nygreporter Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary, Thanks Fans

March 6, 2012

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, it’s been a couple of weeks since we last spoke. I took a nice, long break from writing. The last time we spoke it was Valentines Day and the time before that we were still talking about the Giants beating the Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. The Giants players and staff gave fans the VIP ‘blue carpet’ treatment at the DVD release party yesterday. Thanks to Marc and Max over at Vivendi Entertainment and NFL Films for the invitation. I would also like to thank Brittany over at Taylor for the info on Giants legend Sam Huff. 5-Time Pro Bowler LB Robert Lee “Sam” Huff is being honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and AllState Insurance in Farmington, West Virginia on Monday March 12, 2012 at 5:30 PM at the Farmington Community Center. Check it out if you can make it to the Hall of Famers hometown for the festivities.

I can’t believe it has been two years already working with my own website. Of course, I have been writing all of my life in one form or another. I would like to thank our readers and let you know that I have officially signed on for another year to cover the Giants with this website. I will continue to keep this a family friendly environment and readers should fell free to leave comments on any of our stories, the more the merrier. The Giants are now 2-time Super Bowl Champions over the past five years, that still feels incredible to say and the haters have been out in full force with Cowboys fans going back to the 1990’s Dallas teams and comparing them. Philly fans are still in shock and awe about the atrocious display of football skills the Eagles broadcast LIVE worldwide to millions of NFL fans. Eagles fans just straight up hate, they pull no punches but can get annoying after a while. I haven’t heard a Redskin fan talk any trash since the 1980’s (Yes, I’m getting old, don’t worry about it). The G-Men and Easy Eli are elite.

Things have really been going well and I look forward to providing our readers with some in depth New York Giants draft coverage from my perspective. On a side note, I like the WR Domenik Hixon signing and I think our special teams just got a lot better. Slapping the franchise tag on Weatherford was music to my ears and all of the players on “Team I Got a Ring” too. Giants GM Jerry Reese gets big props for this bold move and extremely loud and incredibly close statement to the other players in regards to contract negotiations. That is a display of loyalty to the mad man punter Steve Weatherford as well. Hey, what can I say, the guy has become a fan favorite and we follow him on twitter (Follow back man @nygreporter). The dude is jacked and plays like a football player.

I hope WR Mario Manningham (What’s up Super Mario?) can resign with the team. The fans love this young man and he  is just starting to get a feel for the offense. The last place I would subtract from is familiar weapons for QB Eli Manning. I love the “Nicks Cruz Travel Agency: Destination Endzone” duo out there but they still need one more piece to the puzzle. I believe Manningham is that guy. I will be doing an article this week on player positions to look at in the upcoming draft in April. Until then, the New York Giants remain Super Bowl XLVI Champions, that is all.

Do you have any favorite moments from the past year at nygreporter? It’s a loaded question.

RD – nygreporter.com – Happy 2 Year Anniversary!

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!


New York Giants GM Jerry Reese, Take a Bow

February 10, 2012

NEW YORK – The New York Giants are Super Bowl XLVI Champions. I might start every article this week off with that sentence. Giants GM Jerry Reese is a winner. He deserves to win the GM of the Year award at least once in his career. I hope the voters see what he has accomplished and consider him each and every year. It’s funny how quickly NFL fans, who do not like the Giants, get sick of the sports news already after less then a week, such haters.

What can I say? I can watch that stuff all day. I am 100% sure that Jerry Reese has already started digging into the 2012 draft class and is without a doubt on top of the free agent market and the contract situations of current Giants players. I know he went back to work the next day following the Super Bowl XLVI victory, even if it wasn’t from his office or even in the NJ facility, Jerry Reese was working on making the Giants a better team and continues to do that right now, I guarantee it. The G-Men will never be mediocre under Reese but the amount of player injuries is something that really needs to be addressed this offseason, we cannot continue to hemorrhage 20% of the team to the IR List each season, it will catch up to us eventually. But enough of the negative, the good news is that Reese has stacked the Giants with a ton of talent. I’m extremely excited to see the players who went on IR last year get healthy. I’m just as excited about getting star players back as I am for the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, where Reese will kill it once again I’m sure. My opinion on the draft is go 10-year Offensive lineman in round one Jerry. Show Easy Eli that the team is committed to protecting him through the prime of his career. I believe the team should walk away from the 2012 draft with no less then two offensive linemen to throw into the mix. The name of the game on offense is ‘Protect Eli Manning’. I can see the G-men grabbing a TE or RB within the first three rounds as well. The rest of the picks will most likely go to DB’s and LB’s and hopefully they are able to grab a special teams star.

