2010 New York Giants: The Linebackers

April 9, 2010

I saved the best for last. Lets discuss the linebackers for a moment and see if we can figure out this situation. The New York Giants parted ways with defensive general Antonio Pierce and the team has yet to replace him. AP will sorely be missed from a leadership stand point and the NYG Reporters wish him well in all of his future ventures. The Giants still need a MLB though and many predict it will come on day one of the 2010 NFL Draft. You’ve heard the names, LB Rolando McClain, LB Sean Weatherspoon and a few lesser known LB’s are taking the spotlight across the web. In anticipation of the draft, (which is less then 2 weeks away) fans are scurrying to find out all of the information they can about major prospects. I am certain the G-men will come away with a linebacker no later then the second draft day. The New York Giants currently have eight linebackers on the roster.

This is another young group of guys on the team. There isn’t one player with more then five years of NFL experience under his belt. The possibility of adding another young LB via the NFL Draft could make Big Blue one of the youngest at that position in the NFL. LB Michael Boley is a solid player who after a rocky start with the team, has won over a lot of fans with his performance in 2009 (his first year with the team). LB Chase Blackburn is tied (with Michael Boley) for the most senior linebacker, with five years of NFL experience. Blackburn is a guy who I would like to see remain a New York Giant for his entire career. The guy can do it all and I never see him complaining about going to work. This might be a good time for the coaching staff to consider starting Blackburn this season at the MLB position. Clint Sintim should see an increase in his playing time in 2010. I expect great things in the future for Sintim.  LB Jonathan Goff, LB Gerris Wilkinson and LB Bryan Kehl will all have an opportunity to make a name for themselves on tape. That leaves LB Kenny Ingram as the odd man out, if they bring in another linebacker via the NFL draft or free agency.

Zak DeOssie, who was practically born to be a New York Giant, has blue blood running through his veins. His father, Steve DeOssie played many years for the New York Giants. Now that he has three seasons under his belt, I’m excited to see what he can do this year. Let me ask you all a question, is this the year that GM Jerry Reese decides to let the existing LB’s fight it out for the coveted starting role? There hasn’t been much free agent activity at the position thus far. The only linebacker I can say will be a starter for certain is Michael Boley, the rest are up in the air as far as I’m concerned.

What do you think about the 2010 New York Giants Linebacker Corps? Will the team use their number one pick on a middle linebacker or promote from within and draft a rookie linebacker on day two or three?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Linebackers:

1. Chase Blackburn #57

2. Michael Boley #52

3. Zak DeOssie #51

4. Jonathan Goff #54

5. Clint Sintim #97

6. Gerris Wilkinson #59

7. Bryan Kehl #53

8. Kenny Ingram #43

RD – NYGReporter.com


Former NY Giants RB Tiki Barber Blasted in Media

April 8, 2010

I’m not going to say this is comical, because there is nothing funny about this story. The New York Post has reported that former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, has broken up with his eight month pregnant (with twins) wife for a 23-year old blonde intern. The news came as a shock to some because Tiki and Ginny, were married for 11 years. The way the media is attacking him now, this is going to be an enormous blow to Tiki’s ego and a story that has just started to catch fire. I expect there to be even more news on this story, daily, for the remainder of the week. The man will need to figure of what he is going to do. The New York media are going to harass him constantly over this one. Barber turned 35 years old yesterday.

A lot of people never forgot how Barber left the Giants or some of the things that he said about the team in the media. Some can’t forgive the bashing Tiki gave Eli, about the Super Bowl MVP Manning’s leadership skills, on national TV no less. He was a part of our team and a very good running back is how I will remember him. I will also never forget how he left the team though. I never quite got that bad taste out of my mouth after he left. Everyone will surely be waiting to hear what Barber’s reaction and explanation is going to be. Personally, I think it’s his business and something they will have to work out on their own.

What do you think about the Tiki Barber fiasco? Do you have love or hate for Barber?

