• Justin Tuck - The Pro Bowl defensive end is clearly one of the most physically gifted players in the NFL, but a cheap-shot from former Cowboys offensive tackle Flozell Adams in week two last season injured Tuck’s shoulder, which killed his productivity. Tuck is back, healthy and has assumed the role of a team leader this season. All indications are that this will be #91’s best season, and a healthy Tuck will definitely boost the Giants’ pass rush.
• Mathias Kiwanuka - The Giants other starting defensive end is a solid run defender, who struggled rushing the passer last season, managing just 3.0 sacks (his career high is 8.0 in 2008). Kiwi is in a contract year, and he will have to show his improvement in the pass rushing department if he expects the Giants to give him a new contract. The Giants still have pass rushing specialist Osi Umenyiora and the raw athletic freak Jason-Pierre Paul on the roster as well, so Kiwanuka needs to be productive this season if he wants to return in 2011, and he has the skills to make it happen.
• Osi Umenyiora - No longer a starter, Osi has stopped complaining about his role, and is now embracing entering the season as the Giants pass rushing specialist. Despite a lingering injury to his hip, which the Giants training staff will keep an eye on all season, Umenyoria has looked like his productive and explosive old self this preseason. By managing his snaps and limiting Osi to mostly just pass rushing, I expect him to have his most productive season since 2007.
• Chris Canty – The Giants big money free agent acquisition last summer, the massive (6′7 310lbs) Canty struggled with injuries last season, injuring his calf and then his hamstring, and playing hurt all season. He showed up at camp this summer in the best shape of his life, and was playing like the force he should be, until struggling with a minor groin injury. If the Giants can get Canty on the field at 100% in the opener on Sunday, it will greatly impact the interior defensive line, and free up their Pro Bowl ends to make plays.
• Barry Cofield & Rocky Bernard – Two veteran tackles who played poor football last season, Cofield (knee) and Benard (shoulder) were both injured in 2009. While Bernard looked great this preseason, Cofield continued to struggle, and there is speculation that he is unhappy with his contract. If the Giants can get both of these players once again playing at a high level, a rotation of them, rookie Linval Joseph and Chris Canty should give the team their strongest interior defensive line play in years.
• Jason Pierre-Paul & Linval Joseph - The Giants first two draft picks in April both play on the defensive line, and I think both are talented enough to have an impact on the defense this year. I expect we see Joseph as a member of the defensive tackle rotation early on, at first for a few snaps a game, and then more as the season progresses. His sheer size (6′5 335lbs) strength and quickness will be tough for offensive linemen to deal with right away. Jason Pierre-Paul has all of the athletic talent in the world, but is extremely raw, and I think he is a year away from showing us just how dangerous he really is. That being said, I think we still see him contribute this season in obvious passing situations, where he can make plays and bring pressure with his natural talent alone.
• Jonathan Goff - When the Giants signed veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck late this off season, it was expected that Bulluck would win the starting middle linebacker job from the inexperienced Goff, and take over the position for the opener. Goff outplayed Bulluck in the middle during training camp and the preseason, and fought to hold onto the starting position, as Bulluck shifted to his more natural strong side position. I expect Goff to play well this season, especially as a run defender, and hope to see him commanding the Giants defense on first and second downs.
• Michael Boley - New defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s defense is all about speed, and Boley is the Giants’ fastest linebacker, so I expect him to excel in this system. Boley finished second on the Giants in tackles last season (84 total) despite missing five full games due to injury and played hurt for much of the season when he was on the field. I think that if he stays healthy, Boley will finish the 2010 season as the Giants most productive and consistent linebacker.
• Keith Bulluck - One of the greatest and most consistent linebackers in the NFL over the past decade, Bulluck is still working his way into form, after a knee injury ended his 2009 season and his lengthy career with the Tennessee Titans. The Giants signed Bulluck to be an inside linebacker, but with Jonathan Goff playing well in the middle and Clint Sintim struggling to shed blockers on the strong side, the team made the decision to slide out Bulluck to his more natural position. Bulluck is a experienced player and a natural leader who should be solid on the field, while mentoring the Giants young linebackers off it.
• Corey Webster & Terrell Thomas - The Giants starting corner back tandem is extremely underrated by NFL experts, and I think they are poised for a fantastic season, as an improved pass rush will make their jobs easier. Keep your eyes focused on Thomas in the early going, he is a player that does not get the credit he deserves from the New York media. He led the Giants in tackles (85 total) and interceptions (five interceptions, one returned for a touchdown) last season, while notching 1.0 sack and forcing a fumble. These numbers should be even better in 2010, aided by the improved Giants pass rush.
• Aaron Ross – The man who cannot stay healthy, Ross is one of the Giants mist gifted athletes, but just cannot get on the field. After dealing with three hamstring tears last season, Ross looked to help the Giants at nickel back and as a punt returner this season. In the second preseason game Ross suffered plantar fasciitis injury in his foot and missed the rest of the preseason. There is some optimism that Ross will be able to return for the opener this Sunday, and he returned to practice on a limited basis today, but he will likely be a game time decision. With the inexperienced Bruce Johnson as the nickel back behind Ross, the Giants could certainly use him.
• Antrel Rolle - A free agent addition this off season, the ball-hawking safety proved his worth this preseason, intercepting passes from both Mark Sanchez (Jets) and Tom Brady (Patriots) and returning them long distances each time. Rolle’s athleticism and play-making ability should stand out instantly in 2010, because not having a decent safety killed the Giants starting in week three last season (the first game Kenny Phillips missed due to a season ending knee injury). Rolle will be a difference-maker for the Giants in 2010.
• Kenny Phillips - The Giants top safety was nothing short of awesome during the first two weeks of the 2009 season, as he had 13 tackles and two interceptions in the first two contests, both Giants victories. Then Phillips was diagnosed with a career threatening knee condition, and underwent surgery, ending his season. Without Phillips, or any reserves capable of replacing his production, the Giants defense and season fell apart. Phillips returns this season, and says he is 100% recovered, but I am still a little skeptical on this. I think the Giants will be substituting veteran Deon Grant in for Phillips every few series and giving him a breather as he gets his legs back under him. Of course Phillips (or Grant) playing next to Antrel Rolle is a huge upgrade over the Giants safety tandem last season, and if Phillips is eventually playing every snap (with Rolle), the Giants should have the best pair of safeties in the NFL.