Other predictions and opinions are coming soon with more coverage on the Giants Super Bowl XLVI win. The upcoming NFL Draft in April, where the G-Men will have the 32nd pick, the very last one in round one. Minicamp coverage, Training Camp coverage, player interviews, injury reports, player transactions, trades and everything else related to New York Giants football. So be sure to come and hang out with us during the Giants offseason and discuss Giants football in the comment areas.

What are your thoughts and assessment of Giants GM Jerry Reese and the job he has done with Big Blue in his young general manager career? The man gets an A+ from me. I’m all in.

RD – nygreporter.com – Congrats to the New York Giants Super Bowl XLVI Champions

Check out New York Giants RB Rodney Hampton’s summer football camp at www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to the after school programs for kids!


Super Bowl XLVI Final Game Notes of the Season

February 6, 2012

NEW YORK – That was one heck of a way to end a great season. The Giants defeat the New England Patriots 21-17 in Indianapolis. It took a fourth quarter comeback to win a second Super Bowl for Big Blue as QB Eli Manning wins his second Super Bowl MVP Award. Most seem to agree this win puts Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you can include myself among them. There really is no way to describe the joy I’m feeling now and will feel for a very long time. I’m stuck someplace between numb and bursting with energy. Some where in between shocked and exhausted. I’m running on empty but so happy that it doesn’t matter at this point. The true blue fans have been waiting and anticipating this moment and when it finally arrives, it’s wonderful. So enjoy it!

Thank you to the New York Giants organization including the Mara and Tisch families. Thank you to Head Coach Tom Coughlin, the rest of the coaches and players. Thank you GM Jerry Reese, who has done an outstanding job, since taking over for Giants legend Ernie Accorsi. Go back and read all of my articles about Mr. Reese and you will see I have always been a fan of his work and have praised his draft skills and player transactions. Some of his moves however, had even me scratching my head this past offseason. In the NFL Lockout riddled 2011 year, players were coming and going at will in the NFL and the G-men lost some key players like WR Steve Smith, TE Kevin Boss, C Shaun O’Hara and OL Rich Seubert to retirement or contract situations. Then they lost CB Terrell Thomas, LB Clint Sintim, OT William Beatty, WR Domenik Hixon, LB Jonathan Goff and about ten more guys to the dreaded IR list (injured reserve). 2011 marks three straight years of injury epidemics for the G-men with at least 12 going on the season ending IR list, per year, that’s about 20% of the team going down for three straight years. But the Giants and Jerry Reese made all the right moves that had this team clicking by the end of the season. Congrats you are now Super Bowl Champions!

I thought singers Kelly Clarkson and Madonna did a good job with their respective areas of the nights entertainment. I thought NBC could have done a better job with the trophy presentation and post game stuff but thats why we have remote controls right? I also noticed audio problems coming from the NBC channel during the game. I suggest that Giants fans out there savor this moment and really enjoy this win for a couple of days. Do not get into any talks about the draft or who is signing what contract and when, just relax for a few days and enjoy winning the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLVI Champion New York Giants

QB Eli Manning – Super Bowl XLVI MVP Manning had a great game finishing with 296 yards 1 TD and 0 INT’s. Congrats Champ!

WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks had a solid Super Bowl performance finishing with 103 yards 0 TD’s. Congrats Champ!

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – Bradshaw played like he wanted another ring and finished with 72 yards 1 TD rushing and 19 yards receiving. AB is a big part of this Championship. Congrats Champ!

DE Justin Tuck – Tuck was emotionally spent following his 2 sack performance in Super Bowl XLVI. God Bless and Congrats Champ!

LB Chase Blackburn – Blackburn was making a lot of plays out there and finished with 1 INT. Congrats Champ!

