Should the Giants Think About a New Kicker in 2011?

June 12, 2011

NEW YORK – I couldn’t help noticing that a couple of kickers are free agents this year. There are more then two out there but two really caught my attention. They are David Akers and Ryan Longwell. I know that some Giants fans are big Lawrence Tynes fans but I am not one of them. It seems like we have this discussion every year about the kicker position. It tells me that other fans do not completely trust Tynes, just as I don’t. Yes, Tynes kicked that huge FG to get the G-Men into the Super Bowl but he also missed some huge FG’s in his career. Is it time to look for a long term kicker elsewhere or bring in a crafty veteran for the short term?

Both Akers and Longwell are 36 years old and can still play the game. Tynes is 33 years old. The Eagles drafted a kicker in the 4th round (really? lol) of this years NFL Draft, which most likely means Akers could end up elsewhere. Bringing in Akers would mean improving our kicking team and taking away a weapon from the Eagles in my opinion. The Giants special teams was an area of focus this offseason and they will need to do more work in that area before fans can exhale. The Giants special teams has been absolutely atrocious in recent years. Special Teams Coach Tom Quinn must have a lucky horse shoe hidden on him at all times because most coaches would have been fired by now for a lack of production.

I would prefer to have David Akers over Ryan Longwell, who seems to have aged much quicker then Akers. I still think either one would be an improvement over Tynes. I’m sure there will be fans who disagree with me but there will also be fans who agree with this sentiment. I have no qualms about suggesting the team address the kicker position. It would be nice to see the Giants bring in two rookie free agent kickers for training camp competition and possibly catch lightning in a bottle with one of those young men. The NFL lockout has now reached 93 days and fans can only hope there will even be a 2011 training camp. I’m not sure where Tom Coughlin’s comfort level is with Tynes but I can tell you that mine isn’t very high. The time has come to address the kicker position.

Who would you want as the Giants kicker in 2011 between Lawrence Tynes, David Akers and Ryan Longwell? Also, if you were the GM of an NFL team, would you use a valuable draft pick on a kicker?

RD – nygreporter.com

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


Giants Fans Endure Another Week Without Football

June 10, 2011

NEW YORK – There hasn’t been much news recently for fans to digest about the Giants. The players have taken it upon themselves to practice at New Jersey high schools, risking injury and their careers. There was an increase in the number of team members who attended but that was the extent of new Giants news. The NFL owners and players union met again this week but still no end to the 2011 NFL lockout (91 days long now). I’m starting to sound like a broken record now, even to myself. I am not immune to the frustration or the bad moods that accompany watching these silly negotiations that have turned up no solutions. It is truly exhausting trying to endure this lockout.

The major sports sites began rolling out their fantasy football programs, just in case there is a football season in 2011. CBS Sports and ESPN specifically rolled out their fantasy programs to fans. The mock drafts are beginning to pick up in what seems to be the only football ravenous fans have had in a while. The chats in these mock drafts all revolve around the question about whether or not there will be a season. The same old story we’ve been hearing for the past three months. Still, doing these mock drafts and setting up a real fantasy league gives one a sense of normalcy for this time of year.

The only other piece of news that could be considered “Giants related” was the release of former WR Plaxico Burress from prison on June 6, 2011. This has become a much larger topic of discussion due to the lack of NFL news in general. Should the Giants re-sign him or not. That seems to be the biggest question surrounding the Giants this week. All I can say is, Thank God it’s Friday. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and maybe we will hear some good news early next week.

How are you spending your time without NFL football this summer?

RD – nygreporter.com

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


The Giants Have Some Decisions to Make This Week

June 7, 2011

NEW YORK – The talk of the town this week is without a doubt Plaxico Burress. Since being released from prison yesterday he was one of the hottest topics on the internet and the world of sports media in general. Most Giants fans felt a chill run up their spines when Burress emerged wearing a Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap. One could not escape the thought of it being a hint that he plans on signing with the rival Philadelphia Eagles. While everyone keeps asking the question about whether or not the Giants should re-sign Burress, most forgot to ask if Burress wants to re-sign with New York.

Besides the Burress madness sweeping the city, another question that must be asked revolves around the current group of Giants wide receivers. What is the state of the WR’s already on the roster? That answer is simple, the state of the New York Giants WR’s is strong. Could the team use a proven veteran like Burress for depth on the team? Absolutely. Do they need Burress on the team to define that position? Absolutely not. Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham have proven to be perfectly capable of handling the job. Not to mention some young talent with Victor Cruz and the rookie Jerrel Jernigan waiting in the wings for their shot. There are a handful of other WR’s trying to fight for a roster spot as well, so there is no shortage of wide receiver talent on Big Blue.

