I’d like to officially start this column by paying dues to one of my personal heroes, Mr. Jeffrey Allan Feagles, the best punter in the history of the NFL.
Feagles started his NFL career back 1988, when he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. He came to Big Blue in 2003, and had 7 successful seasons for us. He and former Giant John Carney were the last remaining NFL players from the 1980s.
A real highlander, Feagles never missed a game in his 22-year career, and holds the record for most consecutive games played in history, with 352, which is incredibly impressive. His strong play lead us Giants fans to simply stop worrying about the punter position, as Feagles would consistently place the ball inside the 10-yard line, keeping opposing offenses with their backs against the wall.
Among the reasons Jeff decided to retire at age 44, he stated that his body was telling him it couldn’t do it anymore. Additionally, he is now going to be able to spend more time with his wife Michele, and be able to attend his sons’ games, the eldest of which is C.J. Feagles, who is a punter at the University of North Carolina at Chappel Hill. Let’s hope he is as good as daddy.
Master Feagles retires holding the following NFL records:
• Most consecutive games played;
• Most punts;
• Most punts inside the 20;
• Most punting yards.
Thanks for everything Jeff, be happy wherever you go, and please come back as the punters coach one day!!!!
Throwing into Coverage:
The Giants draft this season followed the trend set by Jerry Reese of adding value over need. Overall I like the players Reese got us, however, I really question the Pierre Paul pick. Not that JPP is not going to be a good player in this league, but just that I don’t think he was the best guy around for our team.
It is a fact the Reese needed to upgrade his defense, but it is also a fact that we did not need another defensive end. We have a gaping hole at MLB, so why not get Sean Wheatherspoon, who was picked by the Falcons at 19, and then still go and get Phillip Dillard in the 4th round? Reese made a decision not to resolve the MLB situation via free agency, and to do it through the draft instead, so why in Jeff Feagles’ name didn’t he try harder to get more playmakers at that spot? Maybe even trading up to get Rolando McClain wasn’t a reach. For these reasons I think Jerry Reese threw into coverage with the first pick.
Now, with that being said, I really like Phillip Dillard. There is something about the way he speaks that really calms me down, and the fact that he is a compulsive film studier almost gives me tears of joy. Add that to the fact that all our other guys are mediocre at best (I hope they prove me wrong, though) and we have an heir to Antonio Pierce’s kingdom.
Automatic First Down
The Matt Dodge pick was a smart move. Knowing about Feagles’ retirement, and having only an Australian who doesn’t even understand the rules of the NFL as the punter, I was pretty nervous about this position, so Jerry Reese got an automatic first down on this.
Finally, another great move by Big Blue was the signing of undrafted free agent LT Dennis Landolt. Dennis was a 3-year starter at Penn State, playing 39 consecutive games, and never missing a practice. Moreover, Landolt is extremely smart, having achieved two degrees in five years of college (Supply Chains & Information Systems and Economics).
This is the kind of player the Giants need in their squad: smart, hard-working guys who will provide depth for our veterans, pick their brains, and maybe in a few years even become full time starters.
This is all for now, see you on my next time out.
Saulo Padua – NYGReporter.com
Not too much in the news this week Giants Fans. Rookie mini camp was this past weekend, but surprisingly not much news came out from it. Matt Mosley reported on the progress of Linval Joseph. The second round defensive tackle out of East Carolina apparently had a very impressive weekend. Supposedly, he was great at encouraging teamates throughout the camp, so maybe on a defense that is really looking for a voice of leadership this kid can provide a spark.
Posted by Josh Berman 