NOTE:

• Running Back Brandon Jacobs is unhappy with the media after he was reported to be unhappy with a reduced role earlier this week,  answering all questions on the subject with a “Next Question” today, before firing off “You think I’m stupid, aren’t you? You guys are funny man.” Storming away and shouting a profanity.
• Kenny Phillips will officially be starting on Sunday against the Panthers, replacing Deon Grant, although I will not be surprised if Grant rotates into the game, giving Phillips breathers as he regains confidence in his knee.
• Rookie linebacker Phillip Dillard (hamstring) and safety Michael Johnson (personal reasons) were the only Giants who did not practice today, while center Shaun O’Hara (Ankle), cornerback Aaron Ross (foot) and linebacker Gerris Wilkinson (groin) were limited.

The show is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM EDT, and will focus mainly on the New York Jets for the first hour. It will also include special guest, former New York Giants and New York Jets safety Sam Garnes. At approximately 9:00 PM EDT, the show will shift to the Giants segment where Benton will discuss the Sage Rosenfels trade.

Be sure to tune in!

The Giants come into 2010 with a new defensive coordinator in Perry Fewell, along with some new additions on the defensive side of the ball in safety Antrel Rolle and veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck. New York’s defensive backfield is healthier than it’s been at any point over the past two seasons, with Kenny Phillips, Aaron Ross, and Corey Webster all expected to be ready for the first week of the season.

On offense, New York goes into the season with 10 of its 11 starters from a year ago, with the lone exception being Ahmad Bradshaw taking over the starting running back role, with Brandon Jacobs now becoming the “change of pace” back for the offense.

On paper, this looks to be one of the more talented rosters in the NFC, and arguably the most talented Giants roster since the start of the Tom Coughlin-Eli Manning era in New York. The question is – how well will the Giants handle a schedule that features seven games against 2009 playoff teams.