Many fans have been crunching the numbers and showing QB Eli Manning’s progress with and without Burress on the team. It is nice to see some numbers but I think it goes beyond all of that. There is a ton of data to consider before making a big decision like this. Plaxico Burress will be on an NFL team this season for certain. Hopefully, he doesn’t go to a rival team and play against the G-Men twice per year but if he does, so what? The Giants will deal with it. He won’t be any more of a threat then say DeSean Jackson or Miles Austin. The Giants have a very scary secondary, so I say bring it on. GM Jerry Reese is no fool and if he chooses not to bring back Burress, you can bet he has a very good reason. With all of this being said, I want to make it known that I believe Plaxico deserves another chance in the NFL. I hope he can reunite with Giants. If he doesn’t sign with Big Blue, then I wish him well with his new team. The NFL lockout has now reached 88 days and is actually affording Burress some R&R before he has to get down to business. My advice to Burress is to enjoy it while it lasts and I would like to say good luck to the Giants on having to make a very tough decision.

RD – nygreporter.com

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


Former Giants WR Plaxico Burress is Going Home Tomorrow

June 5, 2011

NEW YORK – After spending a little under 2 years in prison for shooting himself in the leg at a New York night club, Plaxico Burress will finally be released tomorrow. In what played out like a Broadway show or New York soap opera, the ending to this story has finally arrived. Or has it? If you ask me, I would say this story is just starting to heat up with the uncertainty of where he will play. First, we must allow Burress to spend some time with his family and friends. That is something he must be really looking forward to and I think he should take at least a week to recover from the trauma of being a prisoner for so long. Soak up that TLC and then get down to business. There really isn’t any rush since this NFL lockout (86 days long now) is ruining the 2011 season anyway.

I would suggest the New York Giants take a long hard look at this situation (I’m sure they already are) and realize the value of bringing back a proven WR for the league minimum. Yes, he hasn’t played football in 2 years but neither did QB Michael Vick and he ran QB Donovan McNabb out of his own house in Philadelphia. Speaking of Michael Vick, the rumors say he has been trying to get the Eagles to sign Plaxico. I would not like to see this happen at all. The Giants simply cannot afford to let something like that happen. The man has served his time (he received an unfair prison sentence if you ask me) and he appears to have a new appreciation for life. What could it hurt to give him another shot?

Burress has most of his friends on the Giants rooting for his return. The front office and Tom Coughlin will have no choice but to address this situation during this upcoming week. The biggest question is where would Burress fit into the current scheme? Clearly and unfortunately, WR Mario Manningham would see the largest decrease in playing time and I have to say that Manningham has won me over. He is developing into a big time player. On the flip side of that coin, could you imagine having Plaxico Burress, Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith on the field at the same time? Now that is scary. This only works if Steve Smith is fully healed from his injury, which is said to be coming along nicely and if Burress is still the same player he was before his prison sentence. New York owes Burress for that Super Bowl winning catch and I truly believe the man will be a changed man forever after this experience. Give Burress another shot and let the chips fall where they may. Either way, on behalf of the nygreporter I would like to say, “Welcome Home Plaxico”.

Would you like to see WR Plaxico Burress return to the Giants for the 2011 NFL season?

RD – nygreporter.com

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


The Good, Bad and Ugly Giants News This Week

June 3, 2011

NEW YORK – This has been another crazy week for the NFL and Giants. We have now reached the 84th day of the 2011 NFL lockout (regardless of what other sites say because they choose to minus the 4 day break a judge gave) and although both sides have started talking again, there is still no deal. The rumors say the owners and players are making progress but nothing has happened yet. This is the ugly news. This is the annoying thorn in your mind that will not go away. This is the insipid nightmare that teases fans about losing an entire year of NFL football. Well, maybe it isn’t really nightmare since all of this is happening in reality. Keep your fingers crossed that they can work something out within the next few days.

The good news came from WR Steve Smith giving a positive update on his condition and saying how he wants to return to New York. There have been quite a few Giants players in the news this week but they mostly speculated on the lockout situation. Justin Tuck attended a charity event and the news about WR Plaxico Burress being released from prison in 3 days has people wondering if he will play for Big Blue in 2011. I think the man deserves another chance in the NFL and have said that from the start. It will be very interesting to see how all of this plays out during the next week or two. RB Brandon Jacobs seemed less certain about Burress’ future with the Giants as well as his own. This lockout has a lot of players concerned and it seems like Jacobs is clearly one of them.