DE Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP will forever be double teamed now, so he will need to get bigger. He was still causing havoc and blocking passes. Congrats Champ!

TE Jake Ballard – Jake Ballard was injured during the game and finished with 10 yards. Congrats Champ!

CB Corey Webster – Webster played like a Champion and got his ring, great season Corey! Congrats Champ!

RB Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs ran hard and finished with 37 yards. Two rings for Mr. Jacobs now. Congrats Champ!

S Antrel Rolle – Rolle was playing his heart out and creating chaos for the Patriots. Congrats Champ!

WR Victor Cruz – The Salsa King Cruz caught Eli Manning’s only TD pass of the game. Congrats Champ!

CB Aaron Ross – Ross owned the first quarter and really made an impact in this game. Congrats Champ!

LB Michael Boley – Boley had an outstanding game and was the leading tackler for Big Blue. Congrats Champ!

WR Mario Manningham – Super Mario had the play of the game and finished with 73 yards 0 TD’s. Congrats Champ!

S Deon Grant – The veteran safety was fourth on the team in tackles and really whacking guys out there. 3 more years! Congrats Champ!

TE Bear Pascoe – Pascoe filled in nicely for the other two injured TE’s and finished with 33 yards. Congrats Champ!

DE Osi Umenyiora – Osi was causing disruptions for most of the game and really turned up the heat at the end. Pay Osi! Congrats Champ!

FB Henry Hynoski – Hynoski made a couple of nice catches and was blocking like a mad man. Congrats Champ!

TE Travis Beckum – Beckum tore his ACL early in the game and never returned. I’m sure the Super Bowl ring will help him heal. Congrats Champ!

DT Linval Joseph – Joseph did a great job in the middle and is a player to keep an eye on. Congrats Champ!

S Kenny Phillips – KP was second on the team in tackles and was throwing his body into every tackle. Congrats Champ!

DT Chris Canty – Canty had a nice game was clogging up the middle for Big Blue. Congrats Champ!

P Steve Weatherford – The Giants will sign Weatherford long term this offseason. The Weatherman had an outstanding game. Congrats Champ!

K Lawrence Tynes – Tynes had a great game by making both of his FG attempts and his lone extra point attempt. Congrats Champ!

Giants Offense – The Giants offense beat the Patriots defense for most of the game. Now, they are Champions of the World. Congrats Champs!

Giants Defense – The Giants defense held Brady to 17 points. They had 2 sacks and 1 INT. Great Game Champs!

Giants Special Teams – The special teams had a very nice game and have improved a lot since week one. Great Game Champs!

What did you think about the game and Super Bowl XLVI festivities?

RD – nygreporter.com – I’m a bELIever!

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


Super Bowl XLVI Final Score: Giants 21 Patriots 17

February 5, 2012

NEW YORK – I think I’m going to sleep for a week straight after this season, which clearly took years off my life. A part of me is glad this game is over because that was a brutal two week wait. This is not my ‘Game Notes’ article, readers can come back in the morning for that article. This quick story is here simply to let our readers know what happened in the game. I plan on getting some sleep tonight but you never know where the night can take you when your team wins the Super Bowl. It wouldn’t be the first time either.

We knew this was going to be a major battle between two good teams. This game did not disappoint and had my heart in my throat the entire time. Including the 4th quarter comeback. Seeing the team and coaches celebrate up on the stage and kissing the Lombardi trophy is something that has me smiling from ear to ear. I am so happy for this team because I know exactly what they had to endure this season with all of the injuries and the slump. I’m very proud of the Giants organization and I thank them as a fan for winning two Super Bowls over the past four years. What a wonderful gift you have given the true blue fans and some fans never get to experience this kind of joy at all.

The New York Giants are Super Bowl XLVI Champions, it feels so good to say that. Fans can buy official New York Giants Super Bowl Champion gear from the banners on the right. Be sure to come back tomorrow and check out my ‘Game Notes’ article breaking everything down. I don’t know about you but I’m going to go celebrate for the rest of tonight! Congrats to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants! Congrats to QB Eli Manning for winning his second Super Bowl MVP Award and Congrats to the fans who stuck by the team all season long and got to watch them win the Super Bowl tonight!