PROJECTED 2010 RECORD: 10-6

PROJECTED NFC EAST STANDINGS

1- New York Giants 10-6

2 – Dallas Cowboys 10-6

3 – Washington Redskins 7-9

4 – Philadelphia Eagles 6-10

OFFENSIVE MVP : RB Ahmad Bradshaw

One of the most dynamic runners in the NFL when healthy, Ahmad Bradshaw has taken over the starting running back role for the G-Men and the team expects a very productive season if #44 can play a full 16 game slate. Bradshaw has a terrorizing combination of quickness, vision, and power and will provide the Giants with a big play threat out of the backfield. But he’s not just a homerun threat. Bradshaw has shown that as long as he’s in the game, he can consistently run well between the tackles and has improved in his blitz pickup ability as a pass blocker. Expect big, big things from the fourth-year back as a lead runner in 2010.

DEFENSIVE MVP: DE Justin Tuck

Who else? This guy is one of the most complete and dominant defensive players in the league, and yet is probably one of the more under-the-radar defensive superstars in the league because he just goes to work and does his job week in and week out, year in and year out. But don’t expect a quiet year for Tuck in 2010, who seems anxious to put his injury-plagued 2009 behind him. Size, strength, athleticism, and an extremely active motor will make Tuck a headache for opposing offenses, and the foundation of the Giants front seven this season.

BREAKOUT PLAYER: WR Hakeem Nicks

After an impressive rookie campaign, expect Hakeem Nicks to be recognized as one of the league’s top wideouts at the end of the 2010 season. Nicks is a strong, physical receiver with very good hands that will consistently make plays for extra yardage after the catch. Nicks will be in position to do plenty of damage on slants, screens, and underneath crossing routes for the Giants passing game this season. The dynamic second-year receiver could easily finish with upwards of 1000 yards receiving and 8 scores in 2010.

THREE BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR 2010

Ahmad Bradshaw will be a candidate for the NFL MVP Award

Yes, the former seventh-round pick out of Marshall is that talented. Bradshaw’s excellent vision and rare combination of elusiveness and power in the open field make him the Giants most devastating offensive weapon going into this season, and this certainly looks to be the year that Bradshaw breaks out as a superstar in the league. Taking over the leading back role for the Giants, Bradshaw will see the most touches of his career both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Expect those increased touches to turn into a special season for the Giants starting back.

The Giants will boast a top-5 rated NFL Offense

Eli Manning is at the prime of his career, and he’s just been handed the keys to a brand-new Ferrari. Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham are arguably the most talented young receiving trio in football, and running back Ahmad Bradshaw is one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the game when he’s healthy. Don’t forget about Brandon Jacobs playing the complementary back role for the Giants running game, and Kevin Boss providing consistency, dependability, and toughness at tight end.

Justin Tuck will have the best season of his NFL career

Tuck is the anchor of the defensive front seven for the Giants, and he’s surrounded with considerable talent on defense. He struggled through a shoulder injury in 2009, but Tuck is committed to having a bounce-back year for New York, and has looked up to the task in training camp. With Antonio Pierce no longer with the football team, Justin Tuck is being looked to as the leader of this Giants defense. Tuck is the type of player who likes to lead by example – with his play on the field. Expect the example to be something like 70 tackles and 14 sacks.

Closing Thoughts:

When you look at the NFC East this year – you see quite a bit of turnover. The Giants have undergone significant changes on the defensive side of the football, Philadelphia has a new starting duo at quarterback and running back, and the Washington Redskins are operating under a new head coach and new quarterback in Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb. But when you look for a winning formula – the teams that fits the description seems to be New York. The Giants have one of the league’s top young quarterbacks, in the prime of his career, along with an arsenal of weapons at his disposal, and a veteran defense led by a veteran defensive coordinator Perry Fewell – who knows how to get the best of his personnel. The Cowboys have significant issues along their offensive line, but have so many weapons that they should still be one of the league’s top 10-12 offensive units – and the team also boasts a top 10 defense with an explosive pass rush.

At the end of the day, New York looks poised to make a strong playoff push this season if they are able to come together quickly under Perry Fewell’s defense. The offense is stacked, the players are familiar with eachother and the scheme, and the unit is led by one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. The Giants addressed some of their issues on special teams with the acquisition of return-specialist Darius Reynaud, and the defense is loaded with talent and experience – led by one of the league’s most successful defensive coordinators.

The Giants are a darkhorse in the NFC this season, overshadowed by last year’s NFC powerhouses – Minnesota and New Orleans, and this year’s sexy pick – the Green Bay Packers. But the G-Men are right up there with those teams in terms of talent, and the upside is considerable with the 2010 edition of the New York Giants.