The bad news for Giants fans this week came from the passing of DE Andy Robustelli at 85 years old. A New York Giants legend and a real stand up man. Everyone in the Giants organization had nothing but praise for Mr. Robustelli including owner John Mara who called him a mans man. Robustelli played 9 years with the Giants and helped them win an NFL Championship in 1956 during his first year in New York. He was a seven time Pro Bowl selection, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member and a New York Giants Ring of Honor member. He also worked in the Giants front office for six years in the 1970’s. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 11:30 AM in Connecticut and he will be remembered as a true blue Giant forever.

Our prayers go out to the Robustelli family and friends. God Bless!

RD – nygreporter.com

Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk TOMORROW June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org


Happy Memorial Day to Giants Fans Everywhere

May 30, 2011

NEW YORK – I would like to say Happy Memorial day to all of the U.S. military around the world. I would also like to thank our military for everything they do. You are not forgotten! I hope Americans take the time to explain the true meaning of this holiday to their children. I hope we can take a moment of silence to remember all of the fallen soldiers who gave their lives to protect this country. My Uncle John is one of the people who died for this country. I’m sure most of our readers have a family member or know someone who has lost a loved one in war. Beer and BBQ are always nice but let us never forget the true meaning of this day of remembrance.

The NFL lockout has now reached 80 days and I would suggest the owners and players do the same thing. Do not forget the meaning of the game. Do not forget why you play the game of football and why you choose to own an NFL team. While you are arguing over millions of dollars the fans are suffering. Your fan base is suffering. The fans certainly have no choice but to wait things out and it’s a shame. Make a deal soon and end this nonsense that is almost 3 months old now.

I have been watching the ships, planes and helicopters for fleet week. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out, I suggest you do sometime. It makes me proud to be an American when I see the awesome power of the military. Seeing the USS New York floating down the hudson river and knowing it was built from the steel of the World Trade Center gave me chills. If there is one thing I would like to say, it is simply do not forget. Always remember why we have this holiday and try to take a moment for those who have fallen with honor. God bless you and your families and God bless the U.S. military all over the world. You are not forgotten!

RD – nygreporter.com

Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org


New York Giants Memorial Day Weekend News

May 28, 2011

NEW YORK – We have entered the 78th day of the 2011 NFL lockout. There still hasn’t been any real progress in resolving the lockout and here we are now during Memorial Day weekend. In fact, the NFL has cancelled the 2011 rookie symposium in Ohio, something that has benefitted rookies for years by giving them first hand knowledge of what to expect in the pros and how to conduct themselves off the field in order to protect themselves from the wolves (both male and female). Perhaps, Big Blue team leaders can take the Giants rookies under their wings and break down the “real deal” knowledge on being an NFL player.

The NFL also decided to make some rule changes to the game. These changes were immediately criticized by the players and media alike. I’m not going to list them all here but let’s just say they are concerned about “player safety” in the most violent game on the planet. Throughout all of this, we still have Roger Goodell stating that an 18 game season is going to happen. Well, he isn’t really saying it out loud directly but he is certainly preparing the teams and players psychologically for the inevitable change to the game. I’m still not sure how I feel about this after seeing the Giants have over 25 players land on the IR list the past two seasons. More games seem to equal more injuries to most experts.

Steve Smith was recently in the news talking about his progress in rehabbing his injury. He said things are going well and he is ahead of schedule. Some Giants players are on vacation this weekend and enjoying some R&R in beautiful and tropical locations (you know who you are). The Giants announced the 10 winners of their fan contest and QB Eli Manning was dissed by being left off the top 100 player list (this list is a joke) that was in the news this past week. Head Coach Tom Coughlin held his annual Jay Fund golfing event and Eli Manning continues to organize “player practices” to try and stay in shape. There isn’t much more football news except to say we are less then 15 weeks away from the first scheduled regular season game against the Redskins. Keep your fingers crossed that there is a season Giants fans.

What do you think about the NFL and owners making all of these changes to the rule book and also canceling the rookie symposium? Enjoy the weekend!

RD – nygreporter.com

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


Giants Owner John Mara Steps Up Once Again

May 21, 2011

NEW YORK – You have to love Giants owner John Mara. Here is a man that is a throw back to the old school days of NFL football. He was one of the first owners to address the media when this whole lockout started 71 days ago. He was one of the first owners to address his fan base directly with a letter explaining what was about to happen. Thursday, he stepped up once again and addressed the media about the current state of the lockout. He explained how silly this whole lockout is and expressed his feelings about getting back to work and coming to an agreement soon. The players lost their battle in the court system already but now we have what amounts to a staring contest between the team owners and the players. Of course, this is a $10 billion dollar staring contest and one that will not end without feelings getting hurt.