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Offensive Tackles

April 8, 2010

The New York Giants offensive line has been one of the best in football for a very long time. There were a lot of injuries in 2009 but QB Eli Manning seemed to be moving around like a jack rabbit quite a bit in the backfield. I would never say anything bad about this group of men who protect Eli. Last season seemed a bit strange in multiple areas, not just the O-line. I’m willing to accept that and have confidence that the Giants offensive line will once again become a wall to opposing defenses in 2010. The New York Giants currently have six offensive tackles on the roster.

Second year left tackle William Beatty, performed pretty well this year. I would not be surprised to see him become the starting left tackle at some point in 2010. This of course is based upon the promise he showed in a dismal 2009 season. David Diehl “doesn’t care where you play him, just get him on the field” would most likely switch to an offensive guard position. Diehl is a young veteran presence on the team that the rest of the tackles can learn from. Players like Adam Koets, who have been on the team for three seasons now and could blossom into a very good starter. Guy Whimper is a mainstay and has played well in New York. He will need to step up his game during training camp this year to lock down a permanent spot, the Giants seem to be experimenting with different options and it may include bring in some other talent at the offensive tackle position. Herb Taylor is a great depth guy and team player but along with Whimper as his primo competition, may need to pick his game up during the 2010 training camp.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Tackle situation? Do you think William Beatty is the future at left tackle?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Offensive Tackles:

1. David Diehl, LT #66

2. Kareem McKenzine, RT #67

3. William Beatty, LT #65

4. Guy Whimper, OT #79

5. Adam Koets, LT #61

6. Herb Taylor OT, #68

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: Kickers and Punters

April 8, 2010

I will try to make this as quick as possible for all of you that hate kickers. The truth of the matter is that this is an area of the team that has not been performing very well. There are four Kickers/Punters on the 2010 new York Giants roster currently. Field position and field goals are a very important part of the game, they need work in this area. Let’s begin with K Lawrence Tynes. The Giants fans I have talked to about Tynes seem to be split on their opinions. Some still remember the fateful day back during the 2007 season, when Tynes beat the Packers to send Big Blue to the Super Bowl. Others think he has been less then reliable when we needed some FG points. Personally, I would like to see Tynes replaced but only if it is a better kicker. I’m sure the front office is shaking their heads saying “Really? a better kicker, now that’s an original idea” but what I mean is, if no solid veteran kicker is available, I guess Tynes will have to do for now. Even though, my stomach turns to knots every time he lines up for a FG. The New York Giants will never draft a kicker or punter.

Jeff Feagles is a seasoned veteran and mostly known as the best directional punter to ever play the game. He is a true weapon to have on your team. Father time seems to be catching up with Feagles who has played in 22 NFL seasons. His numbers were off last year and he didn’t seem to be getting the same distance that coaches and fans have grown accustomed to. Still, the team decided to re-sign Feagles to a one year deal and see how much he has left in the tank. Any true football fan loves Feagles because of his toughness and longevity. He remains one of the only lights that could ever shine on the punter position.

K Sam Swank and P Jy Bond are on the roster as training camp motivation. I doubt that either of these guys will be on the team once the season starts. It would take a Herculean effort to replace P Feagles or K Tynes at this point. Out of the two, Swank has the better chance of making something happen.

What do you think about the current 2010 New York Giants Kickers/Punters situation?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Kickers/Punters:

1. Jeff Feagles, Punter #18

2. Lawrence Tynes, Kicker #9

3. Sam Swank, Kicker #3

4. Jy Bond, Punter #TBA

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Tight Ends

April 7, 2010

Were you happy for former Giant Jeremy Shockey, when you saw him win the Super Bowl or were  you hating on him? (Congrats Jeremy) The New York Giants have become a more calmer and methodical team in recent years. The fire that Jeremy Shockey brings to a team is missing. That doesn’t mean it is a bad thing either, it’s just the way it is. TE Kevin Boss has stepped up and become a reliable tight end. He has made many terrific catches, some in heavy traffic, to keep the Giants in close games. I would love to see Boss get more balls thrown his way. He has proven to be willing and able. The Giants currently have five tight ends on the roster.