Then a part of the new and seemingly innovative Most Valuable Network (MVN), Giants 101 was a unique blend of fan perspective and New York Giants news. It was one of only three New York Giants blogs in existence, and the only one affiliated with a sports blog network — an idea that was still relatively new at the time.

Having blogged for free on Xanga for approximately a year prior to that, I had a little experience, but nothing that could prepare me for the things to come. At that time only my family and close friends were reading my Giants thoughts/rants, and at no point did I ever expect to be at the helm for something as large, popular and powerful as the Giants 101 we know today.

Within the last year Giants 101 has branched off and become independent for the very first time, in the process experiencing a bit of a rebirth. Not only is G101 now a popular website, we’ve sort of reached a happy medium between a sports blog and a news site. And with the help of the other five writers (not to mention the ones of the past), we’ve also established G101 as a brand…an international brand.

G101 Facts:

• Giants 101 is accessed daily in 83 different countries and territories.
• In the last calendar year, G101 has been accessed in approximately 180 different countries and territories.
• The traffic at G101 has recently reached an all-time high. We currently experience over 1.22 million hits per month.

Other G101 Tidbits:

• The very first Giants 101 logo was simple the name “Giants 101″ written in chalk on a chalkboard.
• Since our first redesign back in our first year, one thing has remained a constant on G101: The Twin Towers always stand tall here.
• Giants 101 has been recognized on Yahoo! Sports, AOL Sports, CBS Sports, ESPN, Giants.com, Madison Square Garden, SNY, Pro Football NYC, NBC New York, Inside Football and various other news networks.

G101 Awards:

• Deadspin’s Blogdom’s Best (Giants blog)
• 2005 Sports Blog Awards Best NFL Blog
• 2007 Blogger’s Choice Award for Best Sports Blog
• “Blog of the Day” on January 21^st 2007

Second G101 Logo

On behalf of Hazem, Sean, Rich, Simon and Serena, I want to say THANK YOU! Without you readers, your constant support and promotion, we would be nothing. We could write all day long, but if no one visits…it’s irrelevant. The community you help create here is every bit as valuable as the work we do. So this day is as much yours celebrate as it is ours. So, again, thank you!

Question of the day: How did you first hear about Giants 101?

Only two TE’s?

In cutting both Bear Pascoe and Scott Chandler, the Giants have chosen to go only two tight ends. Take that one of them is a ne’er-stay-healthy who can’t block for his life, and you’ve really only got one TE on the roster. Having Pascoe and Jake Ballard on the practice squad is a great safety net, but how can this offense operate if Boss gets hurt in the first quarter of a game? Line Rich Seubert up at TE?

This seemingly thin area of the depth chart had people wondering immediately if the Giants were bringing another TE in, with league-wide trade target Greg Olsen’s name coming up quickly. On one hand, it seems obvious the Giants need to bring another person in. On the other hand, they really liked Pascoe– so maybe they’re content stashing him on the PS until they need him.

Youngsters at the backend:

Although it might have taken a groin/abdomen surgery to make Giants fans’ dreams come true, Sinorice Moss is finally gone and replaced with young, athletic talent at the backend of the WR depth chart. Victor Cruz! will be the fourth guy into the WR rotation and Duke Calhoun becomes the special teams maven, more than Moss could say for any of his time here. Now if only that really tall guy could find a way onto the field in the red zone…

Boothe back in?

Kevin Boothe will be crossing his fingers and praying that someone gets hurt by the time he’s ready to come off the PUP list, because with Shawn Andrews and Mitch Petrus in the fold there’s not much use for another interior offensive linemen. It’s going to be interesting to see what this offense does if Shaun O’Hara misses any time: does Adam Koets play center? does Will Beatty come in at LT and push everyone inside? does Andrews push Seubert inside?

Of course, if Shawn Andrews is ready to play, we have a whole different set of questions to ask, starting with: is Rich Seubert still a starter?

Chase Blackburn:

Told you guys Coughlin wouldn’t let this one go. He’s not even healthy (knee) but still found a way to stick. Somehow, Gerris Wilkinson (groin) did the same.

Speaking of these two guys, one of them is probably the first to go if the Giants had to make a move like bringing in a veteran DB, or signing someone like Bomar or Pascoe from the PS. If Clint Sintim has dropped off the radar of the LB depth chart, maybe you want to throw Dave Tollefson’s name in the “first-to-go” hat too.

