Giants Lose Half of their Starting Offense in 2011

August 11, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants might have to change their name to the New Look Giants this season. The team has been hit with a string of bad news (karma is a female dog) in recent weeks and the team has lost half of their starting offense. The news about WR Steve Smith going to the rival Eagles yesterday sealed the deal for me. I have been a very big fan of GM Jerry Reese and have showered him with praise since the first year he came to the team. But even my faith has been shaken by the mass exodus of pro bowl athletes in 2011. Think about this for a moment, the Giants have lost OL Rich Seubert, OL Shaun O’Hara, TE Kevin Boss, FB Madison Hedgecock and WR Steve Smith. All five of these guys were starters in an offense that requires eleven men. You do the math.

The Giants also lost some other quality guys such as OL Shawn “Fan Fav” Andrews, DT Barry Cofield (who also went to division rival, the Redskins). They are in a contract battle with all pro DE Osi Umenyiora, they lost CB Bruce Johnson to injury and cut him. They signed TE Ben Patrick who turned around and retired on them and they have lost their 1st round pick CB Prince Amukamara for two months. When it rains, it pours. There were other transactions made but these mentioned are the big deals and the team still hasn’t addressed all of the free agents that need signing. The Giants play their first preseason game in two days and will need to get a ton of new players up to speed on the playbook and the system. I’m not sure how they will fair but I wish them good luck with that.

I cannot remember a year in recent memory where the Giants lost so many quality players within a one month period of time. I’m not sure if there ever was a similar situation in team history. Yes, the team has signed some players but they hardly replaced all of the talent the team lost. I hope Jerry Reese knows what he is doing because this will be an unrecognizable group of players on the field to the true blue fan. The fact that the team was six million dollars over the salary cap certainly plays into the mix but that also begs the question of why? Who was watching the salary cap and allowed this to happen? Rabid fans have been calling for the head of Jerry Reese and for changes in the front office as a whole. I will keep my opinions to myself until I see what the team does in 2011. I will not panic but I am certainly deeply concerned.

What are your thoughts about the recent roster moves made by the Giants?

RD – nygreporter.com

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Posted by robdomaine

Giants Offensive Line is the Elephant in the Room

August 2, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants have been outstanding at the offensive line position for many years now. These guys have done such a good job protecting QB Eli Manning, that they have become almost an after thought. Fans could always rely on those guys to do their job and NFL fans acknowledged their superiority by voting the big guys into multiple Pro Bowls. We now find ourselves in an interesting predicament and completely unfamiliar territory with having to be concerned about the offensive line. Yes, the offensive line is the elephant in the room that nobody has talked about at length. If Eli Manning is going to continue his Iron Man streak for the most consecutive regular season starts, the offensive line is going to need a seamless transition into the new season.

One of the biggest player moves that really made me nervous was the acquisition of QB David Carr. I mentioned this is a previous article but I would like to explain to you why I am nervous. Eli Manning hasn’t really needed a true backup QB so far because he has proven to be extremely durable. A quiet tough guy if you will. With all due respect, Jim Sorgi and Sage Rosenfels aren’t exactly they guys you want running your team for any long period of time. Are the Giants concerned about Manning’s safety with this new offensive line? Do they lack confidence in the new group who will be taking over for Rich Seubert, Shawn Andrews and Shaun O’Hara? Are they concerned with the depth at that position if one or two guys fall to injury? Or did GM Jerry Reese just see an opportunity to sign a quality player familiar with the system?

The starters most likely will be William Beatty, David Diehl, David Baas, Chris Snee and Kareem McKenzie. The others include Mitch Petrus, Adam Koets, Kevin Boothe, rookie James Brewer and newly signed Chris White who appear to be the primary backups. There are a handful of other players on the team who will be competing for a role on the offensive line but the players I just mentioned appear to be the front runners. This is going to be the year that certain players will have to step up. I know that is an overused term but it is quite literally what will need to happen in 2011 for the Giants to stay competitive. Some have speculated that Seubert, Andrews or O’Hara could return and play for a smaller contract. With the Giants issues with the salary cap, it is a possibility but unlikely at this point.

In summary, I am very concerned about the offensive line this year. I have faith in the players talent but the lack of experience concerns me. I am also wondering how long it will take QB Eli Manning to become familiar with a new center in David Bass. If those two guys can’t get on the same page quickly, the team is going to be in trouble. If not for the salary cap issues, I would like to see the team bring in another veteran to help out this very young offensive line. Even if it were just to add depth, I would feel much better.

Are you concerned about the Giants offensive line for the 2011 NFL season?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!

9 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Preseason, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Training Camp, Giants Transactions, Hamps Camp, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NFL Schedule, Nilay Shah, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Preseason, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Schedule, NYG Story, NYG Training Camp, NYG Update, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Roger Goodell, Steve Tisch, Timex Performance Center, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine

Update: Giants Sign More Players, Continue Training Camp

August 2, 2011

NEW YORK – Giants fans across the country let out a collective sigh of relief yesterday, when RB Ahmad Bradshaw agreed to the terms of a new four year contract worth $18 million dollars. This is very good news for Big Blue and basically locks down the running back position, as far as being set for the season. After the G-Men made so many moves on the defensive side of the ball, it was clear that some work had to be done on the offensive side. The Giants are set at QB with Eli Manning and they brought in former Giants QB David Carr to back him up this season. They are fine at the WR spot, even without WR Plaxico Burress returning to the team. WR Steve Smith is the final priority signing at that position and I expect that to get done soon. So the QB, RB and WR positions are set. The special teams group has also had a significant upgrade and I’m very excited to see them perform on the field.