Super Bowl XLVI Champions New York Giants

How will you remember the New York Giants 2011 NFL season?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!


Super Bowl XLVI New York Giants Samurai War Poem

February 4, 2012

NEW YORK – At the request of one our readers named Bobby G, I am going to write an original Super Bowl war poem for the Giants. This will be my third or fourth time doing this, usually only on special occasions. Some say it is good luck because it confirms that you have fought out the battle in your mind and came to such a conclusion logically. For which, you could not simply arrive at without careful consideration.

I’m sure the Giants players have fought this battle in their minds over and over already. It is wise to do such a thing before a fight and it will help you to anticipate your opponents moves. I’m certain the Giants players are not messing around with this opportunity for greatness and will have a hard time sleeping a wink tonight. The dull anticipation must be excruciating. I am not a Samurai Warrior but I do think they are awesome. Hence, without any further agonizing waiting, I give you, the Super Bowl Samurai War Poem. Enjoy!

Super Bowl XLVI Samurai War Poem. 

Twas the night before the Super Bowl,

At Peyton Manning’s home, in Indy,

The parents were fast asleep by now,

But the two brothers couldn’t sleep.

Big brother, took little brother, out for a ride,

Knowing the big game, would be fresh on his mind,

The ride did Eli good, and so did the talk,

Because Manning is the Giant, and Brady is the beanstalk.

So Easy Eli went to bed that night, bright with a smile,

Sure that his plan to beat Brady, would run like the wild,

But Brady was awake, and scheming in his bed,

And thinking the very same things in his head,

He was sure he could beat the Giants,

If things went his way, and his teammates played great,

But what about Osi and Justin and JPP, No mistakes

He nodded in agreement and let his eyes fall to the floor,

Brady said he already knew, that Big Blue, would triumph once more.

The Patriots QB, spoke of a dream he had that night,

Where two super armies, gathered on a field, to have a fight,

The battle was quick, but decisive, in the scorekeepers mind,

And it was clear who had won, and who had lost, by a mile,

Only one man stood above it all, and made the right calls,

This man was named Coughlin, and his Captain stood tall.

His captain was Manning, among the big lucky three,

Who were voted Super Bowl captains, Manning wins MVP,

Your head is just spinning, and your thinking, how can this be?

The last thing Brady remembered, was Eli going to Disney.

And then he woke up, to Giselle’s punch in the gut,

She told him he was sweating, and screaming like a nut,

Tom rubbed his eyes, and told her he’s not surprised,

The Giants are going to win, and leave us far behind.

His vision was right, and the G-Men did win,

Mara lifted the Lombardi trophy, to let the moment sink in,

A Parade of Champions, in a Canyon of Heros, my friends,

Do You Believe brothers and sisters? Because me, I’m all in.

—————————————————————————————–

OK let me have it. What did you think of the Giants poem for Super Bowl XLVI? On a scale from 1-10, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. And by the way, I know this isn’t a graphic war poem like it could have been but we have to remember that kids read these article too.

RD – nygreporter – Good Luck Giants!

side note: I would like to request someone from the Wounded Warrior Project contact me at nygreporter@yahoo.com to discuss adding a program to your tool box called the War Poem Project if it doesn’t already exist. I think it would be beneficially to the war veterans and give them an incredible outlet to be creative and imaginative. I think we could get some terrific sponsors to put on shows and have them directly see the results first hand. I’m sure that by the time you guys read this all of the homework will already be completed but this simply me writing at a spontaneous moment and sharing it with my readers.

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!


Super Bowl XLVI Weekend Finally Arrives For NFL Fans

February 3, 2012

NEW YORK – The media coverage for this Super Bowl has been good and by that I mean, NFL fans have been saturated with everything New York Giants for days now. It has been a lot of fun watching the interviews and press conferences. The Giants seem calm and focused and I really believe they are going to win another ring on Sunday (Giants win 38-27). I guess this would be as good a time as any to say “Thank God it’s Friday” and the weekend officially begins tonight. I am ready to get this game started because with the bye week in between, it seems like it has taken forever to arrive. Have no fear my fellow fans, Super Bowl weekend has arrived!

