him, and he was thinking too much. Not uncommon with young players.
I’m with you on JPP. I never saw him in college either, and really didn’t have strong feelings either way on whether we should have picked him at #15. Basically, I trusted Reese and company on that. But man, the kid looks like a very special talent.
PFT reports that Denver plans on bringing him back next week, so if anything this is a shot for Brown to squeeze a few bucks out of another team…
I’ll let you all work out who that player is.
If the Giants get another shot a Brown, would they take him back?
Answer: Can he play special teams and make a tackle?
No way does Brown come back here.
He was someone that had the look of a special talent coming out of NC State. But that vanished the instant he ruptured his Achilles. Now his ceiling is that of an average NFL back, at best.
If this guy still had anything even remotely special to offer, Denver never would have let him go. There’s probably no team in the NFL that is more desperate for help at RB than the Broncos. Right now, the journeyman Orton is being asked to carry the entirety of that offense because they have absolutely no one who can capably run the ball. That they chose to risk losing Brown suggests that he Giants made the correct call when they let him go.
Don’t let FactCheck hear you call Orton a game manager…
I didn’t; I called him a “journeyman.” Which is what he is.
That necessity has compelled Denver to rely upon a journeyman to be something more than a game manager tells you all you need to know about the desperate state of their running game.
What’s the skinny on this kicker?
Maybe this will help answer your question.
I posted it on the last thread, in response to speculation that the Giants may choose to move forward with two kickers as they did in 2008 when they carried both Tynes and Carney on the roster.
norm says:
October 16, 2010 at 1:23 PM
OK; let me see if have this straight:
You’ve got two kickers. Both of them are 32 years old. One guy (Tynes) has an 80% accuracy rate over the course of his career; the other guy’s is 85%. Both have trouble reaching the end zone on kickoffs.
In other words, they’re more or less the same player… from the standpoint of both age and ability. So could someone please ’splain to me why it would make any sense to carry both on the roster for the rest of this year?
Pascoe could be exactly what we’ve been looking for in that H-back/fullback role. He is a receiving threat that can be moved around to create mismatches (although not nearly as much of a threat as Beckum) and can also be a significant factor in the running game in the fullback role. I’m sure he will get better with time to refine his technique and learn the idiosyncrasies of the fullback position. Still, you gotta be happy to hear Gilbride begin to “get it.”