Congrats D.J.

No, not you DJ Ware (who was dangled on the trading block prior to final cuts). We’re giving a big shout out to D.J. Johnson, who made the be the team as the 5th cornerback and perhaps one of the punt gunners. His preseason play wasn’t great, but his competition was Courtney Brown and Seth Williams. Brown was terrible, and Williams found a home on the practice squad. After making an NFL team by de facto, Johnson should be sending mail bombs to any veteran cornerbacks on the couch waiting for a call.

But hey, at least he’s not Courtney Brown.

The Aussie Punter

The NY DailyNews kept insinuating that the Giants were praying for a punter to hit the waiver-wire, but that seems silly in light of two good preseason performances down the stretch. Congrats Matt Dodge, you’re an NFL player. Just don’t shank it too often, and you should be OK.

Since this post will be pretty long due to the team listings, I’ll leave it at that.  Take a look, discuss, scrutinize, heckle…and get ready for updates throughout the season on which teams are leading the pack, and which are not:

Kyle Langan

QB    Peyton Manning, Ind
RB    LeSean McCoy, Phi
RB    Justin Forsett, Sea
RB/WR    –
WR    Calvin Johnson, Det
WR    Malcom Floyd, SD
TE    Dallas Clark, Ind
D/ST    49ers D/ST
K    Nate Kaeding, SD

BENCH – Matt Moore, Car…Devin Hester, Chi…Mohamed Massaquoi, Cle…Tashard Choice, Dal…Austin Collie, Ind…Jay Feely, Ari…Redskins D/ST…Benjamin Watson, Cle.

Richard O’Callaghan

QB    Vince Young, Ten
RB    Chris Johnson, Ten
RB    Jamaal Charles, KC
RB/WR    Beanie Wells, Ari
WR    Larry Fitzgerald, Ari
WR    Wes Welker, NE
TE    Visanthe Shiancoe, Min
D/ST    Saints D/ST
K    David Akers, Phi

BENCH - Ricky Williams, Mia…Felix Jones, Dal…Terrell Owens, Cin…Fred Jackson, Buf…Derrick Mason, Bal…Kyle Orton, Den…Robbie Gould, Chi

Hazem Kiswani

QB    Tony Romo, Dal
RB    Adrian Peterson, Min
RB    LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ
RB/WR    Mike Wallace, Pit
WR    Miles Austin, Dal
WR    Michael Crabtree, SF
TE    Jason Witten, Dal
D/ST    Jets D/ST
K    Garrett Hartley, NO

BENCH - Michael Bush, Oak…Laurence Maroney, NE…Sidney Rice, Min…Chester Taylor, Chi…Kevin Boss, NYG…Jason Campbell, Oak…Mike Bell, Phi

Dan Benton

QB    Matt Schaub, Hou
RB    Steven Jackson, StL
RB    Jonathan Stewart, Car
RB/WR    Steve Breaston, Ari
WR    Marques Colston, NO
WR    Hines Ward, Pit
TE    Tony Gonzalez, Atl
D/ST    Vikings D/ST, Min
K    Ryan Longwell, Min

BENCH – Brandon Jacobs, NYG…Owen Daniels, Hou…Kevin Kolb, Phi…Bengals D/ST…Laurent Robinson, StL…Brian Westbrook, SF…Alex Smith, SF

Simon Garron-Caine

QB    Aaron Rodgers, GB
RB    Pierre Thomas, NO
RB    Jahvid Best, Det
RB/WR    Nate Burleson, Det
WR    Anquan Boldin, Bal
WR    Donald Driver, GB
TE    Kellen Winslow, TB
D/ST    Browns D/ST, Cle
K    Matt Prater, Den

BENCH - Tom Brady, NE…Marion Barber, Dal…Jacoby Jones, Hou…Leon Washington, Sea…Correll Buckhalter, Den…Julian Edelman, NE…Marshawn Lynch, Buf

Sean Carroll

QB    Joe Flacco, Bal
RB    Michael Turner, Atl
RB    Ryan Grant, GB
RB/WR    Arian Foster, Hou
WR    Steve Smith, NYG
WR    Chad Ochocinco, Cin
TE    Zach Miller, Oak
D/ST    Broncos D/ST, Den
K    Shayne Graham, FA