The two offensive areas that still need work are the offensive linemen and the tight ends. The Giants did address the tight end position yesterday by signing the very good blocking TE Ben Patrick. Patrick is a big strong man who comes to New York via the Arizona Cardinals. His one year deal could mean that the team is skeptical about re-signing one of their other tight ends. Kevin Boss is still unsigned and Bear Pascoe will mostly be playing FB according to sources. That leaves TE Travis Beckum as the likely odd man out. The team will have to figure out what role Beckum will be play during training camp and make a decision based on his willingness to adjust.

We also have the DE Osi Umenyiora situation heating up to record highs. Osi made it very clear that he prefers to stay with the Giants but wants a fair contract offer. I have to say that I want Osi to stay too. Fans seem to be split on the topic of Umenyiora. Half would love for him to stay, while the other half perceive him as a trouble maker. Osi spoke to the AP last night via email and wanted to clear his name and let the fans know that it bothers him to be perceived as a “bad guy” for simply wanting a fair contract. I have to agree with him. But there is no denying that there seems to be something wrong with either his communication skills or the public relations people giving him the advice. I can understand both sides of the coin and hope the team can work something out with him.

First round draft pick CB Prince Amukamara, WR Steve Smith and TE Kevin Boss remain the big three players who have yet to sign new contracts. The team has been battling the salary cap this entire free agency period and I’m sure that GM Jerry Reese is working on a creative way to sign these three guys. With the first preseason game just 11 days away, I hope they can agree on something soon. Be sure to check back today for any updates on team transactions.

Have you attended a New York Giants training camp practice this year? Do you plan on attending one?

RD – nygreporter.com

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2 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Preseason, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Training Camp, Giants Transactions, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NFL Schedule, Nilay Shah, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Preseason, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Schedule, NYG Story, NYG Training Camp, NYG Update, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Roger Goodell, Steve Tisch, Timex Performance Center, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn, Wounded Warrior Project | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine

Update: Giants 12 Days Away From Preseason, Osi to Leave?

August 1, 2011

NEW YORK – When I flipped over the month of July on my calendar this morning, the realization that football games are really close hit me. The G-Men are only 12 days away from hitting the field to play their first preseason game of 2011. It is hard to believe that after all of the lockout madness we endured, the season is right around the corner. The Giants have a very small window of opportunity to prepare for the Carolina Panthers who they play on August 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM in Carolina. Everything goes into warp speed after that until the first regular season game, which is less then a month away from the first preseason game on September 11, 2011 against the Washington Redskins.

The Giants hope to have some of their crucial players signed very soon. RB Ahmad Bradshaw is still shopping his services around the league but seemed to get thrown for a loop when the Bengals decided to re-sign RB Cedric Benson and the Redskins brought in RB Tim Hightower. Bradshaw was expected to visit both teams before the news broke yesterday. The news that they went elsewhere for running back help must have been hard to swallow. I really hope Ahmad Bradshaw remembers who took a chance on drafting him, when all of the other NFL teams passed him by. I hope he remembers who stuck by him during all of his legal issues, which included jail time after he was already with the team. I hope he remembers who believed in him and who needs him now. Money cannot buy loyalty and the Giants organization has certainly shown loyalty toward Bradshaw over the years. Yes, he should be paid a fair salary but he shouldn’t try to play them for fools either. Come Home Ahmad, where you are wanted. WR Steve Smith is also a priority signing that has yet to happen.

QB David Carr could not contain his excitement when he tweeted that he would be returning to New York for “round two”. The news broke yesterday afternoon that he will be returning to the Giants. I am very happy that the team decided to get a serious backup QB for Eli Manning. At the same time, I am very concerned that the Giants felt the need to bring in a serious backup QB for Eli Manning. With the Giants offensive line in question after releasing two of the five starters and a solid backup, it does beg the question about the teams confidence in the replacements and if they can adequately protect their franchise QB. The offensive line is my biggest concern for the 2011 season.

DE Osi Umenyiora was given permission to seek a trade today. This puts an end to all of the speculation and gives Osi exactly what he asked for. The team is having issues staying under the salary cap and just didn’t have the money to appease Osi’s demands. The Giants will surely get something in return for him, either a player or draft picks. Rumors are saying he could be worth a 1st or 2nd round pick at minimum. I am going to miss Umenyiora if he goes and I want to wish him well where ever he ends up. Also, the Giants first round pick, CB Prince Amukamara remains the only rookie not signed yet by Big Blue.

What is your biggest concern for the Giants as of today August 1, 2011?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!

4 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Lockout, 2011 NFL Preseason, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Training Camp, Giants Transactions, Hamps Camp, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NFL Schedule, Nilay Shah, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Preseason, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Schedule, NYG Story, NYG Training Camp, NYG Update, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Roger Goodell, Steve Tisch, Timex Performance Center, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine

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