Travis Beckum is a different story. He is a TE with a lot of promise but someone who didn’t get much playing time last season, which was his rookie year. Some have said that he plays like a WR and could even be thrown into certain situations as such. Giants fans are curious to see Beckum have a great game and prove he call ball at the next level. His lack of playing time wasn’t his fault though, the coaches were having a field day with the productivity of the wide receivers in 2009. The other tight ends are brought in mostly for blocking situations. One of them will surely be off the roster by the time the season starts. This is one area that I expect to see a genuine competition brewing, once training camp begins.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Tight End situation? Is this an area of the team that might still be addressed in free agency or the draft?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Tight Ends:

1. Kevin Boss #89

2. Travis Beckum #47

3. Bear Pascoe #86

4. Carson Butler #49

5. Scott Chandler #85

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Running Backs

April 7, 2010

Once upon a time, the New York Giants had the number one running attack in the NFL. A lot of those same players are still on the team. They were banged up in 2009 but have rehabbed nicely and are preparing now for the upcoming season. Brandon Jacobs is the number one guy on the team. He is backed up by Ahmad Bradshaw, who is often the spark that lifts the Giants offense in crucial moments. Brandon is the bull and Bradshaw is the lightning. RB Andre Brown, who missed his entire rookie season to an injury, is said to be coming along nicely and should play in 2010. Gartrell Johnson ran hard with the limited game time I saw. I believe that Brandon and Bradshaw will get their groove back in 2010. I think they are going to be owed a lot of apologies when it’s all over. Opinions have varied greatly on this topic alone, what do you think?

Jacobs and Bradshaw played injured for most of the 2009 season. They were not used properly in a lot of strange situations but still tried to finish out the year. I expect a rested Bradshaw to have an outstanding 2010 season. A lot of noise has been made recently about the Giants possibly drafting RB CJ Spiller in round one. I would not be upset if this did occur because Spiller is a great talent and I don’t know if GM Jerry Reese passes on this kid for LB Rolando McClain if he’s available. If the Giants draft a RB that almost certain means that RB Gartrell Johnson will be cut shortly thereafter.

What do you think about the current New York Giants running back situation? Is there a RB draft pick you have in mind and in what round?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants Running Backs:

1. Brandon Jacobs #27

2. Ahmad Bradshaw #44

3. Danny “DJ” Ware #28

4. Andre Brown #22

5. Gartrell Johnson #33

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Defensive Ends

April 7, 2010

The ability to rush the passer is a very important thing. This is a philosophy the Giants have been following for a very long time. Surprisingly, the New York Giants have five defensive ends on the roster. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will no doubt get the starting roles. Both of them deserve to be the starters but Mathias Kiwanuka is no pushover. Kiwi could be a starter on many NFL teams right now. Having him as a quality backup is a luxury most teams cannot afford. Tuck and Osi will be a force in the NFL this year. I think Osi will be saying “Don’t call it a come back” and Tuck will be fully healthy and creating havoc. Throwing Kiwi in the mix and Clint Sintim on situational plays makes them even more dangerous. I am looking for a faster and stronger defensive unit in 2010.

I was surprised to see only five true defensive ends available on the roster. Chris Canty is a hybrid and Clint Sintim can draw down when need be but I expect this to be an area the team addresses in the draft. I would say in the middle rounds. There are a lot of guys with chips on their shoulders this year, which makes them all the more dangerous. I expect this Giants defense to make it back into the top five defenses in the NFL and the DE position will have a lot to do with making that happening.

What do you think about the current New York Giants defensive end situation? Is this an area you think they may address in the 2010 NFL Draft? Do you have any DE players in mind and in what round would you take them?