Fans who were able to check out the NFL Experience this year probably attended the best one ever. They continue to add things to that wonderful part of the Super Bowl entertainment activities for fans. I have attended 2 NFL Experiences (Miami, Tampa Bay) in my life so far and they were both a lot of fun. I highly recommend this for Dads and Sons and Uncles and the guys to attend and enjoy. They have lots of cool football activities for the kids and tons of video games and history areas to look at including the Lombardi trophy itself and all of the Super Bowl rings ever won thus far. There are also players all over the place with autograph booths set up and an event schedule that tells you who will be where and when.

Everyone keeps talking about how playing in Indy helps the Giants out but I think it might actually help the Patriots out more. Think about this for a minute, who has played more games there and feels more comfortable? It has to be the Patriots and with any other team that might make the Patriots look favorable but this is the ‘Road Warrior’ New York Giants where none of that applies. The Giants are simply awesome on the road (hence the Road Warriors nickname) and relish being called underdogs. So in a strange way, the worst thing you can do to them is compliment them. There is nothing that is going to rattle this team and the players will need to manage each other and stay cool until the game is over. Once the game is over, you can celebrate for a month if you want. Win the ring before you plan parties or talk about partying. Life comes down to a few moments and this is one of them. The fans are all in, are you?

Who has the edge playing at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis?

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


Super Bowl XLVI Final Score Poll Via Twitter

January 31, 2012

NEW YORK – I decided to ask some of the Giants fans and friends I’ve met on twitter, over the past 2 seasons, what their predictions for Super Bowl winners and/or final score predictions would be. I will list their answers below, I think most of us are on the same page. Some do not want to make a prediction in fear of jinxing the game but I do not think this qualifies as such amongst friends. This is simply guessing for fun and checking out what some of the NFL fans have to say because let’s face it, we all have an opinion on the Super Bowl. Get ready for a party Indianapolis. I started this poll on the Pro Bowl day 1/29/12 and will post it on 1/31/12.

Somehow people think the Giants are the underdogs in this game which is fine by Big Blue. The truth is everyone knows that the Patriots are the true underdogs. Some of the New England players have decided to focus on setting up parties before winning the game. Typical and predictable actions of a second place team. The Giants will focus on winning the game and how to ruin Patriots QB Tom Brady’s day. If you want to get some official New York Giants gear, click on the banner on the right sidebar. You can buy great Super Bowl XLVI merchandise from the Giants official store but we don’t set up victory parties in New York until we’ve won something.

Let’s take a look at some of the final score predictions via twitter accounts. If anyone does not want their prediction listed, simply send us an email at nygreporter@yahoo.com and request to have it removed. Also, it you would like yours added to the list send me a tweet and I will add it. Final score predictions must be in before the game starts on February 5, 2012.

Super Bowl XLVI Final Score Predictions:

1. @nygreporter – Giants win 38-27.

2. Angelina Jolie – Patriots win – No final score given.

3. Brad Pitt – Giants win – No final score given.

4. @nysportsbabe – Giants win 28-24.

5. @BIGBLUE3NY – Giants win 27-24.

6. @MelissaNYG – Giants win 30-20.

7. @JayOTC – Giants win – No final score given.

8. @KrissyLachelle – Giants win 31-24.

9. @gman_bird – Giants win by 2 scores.

10. @NYdocski – Giants win 28-21.

11. @NYGiantsPapi10 – Giants win 31-17.

12. @JaimiePaladino – Giants win 23-17.

13. @GODSONN – Giants win 29-24.

14. @MarcSDuffy – Giants win 38-31.

15. @NY_SportsNews – Giants win 28-24.

16. @Teaieal – Giants win 24-17.

17 @NataliaYank2530 – Giants win 33-30.

18. @OriginalDRose – Giants win 30-24.

19. @PatCDev – Giants win 31-14.

20. @melonsports – Giants win 30-24.

21. @theknickswall – Giants win 34-20.

22. @krishan_mamba24 – Giants win 30-24.

23. @DonCalzoneVIP – Giants win 27-17.