BENCH - Santana Moss, Was…Clinton Portis, Was…Dez Bryant, Dal…Tim Hightower, Ari…Mike Williams, TB…David Garrard, Jac…Jabar Gaffney, Den

Turkish

QB    Brett Favre, Min
RB    Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac
RB    Joseph Addai, Ind
RB/WR    Matt Forte, Chi
WR    Roddy White, Atl
WR    Greg Jennings, GB
TE    Chris Cooley, Was
D/ST    Ravens D/ST, Bal
K    Neil Rackers, Hou

BENCH - Matt Ryan, Atl…Santonio Holmes, NYJ…Donald Brown, Ind…Greg Olsen, Chi…Louis Murphy, Oak…Eddie Royal, Den…Falcons D/ST, Atl

Samardzija

QB    Jay Cutler, Chi
RB    Frank Gore, SF
RB    Knowshon Moreno, Den
RB/WR    Jerome Harrison, Cle
WR    Reggie Wayne, Ind
WR    Dwayne Bowe, KC
TE    Antonio Gates, SD
D/ST    Packers D/ST, GB
K    Stephen Gostkowski, NE

BENCH - Donovan McNabb, Was…Robert Meachem, NO…Steelers D/ST…Willis McGahee, Bal…Rashad Jennings, Jac…Bernard Scott, Cin…Dexter McCluster, KC

jcrown92

QB    Carson Palmer, Cin
RB    Ryan Mathews, SD
RB    Cedric Benson, Cin
RB/WR    C.J. Spiller, Buf
WR    Andre Johnson, Hou
WR    Pierre Garcon, Ind
TE    Jermichael Finley, GB
D/ST    –
K    Jeff Reed, Pit

BENCH - Braylon Edwards, NYJ…Darren Sproles, SD…Chad Henne, Mia…Devin Aromashodu, Chi…Heath Miller, Pit…Fred Taylor, NE…Victor Cruz, NYG…Colts D/ST, Ind

Terrence T

QB    Eli Manning, NYG
RB    Ray Rice, Bal
RB    Rashard Mendenhall, Pit
RB/WR    Cadillac Williams, TB
WR    Brandon Marshall, Mia
WR    Hakeem Nicks, NYG
TE    Vernon Davis, SF
D/ST    Patriots, NE
K    Mason Crosby, GB

BENCH - Jeremy Maclin, Phi…Vincent Jackson, SD…Matthew Stafford, Det…Lee Evans, Buf…Anthony Dixon, SF…John Carlson, Sea…Texans D/ST, Hou

Kujo

QB    Drew Brees, NO
RB    Shonn Greene, NYJ
RB    Ronnie Brown, Mia
RB/WR    Percy Harvin, Min
WR    DeSean Jackson, Phi
WR    Steve Smith, Car
TE    Dustin Keller, NYJ
D/ST    Chargers D/ST, SD
K    Rob Bironas, Ten

BENCH - Eagles D/ST…Ben Roethlisberger, Pit…Johnny Knox, Chi…Kenny Britt, Ten…Kevin Smith, Det…Mario Manningham, NYG…Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak

Demo

QB    Philip Rivers, SD
RB    DeAngelo Williams, Car
RB    Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
RB/WR    Darren McFadden, Oak
WR    Randy Moss, NE
WR    Mike Sims-Walker, Jac
TE    Brent Celek, Phi
D/ST    Giants D/ST, NYG
K    Lawrence Tynes, NYG

BENCH - Reggie Bush, NO…Thomas Jones, KC…T.J. Houshmandzadeh, FA…Steve Slaton, Hou…Kareem Huggins, TB…Devery Henderson, NO…Matt Cassel, KC

1. DT Nate Collins
2. OC Jim Cordle
3. CB Seth Williams
4. QB Rhett Bomar
5. TE Jake Ballard
6. S Sha’reff Rashad
7. TE Bear Pascoe
8. RB Charles Scott

*Initial reports stated the Giants had also signed running back Shawbrey McNeal, but that now appears to be incorrect.*

Other Notes:

• RB Andre Brown, who was cut by the Giants yesterday, has joined the Denver Broncos.