Mr. Mara urged everyone to come back to the bargaining table because nobody is making an effort to resolve the issue. He is right. The only way to end this thing is to get into a room and make a deal. One way or another, the resolution must be made soon or the very real possibility of a lost 2011 NFL season could become a reality. Mara is clearly trying to get something done before the point of no return. The point of no return is when it takes longer to go back to the beginning then it does to reach the end of something. We are now only 16 weeks away from the first scheduled regular season game against Washington on September 11, 2011. At some point, a cut off date will be given and that date will decide the fate of the 2011 season.

What do you think about owner John Mara stepping up once again? Are you proud to have an owner that consistently takes a leadership role among NFL owners or would you prefer to have an owner that stays in the background? I have already acknowledged that I prefer a leader with Mr. Mara’s style. Someone who can examine a situation and immediately know where he stands. Leadership like that seems to be rare these days but I am glad it is not completely nonexistent. What do you think?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org


The Voting Has Started for the Giants Fan Contest

May 18, 2011

NEW YORK – Tons of anxious fans will be hoping to win the New York Giants fan contest that ends next week. Voting for the contest began today after the team received all of the entries sent in by fans. The Giants are not accepting any more entries but instead have begun the voting process by fans. I’m very excited to see who the final 10 winners will be on May 24, 2011. Please remember fans that the contest ends on May 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM EST. The 10 winners will be announced sometime later that night on Giants.com and facebook. Anyone interested in reading some wonderful fan stories and seeing some very unique photo’s of Giants fans are encouraged to check out the Giants facebook page at the following link http://on.fb.me/msbHyP and vote!

There are so many interesting stories to read that I think you will be surprised. This contest really knocks out two birds with one stone. First, they provide an incredibly unique opportunity for true blue fans to win something you literally cannot buy with money anywhere. You must win the votes in order to have your photo adorning a New York Giants home game ticket. The second thing this contest does is give true fans the chance to read some of the most interesting stories I have ever heard and to see some of the craziest photo’s I’ve ever seen. All of this of course is done with class and with good intentions. The Giants are a classy organization and would not allow anything to be out of line. They understand that a lot of their fans are kids and try to keep everything as family friendly as possible, just like we do here at nygreporter.com.

Will you be voting for the top 10 winners on facebook for the Giants ticket contest? Are you a Giants fan who has already entered the contest yourself? Let us know what you think. We will also be listing the top 10 winners here on our site for all to see. I want to wish everyone luck and remember that you are still a winner even if your entry isn’t chosen. You’re a winner simply because you are a New York Giants fan!

Once again, the contest ends on May 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM EST. Facebook.com/NewYorkGiants or http://on.fb.me/msbHyP

RD – nygreporter.com

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


Giants CB Prince Amukamara LIVE Chat on Eastbay 5/18

May 17, 2011

NEW YORK – Hello fans, are you interested in getting to know the New York Giants first round pick a little better? Do you have a question you would like to ask rookie CB Prince Amukamara? If so, you will have your chance tomorrow. Prince will be doing a LIVE Chat on Eastbay at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST (links will be provided below). The guy already has his own sneaker coming out, can you believe that? Not too bad for a rookie in New York.

The truth is New York expects big things from Prince in the future. This is a city that loves to win but also a city that has some of the smartest fans in the world. They will be with him every step of the way and I’m sure by the end of his rookie year, kids all over the five boroughs will be wearing his new Adidas sneaker (adiZero 5 STAR).

Giants fans have already had a glimpse of the Prince from his NFL Draft press conferences. Personally, I found him to be a very nice young man who will fit right into the Giants system and there is absolutely no question about his talent. He believes in faith, family and football. I like that. I don’t know how GM Jerry Reese does it but he seems to come away with classy rookies every year. I suggest all of New York come out and support this young man and check out his chat on Eastbay. I feel bad that these rookies have to deal with all of this lockout nonsense during one of the happiest times of their lives. Hopefully, they can get on the field soon and begin working with their new team mates.

I have two questions I would like to ask Prince. My first question is will he be attending any of QB Eli Manning’s “player practices” at Hoboken high school in New Jersey? My second question is what jersey number he would like to wear as a New York Giant? What are your questions for Prince?

Here is a link to the LIVE chat with Prince Amukamara at 7:00 PM EST on Wednesday 5/18/11.

Will you be checking out the Prince of New York during his LIVE chat on Eastbay? I know I will be there! www.eastbay.com/adidas

RD – nygreporter.com