24. @stanbhoy – Giants win 31-24.

25. @JoshBerman – Giants win 27-14.

26. @ErinSharoni – Giants win – No final score given. 

27. @AllJerseyRadio – Giants win 28-21.

28. @NatalieL22 – Giants win 31-20.

29. @Rissachaela2 – Giants win 32-24.

30. @EAMaddenNFL – Giants win simulated Madden game 27-24.

31. Bobby G – Giants win 37-14.

32. @Stefiegirl820 – Giants win 27-24.

33. @NY_Giantsrock – Giants win 28-24.

34. @JerzBoy21 – Giants win 38-31.

35. @dj_elle – Giants win 35-24.

36. @SuzyQOB – Giants win 27-20.

37. @ajcnj56 – Giants win 31-28.

38. @SportsTechieNET – Giants win 24-21.

39. @GMEN36 – Giants win 24-21.

40. @nocycle – Giants win 24-17.

Feel free to leave your own final score prediction in the comment area. Leave your twitter info too.

What is your final score prediction for Super Bowl XLVI?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


2012 Pro Bowl Game: Same Old Song and Dance

January 30, 2012

NEW YORK – The NFC played the AFC in another Pro Bowl designed to be a sleeping tranquilizer on Sunday afternoons. It got so bad, they had to move it to the evenings. The opening ceremonies and hoopla are more entertaining then the game itself, that is why I say expand them. My final score prediction was an NFC win 47-35 in a high scoring scrimmage of stars. The actual final score was even worse, the AFC beat the NFC 59-41. I sent NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell my previous article with ideas on improving this game. It was cool to see the star players hanging out and interacting but make the Pro Bowl about the game and let the elite and hungry college players have a moment to shine. Give out cars to three types of Pro Bowl MVP. I wish there was an easy fix but there is simply too much money tied up with those star players. Something has to be done.

I’m sure there are some fans out there that didn’t even watch this game. Either way, the game I know everyone will be watching is Super Bowl XLVI next Sunday night at 6:18 PM EST. I continue to say the same thing, watch Eli Manning have an elite game and win Super Bowl MVP for a second time. He is in the zone so deep, that he was must be ready to get on the field already. Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul were voted into the Pro Bowl but skipped it because of the Super Bowl. That was Manning’s second career Pro Bowl and JPP’s first ever but the ring is the thing. The ring is what teams play for at the end of the day. I expect a tough game from the Patriots who are a very good football team but they simply will not be able to match the Giants resiliency.

The Giants will continue their ‘Road Warrior’ mentality by wearing the road white jerseys in the Super Bowl, just like the ones they wore when they beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl back in 2007. There are so many angles to this game including the New York vs. Boston angle which is deep in both cities. The rematch angle, the revenge angle. The Brady vs. Manning angle, the Lucas Oil stadium in Indy angle. Peyton’s house in Indianapolis hosting little brother Eli in the Super Bowl. The Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick relation to coach Bill Parcells angle. The one angle I’m certain will be the most enjoyable is knowing these teams will be playing hard and trying to win a football game unlike the Pro Bowl, which continues to be a disappointment. Congrats to the players voted in and much respect for their skills on the field. This isn’t about the players, it’s about making the event something worth watching.

Do you watch the Pro Bowl every year? If not, why?

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants RB Rodney Hampton’s summer football camp at www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to the after school programs for kids!


2012 Pro Bowl Weekend Coverage: Let’s Go NFC!

January 29, 2012

NEW YORK – As all of you probably know by now, there will be no Giants playing in the Pro Bowl because they will be playing in the Super Bowl. Still, QB Eli Manning and DE Jason Pierre-Paul were voted in as starters. Both of those guys deserved the honor but so did a few guys who were not voted in. WR Victor Cruz might be right up there on the top of the list. You could make an argument for CB Corey Webster, S Antrel Rolle and P Steve Weatherford. Most of the Giants lost considerable time with injuries or they might have made the squad too, like DE Osi Umenyiora, WR Hakeem Nicks, DE Justin Tuck and TE Jake Ballard. Still, I’d rather see them all in the Super Bowl.