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2): Eli Manning and Sage Rosenfels
Running Backs (4): Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, D.J. Ware and Darius Reynaud
Fullbacks (1): Madison Hedgecock
Wide Receivers (6): Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Ramses Barden, Victor Cruz and Duke Calhoun
Tight Ends (2): Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum
Offensive Linemen (9): David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O’Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie, Will Beatty, Adam Koets, Shawn Andrews and Mitch Petrus

Defense (26)

Defensive Linemen: (9): Justin Tuck, Barry Cofield, Chris Canty, Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora, Rocky Bernard, Dave Tollefson, Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph
Linebackers (8): Jonathan Goff, Michael Boley, Keith Bulluck, Bryan Kehl, Clint Sintim, Chase Blackburn, Phillip Dillard and Gerris Wilkinson
Cornerbacks (5): Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross, Bruce Johnson and D.J. Johnson
Safeties (4): Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Kenny Phillips and Michael Johnson

Specialists (3)

Kicker (1): Lawrence Tynes
Punter (1): Matt Dodge
Long Snapper (1): Zak DeOssie

This thread will be updated in real time (or as much as possible) throughout the day as the New York Giants chop their roster size down to 53.

Waived:

• DT Dwayne Hendricks
• OL Jim Cordle
• OL Dennis Landolt
• S John Busing
• TE Bear Pascoe
• QB Dominic Randolph
• TE Scott Chandler
• DE Tommie Hill
• DT Nate Collins
• WR Tim Brown
• RB Gartrell Johnson
• OL Jacob Bender
• QB Rhett Bomar
• FB Jerome Johnson
• WR Derek Hagan
• DT Jay Alford
• OL Guy Whimper
• OL Herb Taylor
• RB Andre Brown
• CB Seth Williams
• S Matt O’Hanlon
• S Sha’reff Rashad

Waived/Injured:

• CB Courtney Brown
• DE Alex Hall

On the Trading Block:

• D.J. Ware
• Dave Tollefson

On Thursday, Andre Brown sat out of the Giants final pre-season game with turf toe. I really hope I don’t have the Madden Curse here, since I just wrote about how much potential he has and how he will have a  great impact this season. Turf toe is a pretty painful injury, and there’s really nothing that can be done for it aside from the standard ice and painkillers. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery because D.J. Ware suffered a concussion against the Steelers in week two of the preseason. He ran for 60 yards on 13 carries and caught one pass for eight yards before Gartrell Johnson took over. Brandon Jacobs did not get a carry. That could be due to his neck injury and Tom Coughlin not wanting to take a risk by playing him, although he looked fine against Baltimore last week, or it could be because of the comments he made about being demoted to second behind Ahmad Bradshaw. Regardless, the depth at running back is now slim. If Bradshaw can stay healthy and Jacobs can get his attitude in check and his neck fully healed, the Giants will be fine. But this pre-season has proven rough for Big Blue, so relying on “ifs” is dangerous and risky.  Better to have everyone on the same page before the regular season starts next week.

Linebacker Phillip Dillard suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday as well, leaving the already depleted defense with one less man. Jonathan Goff will start after solidifying his role on Thursday, and Chase Blackburn will be the backup. Dillard, a rookie out of Nebraska, will be a nice addition to the depth at linebacker once his hamstring heals. Until then, the Giants will have to continue to pray that the remainder of the defense can stay healthy.

The final roster must be solidified by 6:00 PM tonight. They have 22 players to move off of their roster to make the final 53. Hazem posted his preditcions yesterday. You’d better believe that the Giants are ringing the phones of NFL teams all everywhere to see whether they can grab a few last minute additions and improve the secondary, special teams or just add depth to injury-ridden positions.

Special teams gained a player in the Rosenfels trade: Darius Reynaud. The Giants will use him for kick returns and punt returns.  He spent two years with the Minnesota Vikings before being traded to New York yesterday, and, I believe, he is a much better option than Mario Manningham in the absence of Aaron Ross.  He can also return kicks, freeing up Gartrell Johnson and DJ Ware as needed to fill in at running back.  Does this answer all special teams questions?  No way. The Giants will still have to figure out who works best for what play.  When Ross returns, it will be a non-question for punt returns.  But kick returns should go to Johnson and Ware until Reynaud can show the Giants what he’s got.

The Giants have suffered some major setbacks due to injury during training camp and pre-season games. Special teams has been somewhat addressed. The secondary needs addressed. They need depth on the offensive line and defensive line. So many issues to contend with as Big Blue gears up for final cuts and player movement. Pray. Pray hard.