Here is a list of current New York Giants Defensive Ends:

1. Justin Tuck #91

2. Osi Umenyiora #72

3. Mathias Kiwanuka #94

4. Dave Tollefson #71

5. Tommie Hill #63

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Safeties

April 7, 2010

This was the number one need for the New York Giants and it seems like Jerry Reese knew it. After signing Antrel Rolle to a big contract and bringing on Deon Grant, the Giants made a statement by these moves and by cutting safeties Aaron Rouse and CC Brown. This leaves the Giants with five safeties on the team as of today. With Michael Johnson as the number one backup to the Kenny Phillips/Antrel Rolle tandem, I see no reason why this won’t be one of the best defensive back groups in football. The only thing that could derail this plan is if Kenny Phillips is not fully healthy. Remember, it was not very long ago that Kenny Phillips was being compared to the great Ed Reed. The future of the Giants safety group resides with Phillips’ health.

Safety Deon Grant was brought in as a reliable safety, who doesn’t miss games. Grant is 31 years old and the oldest player in the safety corps, automatically making him the veteran voice. The safety position was the worst of the bunch in 2009. Having Perry Fewell work with the defense is a plus. Bill Sheridan was released after an atrocious 2009 campaign. The defensive backfield will be under a microscope in 2010 and I expect the Giants players to be ready. I am assuming that the signing of Grant means that Rashad will not be on the final roster for 2010. This is an area that was thoroughly addressed already this offseason.

What do you think about the current New York Giants safety situation? Is there any reason to pursue another Safety in the 2010 NFL Draft?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants Safeties:

1. Kenny Phillips #21

2. Antrel Rolle #26

3. Michael Johnson #20

4. Sha’reef Rashad #30

5. Deon Grant # TBA

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Quarterbacks

April 7, 2010

If there is one thing that I am absolutely positive of this upcoming 2010 NFL season, it is that Eli Manning is the starting QB of the New York Giants. Manning has an Iron Man streak going and has proven to be tough when the moment arises that he need be. Eli Manning is on track to have another career year if his numbers continue to improve as they have. Losing a backup quarterback with the talent of David Carr will be difficult to replace. I think Carr might be wondering if he made the right choice now by going to the 49ers.  I expect Eli Manning to be voted into the Pro Bowl in 2010 based upon another career year. Eli will need to take WR Steve Smith and WR Hakeem “Octopus Hands” Nicks out for a steak dinner by the end of the season (gold watches might even be involved).

Retaining backup QB Jim Sorgi from the Colts was a nice thing. Eli Manning now has the study partner of his dreams and can be counted on to know his material/plan before a game. The New York Giants need a reliable backup Qb who can win games. Who is available to bring on board in case QB Rhett Bomar doesn’t work out? GM Jerry Reese will not allow the QB position to be an area of concern for Giants fans.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Quarterback situation? Is this an area that could be addressed via free agency or will Reese use a late round pick on a QB again? If so, who can you see the G-Men taking a late round QB sleeper on?

Here is a list of current New York Giants Quarterbacks:

1. Eli Manning #10

2. Jim Sorgi #19

3. Rhett Bomar #5

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: Center and Offensive Guards

April 7, 2010

This is an area that I feel compelled to discuss. if you take a look at the Official site of the New York Giants, click on the roster tab and investigate, you will find that the Giants have only 4 total players to cover both the Center and Guard positions. This is an area I can see going as high as the number two pick and even a number one spot would not surprise me. I still think the Giants will draft a MLB with the number one pick but if not that, then why not go offensive lineman? It makes sense to bolster this group for Eli manning and the running attack. I have to admit that I had become a bit spoiled with not worrying about the offensive line for so long. This is one of the greatest group of OL guys in Giants history.

Shaun O’Hara is still playing at a high level and drafting a Center in the 2010 NFL Draft would be more of an insurance pick. Someone that can be groomed under O’Hara’s tutelage. The team is going to have to consider the future in this draft without question. There is an injection of youth in every major area of this team and I expect that trend to go in 2010 at the offensive lineman position. I still have faith in this unit as a whole and think they will be fine for another couple of years.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Center and Guard positions? Who do you envision as a possible draft pick in the first or second round at the C/G positions in this years draft?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants Center and Guard position players:

1. Shaun O’Hara, Center #60

2. Chris Snee, Guard #76

3. Rich Seubert, Guard #69

4. Kevin Boothe, Guard #77

RD – NYGReporter.com