What can Roger Goodell do to make the Pro Bowl more interesting? One idea is to use it as a tool overseas to showcase the players. This will never happen because the game doesn’t mean anything other then the honor of being voted in. This would discourage new fans overseas and hurt the NFL inevitably. Perhaps more awards need to be given out such as the UFC does with individual bonus pay for a variety of awards. The NFL should do more of the old school things like defensive lineman challenge and skills contests over the weekend. I would also include a ‘Strongest Man in the NFL’ contest, a ‘Smartest Man in the NFL’ contest and a ‘Fastest Man in the NFL’ contest. I’m sure I will watch some of the game but there is no masking the fact that players do not want to get injured in this game and risk their contracts. And who can blame them?

I’m not sure if this is a game that should be played by the highest paid athletes in the game. I believe all Pro Bowlers should have to attend the festivities and be available for press and what not. Let the Pro Bowlers actually enjoy the event with their families and have some player only activities and meals set up for privacy. The question that remains is what kind of a game will be played? Perhaps an old school gridiron game in throwback uniforms but using the most promising prospects in college football? This game should be transformed into a meaningful event using old school gear and uniforms. The Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams MVP’s of the game win cars. Only then can you take this overseas to truly show the history and tradition of American football. Each game ticket can include a 4 hour DVD of game footage from that years Pro Bowl players. They can be handed out at the stadium, something well produced. Pro Bowl players have permanent decal on helmet the entire year following the Pro Bowl. Return to Hawaii once every 5 years. Give the Pro Bowl players diamond chains with the diamond charm of the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl logo or whatever it is that year. Something to go with a Super Bowl ring.

What are your suggestions on how to make the Pro Bowl more interesting and worth while to the fans and players. What is your final score prediction? I’m predicting an NFC win over the AFC by the score 47-35.

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!


The Brothers Manning, A Real Possibility in New York?

January 28, 2012

NEW YORK – I know you are all thinking the same thing I am. If the Colts are preparing the world for the departure of Peyton Manning, would brother Eli Manning lobby the Giants to sign him right before Super Bowl XLVI? That would give both brothers, two rings against New England, in Peyton’s house in Indianapolis, (what a goodbye to Indy fans, winning the Super Bowl as a Giant at Lucas Oil) are you kidding me? Could the Manning brothers coexist in one franchise? Would this partnership make the Giants stronger offensively? I have all of the faith in the world in Eli Manning, there is no question there. I guess the only people who really know are Peyton and Eli. If you’re Peyton, do you sign for $1.00 or how would that work? Is having the elder Manning on the team strictly for his mind worth it for New York? It’s a head scratcher but worth looking at. And just for fun, could you imagine Peyton Manning as the Giants OC, Eli Manning as the QB and father Archie Manning as the QB coach? Has it ever been done?

At the very least, signing Peyton Manning to the team for next season would be like getting an elite offensive coordinator. If he can come back healthy, you have the greatest backup QB in NFL history. If he is unable to return, give him a shot as offensive coordinator or QB coach. The main question remains, how would the brothers work together? Have they outgrown the competitive games between each other enough to embrace the benefits of such an arrangement or would they regress to petty arguing? This has got to be the most intriguing question of the day, ponder the possibilities in this scenario. I’m sure Giants GM Jerry Reese will read this and at the very least consider it. In fact, he probably thought of this long before I did and has the numbers crunched and an offer drawn up, just in case. Would Peyton motivate Eli or hurt him? Personally, I think these guys can do whatever they want and make it happen. I know that offensive communication during games between Eli and Peyton would be effortless and immediately understood since they have been doing it since childhood together. I think they would eventually click and cause chaos for opposing defenses.

In sounds insane to read these words or contemplate them out loud with friends but the Colts could make it very real. The way the media is covering this story, it looks like the Colts are opting for the controlled crash rather then the abrupt departure. Which makes sense when dealing with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. If Peyton himself knows he is done physically with the NFL, I would imagine at least a 3 year stint as an offensive coordinator not long after that, I expect him to be successful. How would Eli Manning feel about brother Peyton coming to his team?

Would you like to see the Manning brothers working together on the Giants?

RD – nygreporter.com

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